In the 80's I didn't like what boarders did to the snow, especially transitions when they skidded over and down the steeper section, thus scrapping valuable snow away. (this before widespread snow making and wench cats.) In the 90's I really noticed how much the boarders were pumping money into the now snow industry. By the 00's, I thought that boarders just might be saving several small ski areas through buying tickets, gear, and eating and drinking at the hill! Another big plus, was how the ski manufacturers rethought ski design to make it easier to learn to ski! It must've worked, as there used to be all kinds of board companies with sponsored athletes, now there's way fewer.