Do Snowboarders and Skiers Destroy Snow?

Unfortunately, snowboarders are not always well-liked by skiers. One of their (many) complaints is that snowboards harm the slopes. Is this, however, accurate? Do snowboarders destroy the snow?

Snowboarders do destroy snow, especially if the rider is inexperienced. This injury can be mitigated by avoiding side-sliding over long stretches of the slope. Skiers, like snowboarders, disturb the snow, although to a smaller extent.

As a snowboarder, I'm willing to lift my hands up and apologize for all of the slopes I've ruined over the years. Continue reading for the gruesome details...

Do Snowboarders and Skiers Destroy Snow?

How Do Snowboarders destroy Snow?

Disgruntled skiers frequently accuse snowboarders of damaging the snow on ski slopes. Over the years, I've had numerous heated debates on the ski lift!

It was only recently that I was willing to admit it. I've finally admitted it. Snowboarders do damage to the snow.

Listen up! Let's look at the areas where we stand accused before my snowboarding brothers and sisters disown me forever.

1. Powder.

Consider a lovely new powder field. A perfect powder slash on a snowboard is typically larger (and more attractive) than a ski turn.

What exactly is powder snowboarding?

However, one unavoidable consequence of this is the significant disruption to the fresh powder. This can result in deep groves, which some skiers argue destroys the powder.

What causes this to happen? Snowboards, by definition, cut deeper into the snow than skis. They feature one edge that slices into the powder, as opposed to two edges that keep a skier afloat. It isn't our fault!

2. Groomed Runs (Piste). 

A snowboarder's turning and stopping mechanics on a slope demand a lot of pressure on small places (the side of the snowboard). As a result, the snowboard will compact the snow faster than a skier performing the same movements.

Although this results in firmer groomed runs, it also raises the chance of exposing ice. Everyone, please accept my apologies!

Riders who side-slide huge stretches of steeper slopes exacerbate this. This tends to push all of the softer surface snow downhill, resulting in intermittent piles and icy spots.

Spoiler alert: this also occurs when skiers side-slide!

3. Kickers/Jumps. 

This is one area where I will not accept responsibility. Snowboarders are sometimes accused by skiers of flattening kickers or "mushing down" the sides.

This isn't only a snowboarding problem.

This is common when snowboarders or skiers ride too slowly over a jump. It can also occur when riding off the edge of a jump (which is weaker than the centre).

Do skiers destroy the snow?

Don't worry, this is rather common in the early stages of park riding. Most resorts allow it as part of park grooming. With practice, you'll learn where to launch from on the jump. Continue to hit those jumps!

Not All Snowboarders harm the Snow!

I can almost hear your skepticism from here. But it is correct. Snowboarders are not all made equal, nor do they all use the same equipment.

Some riders like small freestyle boards, while others prefer longer carving boards. Furthermore, there are significant skill differences between a beginning snowboarder and a seasoned rider.

Riders with less experience frequently make more mistakes when riding. This means that the inexperienced rider is more likely to chop up the snow or pack it down faster. They are also more prone to use the iconic falling leaf technique.

An expert snowboarder, on the other hand, can glide down slopes without causing major damage to the snow.

Different motions also produce varying degrees of damage to the snow. More snow damage is caused by sharp curves at fast speeds, rapid stops, and accidents. Because these movements are prevalent among rookie snowboarders, they increase the risk of injury.

To avoid irritating anyone while snowboarding, make sure you're experienced enough to ride down the slopes you're on.

Do Skiers Destroy the Snow?

I've shared the awful truth about my snowboarding buddies; now it's time for us to turn the tables on our two-planked pals. So, do skiers also destroy the snow?

Skiers do cause damage to the snow, particularly when rookie skiers tackle more challenging slopes after fresh snowfall. Because they execute more forceful spins and stops, inexperienced skiers can cause the snow to chop up and compact quickly. Skiers are also largely held responsible for the formation of moguls!

Skiers with experience can potentially destroy the snow on a slope. Advanced skiers, on the other hand, will destroy the snow at a far slower rate. This is comparable to snowboarders. However, because of the mechanics of a snowboard versus skis, snowboarders tend to destroy the snow faster than skiers.

Conclusion

Yes, snowboarders do Destroy the snow on the mountain. Skiers, on the other hand, cause similar damage to the slopes. It can't be avoided! The weight of individuals sliding across the snow compacts it into ice, destroying the surface.

What are you going to do with this information?

Nothing!

Skiers used to despise snowboarders, but that is no longer the case. At least, that's what I hope. If you're a skier looking to get away from your snowboarding friends, these ski resorts don't allow snowboarders.

Personally, I would strongly advise ignoring the age-old rivalry and joining in on the fun.

Any skiers out there who want to ride with some snowboarders are invited to join us. We can always spoil the snow together!

Enjoy your ride!