Imagine getting ready for a winter wonderland trip, packing your best gear and sharpening your snowboarding skills.
You land at your dream resort, only to find that they don’t allow snowboarding! What!? Don’t let your dreams go sideways because you failed to do your research. As a fellow snowboarder, I’m here to help. In this post, we’ll reveal resorts that don’t allow snowboarding and provide some tips and tricks to ensure a smooth ride on your next winter adventure.
Banff Ski Resorts
Welcome to Banff Ski Resorts, a skier’s paradise. Unfortunately, if you’re a snowboarder, you’ve come to the wrong place. Banff Ski Resorts, including Lake Louise Ski Resort, Banff Mount Norquay and Banff Sunshine Village, do not allow snowboarding. Don’t fret, there are still plenty of resorts that welcome snowboarders with open arms, but if you find yourself in Banff, you’ll need to leave the board at home. Pack your skis and let’s hit the slopes!
Lake Louise Ski Resort
Nestled in the pristine wilderness of Banff National Park, Lake Louise Ski Resort is a winter playground for skiers from around the world. While the resort boasts over 4,200 skiable acres, it’s not the kind of place that welcomes snowboarders. The resort’s official website makes it very clear that boarding is strictly prohibited on their slopes, which is a major disappointment for any snowboarders planning a trip to the Canadian Rockies.
While the reason behind the ban is not explicitly stated, it’s safe to assume that the resort wants to maintain the traditional skier-dominated atmosphere. This is not unusual for ski resorts that started as skiing-exclusive venues and have since maintained that tradition. However, with the popularization of snowboarding, many resorts have adapted to welcome both skiers and boarders. Unfortunately, Lake Louise Ski Resort has yet to embrace this trend.
But it’s not all bad news for snowboarders visiting the area. There are many other resorts in Banff that do allow snowboarding, such as Banff Mount Norquay and Banff Sunshine Village. And for those who still want to enjoy the stunning vistas and terrain of Lake Louise, there are guided snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice-skating experiences available.
In summary, while Lake Louise Ski Resort might not be an option for snowboarders, there are many other resorts in the area that offer that kind of winter fun. And whether you’re skiing or snowboarding, the natural beauty of Banff National Park is not to be missed.
Banff Mount Norquay
Banff Mount Norquay is a stunning ski resort in Canada that offers amazing views and a variety of activities for all ages. Unfortunately, snowboarders won’t be able to access this resort, as snowboarding is banned. It’s disappointing for snowboarders, but there are still plenty of other ski resorts in Banff that allow snowboarding. Make sure to check out the resorts on this list to find a place to hit the slopes on your snowboard. If you’re a skier, Banff Mount Norquay is definitely worth checking out. With over 190 skiable acres, 60 runs, and terrain parks, you’ll have plenty of options to keep you entertained. Additionally, the resort offers night skiing and tubing, making it a great destination for a family vacation or a night out with friends. Whether you decide to ski at Banff Mount Norquay or one of the other ski resorts in Banff, you’re sure to have a good time in this beautiful part of the world.
Banff Sunshine Village
Banff Sunshine Village is another resort in Banff that does not allow snowboarding. However, this resort claims to offer excitement and adventure for skiers of all levels. The resort boasts 3,358 acres of skiable terrain and has an impressive 12 lifts. Snowboarders will be disappointed to hear that they will miss out on the opportunity to experience the resort’s challenging terrain park and half-pipe, but skiers can hit it up without any problem. The resort offers ski and snowboard lessons, so if you’re a beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, they have got you covered. While snowboarders are not welcome at Banff Sunshine Village, this resort is definitely a must-visit for ski enthusiasts who love some good old-fashioned snow-covered slopes.
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort
Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is a premier ski resort located in Utah. With over 2,500 acres of skiable terrain, experts and beginners alike come to enjoy the challenging runs and picturesque mountain views. However, if you’re a snowboarder, you’ll have to look elsewhere. Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort is one of the few resorts that only caters to skiers, and they make that very clear with their policies.
When it comes to Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, it’s not just about not being allowed to snowboard, it’s about enforcing that rule. Not only are snowboarders not allowed on the mountain, but they actively enforce this by checking every rider’s equipment. If you try to sneak a snowboard onto the lifts or slopes, you will be removed from the mountain immediately. It’s important to respect their policies, as they only want to ensure the safety and enjoyment of their skiers.
While it may be frustrating to not be able to snowboard at Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort, there are plenty of other ski resorts in the area that cater to snowboarders. Park City Mountain Resort, Brighton Resort, and Solitude Mountain Resort are just a few examples of resorts in close proximity that allow snowboarding. So don’t let Snowbird’s policies deter you from enjoying a fun and safe snowboarding experience elsewhere.
Alta Ski Area
If you’re a snowboarder looking for a place to shred at Alta Ski Area, I’ve got some bad news for you. Alta is one of the few resorts in the US that prohibits snowboarding. Yikes. Although they have been sued over the banned snowboarding policy, they’ve managed to uphold it and continue to be skiers-only. So if you’re a fan of the freestyle park, save yourself the trouble and look elsewhere for your next winter wonderland. On the bright side, Alta is still an excellent resort for skiing enthusiasts, so just be sure to leave your snowboard at home.
Deer Valley Resort
Deer Valley Resort, located in Park City, Utah, is another resort that doesn’t allow snowboarding. Despite this, the resort is a popular destination for skiers due to its well-groomed runs and luxurious amenities.
Deer Valley Resort is known for its exceptional customer service and attention to detail. From the free ski valet to the gourmet restaurants, everything is designed to provide an upscale experience for the skiing enthusiast. In fact, Deer Valley Resort has been rated the #1 ski resort in North America by Ski Magazine numerous times.
But for snowboarders, this resort is off limits. The resort prides itself on providing a high-end skiing experience, which doesn’t align with the snowboarding culture. While some snowboarders may feel excluded or disappointed, it’s important to understand the resort’s mission and the type of experience they are trying to provide.
If you’re a snowboarder looking for a resort that caters to your specific needs, Deer Valley Resort isn’t the place for you. But for skiers, the resort offers an unparalleled experience that is worth the visit. From the stunning mountain views to the impeccable service, Deer Valley Resort is sure to leave a lasting impression on any ski enthusiast.
While it’s disappointing for snowboarders, it’s important to respect the rules and mission of each resort. And for those looking for a snowboarding-friendly resort, there are plenty of other options available.
Tips and Tricks for Finding Snowboarding-Friendly Resorts
When it comes to planning a snowboarding trip, it’s important to do your research beforehand. While there are some resorts that don’t allow snowboarding, there are plenty of others that cater specifically to snowboarders. So how can you find snowboarding-friendly resorts?
One option is to do a quick online search for snowboarding resorts in your desired location. Look for resorts that specifically mention their terrain parks or have snowboarding events advertised on their website. These are usually good indicators that the resort is accommodating to snowboarders.
Another option is to read reviews from other snowboarders. Online forums and social media groups dedicated to snowboarding can be great resources for finding snowboarding-friendly resorts. You can ask for recommendations or read through threads to see what other snowboarders have to say about their experiences.
It’s also important to consider the resort’s policies on snowboarding. Some resorts may allow snowboarding, but only on certain trails, while others may have restrictions on certain days or times. Make sure to check the resort’s website or call ahead to ask about their snowboarding policies.
Finally, don’t be afraid to reach out to the resort directly. Contact their customer service or guest services department and ask about their accommodations for snowboarders. They may be able to offer suggestions or provide more information on what you can expect during your stay.
By following these tips and doing your research beforehand, you can find a snowboarding-friendly resort that will provide you with the best experience possible. Happy shredding!