Who are we?
The Ski Industries Association of Australia Ltd (SIA) was formed in 1968. It is an Association of wholesalers of snow sports equipment and clothing, and its Members are made up of Importers, Manufacturers and Service Providers to the snow sports industry in Australia.
In 1997 the SIA registered the business name ‘Ski & Snowboard Industries of Australia’ to recognise and incorporate the large increase in snowboard products, and changed its trading name again to Snowsports Industries of Australia in 2005. The main objective of the Association is the promotion of snow sports in all its aspects, to represent its Members and provide for their needs in the industry. The State and Federal Governments recognise SIA as the spokesperson for the Australian Snowsports industry. We have been successful is establishing standards for sunglasses and ski goggles (now superseded) with the Standards Association of Australia. Also with the Dept of Industry, Technology & Commerce attempting to define ski wear as opposed to street wear, as in the case of ski pants for correct tariff classification, and commerce marking of ski boots. We successfully negotiated with the Textile Clothing & Footwear Development Authority concerning to the classification of snowboard boots. Benefits to Members of Snowsports Industries of Australia are low cost exhibition space at our Trade Show in October each year, plus support for projects that are felt to be in the overall interests of our Members. The first Trade Show was held in 1966 which was run by the Retailers, also 1967 & 1968. SIA has run the Trade Show since 1968; and since 1990 in Canberra. For the last 12 years we have also conducted the SIA Ski & Snowboard ‘On-Snow’ Trade Tests. This provides trade buyers with the opportunity to test new equipment being imported for the following season. The SIA has also supported Australian skiing by assisting Winter Olympics, World Cup, Junior and disabled skiers. It has also contributed funds to other bodies to aid with various promotions of snow sports and safety.
