Western Ski Resort That Does Not Allow Snowboarding + 2 More

Skiing and snowboarding usually go hand in hand, but did you know that there are ski resorts that only allow skiers and prohibit snowboarders?

Read on to discover the top western ski resort that does not allow snowboarding, along with two other major American ski resorts that stick to this rule.

The Western Ski Resort That Does Not Allow Snowboarding

Typically, when people think of the western ski resort that does not allow snowboarding, most people think of the Alta Ski Area. However, there are two other ski resorts that do not allow snowboarding.

Keep reading as I dive into the Utah resorts that have a ski-only policy. 

Alta Ski Area

Alta Ski Resort is well-known for being a ski-only destination and is situated a 40-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City. 

It’s a top-notch Utah resort, famous for its fantastic powder, challenging slopes, and steep terrain designed for experienced skiers, making up 55% of its terrain. 

The resort is large like a winter playground, offering 2,614 skiable acres for skiers to enjoy. 

Despite some legal challenges and attempts to change the policy, Alta continues to be exclusively for skiers.

Deer Valley Resort

Deer Valley, just a 40-minute drive from downtown Salt Lake City, is known for not allowing snowboarding.

It’s a luxurious resort famous for hosting events during the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, like freestyle moguls and alpine slalom. With 2,026 skiable acres, it offers plenty of terrain for skiers to enjoy. 

Deer Valley provides a wealth of terrain designed for beginners and intermediate skiers, and though they do offer some expert areas, Alta tends to focus more on accommodating advanced skiers.

Over half of Alta’s terrain is tailored for those with expert skills, making it the perfect place for skiers looking to hit black diamonds or double-black diamond slopes.

For beginner or intermediate skiers wanting an exclusive skiing experience, Deer Valley is the perfect destination.

If you’re craving expert-level slopes, Alta is my recommended choice.

The Eastern Ski Resort That Does Not Allow Snowboarding

When considering destinations that don’t allow snowboarders, Utah ski resorts often come to mind, but it’s not the only state with such restrictions. Surprisingly, there is a resort in Vermont that also adheres to this policy.

Vermont’s Mad River Glen

Mad River Glen stands out as one of Vermont’s initial and noteworthy ski destinations, renowned for its iconic single chair lift. 

The resort gained fame for prioritizing the sport of skiing over purely profit-driven motives. 

While it did embrace snowboarders in the mid-1980s, the resort reversed its stance just a few years later, prohibiting snowboarding.

Presently, Mad River Glen maintains its exclusive focus on skiers, upholding the ban on snowboarding and is a popular spot in Vermont for skiers.

Our Thoughts On Ski-Only Resorts

Whether you’re a fan of ski-only resorts or not, our personal preference leads us to visit resorts that welcome both skiers and snowboarders. 

This is because I enjoy skiing, while my husband prefers snowboarding. We opt for resorts that accommodate both skiing and snowboarding, allowing us to ride together and experience the same terrain.

Despite other peoples legal attempts to make these ski resorts more inclusive, they have maintained their ski-only status in the United States.

If you support the ski-only rule, that’s perfectly fine. However, if you’re seeking alternative resorts in Utah that cater to both skiers and snowboarders, consider exploring popular destinations like Park City Resort, Snowbird, Powder Mountain, and Solitude Mountain Resort.

If you are looking for other East Coast, Vermont resorts, that embrace both skiing and snowboarding, consider checking out Stowe, Killington, or Stratton.

I’ve personally visited Snowbird, Solitude, Stowe, and Killington, and I can attest to each of the resort’s fantastic terrain, good snow, and the welcoming attitude of the staff towards both skiers and snowboarders at each destination.

FAQs About Ski Resorts That Do Not Allow Snowboarding

Continue reading below as I answer some frequently asked questions about the resorts in North America that have snowboarding bans.

What ski resorts are snowboarding not allowed?

Alta, Deer Valley, and Mad River Glen are the ski resorts that do not allow snowboarding. 

Why does Deer Valley not allow snowboarders?

Most people believe that Deer Valley does not allow snowboarders because of safety reasons.

Why can’t you snowboard at Mad River Glen?

The previous owner, Betsy Pratt, ran into some problems with the resorts main ski lift.

This was because the single lift did not have a raised platform for getting off the chair so many snowboarders were having to push off the lift which then caused the chair to derail from the wheels.

She believed this caused safety issues for skiers and snowboarders so the resort implemented a snowboard ban.

They have decided to keep this rule from the 1980s and it still exists to this day.

Is snowboarding getting banned in Utah?

No, snowboarding is not getting banned in Utah. While two resorts currently ban snowboarding, other Utah resorts do not have plans to follow suit. 

Why are there no snowboarders at Alta?

Alta has a no snowboarding policy which is why there are no snowboarders at Alta.

Final Thoughts On The Western Ski Resort That Does Not Allow Snowboarding

The Western ski resorts that stick to its no-snowboarding rules are Alta and Deer Valley. Mad River Glen in Vermont also upholds this principle.

They offer a special experience for those who love skiing. These resorts are all about skiing, showing a strong connection to the history and tradition of the sport. 

While some might question these rules, these resorts stay true to their mission of providing a specific and focused space for skiing fans.

Whether you’re just starting or consider yourself an expert, these resorts give skiers a unique and tailored environment to enjoy their favorite winter activity.

Although these resorts prioritize skiing, and as skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts, our preferences may differ, we admire their dedication to the popular sport.

If you are seeking destinations that embrace both skiers and snowboarders, we recommend exploring the incredible ski town and resort of Park City or another top spot in Utah, Snowbird. 

In Vermont, if you’re looking for a resort accommodating both skiing and snowboarding, consider checking out Stowe or Killington for great resorts to enjoy during the ski season.