VINTAGE 1980 WINTERSTICK ROUNDTAIL SNOWBOARD

A vintage 1980 Winterstick Roundtail snowboard is a rare and significant artifact from the very dawn of snowboarding. Founded in 1972 by the visionary Dimitrije Milovich, Winterstick was at the absolute forefront of the movement to ride sideways on snow. While their Swallowtail design is widely recognized as iconic, the Roundtail represents an earlier exploration into alternative snowboard shapes and their potential performance characteristics.

In 1980, snowboarding was an extremely nascent sport, largely existing outside of established ski resorts. Equipment was rudimentary compared to modern standards. A Winterstick Roundtail from this era would exemplify the early construction techniques, likely involving materials like foam cores and fiberglass, heavily influenced by surfboard and ski manufacturing practices of the time. Bindings would have been basic, likely simple strap systems designed to secure the rider’s boots.

The Roundtail design itself suggests an early attempt to create a board that might offer different handling qualities compared to the more specialized Swallowtail. It could have been aimed at providing more stability or different turning capabilities, perhaps hinting at a broader vision for snowboarding beyond just deep powder.

Owning a 1980 Winterstick Roundtail is like holding a tangible piece of snowboarding’s genesis. It represents a time of pure innovation and experimentation, where pioneers like Winterstick were actively shaping what the sport would become. Such a vintage board is an exceptionally valuable collector’s item, offering a direct connection to the very roots of snowboarding and the early explorations into board design. Its rarity and early date make it a true treasure for any snowboarding history enthusiast.