The latest figures from the SnowSports Industries
America trade show indicate that 50,000 pairs of snowshoes
were sold in stores in December '97, according to Penny
Parker of the DENVER POST. The 50,000 are "five times the
number" from December '96. For August-December '97, 75,678
pairs of snowshoes were sold. By comparison, ski equipment
sales dropped 18.8% from August through December '97, and
snowboard sales dropped 16.7% during the same period. Gart
Sports CEO Doug Morton: "Snowshoeing almost looks like the
snowboard business four years ago" (DENVER POST, 3/8).
LODGE MEETINGS: In Denver, Andrew Hood reported that
ski resorts throughout CO "are pushing" the state's "wide-
open vistas and perennial good weather" as the "perfect
venue for corporations to entertain key clients, hold
meetings and conduct conferences." Companies such as
Johnson & Johnson, CBS and NationsBank "regularly shuttle in
guests for a few days skiing" in addition to "talking
business." AmEx, which for the second straight year is
flying 45 clients and their families to Beaver Creek, CO, is
also flying in former Olympians Billy Kidd and Tamara
McKinney to ski with the guests (DENVER POST, 3/8).
