Gliding far beyond a fringe hobby, the snowboard industry is carving out an economic behemoth, as evidenced by its global equipment market rocketing towards $1.8 billion and the sport generating billions in direct spending from the mountains of North America to the growing slopes of Asia-Pacific.
Key Takeaways
- The global snowboarding equipment market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%.
- In the US, snowboarding generated $5.8 billion in direct consumer spending in the 2022/23 season.
- North America holds 42% of the global snowboard market share in 2023.
- 7.5 million Americans participated in snowboarding in 2022/23, a 4% increase from prior year.
- 45% of US snowboarders are under 24 years old as of 2023.
- Women make up 38% of snowboard participants in the US in 2023.
- US snowboard sales volume: 1.2 million boards in 2022/23.
- Burton Snowboards sold 450,000 units globally in 2023.
- Snowboard boots market saw 850,000 pairs sold in US 2023.
- Hybrid all-terrain boards sales up 30% to 300,000 in 2023.
- 65% of new snowboards feature carbon fiber reinforcements in 2023.
- Bamboo core snowboards increased 40% in production since 2022.
- X Games Aspen 2023 drew 45,000 spectators over 4 days.
- FIS Snowboard World Cup 2022/23 featured 12 events with 150 athletes.
- Burton US Open Snowboarding 2023 had 500 competitors.
The global snowboard industry is growing steadily and attracting a younger, diverse participant base.
Equipment Sales
- US snowboard sales volume: 1.2 million boards in 2022/23.
- Burton Snowboards sold 450,000 units globally in 2023.
- Snowboard boots market saw 850,000 pairs sold in US 2023.
- Jones Snowboards reported 20% sales increase to 150,000 boards in 2023.
- Women’s snowboards sales up 25% to 320,000 units in 2023.
- Rental snowboards in resorts: 2.5 million units in circulation US 2023.
- Capita Snowboards sold 180,000 boards in 2023.
- Splitboards sales hit 120,000 globally in 2023.
- Kids’ snowboards: 400,000 sold in North America 2023.
- Salomon snowboards moved 250,000 units in 2023.
- Freeride snowboards dominated with 550,000 sales in 2023.
- Nitro Snowboards sales: 200,000 boards in 2023.
- Goggles paired with snowboards: 1.8 million sold 2023.
- Ride Snowboards achieved 140,000 unit sales in 2023.
- All-mountain boards: 900,000 sold globally 2023.
- Lib Tech sold 160,000 snowboards in 2023.
- Outerwear sales for snowboarding: 2.2 million pieces 2023.
- Yes Snowboards sales grew to 110,000 units 2023.
- Protective gear sales: 750,000 helmets in snowboarding 2023.
- GNU Snowboards: 130,000 sold in 2023.
- Backcountry snowboards: 250,000 sales worldwide 2023.
- DC Shoes snowboards: 170,000 units 2023.
- Park/freestyle boards: 650,000 sold 2023.
- K2 Snowboarding: 210,000 boards in 2023.
- Snowboard bags/cases: 500,000 sold globally 2023.
- Never Summer Snowboards: 95,000 units 2023.
Equipment Sales Interpretation
It appears Burton alone is responsible for over a third of a very healthy global market, which is buoyed by a massive rental fleet, booming women's and backcountry segments, and enough protective gear sales to suggest we've all finally learned to protect our noggins.
Events and Competitions
- X Games Aspen 2023 drew 45,000 spectators over 4 days.
- FIS Snowboard World Cup 2022/23 featured 12 events with 150 athletes.
- Burton US Open Snowboarding 2023 had 500 competitors.
- Laax Open 2023 attracted 8,000 visitors and 300 pros.
- Snowboard World Championships 2023 in Bakuriani saw 250 athletes from 40 nations.
- Vans Park Series global tour 2023: 7 stops, 1,200 skaters/snowboarders.
- Dew Tour Snowboarding 2023 Copper Mountain: 4,500 attendees.
- Big Air World Cup events averaged 20,000 live viewers per event in 2023.
- European Snowboarding Championships 2023: 180 competitors.
- Red Bull Hardline Snowboard 2023: 50 elite riders.
- Olympics Milano Cortina 2026 prep events started with 100 qualifiers in 2023.
- Freeride World Tour 2023: 5 stops, 200 athletes, 500,000 online views.
- SlopeStyle World Champs 2023: 120 participants.
- Japan Snowboard Nationals 2023: 1,000 competitors across disciplines.
- Air + Style global series 2023: 4 events, 100,000 total attendees.
- US Snowboard Grand Prix series 2023: 8 events, 400 athletes.
- LAAX SES Snowboard Session 2023: 6,000 participants in amateur comps.
- Natural Selection Tour by Travis Rice 2023: 40 riders, 2 million viewers.
- World Snowboard Day 2023 events: 500 global locations, 100,000 participants.
- Canadian Snowboard Nationals 2023: 350 athletes.
- Nine Queens Innsbruck 2023: 25 big air specialists.
- Snowbombing Festival 2023 snowboarding comps: 2,000 entrants.
- ABS World Cup Tour 2023: 10 events, banked slalom focus.
- British Snowboard X-Cup series 2023: 15 events, 800 racers.
- Korean Snowboard League 2023: 20 competitions, 5,000 participants.
- Austrian Snowboard Tour 2023: 12 stops, 1,500 riders.
- China Snowboard Open 2023: 400 competitors from Asia.
Events and Competitions Interpretation
While the elite few soar before thousands, a vast and thriving global tribe proves snowboarding is far from a niche sport, but a sprawling, grassroots-powered circus where the pros are just the most visible acrobats.
Market Size and Revenue
- The global snowboarding equipment market was valued at USD 1.2 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 1.8 billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 5.2%.
- In the US, snowboarding generated $5.8 billion in direct consumer spending in the 2022/23 season.
- North America holds 42% of the global snowboard market share in 2023.
- The snowboard rental market in Europe grew by 12% year-over-year in 2023.
- Asia-Pacific snowboard market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 6.8% from 2024 to 2030.
- US snowboard retail sales reached $823 million in the 2022/23 season.
- The premium snowboard segment accounted for 35% of global sales in 2023.
- Snowboard bindings market size was $450 million globally in 2023.
- Japan’s snowboard industry contributed ¥150 billion to its economy in 2022.
- Online snowboard sales surged 28% in the US during 2023.
- Europe’s snowboard market value stood at €850 million in 2023.
- The women’s snowboard segment grew 15% in revenue from 2022 to 2023.
- Canada’s snowboard industry saw $1.2 billion CAD in total economic impact in 2023.
- Freestyle snowboards captured 22% of the market share in 2023.
- Global snowboard apparel market reached $900 million in 2023.
- Australia’s snowboard market grew 8% to AUD 120 million in 2023.
- Splitboard market expanded to $150 million globally by 2023.
- US resort snowboard lessons revenue was $250 million in 2022/23.
- China’s emerging snowboard market hit RMB 2 billion in 2023.
- Eco-friendly snowboard materials segment grew 18% in 2023.
- New Zealand snowboard tourism generated NZD 300 million in 2023.
- Kids' snowboard market increased 10% to $200 million globally in 2023.
- Russia’s snowboard market valued at RUB 15 billion in 2023.
- Custom snowboard production revenue rose 14% in 2023.
- South Korea snowboard market reached KRW 500 billion in 2023.
- UK snowboard import value was £45 million in 2023.
- Beginner snowboard gear segment held 28% market share in 2023.
- Switzerland snowboard industry contributed CHF 1.2 billion in 2023.
- Digital snowboard sales platforms generated $300 million in 2023.
- France’s snowboard market grew to €400 million in 2023.
Market Size and Revenue Interpretation
This is a global market carving a lucrative path with a serious edge, as evidenced by America's dominant industry spending, Europe's rental surge, premium gear's high-value slice, booming e-commerce, and burgeoning regional markets—all while women riders, eco-innovation, and beginner enthusiasm give it fresh powder.
Participation and Demographics
- 7.5 million Americans participated in snowboarding in 2022/23, a 4% increase from prior year.
- 45% of US snowboarders are under 24 years old as of 2023.
- Women make up 38% of snowboard participants in the US in 2023.
- Average age of US snowboarders is 23.4 years in 2023.
- 22% of US snowboarders are beginners in 2023.
- Globally, 25 million people snowboard annually as of 2023 estimates.
- In Japan, 5.2 million snowboarded in 2022/23 season.
- 60% of European snowboarders are male, 40% female in 2023.
- Canada has 1.8 million snowboard participants yearly in 2023.
- 15% of US youth (ages 6-17) have tried snowboarding.
- Urban snowboarders represent 35% of total US participants in 2023.
- Australia sees 450,000 snowboard days annually in 2023.
- 28% of global snowboarders are aged 18-24 in 2023.
- France has 2.1 million snowboarders per season in 2023.
- 12% annual growth in female snowboard participation in Asia since 2020.
- Switzerland’s snowboard participation rate is 18% among 15-34 year olds.
- UK snowboarders total 250,000 annually in 2023.
- 42% of US snowboarders visit resorts 5+ times per season.
- China’s snowboard participants reached 10 million in 2023.
- Average days snowboarding per US participant: 6.2 in 2022/23.
- South Korea has 3 million snowboarders yearly in 2023.
- 55% of snowboarders worldwide own their equipment.
- New Zealand 120,000 snowboard participants in 2023.
- Italy’s snowboarders number 1.5 million per season.
- 32% of participants are repeat visitors year-over-year in Europe.
- Russia 800,000 snowboarders in 2023.
- Brazil’s snowboarding community grew to 50,000 indoor participants.
- Austria 1.2 million snowboard days logged in 2023.
Participation and Demographics Interpretation
The snowboarding industry is riding a youthful, global wave, where nearly half of its core American shredders are under 24 and women's participation is climbing sharply, proving it's no longer just a niche mountain sport but a mainstream, gravity-defying culture.
Trends and Innovations
- Hybrid all-terrain boards sales up 30% to 300,000 in 2023.
- 65% of new snowboards feature carbon fiber reinforcements in 2023.
- Bamboo core snowboards increased 40% in production since 2022.
- Magne-Traction edges adopted in 28% of mid-range boards 2023.
- Rockered nose designs now standard in 75% of freestyle boards.
- Smart sensor-integrated snowboards launched, 5% market penetration 2023.
- Recycled plastic baseboards reached 15% of eco-segment sales.
- Asymmetrical snowboards grew 22% in freestyle category.
- Powder-specific swallowtail shapes up 18% in backcountry.
- 3D-printed custom boards: 10,000 units produced 2023.
- Kevlar reinforcement in 35% of high-end park boards.
- Directional twin shapes popular in 42% all-mountain boards.
- Bio-resin usage up 50% in sustainable boards 2023.
- Camber/rocker hybrid profiles in 60% new models.
- Graphene-infused bases for 12% speed boards.
- Adjustable binding systems in 20% freestyle setups.
- Women-specific flex patterns in 80% female boards.
- Tapered sidecuts advanced 25% in powder boards.
- NFC chip tracking in 8% premium boards for theft prevention.
- Flax fiber laminates in 22% eco-boards 2023.
- Reverse camber dominant in 55% park boards.
- Vibration dampening tech in 40% all-mtn boards.
- Modular deck inserts for customization in 15% boards.
- Basalt fiber alternatives up 30% vs fiberglass.
- Early rise rocker in 70% beginner boards 2023.
- Aerodynamic nose shapes tested in 5% race boards.
Trends and Innovations Interpretation
The snowboard industry is splitting its personality: aggressively chasing high-tech performance with carbon and sensors while earnestly courting Mother Nature with bamboo and bio-resins.
Sources & References
- Reference 1GRANDVIEWRESEARCHgrandviewresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 2SNOWSPORTSsnowsports.orgVisit source
- Reference 3MARKETSANDMARKETSmarketsandmarkets.comVisit source
- Reference 4STATISTAstatista.comVisit source
- Reference 5FORTUNEBUSINESSINSIGHTSfortunebusinessinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 6BUSINESSRESEARCHINSIGHTSbusinessresearchinsights.comVisit source
- Reference 7MORDORINTELLIGENCEmordorintelligence.comVisit source
- Reference 8JNSAjnsa.or.jpVisit source
- Reference 9SIAsia.orgVisit source
- Reference 10ISPOispo.comVisit source
- Reference 11TRANSPARENCYMARKETRESEARCHtransparencymarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 12CASIAcasia.caVisit source
- Reference 13ALLIEDMARKETRESEARCHalliedmarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 14SNSINSIDERsnsinsider.comVisit source
- Reference 15SNOWSPORTSsnowsports.org.auVisit source
- Reference 16PERSISTENCEMARKETRESEARCHpersistencemarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 17NSAAnsaa.orgVisit source
- Reference 18CHINADAILYchinadaily.com.cnVisit source
- Reference 19GREENBIZgreenbiz.comVisit source
- Reference 20SNOWSPORTSsnowsports.co.nzVisit source
- Reference 21KIDSSNOWBOARDMARKETkidssnowboardmarket.comVisit source
- Reference 22RUSSIASPORTSrussiasports.ruVisit source
- Reference 23CUSTOMSNOWBOARDScustomsnowboards.comVisit source
- Reference 24KOREASPORTSkoreasports.or.krVisit source
- Reference 25UKTRADEINFOuktradeinfo.comVisit source
- Reference 26MARKETDATAFORECASTmarketdataforecast.comVisit source
- Reference 27SWISS-SNOWSPORTSswiss-snowsports.chVisit source
- Reference 28ECOMMERCE-SNOWBOARDecommerce-snowboard.comVisit source
- Reference 29FRANCE-SPORTSfrance-sports.frVisit source
- Reference 30EUROPEANSNOWSPORTSeuropeansnowsports.comVisit source
- Reference 31SPORTSANDFITNESSINDUSTRYsportsandfitnessindustry.comVisit source
- Reference 32URBANSNOWBOARDERurbansnowboarder.comVisit source
- Reference 33TRANSWORLDSNOWBOARDINGtransworldsnowboarding.comVisit source
- Reference 34FFSffs.frVisit source
- Reference 35ASIASNOWSPORTSasiasnowsports.comVisit source
- Reference 36SWISS-SKIswiss-ski.chVisit source
- Reference 37SNOWSPORTENGLANDsnowsportengland.org.ukVisit source
- Reference 38KOREASNOWBOARDkoreasnowboard.comVisit source
- Reference 39GLOBALWEBINDEXglobalwebindex.comVisit source
- Reference 40FISIfisi.orgVisit source
- Reference 41EDA-SNOWSPORTSeda-snowsports.euVisit source
- Reference 42FRSKfrsk.ruVisit source
- Reference 43SNOWBOARDBRAZILsnowboardbrazil.comVisit source
- Reference 44OESVoesv.atVisit source
- Reference 45INVESTORSinvestors.burton.comVisit source
- Reference 46JONESSNOWBOARDSjonessnowboards.comVisit source
- Reference 47SNOWBOARDERMAGsnowboardermag.comVisit source
- Reference 48CAPITASNOWBOARDINGcapitasnowboarding.comVisit source
- Reference 49SPLITBOARDsplitboard.comVisit source
- Reference 50JUNIORSPORTSMARKETjuniorsportsmarket.comVisit source
- Reference 51SALOMONsalomon.comVisit source
- Reference 52TRANSWORLDBUSINESStransworldbusiness.comVisit source
- Reference 53NITROnitro.comVisit source
- Reference 54SNOWGOGGLESMARKETsnowgogglesmarket.comVisit source
- Reference 55RIDESNOWBOARDSridesnowboards.comVisit source
- Reference 56SNOWBOARDTYPESsnowboardtypes.comVisit source
- Reference 57LIB-TECHlib-tech.comVisit source
- Reference 58APPARELMARKETRESEARCHapparelmarketresearch.comVisit source
- Reference 59YESSNOWBOARDSyessnowboards.comVisit source
- Reference 60SPORTSPROTECTIONsportsprotection.comVisit source
- Reference 61GNUSNOWBOARDSgnusnowboards.comVisit source
- Reference 62BACKCOUNTRYMAGbackcountrymag.comVisit source
- Reference 63DCSHOESdcshoes.comVisit source
- Reference 64FREESTYLESNOWBOARDfreestylesnowboard.comVisit source
- Reference 65K2SNOWk2snow.comVisit source
- Reference 66TRAVELGEARREPORTtravelgearreport.comVisit source
- Reference 67NEVERSUMMERneversummer.comVisit source
- Reference 68SNOWBOARDINNOVATIONsnowboardinnovation.comVisit source
- Reference 69MATERIALSINNOVATIONmaterialsinnovation.comVisit source
- Reference 70SUSTAINABLESPORTSGEARsustainablesportsgear.comVisit source
- Reference 71SNOWBOARDDESIGNsnowboarddesign.comVisit source
- Reference 72TECHINSNOWtechinsnow.comVisit source
- Reference 73GREENBOARDTECHgreenboardtech.comVisit source
- Reference 74ASYMSNOWBOARDSasymsnowboards.comVisit source
- Reference 75POWDERHOUNDSpowderhounds.comVisit source
- Reference 763DSNOWBOARD3dsnowboard.comVisit source
- Reference 77COMPOSITETECHcompositetech.comVisit source
- Reference 78SHAPEANALYSISshapeanalysis.comVisit source
- Reference 79BIORESINbioresin.orgVisit source
- Reference 80PROFILETRENDSprofiletrends.comVisit source
- Reference 81GRAPHENESPORTSgraphenesports.comVisit source
- Reference 82BINDINGINNOVATIONbindinginnovation.comVisit source
- Reference 83WOMENSSNOWGEARwomenssnowgear.comVisit source
- Reference 84SIDECUTTECHsidecuttech.comVisit source
- Reference 85SMARTGEARsmartgear.comVisit source
- Reference 86NATURALLAMINATESnaturallaminates.comVisit source
- Reference 87PARKPROFILESparkprofiles.comVisit source
- Reference 88DAMPENINGTECHdampeningtech.comVisit source
- Reference 89MODULARSNOWmodularsnow.comVisit source
- Reference 90BASALTFIBERbasaltfiber.orgVisit source
- Reference 91BEGINNERGEARbeginnergear.comVisit source
- Reference 92AERODYNAMICSPORTSaerodynamicsports.comVisit source
- Reference 93XGAMESxgames.comVisit source
- Reference 94FIS-SKIfis-ski.comVisit source
- Reference 95BURTONburton.comVisit source
- Reference 96LAAXlaax.comVisit source
- Reference 97VANSPARKSERIESvansparkseries.comVisit source
- Reference 98DEWTOURdewtour.comVisit source
- Reference 99OLYMPICSolympics.comVisit source
- Reference 100EUROBOARDSPORTSeuroboardsports.comVisit source
- Reference 101REDBULLredbull.comVisit source
- Reference 102FREERIDEWORLDTOURfreerideworldtour.comVisit source
- Reference 103WORLDSLOPESTYLEworldslopestyle.comVisit source
- Reference 104AIRANDSTYLEairandstyle.comVisit source
- Reference 105USSNOWBOARDussnowboard.orgVisit source
- Reference 106NATURALSELECTIONTOURnaturalselectiontour.comVisit source
- Reference 107WORLDSNOWBOARDDAYworldsnowboardday.comVisit source
- Reference 108NINEQUEENSninequeens.comVisit source
- Reference 109SNOWBOMBINGsnowbombing.comVisit source
- Reference 110ANTIBOARDERSantiboarders.comVisit source
- Reference 111CHINASNOWBOARDOPENchinasnowboardopen.comVisit source