Learn to ski or snowboard
Is skiing or snowboarding easier?
So is skiing or snowboarding easier to learn? Through personal experience and research, we say skiing is easier to learn (although this question can spark some heated discussion). But it’s not totally straight forward. Skiing is easier to learn but more difficult to master. Snowboarding is more difficult to learn but once you’ve got the hang of it, it’s much easier to progress in. Being motivated and fit will help you learn both sports.
Obviously both skiing and snowboarding are totally awesome! They both attract like-minded mountain enthusiasts who live to ride the slopes. We say learn both if you can! Whichever you choose, read on for tips on how to make it easier to learn either snowboarding or skiing!
Table of contents
To start out, read what our teamriders think
Andri Ragettli (skier):
“Snowboarding is harder. Usually you start first skiing and then you change to snowboarding. When you ski you have 2 edges but with snowboarding you only have one edge.”
Camille Armand (boarder):
“The easiest way is to start learning skiing and once you ski, it will be easier for you to try snowboarding. Why it’s easier to learn to ski? Because we have two skis and poles that facilitate balance.”
Isabelle Hanssen (skier):
“I would say the basics of skiing are easier because it’s more aligned with your natural body position, but down the line it gets more technical than snowboarding. Except for freestyle I’d say they’re pretty equal.”
What are the initial differences between skiing and snowboarding?
So for those learning to ski, the first couple of days will be easier than for those who are learning to snowboard. Why? Because skiing is more intuitive, relating better to how we actually move. When you ski, your feet are two separate units so you can move each leg independently. This means that at slower speeds, you have better balance and can stay upright. Skiers face forward with their legs parallel with each other in a straight-on position. Many beginners feel this position is more natural and easier to hold.
With snowboarding, it may feel awkward at first with your feet strapped to the board, like your feet are ‘trapped’. It’s a question of getting used to the sensation. When you’re just starting out, you’ll probably fall quite a bit and spend much of your first day on your behind. Balancing on the board, stopping, and learning to turn take many days of practice. But once you’ve learnt the basics, improving your skills will go faster than with a novice skiier.
Now you’re snowboarding…
Once you’ve got used to the feeling of being strapped to a board, it becomes an advantage! You don’t have to worry about your skis crossing each other. And snowboarders say that the one board gives them a deeper connection to the snow. Once you’ve got the hang of turning, you can already hit the slopes. Now it’s time to work on balance and speed. Increased speed will actually make turning easier so it’s a win win.
Now you’re skiing…
In the beginning having two separate skis on two separate legs makes it easier to get going. But now you have to learn to use these two separate entities as one, keeping them moving in harmony with each other. But although the going can be slow when learning to ski, it is a sport that is continously challenging you and from these challenges you learn improved skill and technique. This makes working on your sport so rewarding
How quickly can you learn skiing?
For skiers, it’ll take a bit longer to build up the basic skiing skill set. Plan in a week and a half to two weeks to learn the basics and to begin skiing with confidence. Learning to ski really well can take years and you can constantly be improving your technique.
How quickly can you learn snowboarding?
Most snowboarders will have the basics down within a week and can be out there on the slopes, in the park and even in the backcoutry for the rest of their time in the snow.
How do you make skiing easier?
Motivation and physical fitness are key factors that will help make skiing easier and more fun to learn. So start fitness training well before you leave for your snowcation. Work on your muscle strength, balance and endurance. Good exercises to do are squats, hip rolls and lateral ski jumps, amongst others.
Make sure that you choose a ski resort which is geared to beginners. Look out for good training areas and easy pistes, which are suitable for beginners. An easy level piste will, at no point, have an incline of more than 25%, helping you stay in control as you are learning.
How do you get good at skiing for beginners?
Take lessons. Group or private lessons will teach you the techniques you will need to progress quickly. You could also consider taking lessons before you hit the slopes if you have an indoor slope nearby. Once in the mountains, get a ski pass and ski as much as you can. Practice makes perfect. Tips to keep in mind when practicing are: bend your knees, have patience, don’t look down at your tips and always try to stay evenly balanced on your skis.
How can you get better at snowboarding for beginners?
Firstly, you need to know how to skate! What’s skating go to do with snowboarding? Skating is what we call it when you move forward with your front foot strapped to the board and the other foot is free to push you along. This is how you’ll get on and off, across flat areas or up slopes.
Other things you need to remember are to bend you knees, look in the direction you want to go and don’t get stuck at the bunny slope… be brave, once you feel comfortable, move on to the easy slopes. Be sure to wear the right gear. Make sure all your gear fits well, keeping you warm and dry. A common complaint with beginners is having cold feet so make sure to wear warm, breathable, moisture-wicking ski and snowboard socks.
How can you improve your snowboarding skills?
The best advice we can give you is to take lessons. Lessons will teach you the proper techniques. You’ll get tips on how to improve and you’ll learn the techniques that you need to know in the order you need to know them.
How old is ‘too old’ to start skiing or snowboarding?
You’ll be happy to know that there is no maximum age limit to learning to ski and/or snowboard. A third of the learners attending classes are adults of all ages. You just need the motivation and a good level of physical fitness. Many people in their eighties are still out there carving up the slopes, while enjoying the breathtaking views of snow covered mountains. As you get older, injury is more of a risk so remember to stretch and do some warm-up exercises before you hit the slopes.
Whichever sport you choose, dress for it
Whether you choose to ski or snowboard, remember that to truly enjoy your time on the slopes, you need to dress for the weather. Think water resistance, breathability and warmth. You’re in the right place to find your perfect winter outfit! We’ve got ski and snowboard wear for women and ski and snowboard wear for men and for kids as well.
Conclusion
Skiing is easier to learn when compared to snowboarding. Snowboarding is harder to get the hang of in the beginning but you’ll find yourself carving up the moutain in no time! Choose the sport you feel more connected to, that’ll make learning easier. And remember practice makes perfect so keep trying and you’ll get there!