Skiing or snowboarding?

[Anonymous]

Which is easier for an average tween/young teen to learn? Assume no skateboarding or any other similar experience.

[Anonymous]

Skiing! But it's easier to get really proficient at snowboarding.

[Anonymous]

Snowboarding is so much easier.

There is this initial very steep learning curve with the snowboard, which is getting used to the fact that both feet are bound to the board and you’re moving sideways in a way, but once that clicks it becomes so much easier than skiing.

[Anonymous]

Agree with PPs. The first day skiing is far easier than the first day snowboarding. But getting from 'I can make it down the bunny slope' to feeling confident on a blue run is much easier on a snowboard.

[Anonymous]

OP here, thanks. I’m a life long skiier - skied since I was 6. I’m relatively athletic and just could not figure out boarding in high school so I’m biased towards skiing. But a friend was asking for advice for their kid.

[Anonymous]

How well does sktateboarding translate to learning snowboarding?

[Anonymous]

Skiing is easier the first few days. But it is harder to become an expert when you start later in life.
Snowboarding is hard the first few days. But much easier longer term to become an expert. Esp later in life. If I was a teen, I think either would be fine.

[Anonymous]

I am totally biased, but I cannot condone my kids becoming snowboarders. They just cause so many accidents and seem to have a little control. I realize I am speaking about anecdote, but there have been enough across the West Coast middle of the country north east and here that I just can’t fathom it. If they want to become borders after they turn 18 so be it. Until then they are happily scarce. Yes, I realize I am highly judge mental, I have also been Hit three times by reckless snowboarders, twice resulting in injuries.

[Anonymous]

I started both skiing and snow boarding late in life. I'm on team ski all the way.

But, the question is about kids, right? With kids, either. I think there are more skiing options though.

[Anonymous]

I have done both. I think snowboarding requires some serious core strength.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:How well does sktateboarding translate to learning snowboarding?

It doesn’t. Husband and kids skateboard and said nothing transferred over. First 2-3 times they went were tough with lots of falling.
But I do agree that they became proficient faster than I did when I learned to ski. It’s easier to figure out getting down a steep run on a board than skis.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am totally biased, but I cannot condone my kids becoming snowboarders. They just cause so many accidents and seem to have a little control. I realize I am speaking about anecdote, but there have been enough across the West Coast middle of the country north east and here that I just can’t fathom it. If they want to become borders after they turn 18 so be it. Until then they are happily scarce. Yes, I realize I am highly judge mental, I have also been Hit three times by reckless snowboarders, twice resulting in injuries.

People can be reckless on skis as well. It might be that snowboarding attracts more young people who are likely to be reckless.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I am totally biased, but I cannot condone my kids becoming snowboarders. They just cause so many accidents and seem to have a little control. I realize I am speaking about anecdote, but there have been enough across the West Coast middle of the country north east and here that I just can’t fathom it. If they want to become borders after they turn 18 so be it. Until then they are happily scarce. Yes, I realize I am highly judge mental, I have also been Hit three times by reckless snowboarders, twice resulting in injuries.

A friend was hit today by an out of control snowboarder. Ended up in the first aid room.

[Anonymous]

I think it’s good to pick up the snowboarding skills when you’re young. As the PP’s said, there is a lot of falling down in the first few days. I learned snowboarding in my 20’s and I can still do it in my 40’s, but I would never have the energy to start it at this age.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I am totally biased, but I cannot condone my kids becoming snowboarders. They just cause so many accidents and seem to have a little control. I realize I am speaking about anecdote, but there have been enough across the West Coast middle of the country north east and here that I just can’t fathom it. If they want to become borders after they turn 18 so be it. Until then they are happily scarce. Yes, I realize I am highly judge mental, I have also been Hit three times by reckless snowboarders, twice resulting in injuries.

People can be reckless on skis as well. It might be that snowboarding attracts more young people who are likely to be reckless.

This, but it’s also easier for less skilled people to go fast on a snowboard.