Growing concern and interest among outdoor enthusiasts, new opportunities for advertisers, and business interests of resort operators will make this and future ski seasons a lot greener, predicts Sitour USA, a leader in out-of-home (OOH) marketing, advertising and promotions.

“From automotive brands to natural and organic foods, we’re seeing a big interest in ski areas as a great venue for environmentally-aimed promotions,” says Monte Rios, president and CEO of Sitour USA. “Ski resorts will become high impact advertising destinations where companies can present environmental and sustainability messages to skiers and snowboarders.”

The National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) is adding further momentum to the greening of skiing, with its Keep Winter Cool campaign and the environmental charter for its Sustainable Slopes program, according to Rios, who heads the largest network of on-site ski resort advertising promotions.

Skiers and boarders are among the most influential and important consumer demographic with average annual incomes of $84,500, a median age of 34, three out of four being college graduates or college students, and half of them in households with kids.

“With over 55 million ski visits a year, advertisers can connect with some of the most attractive consumers in America,” he adds. “Skiers are also campers, climbers and mountain bikers – outdoor enthusiasts with year-round concerns over global warming and sustainability.”

Rios says Sitour’s new on-site digital sign network is giving advertisers opportunities to promote products and to send green messages that resonate well with the boarders and skiers as they wait in lift lines and relax in the lodges.

In fact, this season debuts the first national ski area digital network in the out-of-home (OOH) advertising category. Following two-years of trials, the first full ad season begins with 110 signs in 45 resorts.

“Digital media is the fastest growing category in advertising,” says Rios, who plans to double the network in 2009.

http://www.greatoutdoornetwork.com/GON/sitour 

---