The longtime argument about which is better, skiing or snowboarding, is a pretty hot topic here in Utah. It’s especially heated in Park City, where the skiers have a whole world class resort all to themselves. Before you take this issue to the streets in head to head, Shark vs. Jets style confrontation, let’s look at the virtues of each sport, and see if we can’t decide who comes out on top.

Getting Started

For all of the newbies hitting the slopes this year, skiing might have some extra appeal. Skiing is usually easier for beginners, because it offers the stability of independent leg movement, and the stabilizing balance of the ski poles. Because of this, skiing is usually the choice of parents who are enrolling their kids in the elementary age classes at the resorts.

They might get some resistance from the teenagers though, who are likely to feel that snowboarding is more respectable in terms of extreme sports. The good news for weary parents is that skiing only holds the upper hand for stability for the first few days. Once the riders get the hang of it, the skills needed to navigate the slopes become second nature, just like with skiing.

Thrill Seeking

For those looking for the thrill of some gnarly tricks, snowboarding is probably the sport you lean toward. The thought of half-pipes and ramps spring to the mind of every would-be snowboarder, but boarders don’t have the corner on extreme snow sports. Skiers boast some equally impressive moves, and there’s no one more crazy than an experienced daredevil on skis. Off-slope, backwoods skiing is a sport all of its own, and these skiers boast some of the most death-defying stunts on record. If you’re in doubt, just sit and watch the skiers run the double black diamond slopes for a minute, and you’ll change your mind.

Extending the Season

While every snow enthusiast hopes for that perfect powder day, snowboarders seem to depend on it more than skiers. Having both of your legs attached to the same board, and needing them to be able to move exactly in sync makes it safer to run down a slope that is free from ice, ruts, and bumps. The added stability of skis and poles allows skiers to navigate some rougher terrain. This translates into more days per season that will be suitable for hitting the slopes, which gives skiers more opportunities for using their season passes than snowboarders.

In the end the answer to the question of whether skiing or snowboarding is better lies in the eye of the beholder, or the bindings of the snow-goer. There are pros and cons to each, and there’s no arguing that there’s beauty and adventure to be found in both.