History of the 90s Ross Rebagliati and Snowboarding I Revisited
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Feb 18, 2026 Ross Rebagliati, Canadian snowboarder and 1998 Nagano Olympic gold medalist who later launched a cannabis company, revisits snowboarding’s jump from outlaw pastime to global sport. He recounts the winning giant slalom run, the marijuana controversy and medal drama, and how 90s culture, competitions, and industry clashes reshaped winter sports.
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How Resorts Shifted From Outlaw To Adoption
- Ski resorts initially rejected snowboarders due to perceived danger and noisy equipment, creating an outlaw culture.
- Burton's resort liaison and early adopters changed minds; by late 80s nearly 500 resorts allowed snowboarding.
Snowboard Style Defined A Gen X Rebellion
- Snowboarding culture of the 90s blended surf, skate, and grunge fashion, signaling a Gen X rebellion against yuppie ski culture.
- Stickers, baggy jeans, flannels and Oakley blades became visual identity markers of the movement.
Cross Border Beginnings At Mount Baker
- Ross Rebagliati learned to snowboard by driving from Vancouver to Mount Baker because B.C. resorts barred boards.
- He transitioned from ski racer to top-ranked snowboarder, training 250 days a year and reaching third in the world before Nagano.