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Forest Service Wants Alta Snowboard Lawsuit Dismissed

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In motions filed early this week, the U.S. Forest Service has asked a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit that alleges Alta's ban on snowboards is unconstitutional and violates the 14th amendment. This comes just days after Alta ski area argued that the snowboarders' claim of a rights violation demeaned the Constitution. Both Alta and the Forest Service argue that the ski resort's approved operating plan gives them the right to exclude any "skiing device" deemed a risk (yeah, right), is harmful to snow quality, or isn't in line with their business plan. In contrast, the lawsuit against Alta claims that the resort's prohibition of snowboarders excludes "a particular class of individuals" from use of public land, and that this prohibition is based on an irrational discrimination against snowboarders. Stay tuned for how this all plays out.

· Forest Service says Alta has rational reasons for snowboard ban [Salt Lake Tribune]
· All Alta vs. Snowboarders Coverage [Curbed Ski Archives]