Skis or Snowboard
How to choose between skiing or snowboardingSkiing and snowboarding have a lot in common, but there are some differences: rich-text, responsive-table
Body Position
With skiing, you are facing forward, much like walking or running. This feels familiar to many.
- Each foot is attached to its own ski, so the skis can be moved independently of each other.
- Turns are initiated by putting your weight on one foot and then the other.
Sports with Similar Motion
If you’re comfortable playing hockey, figure skating or rollerskating, skiing might feel a little more natural for you.
Equipment
Skiing includes a ski for each foot, attached with click-in bindings that hold your feet in place, plus two ski poles that are held in your hands for balance and stability.
- Skis attach to your feet by stepping into your bindings, which can be done standing up.
- Ski boots are made from rigid, plastic and are stiffer than snowboard boots to give you stability.
Body Position
With snowboarding, you are standing sideways and looking where you’re going over your front shoulder. This is a new and exciting way of moving for many.
- Your feet are fixed onto your board, so they never change position.
- The same foot always goes forward. This is your dominant foot.
- Turns are achieved by leaning on your toes (toeside) and then on your heels (heelside).
Sports with Similar Motion
If you’re comfortable skateboarding, surfing or wakeboarding, snowboarding may be natural for you to pick up.
Equipment
Snowboarding includes less equipment than skiing—one board that attaches to your feet with bindings that feature ratchet straps.
- Strapping into your bindings can be done standing up or sitting down.
- Snowboard boots are softer and more flexible than ski boots.
- No poles required, as balance is dictated by your waist, shoulders and arms.
Mark McMorris Ross Rebagliati Sébastien Toutant rich-text, responsive-table
Lauren Woolstencroft Wayne Wong Shane McConkey rich-text, responsive-table
What did you choose?
Still not sure which is right for you? Go with your gut. Ask yourself, which looks cooler? Which looks like more fun? There’s no wrong answer; it really does come down to personal preference.
So what will it be, 1 board or 2 for you? rich-text, responsive-table