Whether you like to ski or snowboard, there’s a good chance you’ve learned by now that skiers and snowboarders do not always get along, and while the reasons are murky, there are some similarities in the answers from skiers.
Skiers seem to hate snowboarders because of their etiquette on the slopes. Snowboarders have a habit of sitting on the slopes, which creates an obstacle for skiers, and in turn, friction. Another common thing is that slopes are predominantly set up for skiing.
You probably still have a lot of questions about why skiers seem to hate snowboarders. Don’t worry. We’ll delve into that below.
Etiquette on the Slopes: Why it Matters
There are countless videos strewn across the internet of arguments between skiers and snowboarders, but the recurring theme comes back to etiquette on the slopes. The chances are if you’re hitting the slopes, you want to have a relaxed time away from the world.
Here are some of the complaints skiers have about snowboarders:
- Snowboarders sit halfway down the slopes: If you are whizzing down the slopes, the last thing you want to do is hit someone sitting down halfway down. Because snowboards are one piece of material for two feet, it’s not uncommon for snowboarders to sit for a rest.
- The slopes are not built for them: It’s called a ski lift for a reason. It’s for people taking themselves and their skis to the peak of the slope to begin their quest down the mountain. Snowboarders using this causes animosity because many skiers believe the lift should be used solely for people with skis.
- Health and safety: Skiers don’t tend to stop on the slopes like an obstacle, and if they do, they tend to remain standing so anyone coming down can see them. Snowboarders commonly sit down, which means a skier could crash right into them.
- They assemble with groups on the slopes: This could be said of skiers, but because snowboarders tend to sit down, congregating in a group could cause too much traffic on the slopes, ruining the experience for everyone.
The issues between both sides almost always come back to etiquette.
What is the difference between backcountry skiing and backcountry snowboarding.
Their Difference In Popularity Also Plays A Role
Another cause of animosity between skiers and snowboarders is that one of them is far more popular than the other. No matter what slope you go on, you will always find more skiers than snowboarders. That’s because the market is much more saturated with skiers. There are some exceptions to that rule, however.
It’s not uncommon for there to be a wider proportion of snowboarders in suburban areas, but if you go to more rural areas, there are more skiers. Still, most figures put the split between skiers and snowboarders to 70-30.
While that split is heavily in favor of skiers, that’s not to discount snowboarders at all. There are still many snowboarders out there, so don’t expect to ever hit a slope and not see someone snowboarding. There will be many.
Tips for a Stress-Free Trip to the Slopes
The best thing to do to avoid any animosity between skiers and snowboarders is to always be safe on the slopes. This means there are some things every single person on the slope needs to take into consideration.
- Don’t obstruct any path: It is downright rude to obstruct any path, and it could cause serious injury to someone.
- Always be aware of your surroundings: Daydreaming is bad because it means you won’t be fully paying attention to what is going on around you. Paying attention to other people in the vicinity is crucial.
- Stay in control: When riding down a slope, you need to stay in control of your skis or snowboard. Losing control and crashing can create an obstruction or, worse, cause harm to someone.
- Check if anyone is coming behind you: If you’ve been taking a break and are going back on the slope, you need to look up the slope and be mindful of others coming down. Their speed will be greater because they have had a lot more distance to gather speed.
- Observe all signs: It’s not uncommon for certain trails to be closed off or for there to be a speed restriction in place. Be mindful of these signs so you don’t wind up in a troubling situation.
- Give new or younger people on the slopes extra room: This is an unwritten rule. People on the slopes will be at different levels.
- Don’t cut the ski lift line: A common way to create animosity is to cut through the ski lift line to meet a buddy. Don’t be that person. Wait your turn.
- Don’t loiter around the lift area: This is usually very busy with people coming in and out, and people standing waiting for people can cause a lot of problems.
- Do not leave any trash: You clean up after yourself in your house, so don’t leave people to clean up after you on the slopes.
- Make sure everyone in your party is mindful of health and safety: Newer skiers and snowboarders may not always be aware of the rules. Always make them aware to avoid any health and safety issues.
These are just some of the things you should be taking into consideration. Always think about whether what you’re doing would annoy you if the shoe was on the other foot. That should allow you to have a successful day on the slopes.
Skiers and Snowboarders Can Co-Exist
While it is commonly known that skiers and snowboarders hate each other, it is possible for the two sides to co-exist. Everyone is different, and that means they have their personal feelings on the matter. Still, skiers and snowboarders have managed to co-exist on the slopes for years.
The issues typically arise from the selfish actions of a few. The best foot forward for everyone would be to follow the rules and consider whether their actions will annoy other riders. If you are following the rules and not being a nuisance, everyone will be able to get along on the slopes.