SAM Magazine-McLean, Va., Apr. 6, 2011-The snow sports market surpassed the $3 billion mark for the 2010-11 season in February, even as sales slowed significantly. After two months of double-digit sales gains, units sold were down 2 percent in February 2011 compared to 2010, and dollar sales slipped 1.5 percent. Lean inventories contributed to the declines.

Season to date, snow sports sales are up 13 percent in dollars and 8 percent in units. Total sales are still expected to surpass the $3.1 billion record set in 2007-08; last season's sales reached $2.94 billion.

Equipment sales fell significantly in February, as lean inventories made it difficult for late-season consumers to find preferred products. Overall, equipment sales were down 20 percent, but remained up 16 percent in dollars 5 percent in units for the season. The only equipment category that showed a gain was AT/Randonee equipment, up 95 percent in units and 101 percent in dollars.

Apparel sales were slightly stronger in February 2011, as La Niña conditions persisted and the northerly storm track continued to bring snow to North America's mountain regions. Season to date, apparel sales are up 11 percent in dollars and 7 percent in units. Accessories sales are following a similar pattern.

Other key trends: Alpine skis (sold without bindings) in the 80mm-110mm waist width category were up 69 percent in dollars, with more than 64,000 units sold year-to-date. Rocker ski sales leaped 142 percent in units, to nearly 47,000 pairs for the season, representing 10 percent of all alpine ski sales. Rocker snowboards were up 42 percent in units, and rocker models accounted for 45 percent of all snowboard sales.