To Ski or to Snowboard: Which Snow Sport Reigns Supreme?

If you gather a group of skiers and snowboarders in one room, brace yourself when the conversation shifts to the bad habits encountered on the slopes. You’ll be overwhelmed by a flurry of accusations from both sides. Both sports are incredible, and whether you plan to commit to one or try them out, read on to discover which reigns supreme as we weigh the pros and cons of skiing versus snowboarding.

The Pros and Cons of Skiing and Snowboarding for Beginners

The Pros of Skiing

1. Easier to Learn: Most beginners generally consider skiing easier to pick up. The natural stance on skis, facing forward with separate legs, is more intuitive, making it easier to maintain balance. This setup allows beginners to make gradual progress with their turns and stops. I found it difficult to learn how to stop while skiing.
2. More Control: With ski poles, beginners often find it easier to control their speed and direction. This control is particularly beneficial on groomed slopes, where skiing can feel more stable and predictable.
3. Better on Flats and Traverses: Skiers have an easier time navigating flat sections and traverses (crossing slopes sideways) due to the ability to push with poles. This advantage can make skiing more enjoyable in areas with varied terrain and a pain for snowboarders who often have to trek when they lose speed on flat surfaces.
4. More Popular and Accessible: Skiing is often more widely taught at resorts, with a greater number of instructors and beginner-friendly slopes available. This accessibility can make the learning process more comfortable for those new to the sport.
5. Cost of Equipment: If you find yourself in love with skiing, because it is the most popular snow sport, purchasing decent used equipment is easy and cheap.

The Cons of Skiing

1. Heavier Equipment: Skiing equipment, including skis, poles, and boots, is more cumbersome than snowboarding gear. Managing the equipment, especially while walking or using lifts, can be challenging for beginners.
2. Ski Boots: Walking in ski boots is not a natural experience and if you are not careful, you will find yourself falling over. The boots are heavy, not the easiest to walk in, and require learning how to walk in them properly to avoid discomfort. If you fall in love with sport, it is best to get properly fitted for your boots.
3. Difficult to Advance in Techniques: Once you master the basics, advancing to more complex skiing techniques requires a much longer time than required with snowboarding.
4. Prone to Knee and Leg Injuries: Skiing involves independent leg movement, which can put more strain on the knees and legs. Beginners may be more susceptible to leg injuries, particularly knee twists or sprains, due to improper technique or falls.
5. Harder to Learn to Stop: While turning is easier, learning to stop efficiently on skis can take some time. The “pizza” or snowplow technique used by beginners may feel awkward initially and isn’t as effective on steeper slopes.

The Pros of Snowboarding

1. Easier on the Knees: Take it from someone with serious knee problems from past accidents, snowboarding is less stressful on the knees because both feet are strapped onto one board, reducing the likelihood of twisting injuries. This is a big advantage for beginners concerned about leg injuries. If you do have existing knee problems, read my guide on how I keep my knees safe.
2. Cool Factor: Snowboarding has a modern, youthful image that appeals to many beginners. The sideways stance and fluid movements make it look stylish and fun, attracting those who enjoy an edgy, adventurous vibe. Along with room for some fun tricks if you like to live on the edge.
3. Simpler Equipment: Snowboarding gear is typically lighter and easier to manage. With just one board and no poles, moving around can feel less cumbersome. The boots are also more comfortable and easier to walk in compared to ski boots.
4. Easier to Learn to Stop: Snowboarders learn to stop by using the edge of the board, which can feel more natural than the snowplow stop in skiing. The ability to quickly and effectively stop is a key safety feature that beginners appreciate.
5. Better in Powder: Snowboarding excels in powder conditions. The wider board surface allows for better flotation in deep snow, making it easier to navigate off-piste terrain. This can open up more adventurous areas for beginners as they progress.

Read here for when I went snowboarding at Belleayre, Gore, and Whiteface Mountains

The Cons of Snowboarding

1. Steeper Learning Curve: Snowboarding can be more challenging to learn initially. The sideways stance, the need to shift weight between edges, and the different techniques for turning can feel less intuitive, leading to more frequent falls in the early stages.
2. Difficulty on Flats and Traverses: Snowboarders often struggle with flat terrain and traverses, as it’s harder to maintain momentum and navigate without the use of poles. Beginners may find themselves frequently stopping and having to unstrap one foot to push along.
3. More Prone to Upper Body Injuries: Falling is common when learning to snowboard, especially in the first few days. Beginners are more likely to injure their wrists, shoulders, or tailbone as they instinctively use their hands to break falls.
4. Lift Disembarking: Getting off the chairlift can be tricky for beginner snowboarders. The process of balancing on one foot while sliding off the lift can be daunting, often resulting in falls.

Conclusion, Which Snow Sport Reigns Supreme?

Choosing skiing or snowboarding as a beginner depends on your preferences and goals. Skiing offers easier initial learning and more control but comes with heavier equipment and a greater risk of leg injuries. Snowboarding, on the other hand, has a steeper learning curve but is less stressful on the knees, cooler, and you get more fun tricks to conquer in the park. Ultimately, both sports offer unique thrills, and the choice often comes down to personal preference.

Also, get your legs conditioned before your first day on a ski slope. I regularly do yoga, which is beneficial, but I add on my leg workouts 1 month before the season starts to avoid sore muscles while shredding down the mountain. Watch below for the 15-minute workout session that does the trick and gets my leg muscles mountain-ready.

For a detailed guide on how I prep for the mountain, read A Black Girl’s Guide to Snowboarding and Skiing – the Prep Phase