Snowboarding has become an essential part of ski culture across North America, but three ski resorts continue to prohibit the sport entirely. While most mountains eventually embraced snowboarding, Mad River Glen, Alta, and Deer Valley have maintained their ski-only policies for decades. A new video from PeakRankings explores how snowboarding managed to overcome widespread resistance from the ski industry and why these three resorts continue to keep snowboarders off their slopes.
How Snowboarding Won Over the Ski Industry
When modern snowboards emerged in the late 1970s, many ski resorts were reluctant to allow them. Concerns included insurance coverage, equipment limitations, chairlift safety, and the rebellious reputation associated with early snowboard culture.
By the 1984-85 season, only around 40 American ski resorts allowed snowboarders. However, improved equipment, successful safety demonstrations, and the sport’s growing popularity gradually changed attitudes.
By 1989, more than 400 American ski resorts had opened their slopes to snowboarders. Major holdouts followed over the next two decades, with Taos Ski Valley becoming the final major North American resort to lift its ban in 2008.
The Three Resorts That Still Ban Snowboarding
Mad River Glen in Vermont banned snowboarding across the mountain beginning in the 1991-92 season after earlier operational problems involving its iconic single chairlift. Today changing the policy requires approval from two-thirds of its cooperative shareholders.
Alta Ski Area in Utah briefly allowed snowboarders in the early 1980s before reinstating its ban in 1984. The resort has continued to defend its ski-only policy based on its challenging terrain and established customer base. A legal challenge in 2014 failed to overturn the restriction.
Deer Valley Resort in Utah has never allowed snowboarding since opening in 1981. The resort built its reputation around premium service, meticulously groomed terrain, and controlled mountain capacity. Even its major ongoing expansion will retain the snowboard ban.
Will the Remaining Bans Ever End?
There is little indication that any of the three resorts will reverse course soon. Alta manages peak visitation with parking reservations, Mad River Glen has reported strong financial performance, and Deer Valley continues attracting customers willing to pay their premium prices. Economic pressures may have eventually convinced other resorts to welcome snowboarders, but the remaining holdouts have strong incentives to preserve their ski-only identities.