Updated December 2021
The big choice before your first day out on the slopes! If you’re having trouble deciding between skiing and snowboarding, tap or click “Let’s find out!” to take the quiz below.
Then, come back here to read the FAQ for a little more information on both of these sports. We’ve got answers to all of the most frequently asked questions about skiing and snowboarding at the bottom of this page.
FAQ
Is skiing easier than snowboarding?
Many people will say yes. Many people would also say no. The old adage is that snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master.
What that really comes does to is this: when you first start snowboarding, you need to learn some technical skills right away in order to stop, slow down, or turn. This is an obstacle for many people, but it eventually leads pretty naturally to carved turns.
On the other hand, you can start skiing with a very minimal understanding of technique and get down gentler slopes this way without much issue. This is why people consider it easier to learn, but as a result, many people get comfortable skiing this way and don’t go back to learn how to refine their turns or develop a more advanced technique.
Is skiing or snowboarding more dangerous?
Both sports can be dangerous. That’s why it’s important to take a lesson so you learn how to ski or ride safely. And that’s why it’s also important to wear a helmet and to only ski or ride within your ability.
Is snowboarding like skateboarding?
If you’re a skateboarder, then you’ve probably got the sort of grit that will help you succeed as a snowboarder. And it also means you are likely somewhat coordinated and athletic and used to moving sideways, which will also help.
But don’t go into it too confident—they’re still very different sports. Wakeboarding is probably the closest sport to snowboarding, ahead of surfing and skateboarding. But the idea is the same, yes, and turning and stopping is similar. Be prepared to feel a little uncomfortable having your feet locked into the snowboard though.
Is skiing or snowboarding more of a workout?
Scientifically speaking, I don’t know which sport actually tones more muscle or burns more calories at the beginner level. Both provide decent exercise, and both will probably force you to use muscles that you don’t normally use.
But snowboarding involves a lot of bending down to repeatedly strap in and unstrap. It’s also very difficult to stand still on a snowboard if you need to take a break midway down a mountain, which is why you will often see snowboarders sitting instead (and then having to push themselves back up).
With skiing, on the other hand, you can just step into your skis at the beginning of the day and then step out of them later, and you can also come to a standing stop at various points on the hill fairly easily, so keep that in mind while making your choice.
Are snowboarding boots more comfortable?
I think everyone agrees on this one: yes.
Ski boots are not as bad as everyone says though. They’re mostly just awkward to walk around in.
Can you teach yourself how to ski or snowboard?
With all the videos available on the internet these days, yes, you can. But do you really want to? If you take a lesson, you will get personalized feedback, a helping hand, and advice that pertains specifically to the mountain and snow conditions that day. This is all going to help you progress faster.
An instructor will also make sure you’re learning on the right type of terrain and progressing at a safe pace that will minimize the risk of injury to yourself or others. Yes, lessons (usually) cost a little extra money, but that money is going to make sure you’re getting the most out of your lift ticket and learning to ski or ride safely, effectively, and efficiently, and that means you’re going to have a better experience out on the mountain.
How long does it take to learn how to snowboard or ski?
Snowboarding and skiing are just like any other sport. You can pick up a basketball on day 1 and bounce it on the pavement and take a few shots and have a lot of fun and say that you learned how to play basketball that day. Or you can work on dribbling and layups and free throws for months and then play a few pickup games and then, even after all that, still feel like you’re a beginner. Or maybe at that point, you’ll feel like a pro.
There is no way of knowing how many days it will take for you to feel comfortable and confident on your skis or snowboard. Go to the mountain without any expectations and allow yourself to learn at whatever pace feels right. But no, don’t expect to master it in a day.
Do skiers hate snowboarders?
We’re all trying to do different things on the same slopes, and sometimes that will lead to misunderstandings, but this is rare. Most skiers and snowboarders will agree that the only people they dislike on the mountain are people who show a lack of respect for others.
There are, however, three ski resorts in the US that continue to ban snowboarding, so if you plan to snowboard, avoid Alta, Mad River Glen, and Deer Valley.
What are the steps to learn skiing and snowboarding?
To put it simply, you really only need to know a few things: how to put on your equipment, how to move around with your equipment on flat snow, how to ride the lift, how to stop, and how to turn in both directions.
But then there are many other necessary skills that build off of those, such as how to control your speed, how to make wider or sharper turns, how to make more efficient carved turns, how to ride steeper and more difficult terrain, how to ride trees and do tricks, what to do with your hands during all this, and so much more. Lessons can help you with all of it!
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