Think your skiing or snowboarding opinion would start an argument? You’re certainly not alone. We asked our followers over on the Unofficial Networks Facebook to reveal their most controversial opinions about skiing and snowboarding, and the responses quickly turned into a debate over skiers, snowboarders, expensive passes, modern equipment, resort culture, and some of the most famous ski areas in the continent.
Some opinions were predictable and really not that controversial. Others were considerably more divisive. From arguments over snowboarders in powder to criticism of fat skis and touring, the responses showed just how differently people view the same sport.
Skiers and Snowboarders Still Cannot Agree
The long-running skier versus snowboarder debate was one of the biggest sources of controversy. One commenter argued that snowboarding is for failed skiers, while another criticized the idea of snowboarders side slipping through powder in the trees. Ski-only resorts also came under fire, with one response calling ski-only areas elitist and outdated.
Alta and Deer Valley were specifically mentioned because of their continued snowboard restrictions. Those policies remain a particularly obvious dividing line between the two sides of the sport, with some riders viewing them as an unnecessary holdover while others continue to defend the traditional character of ski-only areas.
Modern Ski Gear Is Not Safe From Criticism
Equipment was another major target. One skier declared that short skis are terrible, while another argued that today’s skiers are often relying on fat skis instead of developing stronger carving skills. Snowboarding’s channel binding systems also receiving a blunt assessment.
Speakers at ski areas became part of the debate, even though it’s not necessarily that controversial of an opinion. One commenter argued that nobody needs to hear someone else’s music on the mountain and suggested that riders should focus on safety instead.
Equipment has changed dramatically over the years, but not everyone believes every change has made the sport better.
Epic Pass and Ikon Pass Take Heavy Fire
The modern ski industry itself also received plenty of criticism. Multiple commenters singled out the Epic Pass, Ikon Pass, and the growing influence of large resort corporations. One opinion described the combination of Vail Resorts, Epic Pass, and Ikon Pass as among the worst developments for the sport.
Another stated that Epic and Ikon have made skiing increasingly expensive outside their networks. A separate comment criticized what it described as an oligopoly of major pass operators and said smaller ski areas have lost some of their unique personalities.
These are pretty familiar arguments among skiers and snowboarders, and probably not what one would consider “controversial”.
The Controversy Goes Beyond Resort Politics
Other responses got a bit more controversial, challenging some of the sport’s most common assumptions. One commenter argued that simply skiing or riding does not automatically get someone into shape. Another dismissed skiing backwards as pointless, while another questioned the value of ski touring altogether.
There were even opinions about professional skiing, including one commenter who argued that Shaun White is overrated. Overall the responses show that there’s nearly no part of skiing or snowboarding that’s safe from criticism. Whether the argument is about equipment, resort policies, pass prices, skiing technique, or the people sharing the mountain, the people clearly have plenty to say.