VINTAGE 1987 WINTERSTICK ROUNDTAIL PLUS SNOWBOARD

A vintage 1987 Winterstick Roundtail snowboard offers a glimpse into a slightly more mature, yet still pioneering, phase of snowboarding. By 1987, the sport was gaining increasing recognition, and while still facing resistance at some resorts, dedicated snowboard areas were beginning to emerge.

Winterstick, founded by Dimitrije Milovich in 1972, continued to be a key innovator. While their Swallowtail remained iconic for powder, the Roundtail design likely represented an ongoing exploration of board shapes aimed at different riding styles and snow conditions. In contrast to the Swallowtail’s deep powder focus, the Roundtail from this period likely aimed to provide more versatility for groomed runs and varied terrain. It suggests a focus on stability and potentially different carving characteristics.

Construction techniques by 1987 were becoming more refined. A Winterstick Roundtail from this year would likely feature a foam core, fiberglass layers for strength and flex, and a P-tex base for glide – materials and methods that were becoming standard in higher-end snowboard production. Bindings would have also evolved from the earliest strap systems, potentially incorporating more secure and adjustable designs.

Owning a 1987 Winterstick Roundtail is significant because it represents a point where snowboard design was diversifying beyond specialized powder shapes. It reflects the industry’s growing understanding of different riding disciplines and the development of boards to cater to them. For collectors and enthusiasts, this vintage board is a valuable piece of snowboarding history, illustrating the evolution of board design in the late 1980s and the continued influence of early innovators like Winterstick. It connects to a time when snowboarding was carving out its own identity within the landscape of snow sports.