Skiing v. Boarding

A few weeks ago the issue of skiing over boarding cropped up in a different thread. Various people were asking about the differences and I said as I was giving boarding a bash I'd report back with how I found it. So..........

Well I probably shouldn't say it here but I think I prefer boarding now! The first two days of boarding are frustrating, particularly for people who can ski. Unlike skiing it takes a while to actually stand with any confidence and those first days will be pretty painful. Catch the wrong edge and you'll be sent flying on your face or your back and pretty bruised. The flatter parts of the slope are more likely to trip you up just as you think you're ok - and unlike early skiing falls you'll be thrown up into the air first before crashing to the ground!

However after those first few days.....it's incredible fun and it doesn't take anywhere near as long to master as skiing. By our third day we went down a red run and steepness isn't a problem at all on a board - it's a very easy technique to slide down a slope on your edges so you should never really get to a slope and not be able to get down - on the other hand runs down windy roads can be pretty tricky especially as it can take a few efforts before your legs follow the order to turn.

Equipment wise there isn't much to choose from other than boards for off-piste or the half-pipe so you are probably safe to invest in the equipment earlier than you might with skis which keep changing according to design and ability. The boots are a lot more comfy to walk in too!

The instructor is very important of course, and Guiseppe from the Bardonecchia Ski School was excellent - speaking good english, was patient, enthusiastic and had a sense of humour (looked like Hulk Hogan). He also set up the course for some of the snowoarding events at the Turin Olypmics. Anyone wanting to try might consider waiting for the warmer weather - Spring arrived mid-week which made the turns much easier and the falls a lot more cushioned than the ice!

I noticed offers for afternoon tasters costing about £40 - complete waste of money in my opinion as you'll have done nothing but fall over by then. To give it a go requires at least 2 or 3 days!

Kevinc,reading your post is not suprising I skied for 12yrs approx before getting drunk on my stag do in andorra and taking the challenge from my mates to become a boarder!!! After becoming self/friend taught I became a decent boarder enjoying some great powder and parks!. Up until last year I was totally snowboard then it came to the time my son who is 3yrs was ready to join me on the slopes so thought heck why not try the skis again and I can't believe how good it feels to be back on the trusty skis!!!! Sometimes a break is what's needed to apprieciate the finer things on the mountain!!! :mrgreen: looking back when boarding you have to select your resort and runs very carefully if not you could end up walking for miles and then theres lift selection wow, This can be painful if you pick up a long drag for instance, and finally I used to spend most time looking for jumps or fresh powder . As for skiing you can go anywhere when ever you want conditions don't play as much of a part, lifts don't matter you can switch off and take in the scenery,on a board 100%concentration needed. Well that's my take on it just sold all my boarding equipment apart from my dainese protection shorts so if you are size xl there's some for sale.back to skiing fixed myself up with some nordica speedmachine 10 boots and now lookingfor some skis for next year, i have either a of k2 apache recons or Scott neos in mind any suggestions ?? Glad you enjoyed boarding but believe me you will enjoy returning to skiing more )

thanks kevin that was me, i am very glad you reported back, i did watch some newbie boarders, i didnt fancy the way they had to lean downhill that looked a bit scarey especially on some of the steeper runs but glad you enjoyed it and yes i am envious of the softer boots

Russco - I do intend to still ski - probably hire skis for a day or two each holiday but will board more whilst I can still get away with it, age-wise.

Amanda - it does take a bit of nerve sometimes to turn but the good thing is that you don't have to turn if you're not comfortable with it. It really is the flat bits that seem to cause the most problems!

Ski only, I'm too trendy to snowboard :wink:

Hey hey, been there, done that, went back to skiing...

I mixed boarding and skiing for a couple of seasons way back whenever. Started off with something called a "Hot 160" that was shaped like a fish, ludicrously bendy in the middle, and had the un-nerving habit of pitching you into a cartwheel if you went more than 5mph.

Remember a few great days in powder on an early swallow-tail and I did enjoy it hugely at times, but I just found that skiing gave me a wider variety of experiences and I only ski now.

I think I just prefer facing in the direction that I'm travelling in!

I think everyone should try it at least once, but KevinC's right to point out; if you're going to try it then you need to give it enough time to get over the painful bit.

There was a lad in the chalet above ours and it was his first time boarding. He was a walking wreck by mid week. He was eventually wearing bubble wrap in his undies 'cause certain parts were very sore :shock:

The one thing that I have noticed about boarders is ...they fall on their butts alot when they get off the chair :lol: I am afraid to take the chair with my boarder buddies..they may take me out when we get off :lol: :lol:

Boarding does look like fun though.