Testing Times. Suppliers Drop Out Of British Ski Test Due To Coronavirus

AMG, the UK importer for Rossignol has dropped out of the British ski test based in Pila which is scheduled to start on Monday. SIN understands most suppliers have exited the test.

This might lead to a ski test with a lot of testers and very few pairs of skis....

In a letter to retailers AMG says:

Dear Retailer,

As you will know by now, the SIGB snow-test in the resort of Pila, next week has been depleted due to concerns over the Coronavirus COVID-19.

This is completely out of our control as more than 400 people in Northern Italy have been affected.

Regrettably, AMG has made the difficult decision not attend the snow-test for the safety of all our staff and their families.

To ensure you still have an opportunity to test our 2020 range of skis, before final buys are placed, we will be joining several other brands and organisations in Glenshee, Scotland next week to conduct a test from Tuesday.

The current snow conditions are fantastic, and it will hopefully provide a great testing ground for all next year’s equipment.

If you are coming to Glenshee next week, please let us know and we will do our best to assist you with any queries and updates we receive.

Thank you for your understanding and patience during this time. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or phone.

As late as Wednesday SIGB was positive about the test. In a statement they said:

On Snow Test 2020 Update:

The SIGB Test Sub Committee has considered all of the facts and issues, alongside feedback from those registered to attend. We have consequently decided that the 2020 Snow Test will continue in Pila, 2-6 March.

There is no advice against travel to the Aosta Valley. There have been no Coronavirus cases recorded.

It accepts that companies and individuals need to make their own decisions to attend, but based on the available facts and responses received, the Test will proceed.

There will continue to be daily updates and monitoring of the entire situation.

We look forward to seeing everyone in Pila

The SIGB Ski and Snowboard Test scheduled from 2-6 March 2020 in Pila, Italy is a successful initiative that has been created due to demand from suppliers, retailers and specialist media for a single, well organised, effective and comprehensive opportunity to put all next season’s skis and snowboards through their paces.

The test is open to nominated testers from all snowsport retailers and the media, with preferential rates being offered to SIGB member retailers. It has been specifically designed to suit the needs of UK retailers, offering an unmissable opportunity for everyone who is serious about their equipment selection and product testing.

The Ski and Snowboard Test provides the best possible testing set up and the most comprehensive range of product for UK snowsport professionals.

In 2018, 132 individual testers from 25 retail and 5 media organisations recorded over 2800 test results on 22 different ski brands and on more than 1000 pairs of skis.