Skiing Or Snowboarding - Which is easier for a beginner ?
So you're thinking about booking your first winter holiday and wondering whether to start skiing or snowboarding. It can be tricky to decide, as they both have characteristics that appeal to the first-timer.
Some people like the idea of the snowboarding lifestyle and how satisfying riding powder looks. Whereas other people like the extra speed associated with skiing.
But at this stage, you need to get over the hurdle of learning the basics. So, in this article, we'll go through learning how to ski and snowboard to highlight which is easier.
Your First Week On Skis
Everyone's first time on skis is slightly different. This is usually down to the person's mindset, fitness level, and sporting background. But here's what you can expect from your first week as a skier.
Getting Used To Ski Boots
The first time you put ski boots on your feet, you'll wonder how anyone can do anything in them. Your boots should feel snug but not painful. If you feel any pressure points on your feet, change them for another pair in the hire shop; don't put up with them, as they will put you off skiing altogether.
Walking around in ski boots is challenging, and they will initially feel uncomfortable. But they are not designed for walking; the rigid plastic boots give you all the support you need to control your skis. Don't worry; they will begin to feel a little more natural when you clip into your skis.
Some ski boots have a "walk mode" to make walking to the lifts a little easier. Some people loosen their ski boots to make them easier to walk in. If you use walk mode or loosen your boots, remember to go into ski mode or tighten them up before you clip into your skis, or you will struggle to stay in control.
Ski Lifts
Ski lifts can be pretty daunting; however, most ski resorts these days have a "magic carpet". The magic carpet is a conveyor belt that is ideal for beginners as you don't need any skiing skills to use it; you just stand on it and step off at the top.
The other ski lifts you'll need to master are the drag lift and chairlift. Drag lifts simply pull you up the hill with a disc or bar between your legs. All you need to do is maintain your balance until you get to the top and ski away.
Chairlifts seem tricky, but all you need to do is sit down as the chair comes around behind you at the bottom of the slope, then enjoy the ride.
At the top, lift the safety bar, stand up and ski away. The key to chairlifts is to relax, don't panic, and remember to stand up at the top. But you also need to remember to ski away from the top lift station; you have a load of people getting off the lift behind you with nowhere to go if you're standing in the way.
On The Slopes
Let's assume you've reached the top of the mountain, and it's time to slide back down. Your first slope will have a very gentle gradient, so you won't pick up too much speed.
You really should book a ski lesson. We'll go into lessons later, but an instructor will give you all the information about technique and controlling your speed. Most people are surprised by how well they cope with their first day skiing on the slopes. Usually, it only takes a few hours before a beginner skier can make low-speed turns in control down a nursery slope.
Of course, there will be some minor falls, but this is part of learning how to ski. But within a couple of days, you'll be confident enough to leave the nursery slopes and explore the resort further.
Your First Week On A Snowboard
How easily you pick up snowboarding also depends on your fitness, mindset, fitness level, and sporting background. But let's compare a snowboarder's first week with a skier's.
Snowboard Boots
Snowboard boots are infinitely more comfortable than ski boots. They are softer materials but have enough rigidity to allow you to turn and control the snowboard.
Walking in snowboard boots is much easier than in ski boots. They feel just a bit stiffer and bulkier than snowboots. Also, you can just tuck your snowboard under your arm rather than battling with the awkwardness of skis and poles.
Riding Ski Lifts On A Snowboard
Ski lifts were invented long before snowboarding existed, so they are not really designed for snowboards. This doesn't mean you can't use them as a snowboarder; it's just that you need to adapt to them and put up with a bit of discomfort.
Riding a magic carpet is even easier on a snowboard than on skis. This is because you unstrap your back foot, making it easy to balance.
You also need to unstrap your back foot for drag lifts and chairlifts. This may sound counterintuitive, but it makes riding them more manageable and safer. As you become more experienced, using lifts with one foot strapped in becomes much easier, but expect some embarrassing falls in the early days.
On The Slopes
Unfortunately, snowboarders have a more difficult time in their first week of snowboarding. The first three days can be highly frustrating and exhausting, but it's a process you need to go through.
You will spend a lot of time rolling around in the snow and picking yourself back up again. This is because you need to get used to your feet being strapped to the board, learn to balance and become familiar with the sideways stance.
It can take two or three sessions to be able to make your first linked turns on a snowboard.
If you are a skateboarder, surfer, or wakeboarder, you will find this initial stage much more manageable, speeding up your journey to becoming a snowboarder. Skiers who make the transition to snowboarding also have a slight advantage, as they understand how edges work and where to find the softer snow, which is more forgiving for snowboarders.
Progressing As A Skier Or Snowboarder
There's an old saying that skiing is easier to learn than snowboarding but harder to master. This is 100% true, as those first few days on a snowboard can be punishing, but the more natural stance of skiing makes learning much easier.
However, once you get over the complete beginner stage as a snowboarder, you can look like you know what you're doing. It won't take long before you can carve, ride powder, and perform basic tricks. You can look like a good snowboarder within three weeks.
Skiers have a much harder job progressing their skills after they've got the basics. This is why you see people who have been skiing for years with poor technique. It takes more time and dedication to become an exceptional skier.
Should You Learn To Ski Or Snowboard?
There are a few things to consider if you're struggling to decide which sport to take up. The first thing is to go with your gut instinct and choose the one you think will be more fun. You can always try the other sport later if you fancy a change.
Another consideration is your personal circumstances. For example, if you have kids, you may be better off as a skier, as it is easier to get around, and you'll have the skills to go to different places much more quickly.
Snowboarding could be the best choice if you are okay with going through a steep learning curve. Just because it's harder to learn, don't let it put you off. Once you get past the initial challenging stage, you'll be surprised at how quickly you will progress.
Book Some Lessons
Whichever winter sport you choose, it's best to book some lessons. You can choose one-to-one sessions with an instructor or join group lessons. One-to-one lessons are great, as the instructor can give you their undivided attention, helping you progress more quickly.
Group lessons are less expensive and are great fun. Everyone in the group is in the same situation, and they often encourage each other, which can be a big help when learning to ski or snowboard.
Instructors get booked up quickly, especially during peak weeks. Therefore, it's best to book your lessons in advance to avoid disappointment.
An instructor will give you the best start. They will talk you through the proper techniques, taking all the guesswork out of trying to teach yourself. This not only speeds up the learning process but keeps you safe.
Don't be tempted to let a friend teach you how to ski or snowboard. They may be experienced and skilful, but they may not be good teachers. They may also misjudge your ability and take you to a slope beyond your capability. On top of this, it can cause friction and awkwardness, and you're there to have fun, not argue.
Skiing and snowboarding are challenging winter sports. But they are addictive and can change your life forever. Whichever you choose will unlock a range of opportunities, create lifelong memories, and introduce you to incredible people and characters.
