Ski vs. Board

What's Your Snow Type: Skier or Snowboarder?

As the winter weather is just around the corner and you begin to get ready for your enticing vacation in Breckenridge Colorado, snow is likely on your mind! If you're not yet established in your favorite snow sport, you're likely wondering if you should try skiing or snowboarding. On the beautiful Colorado mountains you surely will have a wonderful time either way, but there are a few key differences that might help you make up your mind!

*The Basics.
If you're never tried either sport, try on the gear first and see what feels more comfortable. When skiing, you snap your boots (equipped with bindings) into the skis, one leg at a time. Snowboarders however attach both feet to one board. Both can feel odd at first, but ask a lot of questions and take some time to get to know the equipment. You'll feel more comfortable on the slopes.

*The Pole Truth.
A pole helps you keep your balance when skiing, and helps support you when standing still. In snowboarding however, there is no pole, only the use of your body keeps you balanced on your way down the mountain. In this regard, boarding does take a bit more energy. It also can be a little more difficult to learn to board as you won't have that additional tool to help you get up if (and when) you fall. You might topple over a little more often as a boarding beginner without that pole to keep you upright.

*Injuries.
It's not exactly clear cut which sport might offer more opportunity for injuries. It is however a good idea to consider the types of injuries that are more common in each sport before you get started. Skiing is tougher on the knees than boarding, and therefore skiers can develop some knee pain or injuries. If you have a bad knee to start, you may want to try boarding. Snowboarding on the other hand is a lot harder on the wrists as you often will have to break your fall with your hands. Also in boarding you might fall the other way and land on your backside quite a bit, especially at first.

*Powder Power.
Sometimes the mountain and weather conditions have a say in which sport you should choose! If the snow is powdery and deep, those are the perfect conditions for snowboarding. If the snow is packed and icy or bumpy, skiing would be the better choice. Learning both sports is generally easier on powder, but think for a moment where you'll be most often. If your local slopes generally offer one style of snow, that may influence your decision. Areas such Breckenridge usually have both over the course of the season, depending on the weather.

*Speed Demon.
You may guess that you'd travel down a mountain more quickly by snowboarding as it's often portrayed as a thrill-seeking adrenaline-based sport. However if you compare athletes at the same level, skiers are actually almost always faster.
Either way, when you try the sport for the first time, be sure to be prepared! The Breckenridge slopes, as many others, can get very sunny and it's important to keep applying sunscreen and lip balm throughout the day. Keeping yourself hydrated throughout your stint on the mountain is also key. Snowboarding and skiing are great forms of exercise, so make sure you take some time to rest and enjoy a lunch break at the lodge. But the number one rule is to have a great time! You are going to fall down, and perhaps even leave with some bruises, but with some good humor, practice and patience, those black diamonds will be calling your name any day!