Skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts share much of their time on the slopes together, so it’s natural for people to compare the two sports. However, they require different skill sets, and typically garner people of different personalities.
Like cat lovers versus dog lovers, skiers and riders each believe that their sport is more fun. In this article, we’ll take a look at both sports and let you decide which one reigns supreme as the ruler of winter sports.
Snowboard riders constantly have to sit or exert energy to remain on edge while they are stationary. Unlike skiing, you will not have poles to help you remain upright and standing when you are not moving. Snowboarding is a lot easier on the knees compared to skiing, and there are less injuries in snowboarding versus skiing.
Snowboarding can, however, be a lot more brutal on your wrists so make sure you wear wrist guards. You’ll start to develop a deep hatred for flat terrain when you’re starting out. Again, you won’t have your ski poles to bail you out. You will, however, begin to fall in love with deeper and softer snow. Snowboards maneuver nicely in powder, while skis prefer moguls and ice.
As any skier turned rider will tell you, there is less snowboarding gear to juggle. Unlike ski poles and hard boots, all a rider has with them is their board. The style of the gear is also very different.
Probably one of the most obvious pieces are the boots. Snowboarding boots are actually quite comfortable, not to mention stylish, and can be walked around in. Snowboard jackets, snowboard goggles and the boots tend to be brightly colored, while ski gear is more low key and traditional.
The fit of skiing and snowboarding clothing differs greatly too. Snowboarding jackets and pants fit very loosely and comfortably, whereas ski gear tends to fit more snug, leaving less room for flexibility.
Skiing and snowboarding also draws different demographics. While the skier tends to be a baby boomer and so dresses conservatively, the snowboarder is much more likely to be a young adult who is seeking thrills as well as spills. The snowboarder also tends to be an outdoor lover of all seasons and often has summer sports listed as mountain biking and trekking in the summer and extreme sports such as winter camping and snowboarding during the winter months.
At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter which sport you prefer. Skiing and snowboarding are both great cardio exercises that are fun and exhilarating.
Note that beginner snowboarders are known to tackle advanced terrain during their first season, whereas skiing takes great skill and practice to ride expert slopes. If you’re a beginner, then take some lessons and sample the benefits the each sport has to offer, as well as getting a feel for the gear. If you’re a diehard fan of either sport – more power to you! It’s all about loving what you do.
