Supply Chain Issues in the Ski Industry

[graham418]

What is the news on any supply chain issues regarding ski equipment? I have noticed on some retail sites items that were already sold out, which seemed awfully early for 21/22 gear. I also poked my nose into the local ski shop and they didnt seem to have as big a selection as they have had in the past.

 

[Philpug]

It looks like you answered your own question.

 

[Dwight]

Manufacturers were saying there will be delays all year. Maybe another year before they catch up.

 

[graham418]

It looks like you answered your own question.

I didnt know if these are just isolated incidents or if it is more widespread.

 

[Lorenzzo]

I’m hearing shipments will be more spread out over the winter whereas normally most product arrives at the beginning. If true, don’t give up on out of stock skis. But don’t wait on skis you want, either. Do the Head Supershapes still have microchips? That could be a problem.

 

[James]

Hearing at the local shop of an issue with race skis. Supposedly they’re coming, but they don’t know.

 

[cantunamunch]

Hearing at the local shop of an issue with race skis. Supposedly they’re coming, but they don’t know.

The Stocklis are here. Good thing I still have foot and ankle issues or I'd be a fair bit poorer.

 

[bbinder]

I decided that I would buy heated socks this year - on the lookout for Lenz 6.0 socks, but I expect it may be months before any appear on the market

 

[Moose32]

Good topic. I think most insight will of course be anecdotal but seems some manufacturers are very late on their new lines.

Phenix for example usually has their Norway line available in September - and certainly in time for Solden.

Seems this year they just have speed suits to the athletes. Maybe the rest of the kit is on a plane now from Japan to Austria for the race.

PHENIX -Technical Alpine Skiwear-

Phenix is a well and long established technical Alpine skiwear brand.

www.phenixski.com

I am sure it will be even harder to get a good deal on 165cm FIS SL skis this year also.

 

[James]

I suspect many will be skiing their old race skis till next year.

 

[onenerdykid]

I didnt know if these are just isolated incidents or if it is more widespread.

Anybody remember that little pandemic that crippled the global economy and brought the world to a screeching halt? You're gonna be feeling the effects of that for a few years, in every industry...

 

[cantunamunch]

You're gonna be feeling the effects of that for a few years, in every industry...

We've hit the grocery crisis; there's an energy crisis in Europe and Asia - I can't help but wonder if we're also about to hit a trash crisis before it all evens out again.

Inevitably, all the cr@p we've been ordering online will pile up.

 

[Muleski]

Race skis distributed to dealers and shops are in tough shape. Good thing they come from Europe, though.

Stuff ordered 3 months ago from big clubs directly through race reps are and have arrived, but in some cases there is a pecking order of who gets them first.

Some know it all parents have REALLY screwed the pooch for their kids this year.

I heard via top level coach that he has be hounding a parent for 3 months to order. On Monday, the dad said he never gets up to do this until snow is on the ground. “Plus, I have two friends who own shops.”

By Tuesday AM, his two dealer friends had told him no chance of their helping. He had planned on 3 pairs of SL, 2 GS. The coach then pulled a rabbit out of his hat. Begging a race director friend for one of each now, more in December.

My son, a ski coach, was in his local bike store the other day. They have a leftover bike in the rafters that he may buy. He said, I may just rebuild mine. Owner said he had been told that he should not plan on the parts until early spring……2024!

Yikes.

 

[onenerdykid]

I heard via top level coach that he has be hounding a parent for 3 months to order. On Monday, the dad said he never gets up to do this until snow is on the ground. “Plus, I have two friends who own shops.”

By Tuesday AM, his two dealer friends had told him no chance of their helping. He had planned on 3 pairs of SL, 2 GS. The coach then pulled a rabbit out of his hat. Begging a race director friend for one of each now, more in December.

My son, a ski coach, was in his local bike store the other day. They have a leftover bike in the rafters that he may buy. He said, I may just rebuild mine. Owner said he had been told that he should not plan on the parts until early spring……2024!

Very few people understand that while things are getting better, many places throughout the world are still struggling with getting a grip on the pandemic. Many factories in Asia are STILL closed. Raw material suppliers aren't able to produce steel, aluminum, etc. and those that are are now charging 3-5 times as much for the same amount. You want to ship your goods around the world? A shipping container that was once $1,500 is now $15,000 and only a fraction of the fleet is available, the rest are stuck in ports around the world. People who think the pandemic is over and life is back to normal are going to be in for a big surprise.

 

[Lorenzzo]

Very few people understand that while things are getting better, many places throughout the world are still struggling with getting a grip on the pandemic. Many factories in Asia are STILL closed. Raw material suppliers aren't able to produce steel, aluminum, etc. and those that are are now charging 3-5 times as much for the same amount. You want to ship your goods around the world? A shipping container that was once $1,500 is now $15,000 and only a fraction of the fleet is available, the rest are stuck in ports around the world. People who think the pandemic is over and life is back to normal are going to be in for a big surprise.

Total hijack here but since you‘re in this thread…will Atomic 2022 FIS slaloms (165) be much different than 2018?

I could have PM-d but I most of us like talking equipment so…

 

[AmyPJ]

I jumped on new skis, boots and bindings for my daughter two weeks ago because I see the writing on the wall.
I ordered bindings for skis I don't even have yet because I see the writing on the wall. I ordered a bike last week that I won't see for more than a year if the shipping dates on the order remain true.

I have an extra 30 rolls of TP in the basement...

 

[oldschoolskier]

Industry as a whole has been built around warehousing in transport, unfortunately we have hit the ideal combination (COVID, shipping, lockdowns and politics) to bring it to a grinding fault (extreme slow down). Yes production is delayed, development is delayed.

As to skis find something you like get it while you can or wait till its available again.

 

[Lorenzzo]

I jumped on new skis, boots and bindings for my daughter two weeks ago because I see the writing on the wall.
I ordered bindings for skis I don't even have yet because I see the writing on the wall. I ordered a bike last week that I won't see for more than a year if the shipping dates on the order remain true.

I have an extra 30 rolls of TP in the basement...

I'm not sure 30 is enough. Maybe I'm being too literal about it hitting the fan.

 

[AmyPJ]

I'm not sure 30 is enough. Maybe I'm being too literal about it hitting the fan.

Yeah, I think I’ll grab another pack soon

 

[ScotsSkier]

Another reference point. I was at a race night locally tonight, 95% of the skis and boots the Atomic rep had on his stand was 20-21 stuff. As has been mentioned earlier top and connected athletes have got their gear but even supported Athletes and caoches have been told it will be January at least before they see any gear. So without connections - either directly or through your coach- grab what you can find