Cannabis and Its Influence on Mountain Culture: A Deep Dive Into Snow Sports, Freeskiing and 420 Countercultural Legacy
By: William L Stolk
The mountains have long been a sanctuary for those seeking adventure, freedom, and the adrenaline rush that comes with gliding down snowy slopes. Skiing and snowboarding, sports that initially began as recreational pastimes, have evolved over the decades into vital components of a bohemian-like counterculture, attracting free-spirited individuals eager to challenge societal norms. And as the counterculture of these snow sports developed, cannabis soon emerged as an important cultural symbol, entwining itself with the attitudes, ethos, and even performance of athletes who embraced mountain life.
The integration of cannabis into ski, snowboard, and freestyle culture wasn’t an accident. It stemmed from shared values of freedom, rebellion, and a desire to escape the confines of society — values that mirror those of the cannabis subculture. This article delves into the deep history of cannabis in ski and snowboard counterculture, highlighting key moments and figures, from Canada’s hometown high hero Ross Rebagliati to freestyle icons like Tanner Hall and Mickael Deschenaux. Over the years, cannabis has transitioned from a fringe element to an integral thread in the fabric of mountain culture, influencing elite athletes and casual shredders alike.
The Early Days: A Natural Pairing
The origins of the connection between cannabis and snow sports trace back to the early days of skiing and snowboarding, especially during the mid-20th century when skiing began to grow in popularity. The sport had already been in existence for some time, but the 1960s and 1970s saw a massive shift in the way skiing was perceived. No longer just a pastime for the elite or the outdoorsy types, skiing began to take on a more countercultural significance, especially as younger generations looked to escape the confines of suburban life.
During this period, cannabis was also gaining popularity among young people as a symbol of rebellion and anti-establishment sentiment. Cannabis, much like skiing and snowboarding,became a means of pushing boundaries, both socially and physically. For skiers and snowboarders, the mountains provided not only a space for thrilling adventure but also a form of personal expression — a place to shed the conventions of mainstream society. Cannabis fit intothis ethos seamlessly, offering an escape from the everyday world and allowing individuals to connect more deeply with nature and their own inner selves.
The Hot Dog Era: Style, Rebellion, and the Green Fog of the ’70s
Long before terrain parks and big mountain comps, the 1970s gave rise to skiing’s original counterculture movement: hot-dogging. This was freestyle skiing before the label existed — a loose, liberated style defined by inverted aerials, daffies, spreads, and outrageous style. From Sun Valley to Squaw Valley (now Palisades Tahoe), the hot doggers were rule-breakers, showmen, and hedonists. They brought flair and fun to a sport that had, until then, been the domain of stiff European technique and bourgeois etiquette.
With the rise of this freestyle scene came a visible and unashamed use of cannabis. In ski towns like Tahoe, Sun Valley, and Aspen, pot smoke wafted through lift lines and condo parties. Skiers embraced cannabis as a way to enhance flow, confidence, and creativity — and also just to party. The lines between performance and pleasure blurred, and many of the skiers leading the hot dog movement were known to hit a joint just as readily as they’d hit a kicker.
The Hollywood cult classic Hot Dog… The Movie (1984) was a fictionalized but strangely accurate portrayal of the scene — filled with absurd stunts, après-ski debauchery, and the ever-present haze of rebellion. Though played for laughs, it captured the spirit of a generation of skiers who weren’t interested in winning medals as much as they were in living fast and free. Cannabis was a vital part of that freedom — a ritual shared among friends, a break from the mainstream, and an enhancer of both the ridiculous and the sublime.
Freeskiing and the Freestyle Renaissance
While snowboarding was gaining steam, a revolution was simultaneously underway in skiing. The birth of freestyle skiing — and later, freeskiing — in the late 1990s and early 2000s marked a radical departure from the traditions of alpine racing. No longer confined to mogul lines and tight slalom courses, this new breed of skiers brought park tricks, backcountry sends, and urban rails to the forefront. It was unfiltered expression, a playground for raw creativity and style — and cannabis quickly found its place in that world.
In many ways, freeskiing mirrored snowboarding’s anti-authoritarian streak, and in this cultural space, cannabis was not just accepted — it was celebrated. The freeskiing pioneers were not only pushing the limits of what could be done on two planks, but also living out the ethos of the mountain renegade. Icons like Tanner Hall embodied this fully — his dreadlocks, soft-spoken swagger, and explosive skill set redefined what skiing could look like. Tanner’s affinity for cannabis was no secret; it was part of his identity and mythology. His video parts were laced with Rastafarian imagery and stoner symbolism, reinforcing the idea that skiing could be both a spiritual and subversive act.
Equally legendary was Swiss skier Mickael Deschenaux, whose part in the seminal ski film 1242 featured literal cannabis leaves flashing on screen between mind-blowing tricks. Deschenaux brought a style and defiance that turned heads, influencing a generation of skiers who saw no contradiction between top-level performance and cannabis use. His presence in the culture was less about protest and more about unapologetic authenticity — skiing not as a sport, but a vibe, a lifestyle. His riding was smooth, rebellious, stylish — and always just a bit lifted.
Ross Rebagliati: A Defining Moment for Cannabis in Winter Sports
If the early history of cannabis in snow sports was one of quiet rebellion, Ross Rebagliati’s moment at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan, would thrust the conversation into the global spotlight. Rebagliati, a Canadian snowboarder, made history by winning the first-ever gold medal in Olympic snowboarding. His victory was a huge milestone for the sport, marking its debut on the Olympic stage and showcasing the skill and dedication of snowboarders worldwide.
However, just days after his triumph, the world was rocked by news that Rebagliati had tested positive for cannabis in a routine drug test. At the time, cannabis was a banned substance by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and Rebagliati faced the prospect of losing his gold medal. Despite the fact that cannabis is not a performance-enhancing drug and does not provide an athlete with any unfair advantage, Rebagliati’s positive test caused an uproar.
In a groundbreaking turn of events, after a brief suspension, Rebagliati’s gold medal was reinstated when it was found that cannabis didn’t enhance performance and was not a valid reason for disqualification. This moment was pivotal for snowboarding and winter sports, as it forced the world to confront a central question: should cannabis be banned in a sport that is so closely tied to personal freedom and counterculture? The events surrounding Rebagliati’s suspension and reinstatement sparked an ongoing discussion about the role of cannabis in snow sports, and in broader athletic circles, many began to reconsider its status.
Rebagliati’s defiance of the IOC’s regulations, combined with the fact that cannabis wasn’t enhancing his performance, contributed to a shifting attitude that began to embrace cannabis as an integral part of certain athletic communities.
Global Hubs of High-Minded Ski Culture
While North America provided fertile ground for cannabis-fueled snow culture, Europe was carving its own path. Nowhere was this more evident than in the mountain towns of Verbier and Chamonix — spiritual homes for ski bums, adrenaline junkies, and a wave of expats chasing snow, parties, and a lifestyle unbound by rules.
In Verbier, the infamous Clambin Crew — a group of loose, wild-eyed skiers and snowboarders — helped define what it meant to be young, fearless, and high on life (and occasionally more). Their parties were the stuff of legend, blending the Swiss Alps’ pristine backdrops with reggae soundtracks and an unmistakable herbal haze. They weren’t just skiing — they were living a fully immersive experience, one in which cannabis played a central role.
Over in Chamonix, the scene was slightly more rugged but no less infused with cannabis’s easy-going charm. Expatriate skiers drawn to the Mont Blanc massif brought their own freewheeling attitudes with them, creating a thriving culture of freeski exploration and mellow après sessions. Whether skinning into couloirs or lapping the Grands Montets, the ethos was simple: ride hard, chill harder.
Changing Attitudes: The 2000s and Beyond
Following Rebagliati’s victory and the cultural ascension of figures like Tanner Hall, snow sports underwent a broader transformation. As snowboarding and freeskiing gained legitimacy, the underground culture surrounding them — including cannabis — began surfacing in a more open, unashamed way.
By the early 2000s, both sports had fully embraced their identities as countercultural expressions, and cannabis was increasingly viewed as an extension of that lifestyle. Skiers and snowboarders began to speak more openly about cannabis, not just for its recreational joys but also for its practical applications — as a tool for relaxation, pain relief, and post-performance recovery.
As the medical benefits of cannabis became more widely recognized, brands and athletes alike began incorporating it into their recovery regimens. CBD balms for sore muscles, THC edibles for après, and cannabis-friendly ski films helped further dissolve the old taboos. When Colorado and Washington legalized recreational cannabis in 2012, the floodgates opened — and ski towns like Breckenridge, Crested Butte, and Tahoe embraced the green wave with gusto.
The Role of Cannabis in Modern Mountain Culture
Today, cannabis is undeniably a part of mountain culture, especially among younger generations. While skiing has historically been associated with wealth and privilege, snowboarding and freeskiing have long been the domain of the rebels — and within these communities, cannabis serves as both a rite and a release.
It’s common to see riders enjoying a joint after a long day of bootpacking, or passing a vape on a sunset chairlift. It’s a way to decompress, connect with the environment, and deepen friendships forged in the cold. In mountain towns across North America and Europe, dispensaries cater to outdoor athletes with targeted products — from recovery salves to microdosed gummies — while ski shops carry gear that nods subtly (or loudly) to cannabis culture.
Moreover, the modern acceptance of cannabis has helped push conversations about mental health and self-care in high-risk sports. Freeskiers and snowboarders are talking more openly about burnout, injury, and the psychological toll of extreme performance — and cannabis, for many, offers a helpful and healing outlet.
The Perfect Connection
The connection between cannabis and mountain culture is a testament to the evolving relationship between counterculture and the mainstream. From its humble beginnings as a symbol of rebellion to its modern status as a tool for relaxation, recovery, and spiritual clarity, cannabis has deeply influenced the world of skiing, snowboarding, and freestyle culture.
Figures like Ross Rebagliati, Tanner Hall, and Mickael Deschenaux have helped shape the narrative, each pushing boundaries in their own way — and always with a hint of green smoke trailing behind. Whether in a Verbier chalet, a Chamonix couloir, or a Colorado terrain park, cannabis remains a totem of freedom, expression, and the ineffable connection between the mountains and the mind.
In the end, mountain culture isn’t just about sport — it’s about soul. And cannabis, for many, is part of that soulful rhythm.
By: William L Stolk
