Skiing vs. Snowboarding: Which One Should You Try First?

A question I’m often asked when I share my love of snow sports is, “Which one should I try first: skiing or snowboarding?” Ahh, the ultimate question, followed closely by, “Which one is more fun?”, “Which is easier to learn?”, “Which one is more expensive?”, and of course, “Which one will make me look cooler?” Okay, maybe that last one is my own question, but still relevant!

Here’s my take on these questions. 

So, Which One is Right for You?

If you’re asking this question, chances are you’ve been mesmerized by snow-capped peaks or maybe inspired by watching your friends and now feel the urge to join in. I totally get it. Here’s a breakdown of skiing versus snowboarding with some pros, cons, and a bit of extra insight from my personal experience as a biracial Black/Asian woman who didn’t grow up in the world of snow sports but dove into it as an adult.

The good news is—I’ve done both! I started skiing, then switched to snowboarding, and now, after 25+ years away from skiing, I’m considering getting back on two planks this season. So, I’ll be pondering these pros and cons right along with you.

The Case for One Plank (Snowboarding)

Pros:

1. The Cool Factor
   Let’s be honest—snowboarding looks cool. Carving, throwing up some snow spray with mountains in the background, just you and your board? It’s a whole vibe. Plus, the style is on point. The style factor is real and snowboarders tend to have more laid-back, steezy gear (aka style with ease).

2. The Boots, Baby!
   Try on a pair of snowboard boots, then a pair of ski boots. It’s no contest. Snowboarding boots are like comfy slippers compared to ski boots. Snowboarders are rarely seen waddling awkwardly around après-ski—they’ll usually be walking comfortably while the skiers are struggling in ski boots.

3. Smooth Motion
   Carving down a mountain or floating through powder on a snowboard feels like flying. The motion is fluid and smooth once you get the hang of it. Brands use terms like “flow” and “swoon” in their product names for a reason, it just fits. 

4. Less Gear. Less Fuss.
   With just one board to manage and no poles, snowboarding is simpler. Fewer moving parts mean less gear to wrangle when you’re off the mountain. Throw on your boots, strap in, and go.

Cons:

1. The Steeper Learning Curve
   “Harder to learn, easier to master” applies here. You’ll likely spend your first few days on your butt (or knees, or face). This can be painful and demoralizing when you see first-time skiers gliding down the hill. But usually between day three to five is when most people start linking turns and feeling more comfortable. Once you get that key skill, you're basically good to go!

2. Chairlift Woes
   Getting on the chairlift? Fine. Getting off? A test of your balance and coordination. You’ll have one foot strapped in and, well, it’s not pretty at first. Expect wipeouts, but once you finally nail it, you’ll feel prepared to tackle bigger goals. 

3. The Dreaded Flats
   Flat terrain and snowboards don’t mix so be fully prepared to skate or in some instances, unstrap and walk. Keeping your board waxed and practicing acceptance helps. You can also do what I do, make friends with a skier and have them give you a little push when in need.

4. Strapping In, Over and Over (and Over and Over and Over): Traditional bindings require constant strapping in and out, especially if you're on flat terrain or getting off lifts. It’s not a huge deal, but it adds up by the end of the day. Step-on bindings do exist, but beginners and even seasoned riders often use the traditional ones due to cost and performance.

The Case for Two Planks (Skiing)

Pros:

1. Easier to Learn
   Skiing is often said to be easier to learn but harder to master. Since your legs move independently, you’ll have more control right from the start. The pizza (snowplow) technique will keep you upright and give you confidence, and you’ll likely fall less than snowboarders—at least in the beginning.

2. Flats? What Flats?
   Skiers can cruise over flat sections, pushing along with poles like it’s no big deal, while snowboarders are stuck skating. You’ll feel like a mountain pro when you breeze past snowboarders while waving gracefully goodbye. This may or may not have happened to me while stuck on a flat on my snowboard. 

3. Balance Comes Naturally
   You’re facing forward, legs separate—this is how humans naturally move, so skiing feels more intuitive for beginners. Plus, you have poles for stability, and it’s much easier to recover if you start to tip (and you will tip at some point).

4. Chairlifts Are a Breeze
   Chairlifts are way less stressful for skiers. Just sit down, stand up, and glide away. Well, maybe not quite that easy as a beginner, but hands down a more pleasant experience. Meanwhile, snowboarders (aka me) are still strapping in their bindings at the top while you’re already halfway down the run. While it is not very mindful or demure to leave your snowboarder friends behind, it does happen. 

Cons:

1. The %#$%@ Boots!
   If you like tiny foot prisons, then skiing is for you!  Walking in them is awkward, uncomfortable, and, oh yeah, they’re heavy. You’ll go from feeling like a contender for the Olympics on the slopes to a newborn giraffe the second you’re off them.

2. More Moving Parts
   Two skis, two poles, boots, bindings—there’s a lot to keep track of. It’s more gear to carry and manage, not to mention there is always the chance of inadvertently stabbing someone with your poles if you're not careful. There’s just a lot going on.

3. The Falling Factor
   Ski falls are less frequent in the beginning, but they can be epic when they happen. It’s like getting tangled in your bedsheets—except the sheets are made of metal and fiberglass. Yard sales (gear scattered everywhere when you fall) are named just that for a reason.

So, Which One is Easier?

The million-dollar question (or, with inflation, the 100-million-dollar question) is... it depends. If you want a faster start and less falling, skiing could be the better choice. But if you can handle a few days of frustration and a bruised bootie, snowboarding may offer a smoother, more satisfying ride in the long run.

My Final Take

As a former fitness instructor, I was always asked, “What’s the best workout for me?” My answer was always: “The one that you enjoy and that you’ll stick with consistently.” The same applies here. Choose the one that feels the most fun to you. If you are considering both, I encourage people to give both skiing and snowboarding at least three tries before deciding which one to progress in. 

One more thing—and perhaps the most important thing. Feeling welcome and included matters too. Snow sports are already intimidating and even more so for people who don’t see themselves represented on the mountain. Feeling supported, valued and like you belong helps these spaces feel so much less intimidating.  It’s a huge part of the reason I became a snowboard instructor so that I could teach and welcome others into this space. It’s also why I’m so grateful for affinity groups like BIPOC Mountain Collective Seattle. We ride together, no one is left behind and that's how it should be when trying something new.

Quick Answers to Other Questions:

• Which one is more expensive?
  Both! Gear, lift tickets, transportation etc. aren't cheap and a large reason why snow sports remain inaccessible to so many.  But there are affordable rental options, second-hand gear shops as well as scholarships that now exist to help with passes, gear and learning opportunities. 

• Which one is cooler?
  Snowboarding. Floating through powder on a snowboard is the chef’s kiss and I will die on that hill lol! 

So, now that you know the pros and cons of both, the next step is to get out there and try it! Hope to see you on the slopes!