Skiing Or Snowboarding: Which Of The Two Is Actually Easier To Learn?

If you've ever discussed skiing and snowboarding, you might have heard that skis are easier to use and learn than a board. While not all popular and frequently repeated phrases are right, this one just happens to be true. Though those experienced in winter sports manage to make both look easy, many experienced skiers and snowboarders claim that skiing is much easier to learn. 

Skiing isn't just easier when it comes to actually hitting the slopes. Pretty much everything about it is easier than snowboarding. Not only is it quicker to learn, but the power limits, convenience, and comfort are all better on skis. Additionally, if you're a little nervous about getting on and off the lifts, you'll want to steer clear of snowboards, which are a little more finicky. With skis, you'll spend less time on the bunny hill and progress to more challenging slopes faster. This is because the motions of skiing are more familiar to most people. The actions you perform for ice skating and rollerblading are relatively similar, giving you a good base.

Snowboarding, however, is pretty different from other sports. Even surfing, which looks comparable, requires different techniques and weight distribution. Before you can really get on the snowboard and start gliding down the slopes, you'll end up falling a lot as you learn how to balance your weight and move around. Additionally, if you don't go snowboarding frequently, it's something you have to somewhat relearn every season, setting you back a little on your practice every year. Unless you have quite a bit of money to spend, going to places such as the resort that is New England's best-kept secret for skiing and snowboarding isn't something you'll get to do a lot. 

Interestingly, although skiing is considered far easier to learn, it's not all that easy to master. With snowboarding, however, once you get the hang of managing balance on your heels and toes and getting on and off the lifts, most of the hard work is done. After that, you just have to learn the basics, like how to take turns, navigate different terrain, and adjust your speeds. On the other hand, skiing gets more difficult after you learn the basics, as it requires learning completely new skills to progress instead of fine-tuning the ones you already know. 

Snowboarding also tends to be a little cheaper if you decide to buy your equipment. For this sport, you need to buy a board, bindings, and boots. However, for skiing, you will have to purchase skis and poles as well as bindings and boots. Of course, in the long run, the price of the equipment might not matter too much, especially compared to the steep costs of the lifts and the fact that many beginners end up renting equipment until they feel more confident. However, it is something worth considering, especially when you're already paying a lot to go out on the slopes, like those in the state with the best skiing in the U.S.

No matter which one you choose to try out, once you learn the basics, the world is essentially your oyster. Pretty much any place with snowy mountains will offer you a chance to practice your skills and explore a magical snowy setting. For example, to merge travel with the sport, you should check out several fairytale Swiss Alps villages that totally transform into winter wonderlands, perfect for skiers and snowboarders.