As a 54 year old snowboarder I seem to be older than most of the pack but at least we're not all kids. I'll be honest in that I miss skiing but my knees don't like it when I ski so it was snowboard or stay off the hill. I choose the hill. I think though that some skiiers are envious of snowbaorders because we can stop and rest on the way down. What bothers them is not so much that we (as an old guy I need to rest sometimes) are sitting down but that we can in the first place. :-)

I started snowboardining in '91, the winter of hot pink and neon blue. Throughout the 90's, there was a visible ski vs. snowboard battle that erupted on the mountain, in the lodge and in the parking lot. I think it came from a country club mentality at most resorts in the 8o's. Since snowboarding was fairly new on the scene, most resorts hadn't opened the doors. Basically, boarders hadn't earned the right to ride at most resorts, even if they were for public recreation.

Snowboarders also had a rebellious vibe as well as being the primary outlet for skateboarders to discover the outdoors. As snowboards were generally less expensive and most boarders didn't take expensive lessons on the hill, they learned from their friends. This meant that a few important things were skipped over, fueling tension on the hill.

Snowboarders generally don't know the Responibility Code.

I beleive that to purchase a season pass or daily lift ticket, you should be given the code to review. It is all about education. Times have changed and boarders have earned their place in the lift line and the country club mentality is reserved for the golf course.

1. Always stay in control.

2. People ahead of you have the right of way.

3. Stop in a safe place for you and others.

4. Whenever starting downhill or merging, look uphill and yield.

5. Use devices to help prevent runaway equipment.

6. Observe signs and warnings, and keep off closed trails.

7. Know how to use the lifts safely.

KNOW THE CODE. IT'S YOUR RESPONSIBILITY.

This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.

Officially endorsed by: NATIONAL SKI AREAS ASSOCIATION.

I'd guess that if the reporter went back in two years to ask the skiers, they'd be on snowboards.

As for skiers vs. snowboarders, I think that no matter what the alpine recreational device de jour is, there will be stupid people doing stupid things on snow.  And yet still more stupid people behind the wheel to and from the mountain top.

-Sincerely

A displaced PNW snowboarder working in the other Washington and suffering through local resorts that boast of 'over 600 feet of vertical' with a lovely 15 inch base of artificial mush.