Most people interested in starting winter sports are faced with the old-age question, "is skiing or snowboarding easier?" Skiing is more difficult to master but is initially easy to learn. On the other hand, getting to an advanced level with snowboarding is easier, but it's initially harder to learn.
While there may be exceptions to this rule, you can use it to decide on your sport of choice since it generally holds.
What Does This Mean?
Generally, the skiing position feels much more natural and is easier to pick up since you face the downslope with your feet separated. On the contrary, snowboarding requires you to adopt an unnatural position where you face side onto the slope with your feet clipped to the board. So when considering position only, the answer to "is it easier to ski or snowboard" is that the former is easier.
The same aspects also dictate difficulty in getting to advanced levels for both sports. Even though you feel perfectly natural initially, learning advanced turns in skiing isn't easy because you have your feet separated, and it isn't easy moving your feet simultaneously.
Progressing to more advanced snowboarding levels isn't hard because it is much easier to move your feet while making advanced turns simultaneously.
More Differences To Answer: Is Skiing Or Snowboarding Easier
1. Body Positioning
- Skiing
Your body and feet face the same direction as your legs move independently during skiing, making it easier to get used to the sport. You also have a better slope view ahead than a snowboarder because you face forward.
- Snowboarding
You travel at 90 degrees in the direction of your feet during snowboarding. Considering this and the fact that your feet are pinned to a single board might be unsettling in the beginning, but you'll get used to it.
During snowboarding, it isn't easy to stay aware of your surroundings because you will not be facing the slope directly. Body positioning is, therefore, an important aspect you need to consider when evaluating snowboarding vs. skiing.
2. Injuries
- Skiing
It is harder to fall when skiing because you have your feet separated. However, this also increases your risk of getting injuries when making twisting motions. Also, as opposed to snowboarding, skiing can be much harder on your knees.
- Snowboarding
You're more likely than skiers to experience more injuries during the beginner stage of snowboarding. This is because both of your feet are attached to the snowboard. Ankle, wrist, and shoulder injuries are some of the most common snowboarder injuries.
3. Lifts
- Skiing
Beginners may find lifts a little daunting. But, for the experience to be more comfortable than snowboarding, you can face forward. This, however, doesn't answer the question, "is snowboarding easier than skiing." To do that, we must examine lifts during snowboarding.
- Snowboarding
Riding with one foot unclipped can make ski lifts challenging for snowboarders. In addition, they don't have help in the form of ski poles to help them move on and off the lift. They, therefore, have to learn how to ride off with a foot off the board.
4. Clothing
You can wear the same clothing for snowboarding and skiing. But, you'll need different boots for both. For protection from the elements, you'll need a jacket, warm ski socks, gloves, and snow pants.
5. Off the Slopes
- Skiing
You will need to carry two poles and your ski equipment, which can be a little tricky. Even for experienced skiers, ski boots aren't easy to walk in.
- Snowboarding
You will only need to carry your board once you're done boarding. You will also walk much better in snowboard boots than ski boots since they're almost like regular boots.
Other Points To Consider
When trying to get on or off lifts or traversing flat terrain, ski poles will come in handy. To continue moving on flat ground, a snowboarder only needs to unclip one foot and rely on gravity.
Think about which sports you may have tried before. The experience of that sport may help you. Skiing will not be as natural as snowboarding if you've had the experience of longboarding or skateboarding.
Consider the sports your family and friends take part in. Both snowboarders and skiers can explore the slopes together. But, you'll be able to use your friend's experience as a point of improvement if you do the same sport.
When figuring out: "is skiing easier than snowboarding," try to consider your personal preference. Are you more drawn to the snowboard or a pair of skis? Nevertheless, make sure you have a great time, whichever one you choose.