10 reasons why skiing is better than snowboarding
Is the Skiing V’s Snowboarding is a more divisive topic than Brexit?
So in the spirit of fuelling the argument here are our top 10 reasons why skiing is better than snowboarding.
1. Feeling Superior
We all know that Skiing is much harder to master than snowboarding. Our gear is more technical. Our Technique is more refined and when done correctly looks amazing. And the history and development of skiing is deeper, to the point that it has been part of several war efforts. Other than in James Bond you won’t see an armed snowboarder.
2. Lifts are designed for skis
How many times has a skier taken you out getting off a chairlift? How many times have you watched a snowboarder struggle with a button lift or T-bar? The reason is that lifts are designed for skiers.
3. Everything is named after us
Ski Holiday, Ski Resort, Après Ski, Ski Sunday, Ski School and the list goes on. With the exception of Board Park which has slowly been renamed Snow Park to make sure us skiers don’t feel alienated and our feelings are not hurt.
4. Most snowboarders can ski
Most people get their first taste of the mountains on skis. Vary rarely will you find someone that hasn’t skied before getting on a snowboard. Although the ones that deny this are probably lying.
5. Flat sections are easier
Oh no a flat section on a mountain, shall I get off my planks and walk? No need, I can just effortlessly glide to the next downhill.
6. No cold bums
I am always glad that I never have to get off a lift and sit down to strap my board to my boots and then have to do the something again half way down the run. It always seem like an endless battle between the boarder and the ability to remain attached to the board.
7. Off Piste
Sure snowboarders look effortlessly cool with their big gliding turns and huge spray and “cheeky” grabs when freeriding in the backcountry. The truth is that skiers can do that too, but that is too easy. What is much more satisfying is the challenge of looking technically proficient when tackling as steep powder filled incline. More turns are better. What is more, is that accessing the inaccessible slopes is much easier, that is why you can now buy a snowboard that turns into skis.
8. Moguls
This isn’t an argument about who creates them, however, I will say that moguls were around long before snowboarding. My point is that they exist and can often be a barrier to a great run deal with them, oh you’re on a snowboard you can’t!
9. Faster
It isn’t all about speed. But sometimes it is. I have done a small experiment and the evidence suggest that when out with a group of skiers and boarders, the skiers spend a small amount of time waiting around for the snowboarders. The boarders often defend this slowness by claiming that they are gibing about or riding switch.
10. Better hire equipment
Your own boots are always a good idea no matter what you ride however I have never heard a snowboarder who is happy with the hire gear they have. Skis are always updated in hire shops and if you pay that little bit extra you will get some really good kit.
Are you a snowboarder? Then read our 10 reasons why snowboarding is better than skiing.
Click here to look at all our skier and snowboarder friendly holidays.
lleys snow report 9th January 2015
