Rising Number of Resorts Globally to Drive the Demand for Snow Groomers

A snow groomer is a large vehicle used to groom snow for skiing. They are used to build and maintain snowmobile tracks, ski slopes, and cross-country ski trails. Simply described, they are a type of snowcat developed for snow removal. The equipment pushes, flattens, and packs snow to improve trail conditions. When traditional snow groomers are unavailable, ATVs and tractors are routinely used.

Growing Number of Resorts to Drive the Snow Groomers Market

The ski industry is highly dependent on the snow season, during which participation seems to be leveling off or maintaining slight growth in traditional territories such as the United Kingdom, mainland Europe, and the United States. However, there is growing interest among citizens of Russia and China. According to holiday provider SkiWeekends, the industry in the United Kingdom is worth close to 3 billion pounds, with more than two-thirds of people who ski between the ages of 43 to 65.

Popular European resorts like Chamonix, St. Moritz, Val Thorens, and Kitzbuhel, among others, have catered to the region's winter sports sector. Overall, the region has around 3,647 ski resorts, with cheap resorts growing increasingly popular in recent years.

Use of Advanced Gadgets to Contribute to the Growth of the Market 

The Alpine touring idea will likely boost the European winter sports equipment industry. Alpine touring equipment is designed for both uphill and downhill travel and is more comfortable, efficient, durable, and lightweight. It is also significantly more commonly accessible for rent. On the other hand, the key target categories for AT gear sales are the older consumers who are tired of crowds, lift lines, and packed slopes but still want to be outside in winter.

Skiing and snowboarding technology is constantly evolving, with new inventions and start-ups sprouting regularly. According to Club Meds, one in every five Brits carried an action camera, such as GoPro (23 percent), or an activity tracker, such as Fitbit (21 percent), on their ski vacation. More than one-tenth (13%) acknowledged bringing a drone on their next ski or snowboard trip, demonstrating that technology on the slopes has reached the mainstream.

Impact of COVID-19

The vast increase of COVID-19 cases has considerably impacted the sports and tourism industries. Key winter sporting events in 2020 were forced to be postponed due to lockdowns and travel restrictions. However, with the lifting of restrictions and lockdowns in 2021, the market is expected to accelerate. The 2019-20 season's cancellation impact began in March when all Alpine nations began to close ski resorts in reaction to Italy's lockdown.

Austria, France, and Switzerland had closed all ski resorts by mid-March, and the rest of the season's holidays had been canceled. According to the study, 60% of winter sports businesses, including tour operators and equipment dealers, have furloughed personnel. At the same time, 17% of those polled had to make redundancies.

Regional Insights

North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa make up the market's five regions. Europe and North America are the two most important markets for snow groomers. The number of ski resorts in Europe easily exceeds 1000. From little town lifts to gigantic interconnecting resorts that must be seen (and skied) to be believed, there is something for everyone. Much of Europe's best skiing can be found in the Alps, which span from the Mediterranean coast of France through Switzerland, northern Italy, Austria, southern Germany, and Slovenia.

Due to the considerable winter snowfall, the snow groomer industry in the United States and Canada is expected to witness increased demand from various places around North America. These machines are predicted to be in high demand for residential applications such as cleaning driveways, backyards, and porches. The increased usage of snow groomers for domestic uses has been attributed to increased consumer confidence and discretionary spending.

With almost twice as many ski resorts as Canada, the United States undoubtedly has a larger market. Except for Florida, southern California, and the south Mississippi basin, the temperature throughout the United States is quite cold. The rest of the United States' weather is favorable for winter sports, motivating residents to purchase proper clothes for these activities.

Key Highlights

• The global snow groomers market was valued at USD 339 million in 2017 and is anticipated to register a CAGR of 2.86% by 2030.
• Based on grooming drags, the global snow groomers market is categorized as multi-blade drags and single-blade drags. The multi-blade drags segment has acquired more than 70% market share in 2021.
• By application, the market is segmented as alpine ski rope, ski and snowboard parks, snowmobile trails, and cross-country ski trails. The ski and snowboards section has acquired the largest market share of more than 50% in 2021.
• Geographically, the global snow groomers market is divided into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, South America, and the Middle East and Africa. Europe and North America were the two dominant markets in 2021. 

Latest Market News

• October 2021 – Prinoth, a Canadian manufacturer of snow groomers, tracked vehicles, and vegetation management vehicles and equipment, announced the execution of an acquisition agreement to purchase 100% of the capital stock of Jarraff Industries Inc. This privately-owned American company specializes in designing, manufacturing, and commercializing high-quality, specialized right-of-way maintenance, land clearing, and tree care equipment.

Snow Groomers Market Segmentation

By Grooming Drags

• Multi-blade drags 
• Single-blade drags 

By Application

• Alpine ski rope 
• Ski and snowboard parks
• Snowmobile trails
• Cross country ski trails 

By Model

• New equipment
• Used equipment

By Regions

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• South America
• The Middle East and Africa