Intersport in Austria Claims Good Winter
24th April 2025
Last modified on April 27th, 2025
Facts, figures and reports are being compiled as the winter season ends. The latest comes from the ski rental group, Intersport, and covers the scene in Austria.
Intersport is drawing a positive view for its 2024/25 winter business, with ski rental remaining key and it has continued its strong performance with a year-on-year increase of 17%.
“Skiing is a cultural asset in Austria, and this is clearly being cultivated by families and future generations,” said the Managing Director of Intersport Austria, Franz Koll.
“Intersport locations in the tourist regions recorded record-high demand, particularly during the Christmas and semester breaks.
“This was particularly evident for rental equipment, but also for ski equipment sales.”
Intersport Schneider, Austria. Image c/o Intersport
A look at individual product categories reveals how closely the sporting goods trade is linked to the weather.
While cross-country skiing equipment, bobsleighs, and sleds were hardly in demand due to the lack of snow in the valleys, winter hardware such as alpine skis, ski boots, poles, helmets, and protectors performed very well.
“The icy cold in January and February also created perfect conditions on our local lakes – ice skates sold like hotcakes this winter,” said Koll.
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Renting with Intersport, Zauchansee, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Recent winters have been quite challenging for the sporting goods trade.
Intersport says it has responded to consumer needs for affordable offers for children with its Pistenflitzer seasonal rental service.
The package is aimed mainly at the local Austrian market rather than international visitors.
It includes top-quality skis, ski boots if needed, plus additional services such as insurance against breakage and theft, discounted lift tickets, and a free ski service.
Season rentals run from November to April.
“We are overwhelmed by the huge success of the Pistenflitzer season rental program, even in its first year,” said the Marketing Director, Johannes Kastenhuber.
More than 4,000 ski rentals were taken – a sign that youngsters are enthusiastic about hitting the slopes.
One in three children’s skis in urban areas is rented rather than purchased.
Muttereralm, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Intersport has placed a particular focus on running, including winter running.
Even in the winter months, more and more people are staying active and integrating sports into their daily lives – whether on or off the slopes.
“It’s not the weather that matters, but the right equipment. We see great potential in year-round categories,” said Franz Koll.
“The trend toward winter running has been emerging for some time.
“People are drawn to the fresh air and nature.
“This development has given us a substantial increase in sales of running shoes.”
St Johann, Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Plus there’s e-biking.
E-biking in Austria. Image © PlanetSKI
Outside of the winter months Intersport Rent is experiencing an increasing demand for E-bikes as they comfortably cover longer distances and make cycling attractive to a broader target group.
As in winter, rental customers in summer primarily come from Germany, the Netherlands, and Austria.
Compared to ski rental, bike rental accounts for a smaller share of revenue.
Summer in St Johann. Image © PlanetSKI
Summer in St Johann. Image © PlanetSKI
Here at PlanetSKI we are covering some of the industry reports that are now coming out – looking at how the winter season went and what it bodes for the future:
- Worldwide ski industry report claims consolidation after the pandemic
- Swiss ski areas report good season
- Poor winter for Scottish ski areas
- Below average number of avalanche deaths in Switzerland
- Jungfrau lift company reports largest profit
More to follow…
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