Over 2 million Canadians participate in “snowsports” – skiing and snowboarding – and in recent years the Canadian Ski Council started an aggressive national study of the sports to address projected declines in participation.

The 2005/2006 results from the National Model for Growth indicate that participation rates are in a slight decline and will continue to be for the next five seasons. After that, growth in participation rates is expected for several years.

Reasons for decline are varied – an aging skier population, decreased visitors for the United States and climate change resulting in warmer winters – particularly in the East. The Canadian Ski Council Model For Growth is providing the snowsports industry with the information necessary to maintain and develop its market.