URGENT UPDATE: Ski and snowboard enthusiasts in Colorado should brace for significant price hikes this winter season. Industry experts warn that tariffs imposed by the Trump administration are driving up costs on essential winter sports gear, impacting budgets for countless families looking to hit the slopes.
According to Nick Sargent, President of Snowsports Industries America, consumers can expect to pay more for everything from Alpine skis and snowboards to apparel and accessories like helmets and goggles. “It’s a tax that the ski consumers pay,” said Dan Chalfant, founder of Liberty Skis. Many of these products are manufactured overseas, primarily in Europe and Asia, which means the costs are directly affected by the tariffs.
Tariffs are taxes levied on imported goods, with rates often passed on to consumers. The Trump administration has enacted various tariffs, including a 15% levy on numerous items from the European Union and steep tariffs of up to 60% on imported goods from China. As a result, Sargent estimates that customers may see an average price increase of around 20% for winter sports gear this season.
In Silverthorne, Charlie Burns, general manager at Cripple Creek Bike and Backcountry, expressed frustration over the rapid shifts in pricing. “We’re seeing price increases across a variety of products, and it’s hard for us to keep up with labeling changes,” he said. The outdoor retailer has experienced ongoing adjustments to pricing, making it difficult to predict costs for customers.
The impact of these tariffs extends beyond retail. Manufacturing companies like Liberty Skis have to navigate a complex web of international sourcing, often relying on materials that are also affected by tariffs. Chalfant noted that Liberty has shifted some manufacturing from China to Europe in response to the changing tariff landscape.
Experts caution that the uncertainty surrounding tariffs complicates future planning. “Every day there are changes, making it impossible to project costs,” Chalfant remarked.
With the winter sports season approaching, retailers like Cripple Creek are urging customers to make purchases sooner rather than later. “It might not be a bad call to make that purchase now,” Burns advised, highlighting the urgency as prices continue to rise.
As ski season approaches, the economic implications of tariffs will be felt by consumers nationwide. Families looking forward to winter sports must now reconsider their budgets in light of these unexpected price increases.
Stay informed as we continue to track this developing story.
