This report was commissioned to analyze the market potential for an eco-friendly/sustainable pair of skis or snowboard, in the East Kootenay Region of British Columbia. Winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding depend heavily on the climate to produce the optimal conditions for the sport. In recent years there has been a decrease in the annual snowfall globally, which could have a detrimental effect on the ski and snowboard industry in the future. Working with Cranbrook B.C based ski and snowboard manufacture, DeCosse Customs, the researcher was able to investigate what the ski and snowboard industry is doing to ensure the longevity of these winter sports. The sustainable operations and practices used by DeCosse Customs and others companies in the industry were looked into, to see if they share the same quality, performance, and marketability as the traditional models.
In surveys conducted by the researcher on consumers and retail stores, it was found that there is a market for eco-friendly/sustainable skis and snowboards within the East Kootenays. This report outlines the consumers’ thoughts and opinions on climate change, eco-friendly/sustainable products, and what all can be done to increase the sales and awareness of the eco-friendly/sustainable skis and snowboards.
