Wider was better, smoother was considered safer. Skiing had been homogenized. Skiers accepted the kinder, gentler slopes. Then snowboarding arrived in the '90s. Innovative riders jumped off every obstacle, from snowmaking pipes to ski racks and lift towers.
Terrain parks are now the rule at ski areas.
Manufactured jumps are far bigger than anything previous generations could hand pack. The industry has done a complete 180, no pun here. On one hand, the industry should be applauded for revitalizing the sport. Snowboarding, blades and short twin-tip skis are thrilling new ways of sliding down the mountains. Essentially, we are seeing new energy in a sport that has been stagnant, reporting little to no growth in over 20 years.