With winter in full swing and snow-covered mountains beckoning, students at our school are once again divided over the two most popular snow sports: skiing and snowboarding. Each has its unique appeal, but there’s an ongoing debate- what’s better? Skiing? Or Snowboarding? Some say skiing offers more control and ease, while others argue that snowboarding provides a sense of freedom and excitement. To find out more about what makes these two sports so different, we spoke to two students who have plenty of experience with both.
The Skiing Experience: Precision and Control
Skiing has been a staple of winter sports for centuries, dating back to the 8th century. For many, the appeal of skiing lies in the control it offers, Skiers have two separate skis that allow for a wide range of movements, making it easier to navigate difficult terrain or make quick turns. This level of control is often cited as a key factor in its popularity.
“I enjoyed skiing more because it is more laid back and I feel like I’m able to make sharper turns making it so that I’m confident with feeling in control with where I want to go, I’ve also had more experience with skiing ever since I started when I was 10,” says Finnegan Greenleaf, sophomore. “I have tried snowboarding once and I didn’t have much fun versus skiing, which is another reason why I prefer it over snowboarding.”
For Finnegan, Skiing is a blend of control and adaptability. However, he acknowledges that skiing can sometimes be physically demanding. The learning curve can be steep, especially when it comes to mastering parallel skiing and turning smoothly.
The Snowboarding Experience: Freedom and Flow
Snowboarding has been known for offering more diverse creative expression whether it be style within tricks or with clothing attire. Snowboarders are attached to one single board that allows for more of a limited range of motion within the legs, which will shortly teach you how much more control you have in your hips and upper-body balance. Once balance and flow are mastered, then you’re ready for more difficult spots on the slope.
“I like snowboarding because I found more of a thrill out of it rather than my experience with skiing,” says Luke Hildebrand, senior. “I started Skiing when I was 5 and then switched to snowboarding when I was 10, I tried to get up on the mountain as much as possible ever since then because I’ve always been excited to practice my tricks and skills.”
However, Hildebrand has acknowledged that snowboarding can be more challenging for beginners. “Skiing is easier to learn, while snowboarding takes more time depending on how fast you can adjust your body to balance the overall movement out,” exclaims Hildebrand.
Which Is Better?
It’s clear that both have their advantages and disadvantages, and the answer depends on what you are looking for in a winter sport.
Finnegans’ enjoyment of skiing centers on its precision, control, and ease of learning. Skiing allows you to navigate the slopes with sharp turns and quick adjustments, making it perfect for those who enjoy mastering technique and tackling challenging terrains. However, the physical demands on the legs and the risk of injury at higher speeds is a downside for some skiers
On the other hand, Luke’s preference for snowboarding highlights the sense of freedom and creativity that comes with the sport. Snowboarding allows riders to feel connected to the mountain and offers more opportunities for personal expression through tricks and style. While learning can be tough at first, snowboarding provides a unique experience that many find more rewarding once they’ve mastered it.
In the end, the question of which is better comes down to personal preference, if you enjoy precision, control, and a structured experience, skiing might be the way to go. But if you are after a freer, more laid-back vibe with plenty of room for creativity, snowboarding is probably the better fit.
So, whether you prefer skiing or snowboarding, one thing is for sure: both sports offer an unforgettable way to enjoy the winter season.
