An event that sets new standards in the winter sports industry: The Snowtestival combines product tests on the slopes with ordering opportunities and exciting workshops from leading brands such as BOA. Retailers experience the latest technologies and innovations at first hand, can translate their findings directly into ordering decisions and benefit from an efficient overall set-up. The event, which SPORT 2000 played a key role in developing, offers a unique platform for dialogue, training and the future of European winter sports. In the blog post, Martin Koits, SPORT 2000 Category Manager Winter Sports Division, talks about the key importance of the event for the entire industry.
The Snowtestival combines product tests on the slopes in Flachau with concrete ordering opportunities in the showrooms of Brandboxx Salzburg. Retailers can test the latest ski hardware on site – from skis, boots and poles to helmets from over 30 brands in total – and turn their findings directly into ordering decisions. The presence of all relevant brands in the winter sports industry offers retailers a comprehensive perspective on current developments.
Discovering, Testing and Networking on Snow
Efficiency through joint testing concept
The joint test concept, which SPORT 2000 played a key role in developing together with SAZ and Intersport, makes planning much easier for retailers and industry partners. « A joint test concept replaces many individual appointments and promotes efficiency on all sides, » says Martin Koits, Category Manager Winter Sports Division. The date at the end of January was chosen deliberately, as the current season is already well underway at this time and both retailers and the industry are ready to present and discuss new products.
Strengthening the European winter sports industry
In the pilot phase, the event is focussing on the DACH region. In the long term, however, the Snowtestival is to be extended to the five core markets of the European winter sports industry – DACH, France and Italy. Specialist retailers from affiliated groups as well as independent retailers are invited in order to reach as broad a target group as possible. Koits sees the collaboration between SPORT 2000 and Intersport as a strong signal for the entire industry: « Pulling together is the key to the successful further development of winter sports. »
SPORT 2000 Winter Division
Further training as an additional component of the Snowtestival
In addition to product tests and ordering opportunities, the Snowtestival also offers valuable training opportunities. « Workshops from leading brands such as BOA will take place over the four days of the event. This gives retailers the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the latest technologies directly on site, » says Koits. An additional advantage: retailers benefit from this knowledge gain without having to attend separate training courses at a later date. « In this way, we create additional added value and enable participants to make efficient and holistic use of their visit, » emphasises the SPORT 2000 Category Manager of the Winter Sports division.
Initiatives for the exchange between trade and industry
Parallel to the Snowtestival, SPORT 2000 is also focussing on other initiatives to further intensify the exchange between industry and trade. The SPORT 2000 Ski Commission plays a decisive role here. This committee is made up of retailers from various regions and reflects the diversity and expertise of the winter sports industry. Brand ambassadors from the Ski Commission work together with the SPORT 2000 Winter Division to represent the interests of retailers in discussions with the industry. Following the successful launch in Germany, the model is to be extended to Austria and networked across countries.
Martin Koits – SPORT 2000 Category Manager Winter Sports Division
Picture Credits: SPORT 2000 International
