Fast forward 8 or so seasons...and there are many resorts that have not only accepted them, but have gone as far as to sanction contests or events. And just this week, Terje Haakonsen was seen at the Ralston Factory and photographed doing big hits on a Ralston snowskate (see pics)
For those who ride, you know you get the "what is that?" questions at the ski resorts still. But I'm getting fewer of those questions. More people say "right on."
But here's my issue - there are folks who gravitate to things because it is new, different - somewhat exclusive. It's like being part of a special club. No doubt, snowskaters are still in this space, just like snowboarders of days gone by. At some point things explode. The sport gains mass popularity. Invariably, competitors crop up and the space becomes flooded with wannabe companies hoping to catch the wave. The old crew will gripe about the good ol' days when we were hardcore and the new school will come out the door thrashing. In some ways I'm seeing a little of this now. "Dude, do you know Steve Frink! That guy started it all!!!" While Alan Gerlach throws a 50 ft table air and says, "Steve who?" (By the way, Alan might very well know Steve - see article on Steve here).
Could we be far off from this? I don't know. In general, the very concept of riding without bindings is so unfathomable that it's hard to conceive (from a snowboard/ski perspective). But once you do it, you realize what you can do. And it's mind blowing.
Have a fun summer my friends...
