In the world of winter sports, there’s an unspoken truth that we all must acknowledge: snowboarding is just too cool for some people to handle. So much so that a select few ski resorts in the United States have taken drastic measures to create “safe spaces” where they can keep their slopes free from snowboarders and their overwhelming aura of awesomeness.
These resorts have bravely stood their ground against the tide of gnarly tricks, effortlessly stylish turns, and the occasional mid-slope dance-off that snowboarders inevitably bring to the mountains. Let’s dive into the world of these rare sanctuaries for the snowboarding-averse.
Alta Ski Area, Utah: A Refuge from Steez
Nestled in Utah’s Wasatch Mountains, Alta Ski Area is a skier's paradise where snowboarding has been explicitly banned since the sport's inception. Their reasoning? Snowboarding simply brings too much personality to the party.
Imagine this: a skier is gliding down a pristine powder run, their movements perfectly precise, their outfit a tasteful shade of beige. Suddenly, a snowboarder streaks by, carving aggressively and maybe even throwing in a cheeky tail grab for good measure. It’s chaos! Such coolness could unravel the tightly wound tranquility that Alta strives to maintain.
So, to preserve the solemn vibe of synchronized pole plants, Alta kindly asks snowboarders to shred their gnar elsewhere.
Deer Valley Resort, Utah: Home of the Polished and Proper
Deer Valley Resort, also in Utah, is a haven for those who prefer their skiing experience served with a side of foie gras and no trace of snowboarder shenanigans.
This upscale resort prides itself on catering to the refined tastes of skiers who simply can’t risk being shown up by a snowboarder doing a buttery backside spin at the lift line. The resort’s decision to ban snowboarding is less about animosity and more about protecting the fragile egos of its clientele. After all, it’s hard to maintain a veneer of sophistication when a snowboarder cruises past blasting a punk rock playlist and having the time of their life.
Mad River Glen, Vermont: For Skiers Who Can’t Even
Over in Vermont, Mad River Glen takes its skiers-only policy very seriously. The cooperative-owned resort has cultivated an “old-school skiing experience” that it claims would be disrupted by the sheer charisma of snowboarding.
It’s not that snowboarders aren’t welcome—it’s just that their carefree energy and ability to look effortlessly cool in any outfit might distract from the resort’s vibe. Mad River Glen believes in preserving the art of the perfect telemark turn, free from the disruptive presence of snowboarders who can make falling on their face look like part of the trick.
Why the Ban?
These ski resorts insist their bans are rooted in tradition and terrain concerns, but we all know the truth: they simply can’t handle the swagger. Snowboarding’s freestyle culture, combined with the ability to turn any slope into a personal stage, poses a challenge to the orderly, buttoned-up world of skiers.
In essence, these resorts are providing a sanctuary for skiers who need a break from snowboarding’s undeniable coolness. It’s not exclusion—it’s self-preservation.
The Takeaway
As snowboarders, let’s not take this personally. In fact, let’s take it as a compliment. The next time you’re out carving up the mountain, just remember: your style, your tricks, and your vibe are so powerful that entire ski resorts have to band together to keep up.
To the snowboarders reading this, we say: ride on. And to the skiers at these resorts, enjoy your safe space. We’ll be over here, being unapologetically awesome.
Ready to celebrate your love for snowboarding? Check out our latest snowboard swag at snowboardswag.com and keep spreading the stoke wherever you ride. Even if it’s not at Alta, Deer Valley, or Mad River Glen.