To ski or snowboard? The answer to this much discussed debate, will of course depend on your preferences. However, if you’ve never tried either and are genuinely one of the unbiased few then there are a few things to consider. Within this blog we have explored some of the key questions that will help you decide which is the one for you.
If you have tried both (or either), then you will of course already know that skiing is better. But please feel free to read on and share your thoughts with us!
Contents:
- Is skiing or snowboarding easier in the first few days?
- Is skiing or snowboarding easier to master and progress?
- Is skiing or snowboarding faster?
- What’s safer – skiing or snowboarding?
- Do you need to be more fit to ski or snowboard?
- Which is more popular – skiing or snowboarding?
- Should you choose skis or a snowboard for toddlers and children
- Is Skiing more expensive than snowboarding?
- Other factors to consider before deciding whether to ski or snowboard
Is skiing or snowboarding easier in the first few days?
Many say that skiing is easier to learn but harder to master. And that, whilst snowboarding may initially be harder, it’s easier to master. On the most part, we would have to agree.
In our experience, most people find learning to ski easier. Mainly because it most closely imitates other sports such as ice skating, rollerblading and running; all movements which are more familiar to the beginner and so most easily replicated when on the slopes. Many find it easier to learn the basic controls and movements for skiing such as turning, stopping and using lifts. Snowboarding is less intuitive, and so it is perhaps harder to learn how to snowboard when starting out on the mountain for the very first time.
Similarly, snowboarders don’t really have a simple method which allows them to control their speed whilst executing turns. This means that the first few days of learning to snowboard can feel like a constant battle to stay on your feet and not pick up too much speed.
Whereas, one of the first thing skiers will learn is the snow plough position. The beauty of snow plough position is that once you have learnt how to successfully initiate the position, you’re then able to control your speed. Not being able to do this, is one the greatest psychological barriers to learning a new snow sport.
Is skiing or snowboarding easier to master and progress?
While beginners often find skiing more approachable, mastering it involves intricate techniques and a precise understanding of balance and control. Progressing to advanced slopes in skiing demands both physical and mental adeptness.
Skiing
Advancing in skiing requires refining skills such as parallel turns and navigating steeper, more challenging terrains. It’s a sport where precision and technique are key, especially as the difficulty of the slopes increases.
Snowboarding
Snowboarding, after overcoming initial balance challenges, often offers a smoother progression curve. Mastering turns, jumps, and speed on a snowboard can be more intuitive once the fundamentals are solidified, leading to a potentially quicker advancement in skills.
Is skiing or snowboarding faster?
There are of course a number of factors that will influence this from person to person. However, when looking at the sports as whole, the odds are stacked against snowboarders and skiers are proven to be faster. There are a number of reasons for this, from the equipment itself to our positions when using them.
For example: A skier and a boarder of the same relative ability, could be racing down the same slope with perfectly waxed equipment. Yet, due to its larger surface area the snowboard will always create more drag meaning that the skier will ultimately be faster. Equally, we are likely to move a lot more efficiently when travelling in a forward position when compared to travelling in a lateral position.
The same applies from when you’re a beginner. It is easier for skiers to keep their centre of mass largely over the middle of their skis, meaning it’s easier to balance. Whilst this doesn’t necessarily have a direct impact on speed, the skier will be more confident and therefore be able to move quicker and more efficiently. Contrastingly, loss of balance and falling is a common feature of any snowboarder’s early days on the slopes. Resulting in reduced confidence and slow speeds.
We’re not suggesting that if you’re a snowboarder, you will never win a race against a skier. There are of course many variables that can impact results on the day. However, there are figures to support the argument that skiers are, generally speaking, quicker than boarders.
The top speed recorded for snowboarders is 126mph (203km/h) compared to an astonishing 157mph (254km/h) for skiers. Admittedly, 126mph is still extremely fast and much quicker than most snowboarders or skiers will ever go.
What’s safer – skiing or snowboarding?
Although many skiers and snowboarders will never encounter any serious danger or injuries, they are possible for both skiers and snowboarders of all experience levels. With this in mind, it’s important to remember that you should never attempt a slope, jump or trick that you are not confident in doing. And that right protective equipment, such as a helmet, is essential in keeping us as safe as possible whilst out on the slopes.
It is difficult to say which sport is more ‘dangerous’. However, we do know that skiers are more prone to things such as knee injuries.
The most common injury for a skier, is spraining the MCL. The medial collateral ligament is one of the ligaments inside your knee. The MCL lies within the inner side of your knee joint and connects your thigh to your shin. This is often more common in beginner skiers. Due to the fact they tend to ski in the slow plough position, which can put our MCL under increased pressure.
Another common injury for skiers is tearing of the ACL. The anterior cruciate ligament is another of the key ligaments that help stabilise your knee joint and also connects your thigh bone to your shin bone. Partial or complete tearing of the ACL in skiing in often caused by hyper extension.
Snowboarders are at increased risk of wrist and collarbone injuries, as they tend to use their hands to stabilise when falling or after jumps. Similarly, they are often more likely to sustain ankle injuries due to jumps and grinding rails being a large part of snowboard culture. When a snowboarder land on rails or back on the slope with excessive force, it increases their chance of an ankle injury.
To avoid and help reduce the severity of injury, skiers and snowboarders can engage in simple exercises to strengthen their knee, glute, quadricep and ankle muscles.
Do you need to be more fit to ski or snowboard?
Fitness is a key component in both skiing and snowboarding, but the sports target different muscle groups and demand varying levels of physicality.
Skiing
Skiing predominantly works the quads, hamstrings, and lower leg muscles, including the ankles and calves. It requires good leg strength and endurance, especially for maintaining control and stability on the slopes. The precise movements in skiing also engage core muscles, though to a lesser extent than snowboarding.
Snowboarding
In snowboarding, your core muscles play a crucial role due to the locked position on the board. Balancing and manoeuvring demand significant core strength and agility. While it also engages leg muscles, the emphasis is more on balance and fluid body movements.
In terms of which sport is a better work out or you need to be more fit for…as with most things, it depends! Your level of ability, the conditions and the slope you’re on are, all have an impact on how many calories are burnt and fitness required. Both sports are great for you both mentally and physically, but the main thing is that you just enjoy your time out on the mountain.
Which is more popular – skiing or snowboarding?
The popularity of skiing and snowboarding varies by region, age group, and trends over time. Traditionally, skiing has been more popular, especially among older generations and in classic alpine destinations. However, snowboarding has seen a surge in popularity, particularly with younger enthusiasts and in modern resorts. The choice often comes down to personal preference and cultural influences, with both sports enjoying a dedicated and passionate following. The landscape of winter sports continues to evolve, making both skiing and snowboarding popular choices for mountain adventures.
Should you choose skis or a snowboard for toddlers and children
Traditionally, advice was always to get little ones on skis to begin with. This was due to a lack of quality snowboard equipment for younger riders. We all know how much bad or ill-fitting equipment can ruin your day!
However, in recent years, brands such as Burton have begun to release boards and bindings specifically designed for our little shredders. With such equipment, kids can get on their boards from as young as 2 years old!
High quality and easily accessible equipment for both, means that it really is up to you and your child! Whilst the general rule that snowboarding is harder to learn initially, still applies. Kids are extremely adaptable, so there is no reason your little one wouldn’t pick it up in no time. Our advice would be to ensure you get your child booked in for lessons. Also, don’t try and get them to do both. Learning to ski and snowboard at the same time will be confusing and limit their progression within both. If you can’t decide, why not let them!
Is Skiing more expensive than snowboarding?
Deciding whether skiing or snowboarding is more expensive involves considering various aspects, from initial gear to the overall holiday experience.
Equipment cost
Skiing equipment, comprising skis, poles, bindings, and boots, can add up to a higher initial investment than snowboarding, where the primary needs are a board and bindings. The choice between buying top-tier brands or opting for budget-friendly options greatly influences the overall cost.
For both skiing and snowboarding, the decision to rent as opposed to buy can have some cost saving benefits, especially for beginners who may not even know if they enjoy it yet!
Lesson cost
Lessons for both skiing and snowboarding are comparably priced. Factors like resort prestige, instructor experience, and lesson duration play a significant role in determining the cost.
Holiday cost
When planning a ski or snowboard holiday, the major expenses often lie in the choice of resort, accommodation standards, and travel arrangements. These costs can vary widely, making either skiing or snowboarding holidays scalable to different budgets. Whether you choose to hit the slopes on skis or a snowboard, the overall holiday cost is more influenced by location and lifestyle choices than the sport itself.
Other factors to consider before deciding whether to ski or snowboard
What are the people you’re going to do?
The choice of your companions can influence your decision. Skiing or snowboarding in a group where everyone is participating in the same activity can enhance the overall experience, making it more enjoyable and cohesive.
Which resort are you going to?
Different resorts may have terrain that favours either skiing or snowboarding. Some resorts are known for their expansive skier-friendly slopes, while others might cater more to snowboarders with parks and freestyle areas.
What experience do you have with other sports?
Your background in other sports can impact your learning curve in skiing or snowboarding. For instance, experience in sports like skateboarding or surfing might make snowboarding more intuitive due to similar balance and movement dynamics.
Concluding thoughts
Choosing between skiing and snowboarding comes down to personal preference, fitness, and prior experience in similar sports. Skiing is generally easier to learn but harder to master, while snowboarding might initially challenge but offers a smoother progression. Factors like your group’s choice, the specific resort, and your background in other sports also play a significant role in your decision. Both sports provide great physical and mental benefits, and the main aim is to enjoy your time on the mountain.
If you are ready to book your next holiday to Meribel, whether it be for skiing or snowboarding, you can view Ski Basics incredible range of catered ski chalets and remaining availability here. Alternatively, if you have any questions please don’t hesitate to get in contact. We would love to hear from you!