Tiger Tales

When Two Tribes Go to War

Their gear is different, their influences clash and they chart widely different courses. This season, snowboarders and skiers match up again in one of winter’s biggest rivalries. Leah Goulis reports

PHOTOGRAPHY SONDEREGGER CHRISTOF AT AGEFOTOSTOCK, KIT RUNDLE, TONY HARRINGTON, SHANNON PAWSEY, TONY HARRINGTON

It’s a sound that may send shudders down a skier’s spine… the swoosh of a snowboarder zooming down a ski slope. And while some boarders may find the threat of ski poles brandished in their direction all part of an innocent rivalry that resurfaces every winter, the question persists: can skiers and snowboarders, who both frequent the best ski resorts, co-exist on the same mountains?

“Totally!” says Lydia Lassila, Australian professional freestyle skier and 2010 Vancouver Olympics gold medallist. “It’s each to their own, really. I don’t have a problem with snowboarders, I just prefer skiing. For one thing, skiing is just way cooler than snowboarding!”

Alas, the friendly rivalry’s return is as predictable as winter’s arrival after fall. “You can go faster and you can go on any terrain, including the bumps where snowboarders can’t. You can get so much variety in skis these days to suit your style or level. You can get twin-tip skis that allow you to ski or land backwards, which is great for doing tricks in the terrain park. Or you can get fat wide skis that are awesome for skiing powder. The opportunities are endless!”

Head to the other side of the mountain, where Australian Holly Crawford – a 2010 Vancouver Olympics half-pipe snowboarder – tears it up, and it’s a different story. “Some people are just better at going sideways than others,” Holly hits back, insisting that snowboarders can have just as much fun as skiers. “With not very much terrain, you can still do a large variety of things to stay entertained. Boarding backwards is easier and you don’t have to look over your shoulder. In powder, you can glide over the top of the snow as opposed to sinking!”

But there is a downside to this modern-day winter sport. “Traversing on a snowboard is annoying and painful on the calves,” says Holly. “Having to unstrap to get across a flat, as well as unstrapping to load a chair, does my head in!”

Yes, competition on the slopes is alive and kicking. But what’s with the great divide? And why has the popularity of snowboarding become such an issue that some countries such as the US have gone so far as to ban boarders from slopes frequented by skiers? It all goes back to the newer sport’s humble beginnings.

In the 1960s, a Michigan man named Sherman Poppen dreamed up the idea that riding a single board down a ski slope would be much more fun than balancing on two skis – and many risk-takers agreed. Mountain resorts across America quickly became crowded with snowboarders. But the boarding boom lured many different personalities to the slopes, causing friction between boarders and skiers.

Snowboarders were, and still are, known as the daredevils of winter. Initially, the sport was mainly driven by skateboarders and punk personality-types – a culture that many skiers looked down their noses at. Skiing, on the other hand, has long been perceived as an elitist sport – typically attracting the types of people who could afford to vacation in the ski resort paradises of Aspen and Mont Blanc.

Of course, owing to their differing personalities and influences, the two cultures clashed, creating rifts on snow-capped peaks just about everywhere. Snowboarders tended to talk differently, wear different clothing and prefer their music louder than their counterparts on skis. What’s more, snowboarders had other forces working against them.

It wasn’t until 1977, when the sport became eligible for ski liability insurance, that many resorts around the world officially opened their doors to snowboarders. However, by 1991, a surge in popularity had occurred, with 85 percent of ski resorts granting equal access to boarders. Three years later, snowboarders accounted for 15 percent of the winter sports enthusiasts on the slopes.

While initially, snowboarding tended to appeal to the younger generation, these days it attracts people of all ages. In fact, it’s hard to believe that the one-boarded sport was only introduced at the Winter Olympics in 1998.

“These days the slopes around Australia are almost evenly divided – with 60 percent skiers to 40 percent snowboarders,” says Neil Thew, public relations manager at Perisher. “With the older generation, there are more skiers, and with younger groups, particularly those between the ages of 12 and 25, it’s the other way around.”

And now, with the likes of Australian 2010 Vancouver Olympics half-pipe gold medallist Torah Bright “cutting sick” on the half-pipes of Australia and New Zealand, it’s no surprise that the snowboarding contingent tends to crave something more than just a leisurely day on the slopes. Yes, expect long queues at resorts with halfpipes and rails!

Acknowledging past differences, Lydia says that while the competition between snowboarders and skiers on the slopes is alive and well, the antagonism isn't as in-your-face as it once was. "I guess there is an ongoing rivalry, but I've never noticed it when I'm out skiing around," she says. Snowboarder Holly has also noticed a change. "There has definitely been a rivalry of sorts over the years, but it is starting to dissipate as time goes on."

So, can the two tribes with such contrasting origins keep the peace on the slopes? Holly and Lydia have no doubt. "A lot of my friends are skiers and we quite happily co-exist," insists Holly.

Still, it wouldn't hurt for skiers to continue to keep an eye out for daredevil snowboarders approaching them from behind this winter!

THE AUSSIE SNOW SCENE

NEW SOUTH WALES – THREDBO / PERISHER

While New South Wales boasts a long list of ski resorts, Thredbo and Perisher welcome the most visitors. For long, hard runs, make your way to Thredbo. Or, if you’re keen to combine skiing and boarding with sightseeing, Perisher is rife with picturesque valleys.

Splurge: Lake Crackenback Resort Located on the outskirts of Kosciuszko National Park, this luxurious resort is roughly halfway between Perisher and Thredbo. A two-bedroom chalet with a mountain view costs about A$365/ S$432 per night. Tel: +61 (0)2 6451 3000, www.lakecrackenback.com.au

Save: The Station Resort For convenient budget accommodation, head to Lake Jindabyne Hotel – away from the pricey resorts on the slopes. A double room costs about A$150–$200/ S$178–$237 per night during peak season. Tel: +61 (0)2 6456 2203, www.lakejindabynehotel.com.au

One-day lift pass at Thredbo – A$103/ S$122
One-day lift pass at Perisher – A$105/ S$124

VICTORIA – MOUNT BULLER

A winter wonderland with a community feel, Mount Buller is the perfect place to practice your basic snow plough. Just a three-hour drive from Melbourne, this skiing hot spot boasts 3 million sqm of skiable terrain, and includes runs for everyone – whether you’re a boarder or skier, beginner or veteran.

Splurge: Mt Buller Chalet If alpine views and cosy log fires are your thing, check out Mt Buller Chalet. A luxurious king room costs about A$340/S$403 per night. Tel: +61 (0)3 5777 6566, www.mtbullerchalet.com.au

Save: Duck Inn A small boutique hotel, this cosy spot offers just about everything a you could want. A double room with ensuite is A$120/S$142 (including breakfast) per night. Tel: +61 (0)3 5777 6326, www.duckinnmtbuller.com

One-day lift pass at Mt Buller – A$99/ S$117

TASMANIA – BEN LOMOND

This family-friendly ski spot is Tasmania’s prestige alpine resort. Ben Lomond National Park boasts a massive 165 million sqm – and the views for boarders and skiers do not disappoint. All this just an hour’s drive from Launceston.

Splurge: For a true A-list experience away from the winter hustle and bustle, check out The Sebel Launceston.

A one-bedroom spa suite costs about A$239/S$283 per night on peak weekends. Tel: 13 15 15, www.mirvachotels.com

Save: Located in the historic village of Hadspen, Discovery Holiday Parks is conveniently located and budget-friendly. A standard self-contained cabin costs about A$100/S$120 per night. Tel: +61 (0)3 6393 7142

Ski hire and one-day lift pass – A$100/ S$118

CHOOSE A SIDE

THE SKI TRIBE

Helmet (useful when doing jumps or moguls)
Sunscreen
Warm gloves
Poles
Waterproof ski pants and jacket
Beanie
Goggles
Lip balm
Boots (that fit properly!)
Skis

TAKING THE GOOD WITH THE BAD

While having two boards to stand on is helpful when it comes to keeping your balance (especially if you're a beginner), and having poles helps with propulsion when skiing back country or on level ground, skiers tend to carry more equipment than snowboarders. Still, it's satisfying when you land a jump!

EXPERT SAYS

Katya Crema – Australian Olympic Ski Cross Athlete: "I think skiing is coming back in style! Snowboarding has slowly been phased out. Plus, you can go faster on skis!"

THE BOARD TRIBE

While it's not uncommon for winter sports enthusiasts to try out both snowboarding and skiing, everyone has a preference. But when starting out, how do you decide? Here's a primer to help first-timers on their way...

Beanie
iPod… to look cooler!
Elbow and knee pads and helmet (useful when performing tricks on the half-pipe)
Bindings
Board
Boots
Warm gloves
Waterproof ski pants and jacket
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Goggles

TAKING THE GOOD WITH THE BAD

While many beginners find that most of their time on the slopes is spent on their bums, once you get the hang of boarding, it can be great fun – especially after you've learned a few tricks on the half-pipe. But you'll always hear a groan or two when you hit the chairlifts, as boarders have to unbuckle their boots.

EXPERT SAYS

Ben Mates – Australian Olympic half-pipe snowboarder: "Snowboarding attracts a younger audience. The sound of a snowboard coming right up behind you can always give skiers a bit of a scare – something I must say I always enjoy doing!"