Wow, I love it when multiple loves are catered to in one forum!
I have taught snowboarding for 8 seasons now. I also tele and ski too. However boarding is my preference. I am also a fully certified AASI and PSIA instructor for both disciplines.
For those hot dog skiers, the maneuvers they are pulling wouldn't be possible without boarders. If you're riding a shaped ski, you basically have two snowboards on your feet. That is snowboard technology that has made skiing "cool" again.
In regards to who owns the mountain? Almost pointless, enjoy it. But, over the last ten years snowboarding is the fastest growing segment in the snow industry. At the same time, skiing was on a decline until approximately the last three seasons, and has now started to approach previous levels, and again is showing some growth.
Look at the trends in the snow industry. The last bastions of bigotry, and that is closed-mindedness, towards snowboarding on a corporate level have almost been all but obliterated. Aspen in CO opened all of their slopes to boarders just three seasons ago, and since has hosted the Winter XGames. Boarders mean business. They have changed snow riding.
What has made skiing fresh again? Boarding. What opened up new and unexplored terrain on the mountain? Boarding.
As for ease of learning, I can take any out of shape, middle aged, middle classs, midwest housewife and get her on skis and down a green trail safely in a days lesson no problem. Snowboarding doesn't come that quickly. It takes at least a day for the majority of riders, regardless of age/background to really be at a safe level to hit a trail other than designated learning areas.
There are always exceptions to these rules. However, after averaging over 120 days a season for 8 years, these are some of the observations I call from. The facts are things that working as a professional in the industry I HAVE to know in order to make the impact that is needed.
For those who still feel inclined to pigeon hole boarders and/or skiers, I can honestly say that both factions have people who participate in those disciplines that need help.
It is everyone's responsibility to follow/maintaing the skiers and riders code of conduct. Unfortunately it doesn't always happen. If you can, take the time to educate. Some folks honestly don't understand/know they shouldn't stop in middle of slopes, in blindspots, etc.
Many times a boarder is a boarder because of cost. Cost of board,bindings and boots for entry level is much lower than skis/boots/bindings,polls.
And lets face it... a large majority from both factions, due to money, do not take lessons and do not learn properly. They do not learn the rules or etiquette of the slopes.
If you see these people, again, educate them is possible. It will hopefully make theirs, yours, and all people's on the slopes a more enjoyable and safe time.
If I ever see a person in need, regardless if I am working with another class, I help them. skier/boarder, it doesn't matter. I try and give them pointers, give them insight to the best way down the mountain for them, and ALWAYS advocate getting proper instruction before they try again.
I have never hesitated to pull a pass, as is my duty, from boarder or skier due to negligence. I have been hit by both (even when in uniform on multiple occasions), cursed out by both, and disappointed in both. However, it happens. You just have to be the bigger person. If you aren't it certainly doesn't help anything.
So, enjoy what you do, help those who need help regardless of their preference. And remember, there will always be jerks. If am not mistaken, I have even met a few XJ's on the trails that didn't do things in the way that we think is appropriate. : ) So hit the slopes, and enjoy!
Sorry for the rant, but it is something I am passionate about, and believe education/safety and the need for understanding/cooperation is needed between boarders and skiers. You enjoy what you do, great! Let others enjoy what they do too!
First chair! Let's go...
field trip to Park City, Utah for some sledding?
