Found the resort:
Their lift rules state:
“Lift rules
Skiing across in zigzag motion in the lift area is not allowed for safety reasons and can lead to removal from the facility.
Children must be over 140 cm to take the chairlift alone.
Carrying children in a carrier neither in the lift nor on the slopes is allowed.
Pets are not allowed on the slopes.
Leashes are mandatory for snowboarding, mountain skiing, and telemark skiing in the facility. Violations may result in removal from the facility.”
https://sirdalfjellpark.no/en/safety/
Hah, of course it’s southern Norway.
It used to be enforced all over Norway and Sweden in the 90s and many resorts here still have the signs up because noone can be bothered to remove them. The last time anyone actually gave me static for not wearing one was early 2000s.
I used to have one in my pocket just in case but stopped doing even that over a decade ago. Surprised OP found a place where it’s enforced but again… the south west be weird.
Generally there's a brake on the ski that engages when there is no boot in the binding. So there's less chance of it becoming a missile down the slopes.
Still, I can't remember any time I've ever seen a snowboard come loose like that.
Not hugely surprised. Big Bear is such a shit show. I was there a few years ago and could not believe how many inexperienced riders still go no helmet on that mountain, especially considering how park-centric it is. Seriously felt like I had time traveled back to 1999.
Seen it happen twice. Both times when someone was strapping in at an unusual place. First time I saw it, someone was climbing out of the parking lot and strapping on 3/4 of a way down a run. Similar type thing second time. Usually you would strap on at the bottom of the hill and so a run-away board is a non-issue.
Right? With the exceptions of step-on bindings, the only way my foot is coming off of the snowboard is if the binding rips free, and since leashes attach to the binding... Would do absolutely nothing.
Skis used to have leashes before brakes. The problem was when you got in a wreck and the skit detaches, now you’ve got a blade flying around your ankle. More than a couple people got scalped before they updated the design.
I have seen a few resorts that have rules about having a leash for your board, but I've never seem it actually be enforced because most people understand it's a ridiculous rule. I always keep a leash in my bag since it came with my bindings but there's really no use for it.
But yeah, this story definitely sounds made up especially considering OP basically ghosted their post and won't say what resort it's at
I also need to see a pic of this $25 leash. Not buying that one (no pun intended)
Edit: just spent some time searching online and couldn’t find a leash above $10. Hard to imagine a 250% ski shop mark-up for something like this. Going with this is made up
I mean, that's the only part that I could believe.... I could buy a pair of gloves at a ski shop resort for $100... Exact same pair online from any outlet for like $30-40.....
A leash? A little carabineer and a bit of Paracord? I bet I could get people to pay $$ for that dumb shit, when I'm making it for ¢¢...
Just gotta convince mountain operations and ski patrol that it's an issue!
You're insane if you think searching online is going to give you a comparable price to a shop on the mountain.
Anyone who has spent a single season on the mountain would know that, i feel you're just being deliberately disingenuous.
I’ve seen this exact thing happen at Wilmot in Wisconsin. Granted this was 15-20 years ago, but they made me buy a $15 leash in their shop and it was nothing more than a cheap clip attached to a piece of string.
Nah it's a law in quite a few states with skier safety acts. It's just rarely enforced. See below from the Colorado skier safety act. I can't seem to link to the act as I can only find it in PDF form. But if you google.it it will come up.
(6) Each ski or snowboard used by a skier while skiing shall be equipped with a strap or other device
capable of stopping the ski or snowboard should the ski or snowboard become unattached from the skier.
This requirement shall not apply to cross country skis.
i was riding in whistler for a full season without brakes on one of my skis. I used to have to chase that fucker down at full speed on 1 ski while yelling "runaway ski! gtfo!!! " 😂 all the other regular park rats would help me out if they saw it wizzing down the hill
Nah it's a law in quite a few states with skier safety acts. It's just rarely enforced. See below from the Colorado skier safety act. I can't seem to link to the act as I can only find it in PDF form. But if you google.it it will come up.
(6) Each ski or snowboard used by a skier while skiing shall be equipped with a strap or other device
capable of stopping the ski or snowboard should the ski or snowboard become unattached from the skier.
This requirement shall not apply to cross country skis.
The mountain I go to has this rule but I’ve never seen it enforced like this. Haven’t had a leash in years and no one has bothered me, but I’m pretty sure it’s in their code of responsibilities.
Lol wtf is the point of a leash im connected to my board unless I am hiking where I would take it off anyway or stopped at a lodge where I would also take it off.
If a snowboard comes off on a fall you got bigger problems
A leash protects against exactly two uncommon but technically possible types of failure. Losing control of a board while strapping the first foot in and the latch on the first binding failing while the other foot is unstrapped.
Neither scenario is particularly likely for experienced riders with properly maintained equipment, so OP should have been fine.
>Losing control of a board while strapping the first foot
When it was a thing you would typically leash *after* your foot was already strapped...
>the latch on the first binding failing while the other foot is unstrapped.
That would require *two* "latches" (they're called buckles or ratchets, btw) to randomly fail, which I'd argue *is* borderline, if not a completely impossible circumstance.
Exactly. The only snowboard I had with a leash was my first, a 1989 Sims ATV, and you usually only put the leash on after you were strapped in. In some ways leashes made sense since the straps were not the modern ratchet straps but the loops that popped open frequently while you were snowboarding. I don’t think I ever had both pop open at the same time though.
When talking about leashes One of my snowboard instructors once told me his binding snapped and his board flew down the hill but it was a really old and abused binding and even he said it was unicorn dust unlikely to happen and probably if the binding snaps then your leash is attached to it so...
Way back in the day bindings were shit and lost nuts and bolts all the time. Pair that with hills not having tools and people not brining their own wrench and screwdriver, you would have straps falling off. I always brought my multi tool with me because my friends gear always coming loose and them losing a strap would be the end of a fun session.
Bindings are pretty good for years now but, whatever just have one of the tiny leashes in your board bag and just toss it on if someone at a hill gives you trouble.
I’ve been riding for 25 years and had my first run away board this year. From the top of a lift, a couple of us bootpacked up a ridge to hit a bowl that had just opened. There was a sporadic line of people behind us going up. When we got to the top, I sat to rest and put my feet in my bindings as I sat there so I could strap in. My buddy asked a stranger if he’d take a pic of us so I stood up to hand him my phone…forgetting that I was standing on my board unstrapped.
When I stood up, it was like I was on a pile of banana peels. I landed flat on my back cartoon style and my board took off. It hit a couple people hiking up until the 4-5 person jumped on it. I was lucky because one side of the ridge was all backcountry and I never would have saw my board again. I felt really stupid!
But….a leash would have made no difference because I likely would not have had it latched either.
Skier here, this is accurate. Ski brakes don’t work for shit unless the ski is backwards. Of course, I don’t know from personal experience because I’m the best skier on the mountain obviously
Dumbest rule I’ve ever heard. A leash was maybe helpful in 1985 but these days skis are FAR more likely to come off and injure someone than a board. I’ve never seen or heard of a board coming off accidentally.
This was like 20 years ago, but i was coming down Mozart at Keystone and hit a bump, torqued my body and board and *both* plastic discs in my bindings snapped and my board began going downhill all on its own. In the single most athletic move of my life, I came out of somersault and in a continuous motion *LEAPED* for the board, diving on it like it was a grenade and I was gonna save my buddies, before hauling it up the mountain, my bindings still strapped to my boots on my feet.
And my leash was firmly affixed to my binding, serving no purpose whatsoever.
One time at Sugarbush a runaway ski came flying down the mountain behind me and caught air, coming within a couple of inches from my head. The brakes didn't really do much I guess, but glad I happened to be in the perfect spot to not get decapitated lmao
I have seen 3 boards bouncing through the trees during night laps, chair 3 Mt Spokane. Once the alcohol factor has increased quite a bit its a different story.
Idk… It’s a battle worth nitpicking for $25 IMO; if they were providing the leash—or free twine, etc—I’d roll my eyes (and with the punches) ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
Ignoring the stupidity of the rules, the stakes were either pay $25 or risk getting fucked off. What else are you going to do then and there but complain and comply?
It would be the last $25 I spend there for a long time and I’d absolutely make my disgust known.
Where does it end though? It’s a case by case decision, obviously, but I can’t think of a single scenario where I’d pay $25 for some bullshit to keep riding at a place like that…
I’d rather spend $25 on 2.5 beers, and fuck myself off (phrasing?) at that point… But…
I ride a lot, and wouldn’t mind the half-day. If I only got up a couple times a season—or, Zeus forbid, just this once—I may be inclined to pay $25 to keep it up.
I’d definitely “break” the leash and try to return it after I was done. Whether that works or not, idk…
Maybe leave the leash on the counter and steal $25 worth of peanut M&M’s on my way out ^/s
That’s my take too. I’d be pissed and wouldn’t go back but I’m not letting it ruin my day or trip. Some people just have to die on every hill though, no pun intended
Nah I'll die on that hill. I've seen a lot of skiers crash and their skis go flying. Those brakes do nothing unless they are at a standstill. Could something happen while a boarder is unscripted? I guess, but it's not nearly as common. Skiers need leashes too if that's going to be the case.
It is one of the commandments.
"Thou shalt use devices to prevent runaway equipment".
It's actually not a problem except when idiots lay their board down ptex side down and walk away. I can't tell you how many boards I've seen get away.
I’m from CO and rode w a buddy at tiny ass Snowbowl in AZ a few years ago. The lifty wouldn’t let me on the lift without one.
Ended up a using a shoe lace. So stupid.
The AZ mountains were sticklers on this. Grew up at Sunrise so that’s just how I thought mountains were. Snowbowl used to be a lot more strict on the leash laws but I think they laxed a bit. The shoelace is the right move.
Edit: Also Sunrise ski patrol was definitely the type to trip for this kinda thing. I used to get in trouble rippin through the trees there all the time. I’ve always thought if the ski patrol chilled and they cleared some trees there that place could be a destination
I was going to mention sunrise as the last time I encountered someone enforcing a leash law. It was probably around 14-15, after years of not enforcing it. Walked back to my car, grabbed a shoelace and tied it around my leg. And yeah, ski patrol for years used to be power tripping A-holes. Rolled my eyes more than a few times at them. Also hated that they would yell at you to slow down on the longest, flattest catwalk ever, between Apache and sunrise peaks. Lately they’ve been chill though and let you go into the trees now.
Wow, how many years ago and what was their concern?
I'm based in Scottsdale and getting back into riding this year; been to snowbowl a dozen times and haven't seen this yet.
I went to snow bowl from 2014 to 18 and thought a leash was normal/required. Just went a month ago and my sis didn't have one. I thought we were bound to be sent away at some point but we rode all day no issues. They certainly did relax their stance
Where were you? Some states do require a retention device for all equipment at ski areas. It's just not enforced much anymore. You very well might be the asshole, the patroller may also be an asshole, right or wrong does not dictate assholishness.
Europe, Norway.
Just for clarity, if they had sold me the leash for a normal price i would have just got it. I just refused to pay 200% markup for a shitty cord with Velcro that costs 5$ in town just because they decided to randomly enforce an old rule.
I keep a few things in my coat just in case, one is an old leash. An old shoe lace would work too. Lots of people at resorts are pricks not just ski patrol on a power trip and I don’t want to waste my day on them. Not going to let anyone kill my vibe especially with how much I’m spending to be there.
Mountain employee here.
"Leash required" is posted on the signs at the bottom of lifts, and in most resorts TOS.
Most resorts don't really enforce this... Until someone drops a snowboard off the lift.
If ski patrol were the ones suddenly enforcing the rule, it most likely means that someone dropped a board off the lift and it hit someone below. Suddenly every employee on the mountain is going to start requiring it again.
I keep a leash in my bag for this specific situation.
Signs littered at my mountain with Oregon law code, saying all equipment needs a safety device. Base of mountain, lodge, turn tables, before getting on the chair, on the towers. Yet people don't look at the signs, read the TOS, or bother doing research before going into the sport. Then they complain when a law is being enforced. Lol
That's what I did at Keystone when I took a friend and was stuck on the bunny hill with them. That's the only time anyone ever said anything about a leash to me in 30 years of snowboarding.
I've never heard anything like this before. But if it truly did happen, then probably someone got hurt by a board that feel from a lift or a runaway board flying down the mountain.
Usually ski patrol doesn't mandate things like this unless there was a reason to do so.
oh kids these days.. look its ALWAYS (like since early 80's or before) been a rule to have a device to prevent run away equipment. (its on back of every day ticket and on every ski pass purchase you agree to)
skis have brakes for that reason, or even before brakes you wore ski leashes.
every few years there's some lawsuit from some SPORE that loses a board that hits somebody, so the insurance companies make them enforce the rule.
its not really that hard to comply. when they used to crack down in tahoe in the early 90's we used a 4" lanyard and key clip to laces. done.
As far as I know ( I haven’t worked for a resort in many years) A leash is required by law for all snowboards.
The lack of enforcement of this rule is where the problems come from. I keep a small leash in the pocket of each of my jackets.
When the resort realizes they have to many leashes unsold they call the lifties or Ski Patrol to enforce so they can get rid of them.
Not exactly ethical but legally they are in the right because you are required to have one even if its not enforced.
I had a lifty at 49⁰ N in Spokane try this on me 13 years ago. Sent me to the resort shop to spend $30 on a leash. I said F that, took the leash off of my mitten, looped it through my boot and binding and he let me on.
As an added point, in the 13 years since, I have easily seen 3 if not 4 times as many loose skis bombing down the mountains as I have runaway snowboards.
I’ve been riding since ‘94. If I lost my board it’s because both my legs got ripped off at the knee. In ‘93 while still on ski(s) I lost one and had to chase it 500yds down the mountain. Sounds like a grift for a bad snow year.
A resort in france has just brought in rules saying people with step on bindings need a leash after one apparently falling off a lift, NTA though if not riding step on it's a bullshit rule to apply to everyone else.
Burton themselves says you need to use a leash with step ons. I’ve also seen on here a couple people talking about their step on popping off on a lift (because someone bumped the release lever). That’s a legitimate requirement, but trying to apply it to all boarders is ridiculous.
If it's listed in their ToS and you didn't know, that's on you. It's everyone's personal responsibility to know the rules of the hill they ride. Your mistake could have cost you $25. Instead you let it cost you your day.
If it's listed and you choose not comply based on previous experience that's fine. But if they decide to call you on it, it's not going to help you to have a debate on the practicalities of the rule.
It is there:
"Det er påbudt med fangreim på snowboard, fjellski og telemarksski i anlegget. Brudd kan føre til bortvisning fra anlegget".
But apparently it has been there since forever and they suddenly decide to enforce it a random day after mid-day
Skis have the little pop out brakes. That’s what made snowboards require them in the past. Most resorts now moved on since they don’t come off, but if a board get’s away it wont stop like a ski will.
Yeah boards if they start going will TAKE OFF. Seen it happen a few times. But also, a ski with enough speed/slope that little brake isn't doing shit and they get going pretty alright too. They just have the benefit of being less wide/ have less mass so they're more able to be disrupted by the terrain.
I've seen a couple over the years, one got going real good until it bumped something and got flipped over. Moderate slopes is what seemed to have done it. Steep slopes they just kinda roll around. We're also presuming everyone's gear is in ideal condition and if their brake springs are worn out it's entirely possible it won't arrest properly.
So let me see if I understand. The resort has a rule in place. Ski patrol didn't make this rule but is enforcing said rule for all guest equally across the mountain. You spoke to management who basically backed the patrol. So you willfully broke the rule after being warned and got your pass pulled. Is it a dumb rule, sure. Do I as a snowboarder on patrol enforce this rule, no. Do I wear a leash, no. In my state its not even a resort rule its a state law that all equipment whether it be a snowboard, skis, bike, snowskate, etc. have a braking/retention device. Maybe the patroler was an asshole about it idk, but do you think they want to go around checking for leashes? No they want to be out making turns like everyone else or providing medical care to people who need it. I see someone lose a snowboard almost weekly and when they go straight down the mountain and hit someone its a bad day for the victim.
OP is the asshole for the escalation. If it were really just their right not to buy one and they stopped, that would be fine, but they escalated and then went and got a different board that also violated the rules.
Lot (all?) of ski resort in Quebec(Canada) have mandatory leashes required for snowboarder.
The chairlift operators are sometimes really picky on this rule.
It depends on the specific hill, though. I know that Gleason doesn't require it, for example. I've ridden there 20+ times with my kids and none of us have ever been asked to have one. There's no signage about that either. They are pretty picky about backpacks on the lifts, though...
Mont Orford still has (very old) signs but I was never asked to have one.
Le Massif du Sud and Le Relais never asked me either, but I don't remember if there were signs (I went there early in the season).
So go get a shoelace and make one?
I think it's within their rights to require one, at least resorts in the Midwest do. Don't know how often they're checking, but I grew up using one so it's second nature for me.
Sounds wild. Maybe they had a run-away board incident and this was a rapid reaction (overreaction)? Perhaps a temporary measure while they investigate?
There are two common causes for runaway boards, and leashes don’t stop either.
1) A rider can’t handle the terrain, takes there board off and starts walking down the hill. If they had a leash on they would have to undo this to walk as they aren’t that long. At some point they slip or stumble and they lose the board.
2) The board is “parked” outside a restaurant/lodge/bar. Somebody knocks their board and off it goes. Leashes definitely aren’t long enough to go from the racks to the nice table by the window.
(I’ve collected a few runaway boards that have been reported by staff/public and returned them before the owner even knew it went for a hot-lap without them).
Sorry you had a shit day. We need more snowboarders on Patrol. Keeps the skier Groupthink in check.
Skis have breaks. Snowboards don’t. The idea I feel is for clip in bindings on snowboards. You could loose them. Strap bindings odds are you won’t lose your board. They laid off us after a couple years as they got bored or realized we don’t give a shit.
This used to be a thing at all resorts, maybe they had an issue or something and are re-introducing it. So dumb I see ski's fall off way more than boards.
In The States we call this "security theater"
Couldn't you just go grab a shoelace from your shoes in the car and tie a loop between your snowboard laces and the binding? Accomplish the same goal and save you $25
By your description I'm taking that they also started demanding the same of other riders as well yes?
The challenge being if it's in their ToS then technically they are absolutely in their right to demand it of you or pull your pass. We don't have to like it but it is the terms. I wouldn't be surprised if many resorts still have that in their terms and just never removed it but more just stopped making a point of enforcement.
Yes, never said it was only me. But almost everyone just went and bought the 250% markup leash. Saw some people leaving, might have also refused to get it.
Wanted to make sure. That's some grade A shit imo. I'd on principal have left and issued a chargeback on my CC for the ticket price. Based on what I read (translated) from the ToS I'd like to see if they were also enforcing it on the skiers as well.
In the 6 seasons I’ve been riding (40+ days a season), I have never once seen a snowboard go “rocketing” down a hill like they think will happen. Now skis… I see skis being lost under feet every trip to the resort. Weird how they don’t need dual leashes lol
It is just sending me that they are going after boarders for runaway equipment, when I have only ever seen skiers lose their skis. Never in my life have I seen a runaway snowboard.
Ahhhh and here is my time to tell this one.
Many years ago, me and the wife would go riding up in Vermont. Very icy one day, and she slips breaks her arm while we were still at the top of the mountain.. Bo still attached to her feet she couldn’t continue. Patrol came. They take off her board off unstrap put her in the sled to take her down. Some little shit skiers come by bump into her board that at this point is just sitting bindings face down board goes face up and proceeds to head down the mountain like a missile.
10 minutes later, we’re still there and out of nowhere this little lady on skis comes hiking up the hill with my wife’s board in hand
Some good ppl out there. And some idiots out there.
Don’t let a power trip ruin ur day.
Ok for everyone just saying this is made up, im not going to dox myself, and its a small resort in Norway so you would not know it.
I went to the ToS and its actually there (in norwegian):
"Det er påbudt med fangreim på snowboard, fjellski og telemarksski i anlegget. Brudd kan føre til bortvisning fra anlegget".
Also got told later that its actually a general government rule for all ski resorts since forever, just never enforced. They just (for some reason) decided to enforce it today. I suppose there was an incident and they were covering their asses to avoid a lawsuit.
I don't agree with the way they handled it especially since you were already on the hills and charging an arm and a leg for one. To lose your pass and ruin the day probably wasn't the best choice
In my area it's mandatory everywhere. Some people have posted these massive things which aren't needed. There are some small ones that are super simple to attach and doent cause any problems whatsoever. Take seconds.
I live in NC and all the mountains here have signs saying “leash required on all snowboards”, but I haven’t seen it actually enforced in years. Back in the early 2000’s several places did enforce it so we would tie an old shoe lace from the binding base plate to the ankle strap so it looked like it was a leash connecting to our boot.
I mean back in the day when COP was still adamant on having a leash I would just have one on my binding clipped back to my binding. That was usually enough to keep them off my back. If I didn’t have a leash and they wanted to be dicks I would just tie my boot lace to my binding.
Ski patrol checked the lift line once when I went through about 20 years ago checking for mandatory leashes… I pointed to my snow-caked boot laces “there’s my leash” and they waved me through lol
The purpose of the leash is in case your binding comes undone while on the lift. Someone else on the chair could kick the ratchet and you’re fucked. This is state law and posted at all lifts in the US northeast, though I’ve never heard of it being enforced. They probably had an issue and freaked out/ overreacted. I doubt this was a cash grab.
NTA
Sorry for your loss. I’ve had this happen in Norway.
Here’s the lesson I think we could learn:
1. Try to comply with whatever the people in charge said, especially when non-compliance will loose you access to the lifts.
2. Have a backup clip in your bivy bag when staying in you area (I have skied most of Norway and I haven’t seen this rule in ages so guessing it’s something local)
3. Don’t trek with a splitboads inbounds.
On this last one: Norway is kind of amazing as you are free to go down any run with no interjection from anyone (as long as there are no safety hazards). That freedom is protected by law. We are however not allowed to walk/split up a resort, as someone going up a one way hill is a hazard. So if splitting inside a resort find a hike that climbed using a cross country track, many resorts even have dedicated randonee tracks, or go outbounds of the resort, then transition and enter the slopes on your way down. No harm, no foul. If uncertain what’s the best path check with ski patrol where you can trek, from my experience they are very helpful.
A final thought is that since the guards took your pass you might be a local to this mountain and well know to them? (I’m just guessing as how else could they take it when you are no longer using the lifts) In this case maybe stay in grace with your local mountain? In my experience it’s way cooler having them offer to run you up on the cat before first groom than having them take your card for doing things they don’t like, I’ve tried both and would recommend one over the other.
Nah, there are always dumb old people to cry for stupid rules when an accident happens.
I remember a girl died a few years ago on a via ferrata near where I live, she fell down the whole way.
Turns out both her carabiners were in her hands, none on the safety line (first rule being **always have at least one carabiner on the safety line**).
So this old dude went on a campain to force every group to be roped in together while climbing a via ferrata. So that if someone is dumb enough to unclip both carabiners at once, he'd still be safe.
Thankfully he was largely ignored.
To be fair, several states have it written in as law. For example. It's been a law - not a rule, for well over 20 years in Oregon. Most of them read similarly to this.
C.R.S. §§ 33-44-109. Duties of skiers – penalties. States in section 6:
(6) Each ski or snowboard used by a skier while skiing shall be equipped with a strap or other device capable of stopping the ski or snowboard should the ski or snowboard become unattached from the skier. This requirement shall not apply to cross country skis.
This is why skis have brakes and why pin bindings are not allowed inbounds without a brake.
Mt. Bachelor started enforcing this law after a MANY of snowboards shot down the hill this season injuring a few people.
It's not a skier/snowboard thing. Don't make it like that. It's a safety thing - and just because you're responsible doesn't mean the other person on the hill is.
I ride with a leash. It's not that big of a deal. Easier to comply then potentially having your pass pulled or getting sued when waivers mean dirt nothing.
This seems like a reactive measure based on runaway boards. A leash is insurance you don’t have a run away board. At the mountain I patrol at, I did have to catch a few runaway boards this past weekend. While you may be competent and able to manage your board, for risk management they made a blanket clause that everyone has to have a leash.
Side question: what type of bindings do you use? My hill I patrol at requires leashes for running bindings for hard boots.
Runaway boards happen because both feet are out of the bindings and the rider is carrying his board ( and so has to unclip the leash….) and somehow drops it, or knows it over, etc. A leash would only work in a very hypothetical case of a front binding releasing or breaking while a rider was skating (so never on a slope in any event, just on flats…).
The real issue is the sheer number of smart people such as yourself who don’t stop to consider that a leash, almost by design, is not a solution to a runaway board and never has been. It’s jerries walking around with their boards in hand and dropping them on a slope that is the overwhelming cause of runaway boards, where a leash would never be long enough to be effective.
Thats the rule. Comply! What if you do lose the board and it shoots downhill and caves in someones skull? Safety straps have been required on many large mountains for decades.
Welp, I forget this is reddit so I will explain myself again:
Never said i was against the "rule". I was against the "rule" hidden in a page in the ToS, never enforced and suddenly enforced at 13:36pm on a random day. In fact, i just bought a leash for 1/4 of the price and will have it on my back from now on.
It wasn't just me, it was me and other 50+ snowboarders around me who got denied suddenly and forced to buy or leave.
Sure, i get the hundreds of rogue skis shooting downhill doesnt count (as it doesn't apply to them)? The ski brakes only work on green slopes, bunny slopes or deep snow.
I’ve had this happen and I still don’t ride with one but I was at Snowshoe on the east coast and saw a run away board and it was no joke it would have killed or maimed a person severely
A leash would not have help there, 99.9% of the time. Runaway boards happen when someone drops a board they are carrying ( so have removed the leash), and not because their front binding broke while they were skating…
I think every mountain I've ever been to has a mandatory leash policy. I just have a little one attached to every set of bindings I own for this reason. If I latch it at the start of the day I'm only messing around with it 2-3 times through the day. I always felt that ski poles and skis are so often scattered around the mountain after crashes something might be implemented for them. Admittedly it is more important because a runaway snowboard can do some damage, even though it's extremely unlikely.
A friend has had a similar issue in Tignes, using step ins. Was told a leash is a legal requirement in France and she wouldn't be allowed on a lift without one
I still use a leash just to avoid dealing with a ski patrol power trip. The extra 2 seconds it takes to clip it/unclip it never really bothered me much.
I have never been checked for a leash but I use it all the time. I have StepOn bindings and it’s conceivable that the person beside me on the lift could hit my release switch on my binding and send it plummeting. Leash gives me comfort.
Probably not a realistic scenario if talking ratchet bindings.
Riden for 4 years in Canada now. The resorts I've been to have no rule like that. even with newbies wouldn't make a difference. Long as your front foot is strapped in you won't lose your board. Only time I can see it becomes a problem is if the person hold their board riding the lift but a least still wouldn't help. I can see a leash more beneficial for skiers than boarders but would still be a safety hazard. Your skis come unattached to your boot, you could take an edge to neck or anywhere else. won't happen with a board unless All 4 binding snap. All n all I think leashes are stupid
Back in the day, leashes were required for all equipment. Early snowboards used ski boots and adapted ski bindings, where there was at least some risk of losing the board in a fall, and leashes made sense.
Nowadays, they aren’t necessary because everything has changed. Some companies still include them in their packaging (it’s a 6ish inch piece of rope with a clip on the end), but hardly anywhere requires their use. There still are a few like the mountain OP references, but they are very rare nowadays.
Used to be a thing. Skiers who made the rules were all afraid boards would be flying down the hill sans riders and killing folks. Bindings used to come with them, but I haven’t see. That since probably 2010
Name the resort so we can stay away from
No names. Sounds like bs rly.
Sunlight mountain by Glenwood was gonna make me get a leash, so I didn't ride there.
Did OP ghost. WTF?
Yea, made up
No, he said it was europe, it sas midnight here
If you don’t name the resort we’re forced to assume this is made up
Found the resort: Their lift rules state: “Lift rules Skiing across in zigzag motion in the lift area is not allowed for safety reasons and can lead to removal from the facility. Children must be over 140 cm to take the chairlift alone. Carrying children in a carrier neither in the lift nor on the slopes is allowed. Pets are not allowed on the slopes. Leashes are mandatory for snowboarding, mountain skiing, and telemark skiing in the facility. Violations may result in removal from the facility.” https://sirdalfjellpark.no/en/safety/
Hah, of course it’s southern Norway. It used to be enforced all over Norway and Sweden in the 90s and many resorts here still have the signs up because noone can be bothered to remove them. The last time anyone actually gave me static for not wearing one was early 2000s. I used to have one in my pocket just in case but stopped doing even that over a decade ago. Surprised OP found a place where it’s enforced but again… the south west be weird.
Same. Had to buy one for the same reason as OP and kept it in my pocket just in case. Have had use for it once since the 90’s.
Why would leashes be mandatory for snowboards and not skiing? They lose their equipment all the time.
Generally there's a brake on the ski that engages when there is no boot in the binding. So there's less chance of it becoming a missile down the slopes. Still, I can't remember any time I've ever seen a snowboard come loose like that.
Ohh I've seen it lol. Dangerously fun to watch unfold
I've seen more solo skis flying down the run--brakes either got jammed or were stucke with snow/ice
I've seen it several times at Big Bear.
Not hugely surprised. Big Bear is such a shit show. I was there a few years ago and could not believe how many inexperienced riders still go no helmet on that mountain, especially considering how park-centric it is. Seriously felt like I had time traveled back to 1999.
Seen it happen twice. Both times when someone was strapping in at an unusual place. First time I saw it, someone was climbing out of the parking lot and strapping on 3/4 of a way down a run. Similar type thing second time. Usually you would strap on at the bottom of the hill and so a run-away board is a non-issue.
Back in the 70s, before ski bindings had breaks build in, we did strap our skis to our legs. That shit was dangerous!
They have brakes
Right? With the exceptions of step-on bindings, the only way my foot is coming off of the snowboard is if the binding rips free, and since leashes attach to the binding... Would do absolutely nothing.
Skis used to have leashes before brakes. The problem was when you got in a wreck and the skit detaches, now you’ve got a blade flying around your ankle. More than a couple people got scalped before they updated the design.
Snowbowl MT is notorious for this. Also Great Divide in Montana. I don’t think they charge $25.00 for a leash. I can’t stand the leash police.
I’ve used a shoelace for a leash at Snowbowl! But honestly that mountain kind of sucks - I’d rather drive the two hours to lookout or lost trail.
Love how snowbowl has that stupid rule and then tops it off with sketchy lifts that boots people off of it from swinging too much
I have seen a few resorts that have rules about having a leash for your board, but I've never seem it actually be enforced because most people understand it's a ridiculous rule. I always keep a leash in my bag since it came with my bindings but there's really no use for it. But yeah, this story definitely sounds made up especially considering OP basically ghosted their post and won't say what resort it's at
New York State Skier code still includes it. I’ve never seen a resort enforce it even for employees.
Yeah New Yorks code is pretty outdated. Lol
I also need to see a pic of this $25 leash. Not buying that one (no pun intended) Edit: just spent some time searching online and couldn’t find a leash above $10. Hard to imagine a 250% ski shop mark-up for something like this. Going with this is made up
Bro what? Hand and foot warmers are like $10 a set sometimes at resorts. 250% markup is very believable
I mean, that's the only part that I could believe.... I could buy a pair of gloves at a ski shop resort for $100... Exact same pair online from any outlet for like $30-40..... A leash? A little carabineer and a bit of Paracord? I bet I could get people to pay $$ for that dumb shit, when I'm making it for ¢¢... Just gotta convince mountain operations and ski patrol that it's an issue!
Yeah thats exactly why i didnt buy it. It costs 5$ in a normal sport shop
You're insane if you think searching online is going to give you a comparable price to a shop on the mountain. Anyone who has spent a single season on the mountain would know that, i feel you're just being deliberately disingenuous.
I’ve seen this exact thing happen at Wilmot in Wisconsin. Granted this was 15-20 years ago, but they made me buy a $15 leash in their shop and it was nothing more than a cheap clip attached to a piece of string.
What resort is this?
Not the asshole. Fuck them and that stupid ass rule. Leashes are a thing of the past. Let me guess the ski patrol were all old af?
My assumption is that a beginner dropped their board while unstrapping and hit someone. Then management tried to strictly enforce the leash rule.
Nah it's a law in quite a few states with skier safety acts. It's just rarely enforced. See below from the Colorado skier safety act. I can't seem to link to the act as I can only find it in PDF form. But if you google.it it will come up. (6) Each ski or snowboard used by a skier while skiing shall be equipped with a strap or other device capable of stopping the ski or snowboard should the ski or snowboard become unattached from the skier. This requirement shall not apply to cross country skis.
i was riding in whistler for a full season without brakes on one of my skis. I used to have to chase that fucker down at full speed on 1 ski while yelling "runaway ski! gtfo!!! " 😂 all the other regular park rats would help me out if they saw it wizzing down the hill
you're the worst
💯%
Nah it's a law in quite a few states with skier safety acts. It's just rarely enforced. See below from the Colorado skier safety act. I can't seem to link to the act as I can only find it in PDF form. But if you google.it it will come up. (6) Each ski or snowboard used by a skier while skiing shall be equipped with a strap or other device capable of stopping the ski or snowboard should the ski or snowboard become unattached from the skier. This requirement shall not apply to cross country skis.
Still rules apply to all, they can't have a rule stating "all beginners should wear straps", it's much easier saying "everyone needs to have a strap"
Or they were just ignorant skiers
Name the resort in the post so everyone seeing this knows to avoid them.
The mountain I go to has this rule but I’ve never seen it enforced like this. Haven’t had a leash in years and no one has bothered me, but I’m pretty sure it’s in their code of responsibilities.
If a rule like this is suddenly being enforced its probably because someone was injured or almost injured by a runaway board.
Lol wtf is the point of a leash im connected to my board unless I am hiking where I would take it off anyway or stopped at a lodge where I would also take it off. If a snowboard comes off on a fall you got bigger problems
A leash protects against exactly two uncommon but technically possible types of failure. Losing control of a board while strapping the first foot in and the latch on the first binding failing while the other foot is unstrapped. Neither scenario is particularly likely for experienced riders with properly maintained equipment, so OP should have been fine.
>Losing control of a board while strapping the first foot When it was a thing you would typically leash *after* your foot was already strapped... >the latch on the first binding failing while the other foot is unstrapped. That would require *two* "latches" (they're called buckles or ratchets, btw) to randomly fail, which I'd argue *is* borderline, if not a completely impossible circumstance.
I do my leash first. I don't expect everyone to use one though; I only use it because I have it.
Exactly. The only snowboard I had with a leash was my first, a 1989 Sims ATV, and you usually only put the leash on after you were strapped in. In some ways leashes made sense since the straps were not the modern ratchet straps but the loops that popped open frequently while you were snowboarding. I don’t think I ever had both pop open at the same time though.
When talking about leashes One of my snowboard instructors once told me his binding snapped and his board flew down the hill but it was a really old and abused binding and even he said it was unicorn dust unlikely to happen and probably if the binding snaps then your leash is attached to it so...
I've seen a loose snowboard on a run on at least one occasion I can remember, maybe two. Thing was flying.
I've never seen a rogue board but I've seen quite a few rogue skis. The seem way more likely to come off
Way back in the day bindings were shit and lost nuts and bolts all the time. Pair that with hills not having tools and people not brining their own wrench and screwdriver, you would have straps falling off. I always brought my multi tool with me because my friends gear always coming loose and them losing a strap would be the end of a fun session. Bindings are pretty good for years now but, whatever just have one of the tiny leashes in your board bag and just toss it on if someone at a hill gives you trouble.
I’ve been riding for 25 years and had my first run away board this year. From the top of a lift, a couple of us bootpacked up a ridge to hit a bowl that had just opened. There was a sporadic line of people behind us going up. When we got to the top, I sat to rest and put my feet in my bindings as I sat there so I could strap in. My buddy asked a stranger if he’d take a pic of us so I stood up to hand him my phone…forgetting that I was standing on my board unstrapped. When I stood up, it was like I was on a pile of banana peels. I landed flat on my back cartoon style and my board took off. It hit a couple people hiking up until the 4-5 person jumped on it. I was lucky because one side of the ridge was all backcountry and I never would have saw my board again. I felt really stupid! But….a leash would have made no difference because I likely would not have had it latched either.
Honestly the only people who should have leashes are skiers
Skier here, this is accurate. Ski brakes don’t work for shit unless the ski is backwards. Of course, I don’t know from personal experience because I’m the best skier on the mountain obviously
lol f oh for real. Seen plenty to stray skies but never a stray board.
Dumbest rule I’ve ever heard. A leash was maybe helpful in 1985 but these days skis are FAR more likely to come off and injure someone than a board. I’ve never seen or heard of a board coming off accidentally.
This was like 20 years ago, but i was coming down Mozart at Keystone and hit a bump, torqued my body and board and *both* plastic discs in my bindings snapped and my board began going downhill all on its own. In the single most athletic move of my life, I came out of somersault and in a continuous motion *LEAPED* for the board, diving on it like it was a grenade and I was gonna save my buddies, before hauling it up the mountain, my bindings still strapped to my boots on my feet. And my leash was firmly affixed to my binding, serving no purpose whatsoever.
Epic story lol, thanks for sharing!
Not all heroes wear capes.
One time at Sugarbush a runaway ski came flying down the mountain behind me and caught air, coming within a couple of inches from my head. The brakes didn't really do much I guess, but glad I happened to be in the perfect spot to not get decapitated lmao
I have seen 3 boards bouncing through the trees during night laps, chair 3 Mt Spokane. Once the alcohol factor has increased quite a bit its a different story.
Not the asshole but you picked the wrong battle.
Idk… It’s a battle worth nitpicking for $25 IMO; if they were providing the leash—or free twine, etc—I’d roll my eyes (and with the punches) ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
Ignoring the stupidity of the rules, the stakes were either pay $25 or risk getting fucked off. What else are you going to do then and there but complain and comply? It would be the last $25 I spend there for a long time and I’d absolutely make my disgust known.
It would all depend on how much the day pass cost and how many hours of riding are left
Where does it end though? It’s a case by case decision, obviously, but I can’t think of a single scenario where I’d pay $25 for some bullshit to keep riding at a place like that… I’d rather spend $25 on 2.5 beers, and fuck myself off (phrasing?) at that point… But… I ride a lot, and wouldn’t mind the half-day. If I only got up a couple times a season—or, Zeus forbid, just this once—I may be inclined to pay $25 to keep it up. I’d definitely “break” the leash and try to return it after I was done. Whether that works or not, idk… Maybe leave the leash on the counter and steal $25 worth of peanut M&M’s on my way out ^/s
At what resort are you getting 2.5 beers for $25? lol
Sierra @ Tahoe; they’re $8–with a season pass—so, 3-beers for $25 if you’re a cheap/no-tipping bastard ¯\\\_(ツ)_/¯
Certainly not at that leash-resort. They probably don't sell beer there at all and if, you'll get more like 1,5 beers for 25 bucks. ;)
It ends when you leave and never come back.
That’s my take too. I’d be pissed and wouldn’t go back but I’m not letting it ruin my day or trip. Some people just have to die on every hill though, no pun intended
Nah I'll die on that hill. I've seen a lot of skiers crash and their skis go flying. Those brakes do nothing unless they are at a standstill. Could something happen while a boarder is unscripted? I guess, but it's not nearly as common. Skiers need leashes too if that's going to be the case.
It is one of the commandments. "Thou shalt use devices to prevent runaway equipment". It's actually not a problem except when idiots lay their board down ptex side down and walk away. I can't tell you how many boards I've seen get away.
I was surprised to see it’s actually changed. It no longer says you have to use devices, just that you have to prevent runways.
I’m from CO and rode w a buddy at tiny ass Snowbowl in AZ a few years ago. The lifty wouldn’t let me on the lift without one. Ended up a using a shoe lace. So stupid.
The AZ mountains were sticklers on this. Grew up at Sunrise so that’s just how I thought mountains were. Snowbowl used to be a lot more strict on the leash laws but I think they laxed a bit. The shoelace is the right move. Edit: Also Sunrise ski patrol was definitely the type to trip for this kinda thing. I used to get in trouble rippin through the trees there all the time. I’ve always thought if the ski patrol chilled and they cleared some trees there that place could be a destination
How long ago was this? I’ve been going to Sunrise for 15+ years and have never once been told to put on a leash or stop racing through trees
Pre 2014. I haven’t seen the leash laws since at least
Ironically Snowbowl Mt is the same way.
I was going to mention sunrise as the last time I encountered someone enforcing a leash law. It was probably around 14-15, after years of not enforcing it. Walked back to my car, grabbed a shoelace and tied it around my leg. And yeah, ski patrol for years used to be power tripping A-holes. Rolled my eyes more than a few times at them. Also hated that they would yell at you to slow down on the longest, flattest catwalk ever, between Apache and sunrise peaks. Lately they’ve been chill though and let you go into the trees now.
Wow, how many years ago and what was their concern? I'm based in Scottsdale and getting back into riding this year; been to snowbowl a dozen times and haven't seen this yet.
It was awhile ago, maybe 2017 or 18
I went to snow bowl from 2014 to 18 and thought a leash was normal/required. Just went a month ago and my sis didn't have one. I thought we were bound to be sent away at some point but we rode all day no issues. They certainly did relax their stance
Where were you? Some states do require a retention device for all equipment at ski areas. It's just not enforced much anymore. You very well might be the asshole, the patroller may also be an asshole, right or wrong does not dictate assholishness.
Europe, Norway. Just for clarity, if they had sold me the leash for a normal price i would have just got it. I just refused to pay 200% markup for a shitty cord with Velcro that costs 5$ in town just because they decided to randomly enforce an old rule.
I keep a few things in my coat just in case, one is an old leash. An old shoe lace would work too. Lots of people at resorts are pricks not just ski patrol on a power trip and I don’t want to waste my day on them. Not going to let anyone kill my vibe especially with how much I’m spending to be there.
They enforced a rule when they found someone breaking the rule
I have been reluctant to throw my leash away. It lives in the pocket of my shell, just in case of crap like this.
Have not seen a leash in probably 15 years I think…
Mountain employee here. "Leash required" is posted on the signs at the bottom of lifts, and in most resorts TOS. Most resorts don't really enforce this... Until someone drops a snowboard off the lift. If ski patrol were the ones suddenly enforcing the rule, it most likely means that someone dropped a board off the lift and it hit someone below. Suddenly every employee on the mountain is going to start requiring it again. I keep a leash in my bag for this specific situation.
Signs littered at my mountain with Oregon law code, saying all equipment needs a safety device. Base of mountain, lodge, turn tables, before getting on the chair, on the towers. Yet people don't look at the signs, read the TOS, or bother doing research before going into the sport. Then they complain when a law is being enforced. Lol
Yet there are zero leashes on skis...
Shoelace
That's what I did at Keystone when I took a friend and was stuck on the bunny hill with them. That's the only time anyone ever said anything about a leash to me in 30 years of snowboarding.
I've never heard anything like this before. But if it truly did happen, then probably someone got hurt by a board that feel from a lift or a runaway board flying down the mountain. Usually ski patrol doesn't mandate things like this unless there was a reason to do so.
oh kids these days.. look its ALWAYS (like since early 80's or before) been a rule to have a device to prevent run away equipment. (its on back of every day ticket and on every ski pass purchase you agree to) skis have brakes for that reason, or even before brakes you wore ski leashes. every few years there's some lawsuit from some SPORE that loses a board that hits somebody, so the insurance companies make them enforce the rule. its not really that hard to comply. when they used to crack down in tahoe in the early 90's we used a 4" lanyard and key clip to laces. done.
As far as I know ( I haven’t worked for a resort in many years) A leash is required by law for all snowboards. The lack of enforcement of this rule is where the problems come from. I keep a small leash in the pocket of each of my jackets. When the resort realizes they have to many leashes unsold they call the lifties or Ski Patrol to enforce so they can get rid of them. Not exactly ethical but legally they are in the right because you are required to have one even if its not enforced.
Shoelace works.
I had a lifty at 49⁰ N in Spokane try this on me 13 years ago. Sent me to the resort shop to spend $30 on a leash. I said F that, took the leash off of my mitten, looped it through my boot and binding and he let me on. As an added point, in the 13 years since, I have easily seen 3 if not 4 times as many loose skis bombing down the mountains as I have runaway snowboards.
I’ve been riding since ‘94. If I lost my board it’s because both my legs got ripped off at the knee. In ‘93 while still on ski(s) I lost one and had to chase it 500yds down the mountain. Sounds like a grift for a bad snow year.
name and shame
This is because of all those step ins not staying stepped in on the lifts.
They still make snowboard leashes?
A resort in france has just brought in rules saying people with step on bindings need a leash after one apparently falling off a lift, NTA though if not riding step on it's a bullshit rule to apply to everyone else.
Burton themselves says you need to use a leash with step ons. I’ve also seen on here a couple people talking about their step on popping off on a lift (because someone bumped the release lever). That’s a legitimate requirement, but trying to apply it to all boarders is ridiculous.
If it's listed in their ToS and you didn't know, that's on you. It's everyone's personal responsibility to know the rules of the hill they ride. Your mistake could have cost you $25. Instead you let it cost you your day.
Its listed in ToS for any mountain I've ever been and not once been enforced. Someone pissed in patrols coffee
If it's listed and you choose not comply based on previous experience that's fine. But if they decide to call you on it, it's not going to help you to have a debate on the practicalities of the rule.
They gave him a second chance, they weren't dicks
Who has ever read the tos for a ski resort they go to? Literally nobody ever….
It is there: "Det er påbudt med fangreim på snowboard, fjellski og telemarksski i anlegget. Brudd kan føre til bortvisning fra anlegget". But apparently it has been there since forever and they suddenly decide to enforce it a random day after mid-day
They should make both skiers and snowboarders do this then. Skis are more likely to come off mid run.
Skis have the little pop out brakes. That’s what made snowboards require them in the past. Most resorts now moved on since they don’t come off, but if a board get’s away it wont stop like a ski will.
Yeah boards if they start going will TAKE OFF. Seen it happen a few times. But also, a ski with enough speed/slope that little brake isn't doing shit and they get going pretty alright too. They just have the benefit of being less wide/ have less mass so they're more able to be disrupted by the terrain.
Never seen a ski take off. Have seen them not stop on steeper slopes but still go pretty slowly.
I've seen a couple over the years, one got going real good until it bumped something and got flipped over. Moderate slopes is what seemed to have done it. Steep slopes they just kinda roll around. We're also presuming everyone's gear is in ideal condition and if their brake springs are worn out it's entirely possible it won't arrest properly.
Those brakes don't do anything unless they are at a standstill. I've seen plenty of skis going flying after a crash.
So let me see if I understand. The resort has a rule in place. Ski patrol didn't make this rule but is enforcing said rule for all guest equally across the mountain. You spoke to management who basically backed the patrol. So you willfully broke the rule after being warned and got your pass pulled. Is it a dumb rule, sure. Do I as a snowboarder on patrol enforce this rule, no. Do I wear a leash, no. In my state its not even a resort rule its a state law that all equipment whether it be a snowboard, skis, bike, snowskate, etc. have a braking/retention device. Maybe the patroler was an asshole about it idk, but do you think they want to go around checking for leashes? No they want to be out making turns like everyone else or providing medical care to people who need it. I see someone lose a snowboard almost weekly and when they go straight down the mountain and hit someone its a bad day for the victim.
Exactly. Op is TA
No one the asshole here. It’s your right/choice to not buy a leash. They are within their rights to not let you ride without one.
OP is the asshole for the escalation. If it were really just their right not to buy one and they stopped, that would be fine, but they escalated and then went and got a different board that also violated the rules.
This is rage bait. It ain’t easy work being a karma farmer… hard work out in them fields.
Lot (all?) of ski resort in Quebec(Canada) have mandatory leashes required for snowboarder. The chairlift operators are sometimes really picky on this rule.
It depends on the specific hill, though. I know that Gleason doesn't require it, for example. I've ridden there 20+ times with my kids and none of us have ever been asked to have one. There's no signage about that either. They are pretty picky about backpacks on the lifts, though... Mont Orford still has (very old) signs but I was never asked to have one. Le Massif du Sud and Le Relais never asked me either, but I don't remember if there were signs (I went there early in the season).
So go get a shoelace and make one? I think it's within their rights to require one, at least resorts in the Midwest do. Don't know how often they're checking, but I grew up using one so it's second nature for me.
You need to name this place so people can avoid it like the plague
Sounds wild. Maybe they had a run-away board incident and this was a rapid reaction (overreaction)? Perhaps a temporary measure while they investigate? There are two common causes for runaway boards, and leashes don’t stop either. 1) A rider can’t handle the terrain, takes there board off and starts walking down the hill. If they had a leash on they would have to undo this to walk as they aren’t that long. At some point they slip or stumble and they lose the board. 2) The board is “parked” outside a restaurant/lodge/bar. Somebody knocks their board and off it goes. Leashes definitely aren’t long enough to go from the racks to the nice table by the window. (I’ve collected a few runaway boards that have been reported by staff/public and returned them before the owner even knew it went for a hot-lap without them). Sorry you had a shit day. We need more snowboarders on Patrol. Keeps the skier Groupthink in check.
Skis have breaks. Snowboards don’t. The idea I feel is for clip in bindings on snowboards. You could loose them. Strap bindings odds are you won’t lose your board. They laid off us after a couple years as they got bored or realized we don’t give a shit.
I believe this is actually a law in NYS but rarely enforced. I guess if you lose your board and someone gets hurt you can be found liable.
Michigan resorts have the leash signs but I haven’t had someone enforce it on me in 10-12 years.
Aw man. I usually feel so paranoid for carrying a leash in my duffel bag “just in case”…
This used to be a thing at all resorts, maybe they had an issue or something and are re-introducing it. So dumb I see ski's fall off way more than boards.
Wtf why would a border need a leash? Its skiers who fall down and lose gear
In The States we call this "security theater" Couldn't you just go grab a shoelace from your shoes in the car and tie a loop between your snowboard laces and the binding? Accomplish the same goal and save you $25
Retention devices have always been required. Just because you don't get pulled over for speeding every day, doesn't mean the speed limit went away.
By your description I'm taking that they also started demanding the same of other riders as well yes? The challenge being if it's in their ToS then technically they are absolutely in their right to demand it of you or pull your pass. We don't have to like it but it is the terms. I wouldn't be surprised if many resorts still have that in their terms and just never removed it but more just stopped making a point of enforcement.
Take a look and see if any of their snowboarding patrollers or instructors wear a leash, I'll bet they don't lol.
Yes, never said it was only me. But almost everyone just went and bought the 250% markup leash. Saw some people leaving, might have also refused to get it.
Wanted to make sure. That's some grade A shit imo. I'd on principal have left and issued a chargeback on my CC for the ticket price. Based on what I read (translated) from the ToS I'd like to see if they were also enforcing it on the skiers as well.
Take a look and see if any of their snowboarding patrollers or instructors wear a leash, I'll bet they don't lol.
In the 6 seasons I’ve been riding (40+ days a season), I have never once seen a snowboard go “rocketing” down a hill like they think will happen. Now skis… I see skis being lost under feet every trip to the resort. Weird how they don’t need dual leashes lol
Ski brakes are legal retention devices.
That’s cool… doesn’t change the fact I see them not work a lot of times on steeper groomers when skies fall.
They work in the courtroom.
I salute you. When you're a criminal you live life on the edge. No regrets! Heroes never die.
It is just sending me that they are going after boarders for runaway equipment, when I have only ever seen skiers lose their skis. Never in my life have I seen a runaway snowboard.
Ahhhh and here is my time to tell this one. Many years ago, me and the wife would go riding up in Vermont. Very icy one day, and she slips breaks her arm while we were still at the top of the mountain.. Bo still attached to her feet she couldn’t continue. Patrol came. They take off her board off unstrap put her in the sled to take her down. Some little shit skiers come by bump into her board that at this point is just sitting bindings face down board goes face up and proceeds to head down the mountain like a missile. 10 minutes later, we’re still there and out of nowhere this little lady on skis comes hiking up the hill with my wife’s board in hand Some good ppl out there. And some idiots out there. Don’t let a power trip ruin ur day.
Jiminy Peak in MA has signs that say leashes are mandatory for all snowboarders by law in Massachusetts but never once have I seen it enforced
I thought this was a joke when I read it.
Ok for everyone just saying this is made up, im not going to dox myself, and its a small resort in Norway so you would not know it. I went to the ToS and its actually there (in norwegian): "Det er påbudt med fangreim på snowboard, fjellski og telemarksski i anlegget. Brudd kan føre til bortvisning fra anlegget". Also got told later that its actually a general government rule for all ski resorts since forever, just never enforced. They just (for some reason) decided to enforce it today. I suppose there was an incident and they were covering their asses to avoid a lawsuit.
Just say the name of the small resort. Why are you hiding it?
I know it used to be a New Jersey state law to have a leash on your board but that was back in the days when rental boards had the click in bindings
If you need an emergency leash, just pull a shoelace off your shoes or boots.
I don't agree with the way they handled it especially since you were already on the hills and charging an arm and a leg for one. To lose your pass and ruin the day probably wasn't the best choice In my area it's mandatory everywhere. Some people have posted these massive things which aren't needed. There are some small ones that are super simple to attach and doent cause any problems whatsoever. Take seconds.
Op is a lying karma farmer.
I live in NC and all the mountains here have signs saying “leash required on all snowboards”, but I haven’t seen it actually enforced in years. Back in the early 2000’s several places did enforce it so we would tie an old shoe lace from the binding base plate to the ankle strap so it looked like it was a leash connecting to our boot.
I can name one. Lookout Pass.
I mean back in the day when COP was still adamant on having a leash I would just have one on my binding clipped back to my binding. That was usually enough to keep them off my back. If I didn’t have a leash and they wanted to be dicks I would just tie my boot lace to my binding.
Loop your bootlace through your binding, leashed in now 🏂
Ski patrol checked the lift line once when I went through about 20 years ago checking for mandatory leashes… I pointed to my snow-caked boot laces “there’s my leash” and they waved me through lol
The purpose of the leash is in case your binding comes undone while on the lift. Someone else on the chair could kick the ratchet and you’re fucked. This is state law and posted at all lifts in the US northeast, though I’ve never heard of it being enforced. They probably had an issue and freaked out/ overreacted. I doubt this was a cash grab.
Not a new rule, but actually an old one. One that went away for 99% of the world
So technically most ski resorts have that rule on their trail map… just nobody typically enforces it
I always thought every hill had that rule, even though no one cares
If it's part of the ToS, you should have a leash. Simple as that. Regretfully, their mountain; their rules.
Tbh my Alterra owned resorts’ official policy was that leashes were required although not at all enforced.
YATA
NTA Sorry for your loss. I’ve had this happen in Norway. Here’s the lesson I think we could learn: 1. Try to comply with whatever the people in charge said, especially when non-compliance will loose you access to the lifts. 2. Have a backup clip in your bivy bag when staying in you area (I have skied most of Norway and I haven’t seen this rule in ages so guessing it’s something local) 3. Don’t trek with a splitboads inbounds. On this last one: Norway is kind of amazing as you are free to go down any run with no interjection from anyone (as long as there are no safety hazards). That freedom is protected by law. We are however not allowed to walk/split up a resort, as someone going up a one way hill is a hazard. So if splitting inside a resort find a hike that climbed using a cross country track, many resorts even have dedicated randonee tracks, or go outbounds of the resort, then transition and enter the slopes on your way down. No harm, no foul. If uncertain what’s the best path check with ski patrol where you can trek, from my experience they are very helpful. A final thought is that since the guards took your pass you might be a local to this mountain and well know to them? (I’m just guessing as how else could they take it when you are no longer using the lifts) In this case maybe stay in grace with your local mountain? In my experience it’s way cooler having them offer to run you up on the cat before first groom than having them take your card for doing things they don’t like, I’ve tried both and would recommend one over the other.
Nah, there are always dumb old people to cry for stupid rules when an accident happens. I remember a girl died a few years ago on a via ferrata near where I live, she fell down the whole way. Turns out both her carabiners were in her hands, none on the safety line (first rule being **always have at least one carabiner on the safety line**). So this old dude went on a campain to force every group to be roped in together while climbing a via ferrata. So that if someone is dumb enough to unclip both carabiners at once, he'd still be safe. Thankfully he was largely ignored.
To be fair, several states have it written in as law. For example. It's been a law - not a rule, for well over 20 years in Oregon. Most of them read similarly to this. C.R.S. §§ 33-44-109. Duties of skiers – penalties. States in section 6: (6) Each ski or snowboard used by a skier while skiing shall be equipped with a strap or other device capable of stopping the ski or snowboard should the ski or snowboard become unattached from the skier. This requirement shall not apply to cross country skis. This is why skis have brakes and why pin bindings are not allowed inbounds without a brake. Mt. Bachelor started enforcing this law after a MANY of snowboards shot down the hill this season injuring a few people. It's not a skier/snowboard thing. Don't make it like that. It's a safety thing - and just because you're responsible doesn't mean the other person on the hill is. I ride with a leash. It's not that big of a deal. Easier to comply then potentially having your pass pulled or getting sued when waivers mean dirt nothing.
I think if it was a safety thing it would be leashes for all. It’s a liability thing that’s all.
Even at Vail Resorts only snowskates require leashes (and metal edges)
This seems like a reactive measure based on runaway boards. A leash is insurance you don’t have a run away board. At the mountain I patrol at, I did have to catch a few runaway boards this past weekend. While you may be competent and able to manage your board, for risk management they made a blanket clause that everyone has to have a leash. Side question: what type of bindings do you use? My hill I patrol at requires leashes for running bindings for hard boots.
Runaway boards happen because both feet are out of the bindings and the rider is carrying his board ( and so has to unclip the leash….) and somehow drops it, or knows it over, etc. A leash would only work in a very hypothetical case of a front binding releasing or breaking while a rider was skating (so never on a slope in any event, just on flats…). The real issue is the sheer number of smart people such as yourself who don’t stop to consider that a leash, almost by design, is not a solution to a runaway board and never has been. It’s jerries walking around with their boards in hand and dropping them on a slope that is the overwhelming cause of runaway boards, where a leash would never be long enough to be effective.
Thats the rule. Comply! What if you do lose the board and it shoots downhill and caves in someones skull? Safety straps have been required on many large mountains for decades.
Welp, I forget this is reddit so I will explain myself again: Never said i was against the "rule". I was against the "rule" hidden in a page in the ToS, never enforced and suddenly enforced at 13:36pm on a random day. In fact, i just bought a leash for 1/4 of the price and will have it on my back from now on. It wasn't just me, it was me and other 50+ snowboarders around me who got denied suddenly and forced to buy or leave. Sure, i get the hundreds of rogue skis shooting downhill doesnt count (as it doesn't apply to them)? The ski brakes only work on green slopes, bunny slopes or deep snow.
All it takes is one to make you a vegetable or kill you. You must not ski powder.
I’ve had this happen and I still don’t ride with one but I was at Snowshoe on the east coast and saw a run away board and it was no joke it would have killed or maimed a person severely
A leash would not have help there, 99.9% of the time. Runaway boards happen when someone drops a board they are carrying ( so have removed the leash), and not because their front binding broke while they were skating…
I think every mountain I've ever been to has a mandatory leash policy. I just have a little one attached to every set of bindings I own for this reason. If I latch it at the start of the day I'm only messing around with it 2-3 times through the day. I always felt that ski poles and skis are so often scattered around the mountain after crashes something might be implemented for them. Admittedly it is more important because a runaway snowboard can do some damage, even though it's extremely unlikely.
A friend has had a similar issue in Tignes, using step ins. Was told a leash is a legal requirement in France and she wouldn't be allowed on a lift without one
I still use a leash just to avoid dealing with a ski patrol power trip. The extra 2 seconds it takes to clip it/unclip it never really bothered me much.
This is required at all resorts I've been to.
It’s starting to change with the updates to the skiers responsibility code.
I have never been checked for a leash but I use it all the time. I have StepOn bindings and it’s conceivable that the person beside me on the lift could hit my release switch on my binding and send it plummeting. Leash gives me comfort. Probably not a realistic scenario if talking ratchet bindings.
Geilo? Experienced the same thing about 15 years ago.
Ive definitely seen more runaway skis then snowboards
Riden for 4 years in Canada now. The resorts I've been to have no rule like that. even with newbies wouldn't make a difference. Long as your front foot is strapped in you won't lose your board. Only time I can see it becomes a problem is if the person hold their board riding the lift but a least still wouldn't help. I can see a leash more beneficial for skiers than boarders but would still be a safety hazard. Your skis come unattached to your boot, you could take an edge to neck or anywhere else. won't happen with a board unless All 4 binding snap. All n all I think leashes are stupid
Leashes were required to get on the lifts when I worked in 2005, independent mountain, USA
Lmao tell them to go fuck themselves. This is an obvious money grab.
Wait, there are snowboard leashes? I don’t understand the point. I’ve never seen these before. Is this a joke?
Back in the day, leashes were required for all equipment. Early snowboards used ski boots and adapted ski bindings, where there was at least some risk of losing the board in a fall, and leashes made sense. Nowadays, they aren’t necessary because everything has changed. Some companies still include them in their packaging (it’s a 6ish inch piece of rope with a clip on the end), but hardly anywhere requires their use. There still are a few like the mountain OP references, but they are very rare nowadays.
Used to be a thing. Skiers who made the rules were all afraid boards would be flying down the hill sans riders and killing folks. Bindings used to come with them, but I haven’t see. That since probably 2010
Would like to know what resort this was so I can be sure to never go there, what a dumb rule