Industry News
The question of whether or not snowboarders should be banned from ski resorts has been around since the 80s. Since the invention of the snowboard, there have always been skiers who would prefer snowboarders not to be allowed at ski resorts. Alta, Deer Valley, and Mad River Glen are the three resorts in the United States that still do not allow snowboarders on their mountains.
SnowBrains asked its readers for their current opinion on whether snowboarding should be banned at ski resorts. There were arguments for and against banning snowboarders, with some proponents of snowboarders’ inclusiveness and others steadfastly opposed to it. Here’s a summary of what SnowBrains’ readers had to say.
There was support from some of SnowBrains’ readers banning snowboarders at ski resorts for three main reasons:
- Safety Concerns: Several skiers argue that snowboarders tend to have blind spots, particularly when turning heelside, making them more dangerous for skiers. Some people also mention snowboarders cause more slope damage, especially in powder or mogul areas, as they tend to scrape away more snow.
- Control and Speed: Some feel snowboarders, especially beginners and intermediate riders, can be more out of control and pose a threat to others.
- Private Business Rights: Many believe that ski resorts are private businesses and should have the right to set their own rules, including banning snowboarders.
Some readers were against banning snowboarders at ski resorts for three main reasons as well:
- Equality and Discrimination: Opponents argue that banning snowboarders, especially on public land, is discriminatory and unfair. Our readers state snowboarding helped revitalize the ski industry in the 90s, bringing in new participants and revenue.
- Overgeneralization: Some readers point out that not all snowboarders are reckless and that skiers can be just as dangerous. There was also frustration over the negative stereotypes applied to snowboarders.
- Personal Preference: A few responses reflect personal enjoyment in skiing at resorts that allow snowboarders and the view that both sports can coexist without issue if people are considerate of others.
SnowBrains’ readers proposed solutions to the current snowboarding ban at these three resorts. One idea was to provide designated areas for skiers and snowboarders. They suggest setting aside separate areas for skiers and snowboarders, such as creating snowboarding-only resorts or terrain parks. Another idea was to improve overall etiquette and enforcement at ski resorts. Others feel that the issue isn’t with the sport but with skier and rider behavior and that more emphasis should be placed on following safety rules and being respectful on the slopes.
Many comments said banning snowboarders is discriminatory, especially concerning public land. They argue it goes against equality and inclusivity. This group emphasizes that skiers and snowboarders should be allowed to share the slopes, as the sport is about personal choice.
Notable Comments by SnowBrains’ readers:
- “If it’s public land, it’s illegal and amounts to straight-up discrimination.”
- “Skiing was on its way out before snowboarding revitalized the industry.”
Some people also believed that ski resorts were private businesses and had the right to decide which sports to allow. While they acknowledge that snowboarders are unfairly treated, they argue that resorts have the right to set their own rules.
Notable Comments by SnowBrains’ readers:
- “It’s their business, their rules. Board somewhere else.”
- “If it’s a private resort, they can set the rules, just like any other business.”
A middle-ground perspective suggests the issue is not the sport itself but the behavior of certain individuals. These responses often call for more enforcement of safety rules and considerate behavior from skiers and snowboarders. Their key argument was that both can coexist if everyone follows the rules and respects each other’s space.
Notable Comments by SnowBrains’ readers:
- “It’s not about banning snowboarding; it’s about riders being respectful and riding safely.”
- “The issue isn’t the snowboarders; it’s the reckless behavior from any rider, whether they ski or board.”
Another group of readers argued that snowboarders pose specific safety risks, such as blind spots and slower movement on certain terrains. They also say snowboarders damage the slopes (scraping off snow, creating moguls, etc.), affecting everyone’s experience. They also believe snowboarders are more prone to collisions and can be more challenging to navigate, particularly for beginners.
Notable Comments by SnowBrains’ readers:
- “Snowboarders are often slower and block skiers on the traverse. They ruin the moguls and cause more damage to the snow.”
- “Snowboarders can be more reckless, going faster than their ability to stop.”
The last group is the most supportive of banning snowboarders, emphasizing that ski resorts are private businesses and that banning snowboarders could create a better experience for skiers. They also argue that the issue of snowboarder behavior (reckless riding, obstructing trails, noisy distractions) justifies such a ban. Their key argument is that skiers should have exclusive spaces for better safety and slope maintenance; snowboarders are disruptive; it’s their business, and they can make the rules.
Notable Comments by SnowBrains’ readers:
- “It’s their resort. They’re not required to cater to snowboarders.”
- “Snowboarders are too disruptive. It’s safer and more enjoyable when they aren’t around.”
Ultimately, the core of the disagreement lies in whether safety and enjoyment should take precedence over business practices or personal preferences. Would you lean more towards one side or see it as a case of “to each their own”? This ranking poll demonstrates how opinions vary from focusing on fairness and inclusivity to prioritizing safety and resort-specific rules. Would you align with one of these perspectives, or do you think there’s a better solution?
No one is stopping anyone from opening a snowboard only resorts, just a thought! There are scores of ski/snowboard resorts in the country, to have only 3 that are ski only should not be a big deal!