Rivalry, controversy continues to surround ski-only resort lawsuit


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LITTLE COTTONWOOD CANYON — The snowboard versus skier rivalry heated up Thursday a day after a group of snowboarders filed a lawsuit against Alta saying their "no snowboarder" policy is discriminatory.

This suit has tapped into some old, simmering emotions. People can be pretty passionate about their right to slide down whatever mountain they like, however they like.

There are tinges of anger on a YouTube video where Alta skiers are reacting to the idea of snowboarders at the resort. One responder testily said boarders should just "go to Snowbird."

Social media was buzzing on the topic Thursday with comments like:

"Snowboarders can use Alta all they want to. They just have to use it while skiing."

"I've defended Alta's skier's only policy because I'm a skier. But I have to admit the snowboarders' argument has merit."

Getting the debate rolling is a part of the lawsuit, said Drew Hicken, one of the snowboarders suing Alta. He said his goal is to eliminate the rivalry between skiers and snowboarders.

"I don't see it even in Deer Valley, they don't harbor that animosity," Hicken said. "Alta for some reason — you know partly the management has created it &mdash and it exists there stronger than ever.

The lawsuit targets the fact that most of Alta is on Forest Service land and not privately owned land like the other resorts that don't allow boarders such as Deer Valley and Vermont's Mad River Glen.

Differences definitely exist, but there are those who can see both sides.

"For the most part, I think everybody gets along and just enjoys being outside," said skier Matt Dimock.

"I'd go if Alta was open to snowboarders, I'd go. But I'm not upset that it isn't because there's plenty of choices for us," said snowboarder Chris Bertram.

Again Thursday, Alta Ski Resort officials declined to respond to the lawsuit or to the animosity and rivalry that exist, partly due to the resort's own marketing campaign.

Contributing: Peter Samore

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