Snow blades

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Snow blade is the trademark name of Salomon's little "skis." They are about 1/2 the size of standard alpine skis, and are meant to be used without poles.

Snowbladers generally take up the activity as an easier alternative to alpine skiing. Because they are so short, snowblades do not work well in powder, but are easily maneuverable on more firmly packed snow, slush, or ice. Snowblades are worn with a hard alpine ski-type boot, and appeal in a semi-cultesque way to individuals of various ages and backgrounds. As was the case with snowboards, when they made their first appearences on ski slopes decades ago, snowblades generally get very little respect from traditional winter sport enthusiasts. (Unlike snowboards, however, snowblades are not likely to cause a winter sport revolution in the near future). Snowbladers are the butt of many jokes among mountain locals, and (because they are frequently out of control on the slopes) attract animosity from skiers and boarders alike. This negative attitude toward snowbladers can be attributed mainly to the fact that snowblades are a stupid cop out; a poor excuse for mountain recreation.