Is Skiing Or Snowboarding Easier? (Not What You Think) | New To Ski (2024)

The question that every first-timer wants to answer. What is more fun & which is easier to learn? In this guide, I'm delving into each sport, so you can find the right path for you.

For beginners, skiing is often considered easier to learn at first, as two skis provide more stability and control. Snowboarding typically allows faster progression once the basics are mastered, as turning and edge control become more intuitive.

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However - there's one important key that you can use to determine which is the best sport to pick. Keep reading to find out.

Both sports are great fun, and beyond the classical rivalry are two incredible ways of exploring the mountain. Each sport is unique & they both draw so many passionate people to their ranks.

If time & and money were no object, learning both skiing & snowboarding would be a great option.The reality is; that you have a limited number of days and unless you're a lucky season pass holder, you'll want to maximize your time on the slopes - so most people stick one and get to a good standard before experimenting with the other.

Which Is Easier To Learn - Skiing or Snowboarding?

TL;DR:Skiing is easier to learn but harder to progress. Snowboarding is harder to learn but once you have the basics down, progression is fast...read on to see why.

Learning to Ski

The initial learning curve is pretty fast. The most natural mode of transport we ever learn, walking, involves independent leg movement. So does skiing.

Martin Bell, lifelong Skier & Snowboarder

Many would agreethat initially, it's easier to pick up skiing than it is snowboarding. In most cases, you'll be on your feet and on your way down the baby slope faster on skis than on a board.

That's because skiing is more intuitive for beginners.In skiing, your legs are apart, so you're able to move each leg independently. This means that at slower speeds, you're able to balance faster and stay up off the snow.

Skiers face forward with their legs parallel in a straight-on stance. Many beginners feel this stance to be more natural and easier to adopt.

The only caveat is if you have experience skateboarding, wakeboarding or surfing - then snowboarding will likely feel just as natural - if not more.

How Long Does It Take To Learn To Ski?

There is no across-the-board time frame for learning how to ski, as it depends on your prior experience with sports that involve balance, agility, fitness, and confidence. [main factors that impact learning]

Here Is A Rough Timeline For Learning To Ski:

Day 1

You can expect to be up and on your feet within the first day. Expect to fall over plenty of times. You'll learn how to stop usingpizza and begin to learn the process of wedged turning. You'll learn how to use ski lifts.

Day 2-4

You'll be working on your beginner turns andgetting to grips with how your body and weight affect your skis. You'll be falling over less.

Day 5-10

You'll be getting more fluid in your turns and working towards the elusive parallel turn. You're pretty good at getting on and off lifts but you still trip over your skis every now and again. Your good at turning, but that one ski just never gets into line quick enough.

Day 10-20

You're cracking the code. You can parallel ski & you can hockey stop (no pizza anymore). You're not scared of fast skiers around you and you can comfortably turn at speed.

Day 20+

You're working on tighter parallel turns and intermediate skills. You've come so far, but you realize how much there is still tolearn.

Skiing:The Pros & Cons

I MUCH prefer skiing. I love not having to strap into my board every run. I feel faster and in control. Granted, snowboarding is fun and feels very fluid once you get the hang of it.

username: friendlysnowgoon / from redditthread.

Learning to Snowboard

Snowboarding began in 1965 in by Sherman Poppen, who fastened two skis together for his daughter. Despite being a latecomer to the scene, it's now nearly as popular as skiing.

Snowboarding is all about edges (your heel and toe edges) - getting to grips with this can be tricky to beginners. Most people agree that learning to snowboard takes a bit longer than skiing. It's hard to get to grips with and takes more patience.

Here's what I'll say - skiing is MUCH easier to learn and have fun with your first few times. Learning to snowboard is pretty miserable. I've heard this same thing from people who tried snowboarding first and skiing second - skiing is a lot easier to pick up

username: Bjankles / from reddit thread:Do you prefer skiing or snowboarding? Why?

In snowboarding, you are attached to one board (a monoski) with both legs. It's more restrictive in this way (Snowboarders would argue that you are more connected to the snow).

New boarders have a harder time staying on their feet than skiers. You'll spend much of your first day on your bum. In general, new snowboards fall over more often.

Balancing on the board, stopping, and learning to turn to take many days of practice.Once you've got these basics down, more advanced edge control and skills can be acquired faster than with skiing.

I've been skiing since I was five but I decided to learn snowboarding ten years later and never looked back. I prefer it to skiing because it requires more movement and I find myself working my entire body.

username: Anton338 / from redditthread:Do you prefer skiing or snowboarding? Why?

How Long Does It Take To Learn To Snowboard?

Learning both styles of turn; backside (edging with your heels) and frontside (edging with your toes) to make your way down the mountain takes time. You can be up on your feet and turning down a baby slope in a day or two.

To confidentially carve your way down the piste takes longer.

To confidently carve...It took me a 2 weeks plus three quarters of a season . I had skied before since I was young.The two weeks vacations got me to the point where I could ride acceptably on blues and reds; and ride like a falling leaf on blacks.

See Also

What is Newtoki and How to Read and Watch Comic There: Is It Safe-LDPlayer's Choice-LDPlayer

Nathan Amery, New Zealand.

Snowboarding:The Pros & Cons.

There's less to screw up on one board, than two boards and two sticks.

Brom Kim, Ski, Snowboard and Nordic Ski Instructor.

Most people hate their first day of snowboarding, but I find it more fun now that I'm pretty good at it.

username: Cavalcade / from redditthread:Do you prefer skiing or snowboarding? Why?

Main Factors That Impact Your Learning Curve

1. Age. You can start at any age, but younger people 'generally' pick up skills faster.
2. Strength & Fitness. Skiing and snowboarding require good core strength and stability. The less your poses the longer it will take you to stay on your feet.
3. Attitude to risk & fear.The more timid or scared you are, the longer it will take to progress. You need a certain amount of determination to 'go for it' in the beginning. You're stepping into the unknown and it can be scary. You to need to commit to going downhill if you're holding back or shy, you're more likely to fall over.
4. Balance.If you have a history of training your reflexes and balance skills (juggling, slackline, rollerblading, etc.) then you'll be able to react quickly to the movement of your skis or board.

Different Strokes for Different Folks: Choosing the Right Sport for You

Now that you know the pros and cons of snowboarding vs skiing for beginners, it's time to make a decision. Here are a few things to consider when choosing the right sport for you:

Personal Preference

Do you prefer to be standing upright or strapped in? Do you like the feeling of gliding on snow or the sound of carving down groomers? Consider what you enjoy the most and choose the sport that aligns with your preferences.

Goals

Are you looking to cruise down groomers or explore the backcountry? Do you want to do tricks in the terrain park or have a smooth ride? Your goals for the sport will ultimately determine which one you'll enjoy the most.

What's the Answer?

When it comes to choosing snowboarding vs skiing for beginners, there's no right or wrong answer. Both sports offer unique experiences and challenges. Remember that the sport you'll enjoy the most is the one you should pursue. There's nothing stopping you learning both snowboarding and skiing at once - it will just take longer and more time spent on the mountain.

Is Skiing or Snowboarding More Expensive?

Despite what others may say, gear is relatively similar in price with ski gear being 5-10% more expensive on average.

Historically there was a larger difference in price. With so many new affordable skis coming out, the price should not be a major consideration in your choice.Saving $100-200 across the lifetime of your gear shouldn't dictate the sport you choose.

The cost of renting gear in some places is slightly more for skiing as you have to rent boots, bindings, and poles here as for boarding it's just the board, bindings, and boots.

Is There A Difference Between Ski and Snowboard Clothing?

Snowboarding jackets and trousers have a baggier fit than skiing clothes. The baggier fit is a style influenced by skateboarding and surfing cultures and most boarders prefer that extra space & the feel of a loose fit for jumps and tricks.

In comparison, ski wear is tighter and more aerodynamic. Skiers often wear braces and wear more form-fitting clothing.

The key point is that you can wear both ski and snowboard interchangeably and if you're still a beginner there's no need to buy two sets of kits for each sport. Boarders tend to prefer mittens over normal gloves, for greater warmth in colder climes.

I wrote a whole article on the topic: The REAL Difference Between Ski and Snowboard Clothesif you want to know more.

Which Is More Dangerous?

Snowboards and skiers tend to suffer different types of injuries. Skiers are more prone to leg injuries whilst snowboards are more likely to suffer tailbone, wrist, and upper body injuries.The fact is both are high-impact sports and you should really consider wearing a helmet to protect yourself.

Snowboarding requires greater overall fitness and range of motion at a beginner level, so if you order or are less fit, then skiing is a better option for you.

If you're overweight or have difficulty getting up from the floor, then both sports will be very difficult for you, but skiing will be easier.

Which Is More Fun?

Both sports are fun. Skiing is usually more fun in the beginning because it's easier to learn. Snowboarding gets very fun over time when you learn to edge control and it all 'clicks' into place.

The better you get in both sports, the more fun it becomes. Over time you realize how much more you have to learn.

Like all sports, you have ups and downs, sometimes you feel elated that you've cracked the next level of a particular technique; WOW I've finally got it, and the next moment, your trip up over yourself.

Should I Pick Snowboarding or Skiing?

Now that you know the major pros and cons between these two awesome mountain sports, it's time to make your mind up for your next upcoming trip.Don't worry too much about how long it takes to learn, because if it's what you really want to do, then the initial struggle will all be worth it in the end.

Don't force yourself to snowboard or ski if you don't want to. Neither sport is for everyone. To one person, snowboarding feels awkward no matter how many times they try while for another person it can become the most natural thing in the world.

Important Key: Some people naturally gravitate more toward a particular choice. If you've always wanted to ski OR snowboard, then my advice is to PICK that.

If you are going for more than a few days, then try both sports for one day and see which one you feel most comfortable with.

Whichever you choose, I'd recommend that you take lessons from a professional instructor. Friends and family can teach you & provide tips, but a few hours/days of professional tuition will do you wonders and get you off to a flying start.