Runaway snowboard @ Val Thorens Ski Resort
Runaway snowboard @ Val Thorens Ski Resort

In the early days of snowboarding ski resorts required riders to wear leashes that attached the snowboard to the lower leg as it was viewed as dangerous not to have an automatic break mechanism like skis.

As snowboards became more mainstream and resort authorities got comfortable with the reliability of snowboard binding staying attached to boards, these policies eventually went away but occasionally there are instances of runaway snowboards usually caused by riders mishandling their equipment while strapping in at the top of the hill.

Unclear what the cause of this runaway snowboard at Val Thorens Ski Resort in the French Alps but it was likely user error. It is by sheer luck this snowboard turned missile didn’t smash into a guest as it gained momentum on its downhill slide and we are thankful it didn’t.

Its not often discussed how important it is for snowboarders to keep hold of their boards as they strap in. Thankfully incidents like are rare but worth highlighting as a cautionary tale.

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