Snowboarding and skiing are two very different sports but they both rely on snow. Many people prefer snowboarding over skiing and vice versa. To identify the best let us look at the logistics.
Cost is a major factor in this debate. A pair of downhill skis can range in cost from $400 to $800 depending on which brand or type of skis are desired. These skis include touring skis, powder skis, and park skis. However, snowboards can range from around $150 to $600. This variance depends on the quality and size of the board. Like skis, snowboards also have specifically designed boards for different terrains.
Bindings are a necessity in both skiing and snowboarding. For new snowboard bindings they can range from $120-$300 for a pair, compared to a pair of alpine ski bindings that can range from $150-$500. Overall, snowboard bindings are cheaper than ski bindings due to the technology involved with ski bindings.
An additional cost to factor in is the boots for both endeavors. Snowboard boots can vary from $150-$300 and ski boots $350-$700. Ski boots have a higher price due to more technology and material compared to snowboard boots. It is important to note that snowboard boots are more comfortable to walk around in. Snowboard boots are not only used for snowboarding, unlike ski boots, they can be used as just regular snow boots that are very insulated and thick.
For a lower price, in Leavenworth, there is a ski swap that happens annually at the Alpine Lakes Elementary. Usually, there are some good deals on skis and snowboards. Colchuck Consignment, located in Cashmere, has good deals on skis and snowboards. Both snowboarding and skiing are expensive sports. In general, snowboarding is cheaper than skiing.
Learning how to ski is much different than snowboarding. For skiing, it is difficult at first trying to control the skis, but it only takes a day or two to get the hang of it. Snowboarding is a different story. If a new boarder has experience skateboarding or surfing, it will help. Most people find that it takes two to five days to get the hang of snowboarding and build up confidence to turn smoothly.
For style points, snowboarding is much easier to do tricks on; both feet are locked onto the snowboard creating more control of movements. However, skiing is harder to perform tricks on due to the two separate skis. Because each foot has control of one ski, it takes a lot of focus and coordination to be able to do tricks. In the worst-case scenario, a ski can become flipped which can easily result in some serious knee injuries. With snowboarding, injuries do happen, but more all over the body because of falling on over after catching an edge.
Convenience is also a factor. Skis are much more convenient, because they attach to one foot separately, they allow for the user to be able to skate on their skis so they can move. On the other hand, snowboarding requires one foot to be unstrapped so if the user does come to a stop they can move. Later they will have to strap their foot back in. Skis, overall, are much more convenient.
Body positioning may also play a key role in preference. With snowboarding, when going straight foreword down a hill, the user’s hips are parallel with the board but facing either left or right of a slope. Controlling the snowboard requires attention to weight distribution and putting pressure on heals or toes.
Skiing, however, is much simpler. It requires the user to stand straight up and down with the body facing down the slope. It is much easier to react on skis than a snowboard. Turning on skis relies on the weight distribution throughout the feet. If a skier puts pressure on the outside part of their foot, it will make the skis dig into the snow causing the user to turn where they put their weight. Overall, this is dependent on a person's preference.
Snowboarding is hard to learn, easy to master and skiing is easy to learn, hard to master.
“I snowboard, because it is cooler than skiing. You can rip pow (powder snow) a lot better. It's like surfing but on snow. It's way cheaper and way cooler. Snowboarding is hard to learn, easy to master and skiing is easy to learn, hard to master. On the board you have a bunch of different designs, not just the alternate, you've got all these different colors going on and boarders put stickers on their boards, on the top side, of course, don’t put them on the bottom. And they also wear really baggy pants and their mittens are connected to their jacket and the jackets are like shells so they fit like a sweat shirt and you don't have to wear anything underneath your jacket and you can pull your hood over your helmet but most snowboarders put stickers on their helmets,” explained Breigh Ragsdale (11), an avid snowboarder.
Gretchen Leach (11), a beginner at both skiing and snowboarding, has found ease and challenge with both sports. “I've skied more recently, [and] it's given me a good time and a hard time. I'm excited to try snowboarding again. Turning is a little scary, it’s hard to learn how to carve. I think snowboarding was more comfortable because with skiing I have pulled out the splits on my skis and it makes me look really bad. Skiers have more going on. You have two skis they are normally a bit different with [a] design on your left ski and an alternate on your right ski and skiers can wear baggy pants too,” said Leach.
There is no real winner in this debate. Snowboarding is cheaper, more comfortable, and more stylish; however, skis are easier to learn, more convenient at ski resorts, and some argue they are more stylish than snowboarding. In the end, it depends on a person's preference. It is good to try both to get the whole perspective. Rent out a snowboard for two days then rent a pair of skis for two days and at the end, whichever felt better, is the best.
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