Skiing vs. Snowboarding: What's The Difference?

The Learning Curve...

Skiing and Snowboarding have similar core concepts, but they differ heavily in execution. Many newcomers don't realize this, however, and think both are synonymous with each other. While snowboarders and skiers may have the same goal, to descend powdery slopes, the technique involved is what truly makes them so different from each other. In this article, we will explore the differences in these techniques and what the pros and cons are of skiing versus snowboarding.

The initial learning curve is perhaps the most notable difference between these winter sports. Skiing is often described as being easier to initially learn, but difficult to master. While snowboarding has been stated to be harder to learn up front, but extremely rewarding once you get over the initial hurdle. This is due to many different factors. For example, balance, movement, and stopping are all much easier to accomplish on skis due to the nature of their design; all of these are fundamental elements people need to learn when they start skiing. Snowboards can feel a bit more unnatural at first, requiring a stronger core, and unable to move your legs and feet as freely as you are able to on skis.

As you can probably tell by now, this series of factors creates some serious issues for beginner snowboarders, while skiers find these mechanics far easier to pick up. However, once that initial learning curve is finally crested, it is all downhill, literally. Snowboarders who overcome the initial hurdle have already focused on the hard stuff first. Such as balancing, lower body control, edge management, and not fighting the mountain. It's also since on steeper slopes, a snowboard is a single plank, while skis are two separate planks that can be difficult to control on more advanced terrain.

Which is Best for You?

Skiing and Snowboarding as we already know, are different. So you may be asking yourself, "Which is the right choice for me?" The truth is, there isn't a sure way to know unless you try both out. Putting yourself out there and testing both out is arguably the best way to go about this. But there are some things that should be considered before doing so.

Oftentimes, if someone has prior experience skateboarding, surfing, or even wakeboarding, they will likely prefer snowboarding due to its similarities. If you haven't done any of these activities before, skiing may be for you instead. If you're also a fan of independent leg movement and more mobility in general, skiing may be the superior choice. The same can also be said if you dislike the prospect of falling a lot; skiers, on average, fall a lot less than snowboarders do because of the learning curve required to be able to snowboard.

The Decision.

Overall, if you enjoy better lower-body freedom of movement, less time spent falling, and a generally much easier learning curve. You should most likely choose skis as your winter sport of choice. If you are fine with the idea of falling a lot, zooming down slopes sideways, and tackling a challenging hurdle that is immensely rewarding once you figure it out. You should pick snowboarding over skiing.

But as I said above, the best way to find this out is to experiment. Go up for a day and try to ski. If you don't feel satisfied with your choice, switch to a snowboard the next time you go up to the mountain. Even if you pick one and feel happy about your decision, put yourself out there and try the other choice. If satisfied with both choices, you can even learn how to do both of them. My point is, there isn't a definite way to know unless you just try either of them, but you can make some considerations when choosing.

If you have already made up your mind while reading this article, you're in luck. I have a list of reliable snowboard and ski brands that offer affordable choices for you to consider. Remember to have fun, be safe, and hit the slopes hard.