Skiing vs Snowboarding for Beginners: Which Should You Learn First?

The eternal debate: should you learn to ski or snowboard first? Both are incredible ways to enjoy the mountains, but they offer different experiences. Here's an honest comparison to help you decide.

The Quick Answer

Learning Curve Comparison

Skiing: "Easy to Learn, Hard to Master"

First Day:

• Standing on skis feels natural (facing forward)
• Pizza/snowplow stop is intuitive
• Falls are usually gentler (sideways)
• Pole use provides balance
• Chair lift loading is straightforward

First Week:

• Can navigate green runs
• Parallel skiing takes time
• Carving requires significant practice
• Lots of technique to refine

Snowboarding: "Hard to Learn, Easy to Master"

First Day:

• Sideways stance feels unnatural
• Catching an edge = face or back plant
• More falling, often harder
• Getting up is exhausting
• One foot strapped in on lifts feels weird

First Week:

• Once you "get it," progress is rapid
• Linking turns clicks suddenly
• Less technique complexity to master
• More intuitive once basics are down

Physical Demands

Injury Considerations

Skiing injuries tend to affect:

• Knees (ACL tears)
• Thumbs (pole-related)
• Shoulders (falls)

Snowboarding injuries tend to affect:

• Wrists (bracing falls)
• Tailbone/butt
• Collar bones
• Head (always wear a helmet!)

Pro Tip: Snowboarders should wear wrist guards first few days.

Equipment Costs

Rental (Per Day)

Buying (Total Beginner Setup)

Terrain & Conditions

Skiing Advantages

• Better in moguls
• Easier in flat areas (can push with poles)
• Steeps feel more secure
• Cat tracks and traverses are easier
• Ice is slightly more manageable

Snowboarding Advantages

• Better in deep powder
• More fun in terrain parks
• Tree runs feel fluid
• Natural movement in halfpipes
• Easier to carry (one piece)

The Social Factor

Consider what your friends/family do:

• Everyone skis? Learn skiing. You'll enjoy the mountain together sooner.
• Mixed group? Either works—groups split on runs anyway.
• No influence? Choose what excites you more!

Age Considerations

Decision Framework

Choose Skiing If:

You want an easier first day You have knee issues (counterintuitive but twisting is less common) You ski with skiers You want versatility across all terrain You prefer facing forward Flat sections don't bother you

Choose Snowboarding If:

You skateboard, surf, or wakeboard You want a cooler aesthetic (subjective!) You're drawn to the park/halfpipe You want to progress quickly after day 1 You have wrist guards and patience Deep powder days appeal to you

Why Not Both?

Many people eventually try both. Here's the typical path:

1. Learn one well (2-3 seasons) 2. Try the other on easy terrain 3. Maintain both (switch based on conditions/mood)

Being a "switch hitter" is the ultimate flex.

Our Recommendation

Most beginners:* Start with *skiing

Reason: Day 1 and 2 are more enjoyable. You'll have more fun initially and potentially ski more often. You can always try snowboarding later.

Exception: If you're young, athletic, patient, and drawn to board culture—go for snowboarding. The harder start is worth it for the right personality.

Getting Started

Whichever you choose: 1. Take a lesson (critical!) 2. Rent first, buy later 3. Start on the bunny hill 4. Give yourself 3 tries before judging

Find a beginner-friendly resort near you and get out there!