Snowshoeing Sees Pandemic-Fueled Surge

Snowshoeing is shaping up to be the hot outdoor activity this winter, much like bicycling was in the spring.

From August to October, snowshoe sales grew more than 250% year over year, rising more than all backcountry equipment sales combined, according to NPD Group. 

• REI says its snowshoe sales are up fourfold, and cross country ski sales have tripled. The outdoor retailer’s adult snowshoes range in price from about $160 to $300, while a children’s pair starts at $40. 
• Snowshoe participation grew more than 12% last season, to 3.6 million participants, according to market research firm Snow Sports Insights.

“Non-lift-assisted” winter sports have generally seen a rise in interest, as they’re better suited for social distancing and more cost-effective. Snowshoes attach to typical winter boots, so no dedicated footwear is required.

Bike sales were up nearly two-thirds over the prior year in the spring as people flocked to new outdoor activities under COVID-19 pandemic conditions.

In June alone, sales of sport performance road bikes grew 87%.