Which Is Harder: Skiing or Snowboarding?

Jasper Jack
Oct 14
5 min read

Every winter, as soon as the snow starts to fall and the mountains start calling, one age-old question echoes across lift lines, lodges, ski schools and social media :“Which is harder skiing or snowboarding?”

As a certified instructor who has spent countless seasons teaching both sports, watching beginners tumble, triumph, and sometimes full on crash out on the slopes, I can confidently tell you this: They’re both hard... just in completely different ways.

But... Let’s break it down once and for all!

If you’re new to snow sports, the first few days are the most daunting. You're using muscles you've never used before, you will fall countless times, and you will have at least one out of control life flash before your eyes moment.

This is also where skiing and snowboarding start to part ways.

Skiing: The early days of skiing are kinder, generally speaking. You face forward, you’ve got poles for balance (not really what they are for but nonetheless), and your feet move independently. You can “pizza” (wedge your skis together) to control speed, and within a few hours, you’ll be gliding down green runs with a sense of optimism.
Snowboarding: The first few days of snowboarding? Well, let’s just say your rear end will become very familiar with the snow. Your feet are locked together on one board, meaning balance and body are at odds. You’ll spend a lot of time catching edges (and falling spectacularly). But here’s the silver lining- once you do get it, your progression skyrockets.

Verdict:

✅ Easier to start: Skiing

Now... l et’s talk muscles.

Skiing demands strong quads, glutes, and core. Your legs will feel like molten lava after a long day carving down the slopes- but your falls will be gentler and you get a little help from those trusty poles getting around.
Snowboarding recruits your entire lower body and your core for balance and turning. Your legs will still be screaming, and your upper body joins the party too. Add in a mix of butt slams, sprinkle in a couple face plants and top it off with one or 2 full blown yard sale wipe outs.

At the end of the day, both sports will leave you ready for that well-earned hot cocoa (or après-ski beer), but one will truly test your will to persevere.

Verdict:

💪 Harder on the body: Snowboarding, hands down

Turning and Control: This one is controversial.

Skiers face downhill, steering with their legs. You’ve got two edges and independent control - but you gotta keep them aligned and balanced. There is a finesse to a ski turn that takes time to master.

Snowboarders ride sideways, using their whole body to steer. Once you learn edge control (and stop catching that dreaded front edge), turns start to feel buttery smooth.

Verdict:

🎯 More natural and easy to get: Snowboarding

Ok, so skiing seems to be in teh lead here.. but hold on not so fast.

We haven't talked about the equipment yet.

Skiing means double the hardware - two skis, two poles, two boots, and twice the chances to drop something getting off the lift. The gear setup is a bit more complex, but once you’re strapped in, movement feels intuitive and balanced... and the boots, oh those uncomfortable boots... Just compare skiers and snowboarders walking up a flight of stairs.

Snowboarding, on the other hand, keeps it simple: one board, one set of bindings, one pair of boots. Getting ready is quicker, no poles to juggle, comfy boots (comparatively), but locking in (which you will do sitting down for the foreseeable future) and getting up and moving around can feel awkward at first. Skating when one foot is free on the lift ramp is an art in and of itself.

Verdict:

🏂 Simpler equipment overall: Snowboarding.

The REAL difference lies in how you fall.

Skiers tend to have more spectacular wipeouts — skis flying in all directions, poles scattering, one boot still sliding down the mountain like it’s on its own vacation.
Snowboarders, on the other hand, fall a lot more often in the beginning. Usually backward. On your tailbone. Repeatedly. But your shit stays together.. usually.

That said this is why a good helmet and goggles are non-negotiable.

🪖 Helmet tip: Protect your noggin in style, chose an ULTRA light weight helmet with impact protection - check out Mad Hatter Ware’s ski and snowboard helmets for something that’s both safe and seriously cool.

😎 Goggle tip: Snow blindness (or foggy) is real. A pair of Mad Hatter Ware ski and snowboard goggles will keep your vision clear and your look on point - from bluebird days to powder storms.

Verdict:

🎿 Skiing is a bigger pain when you fall.

🏂 Snowboarding is bigger pain when you fall (see the difference there? it subtle.

Snowboarder Sitting — snowboarder sitting

How about the "cool factor"- IMO both skiing and snowboarding have their own brand of cool.

Skiers: You’ve got the sleek, aerodynamic look - cutting through powder like a mountain ninja.
Snowboarders: You’ve got the laid-back, surf-the-snow vibe. Baggy pants, chill playlists, and in time park tricks.

Honestly? Pick your tribe. Both are FN awesome if you’ve got confidence and the right gear (especially a pair of mirrored goggles to complete the look).

So... Which Is it Ski or Snowboard?

Alright, time for the truth bomb:

Skiing is easier to learn but harder to master.Snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master.

In other words:

If you want a smoother start and more control early on, go with skiing.
If you’re ready for a few rough days in exchange for long-term freedom and style, go snowboarding.

At the end of the day, it’s not about which sport is harder - it’s about which one makes you feel like a snow god or goddess when you reach the bottom of the run.

Final Tips:

Take a lesson. Your ego will recover faster than your tailbone.
Wear the right gear. A warm helmet, quality goggles, and proper outerwear are game changers. (Seriously, Mad Hatter Ware has your back and your head covered.)
Be patient. Everyone looks like a baby deer on day one.
Have fun. Because no one remembers how hard it was to learn they remember the first time they got it.

🎿 Bottom Line

Whether you’re clicking into skis or strapping into a snowboard, the mountain doesn’t care. It’s going to challenge you, humble you, and if you stick with it - reward you with TFW you're flying down a snowy slope without a care in the world.