To ski or not to ski - that is the question! Snowboarding is sweeping slopes all over the world, but is this high speed sport for everyone? Skiing and snowboarding appear similar, but they actually have little in common. Some diehard skiers have crossed over to the world of snowboarding because of the thrilling runs and aerial maneuvers, while some remain fiercely loyal to skiing. Do you know which sport best suits you? In this article, we’ll look at the ups and downs of both sports and determine which best suits your style.

Snowboard riders constantly have to sit or exert energy to remain on edge while they are stationary. Unlike skiing, you will not have poles to help you remain upright and standing when you are not moving. Snowboarding is a lot easier on the knees compared to skiing, and there are less injuries in snowboarding versus skiing. Snowboarding can, however, be a lot more brutal on your wrists so make sure you wear wrist guards. You’ll start to develop a deep hatred for flat terrain when you’re starting out. Again, you won’t have your ski poles to bail you out. You will, however, begin to fall in love with deeper and softer snow. Snowboards maneuver nicely in powder, while skis prefer moguls and ice.

The biggest difference between skiing and snowboarding is the gear. Snowboarding gear is simpler than skiing equipment in many ways. For one, there is much less equipment to carry around - it’s just you and your board. Snowboarding is also more comfortable since the snowboarding boots are soft and your hands stay warmer because they’re not gripping ski poles. Ski gear is designed to function well while on the slopes, but it’s exasperating to get across the parking lot in those boots and trying to carry all your equipment.

Skiing and snowboarding also draws different demographics. While the skier tends to be a baby boomer and so dresses conservatively, the snowboarder is much more likely to be a young adult who is seeking thrills as well as spills. The snowboarder also tends to be an outdoor lover of all seasons and often has summer sports listed as mountain biking and trecking in the summer and extreme sports such as winter camping and snowboarding during the winter months.

At the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter which sport you prefer. Skiing and snowboarding are both great cardio exercises that are fun and exhilarating. Note that beginner snowboarders are known to tackle advanced terrain during their first season, whereas skiing takes great skill and practice to ride expert slopes. If you’re a beginner, then take some lessons and sample the benefits the each sport has to offer, as well as getting a feel for the gear. If you’re a diehard fan of either sport - more power to you! It’s all about loving what you do.