While traditional skiing has been around for much longer – supposedly since 600BC – snowboarding is quickly picking up speed to become one of the most popular snowsports. Every year, the rivalry between the board and the poles ramps up as the snow starts to fall, with more and more people flocking to the slopes to give both sports a try.
So what exactly are the differences between the two? And which is right for you?
Skiing
Skiing is quite similar to the natural movement of the body. You move downhill using a slalom motion to pick up speed and a basic snowplough to stop.
Equipment: Skis vary in length, weight and material. In general, ski height should be somewhere between your chin and the top of your head. Most skiers will also have poles to help balance and push off. You’ll also need ski boots, gloves, goggles, ski clothes and a helmet if necessary.
Best for: It has been said that skiing is easier for an absolute beginner and is often preferred by families, especially those with young children. It’s also easier to get on and off chairlifts.
Possible injuries: Skiing can be tough on the knees. If you’re not used to it, you’ll definitely be feeling the effects through your whole body the next day!
Resorts to try: Just near Innsbruck, Solden is a great all-round resort suitable for both skiers and snowboarders. Solden has two glaciers, a big ski area, some of the best après-ski in the world and a ski-in, ski-out holiday resort. For families, the Stubai Glacier or Serfaus has great child ski facilities and gentle, wide slopes. Advanced skiers, head to Alagna in Italy, about 3 hours from Verona, for its tough off-piste snowfields that rival Chamonix resort in France.
If you would like to find ski jobs abroad there are lots of opportunities in Europe, North America and around the world. If you aren’t yet qualified, you could take a ski instructor course.
Snowboarding
The first snowboarders hit the slopes in the 1960s, inspired by skateboarding, surfing and sledding. It involves strapping your feet parallel to the board and riding downhill with one foot in front of the other. You have no poles to balance, rather you use your body weight to pick up speed or stop. There are two different types of turns you’ll learn: backside (edging with your heels) and frontside (edging with your toes).
Equipment: You’ll need a snowboard, as well as special snowboard boots (that are considerably softer and more comfortable than structured ski boots) and bindings. Wrist guards and helmets are recommended for first-timers, as well as the usual snow clothing, goggles and gloves.
Best for: If you’ve already mastered skiing, then you might want to give snowboarding a try. If you’ve never set foot in the snow but are desperate to try snowboarding, then it’s probably best to take a few lessons first. It can take quite a while to get the hang of the movement and having your feet constrained in the bindings. Be prepared to fall over a lot, but it’s all in the name of fun. You’ll mainly find groups of young adults trying it out, but anyone can have a go!
Possible injuries: Snowboarding puts less pressure on your knees, but is harder on the ankles. Wrist and upper body injuries can be common, especially when falling, so make sure you have guards.
Resorts to try: If you would like to visit or work in Austria, St Anton and Ischgl are about an hour away from Innsbruck and are often voted the best resorts for snowboarders. St Anton has great freeriding conditions and plenty of wide pistes to really test your skills. Ischgl is known for its superb freestyle park, suited to intermediates. For beginners, the resort of Passo Tonale in Italy, about 2.5 hours from Verona, has lots of snow, open gentle slopes and world-class snowboard schools.
Keen to get qualified to find winter jobs abroad as a snowboarding instructor? View our snowboard instructor courses.