Skiing vs. snowboarding question!! some insight please

Question

I downhill skiied for the first time last winter, and absolutely loved it. i took one lesson, where i learned the basics and went in the chair lift to a beginner "green" slope, and skiied down that several times. i learned a little bit about turning, but i didn't go as far to use poles.

i definitely want to try skiing again this winter, and advance in it, but i'd also really like to try snowboarding. would it be better to advance further in skiing before i tried snowboarding? also, is it possible to become a skiier (or snowboarder) if i only can currently do it during winter breaks (and have to travel to get to a mountain)?

thanks so much!

Answer 1

There are plenty of smaller beginner mountains that can keep you busy while you practice. Once you get better, though, you'll want to drive to the mountains. But you never really lose the skill, I've skid with people who hadn't for ten years, and after a couple runs they were right back into it.

If you don't plan on making it to a mountain very often, I would recommend sticking to either skiing or snowboarding until you feel pretty comfortable with that. Then, once you've mastered that, go learn the other one.

If you love skiing, stick with it for now. And you can definitely still excel if you only have winter breaks to practice.

Answer 2

Quite possible to become a very accomplished rider. You need to learn muscle memory so day after day activity will let you learn faster than one lesson this week and another lesson in 2 weeks and no on snow time in between.  Take lessons in one or the other and stay with it until you have reasonable skill, then try the other the same way. Take lessons and practice.  Do balance drills before you go to the slope, also soccer step/touch drill, jump rope and go dancing. All of this will improve your balance and foot/body coordination. For skiing, buy your own boots and be certain they fit correctly. Tight around the foot and ankle, also a foot bed is critical.  

  Your learning curve is typical of my beginner students, a 2 hour lesson will have you riding the green chair and having fun.  I do not encourage poles until the 3rd lesson.   Have fun.  Wear a helmet.