Snow Skiing

[shotgunneeley]

Heading out to Breckenridge, CO December 19th for a week of snow skiing with the family. I've been about half a dozen times skiing, but I've never tried snow boarding. I was interested in giving it a shot, but its like going to a restaurant and ordering that one meal you know you can't go wrong without taking a risk. Personally I really enjoy skiing, never have ended a trip without a significant wipeout. One time I was going entirely too fast down a strip of humps next to a ski lift. My skis caught the leading edge of the next hump and I did a somersault over the mound and landed square on my tail. Unfortunately, my friends didn't get it on video, but it was worth listening to the cheers and applause from the skiers on the lift!

Anybody here ever done both? Would be interested in hearing some opinions as to what is best.

[Tordon22]

I skied from the time I could stand till around 13, then I switched over. That was 10 years ago, so I've done my fair share of both. I would say snowboarding is a bit harder to pick up and the first couple times out you'll spend a lot of time in the snow which can wear you out quick. Personally, if I was traveling to a nice mountain like Breck I would stick with what you're best at so you can enjoy as many runs as possible. Or if you're renting and can work out a split-- do both. Nothing wrong with trying snowboarding one day to test the waters then skiing the rest.

[Penguin]

Snow skiing?  As opposed to ice or dirt skiing?   

-Penguin

[Melvin]

As opposed to water skiing.

[Spikes]

If you've skiied for a while, snowboarding comes much easier than just starting snowboarding. If you have good balance it's great fun. I have skiied since I was 4 until about 12 or so then I made the switch. I was on the local race team and everything, but it got boring. Snowboarding is much more of a challenge to me even after 4 years, trying new things etc. When I first started snowboarding I snowboarded during the day then switched to skis at night (so I could enjoy the night more with my friends rather than falling on my arse all night).

[Tupac]

Snow skiing?  As opposed to ice or dirt skiing?   

-Penguin

I have a pack of camels that pull me through the sand on skis.

[Dadano]

Getting a couple days of instruction is the best bet.

[SPKmes]

I say give it a go. I'm a skier myself, tried the boarding but really didn't get into it. these days with the freestyle skis you can do all the tricks the boards do anyway. I'm a surfer and really didn't get the rush I thought I would from boarding so went back to the two stix
 

[Fulmar]

I've done both and prefer old fashion skiing.  It's hard to find sensible people on the mountain anymore.  Etiquette is rarely taught in ski/boarding lessons.  Laying down below the crest of a drop off... that's one way to get seriously hurt.  If you're going to lay down or stop on a run, move off to the side and stay visible.

BTW,
Claimjumper and Duke's Run, my favorite runs at Breckenridge.

[shotgunneeley]

Perceived Pros:
1. A much more stable riding platform compared to two skis.
2. Better for jumping ( I love hitting those small ramps on the side of corridors and trails )
3. Larger surface area - can handle deep, fresh powder better

Perceived Cons:
1. Can't pole on flat terrain like skiers, must walk or push with back foot.
2. Strapped in for better or worse. Hello wipeout, goodbye ankles.
3. Harder to control in tight quarters.

Edit:

I've done both and prefer old fashion skiing.  It's hard to find sensible people on the mountain anymore.  Etiquette is rarely taught in ski/boarding lessons.  Laying down below the crest of a drop off... that's one way to get seriously hurt.  If you're going to lay down or stop on a run, move off to the side and stay visible.

BTW,
Claimjumper and Duke's Run, my favorite runs at Breckenridge.

Oh yeah, I know I would never do that, but I always fear that I'll be the one that comes flying over that crest and smoke a downed skier or little kid. Claimjumper sounds familiar, don't remember Duke's run but I'll be sure to check them out. We'll be at the Beaver Run Resort.

[JOACH1M]

Bring some pain killers, try not to sit, and try to fall on your knees(try make pads for those) if u fall on your butt it will HURT

[Raptor]

Snowboarding is harder to learn, skiing is harder to perfect. I say stick with skiing for the trip.

[crazyivan]

Love sking, I was hell on skies from the age of 2.  Snowboarding totally different animal. Try wearing something with butt padding and always try falling backwards. Remember your butt can be used as a brake. Think I also had wrist guards but I'm an east coast guy so used  to ski/boarding on ice.  Last make sure to kick some cold ones after

[68Wooley]

Snowboarding is harder to learn, skiing is harder to perfect. I say stick with skiing for the trip.

Pretty much somes it up. The first couple of days boarding are tougher than the equivalent days on skis. Thereafter though, most people progress faster boarding.

Writing this at 8000' after an awsome day on the slopes at Mammoth Mountain CA.

[FiLtH]

Heading out to Breckenridge, CO December 19th for a week of snow skiing with the family. I've been about half a dozen times skiing, but I've never tried snow boarding. I was interested in giving it a shot, but its like going to a restaurant and ordering that one meal you know you can't go wrong without taking a risk. Personally I really enjoy skiing, never have ended a trip without a significant wipeout. One time I was going entirely too fast down a strip of humps next to a ski lift. My skis caught the leading edge of the next hump and I did a somersault over the mound and landed square on my tail. Unfortunately, my friends didn't get it on video, but it was worth listening to the cheers and applause from the skiers on the lift!

Anybody here ever done both? Would be interested in hearing some opinions as to what is best.

  I dont know your health status and age, but be aware higher elevations can take many by surprise(heart). Go easy if you arent in that great of shape.