I tried skiing and snowboarding for the first time and noticed 7 big differences that made me realize I'll be sticking with just one for now

Monica HumphriesFeb 11, 2023, 18:09 IST

Insider's author tried both skiing and snowboarding and compared the two.Monica Humphries/Insider

Last winter, I gave snowboarding a shot, and this year, I clipped into skis for the first time.
Now that I've tried both sports, I've realized they have some major differences.

Growing up in Florida, my winters involved cold ocean plunges in bathing suits, not skiing in snowsuits.

The base of the Winter Park Resort in Colorado.Monica Humphries/Insider

Last winter, I strapped into a snowboard and attempted a few beginner runs.

The author's first day on a snowboard ended in a hike down the mountain.Monica Humphries/Insider

This year, I decided to give skiing a shot.

The author holds skis and a snowboard.Monica Humphries/Insider

Let's start with the gear. I thought snowboard boots were much more comfortable than ski boots.

The author gets fitted for ski boots and snowboard boots.Monica Humphries/Insider

I learned that your position on the mountain makes some things more challenging while snowboarding.

Side-by-side images of the author skiing and snowboarding.Monica Humphries/Insider

I discovered that navigating on flat surfaces felt exhausting on a snowboard and easier on skis.

A snowboarder skates on a slat section of a run while skiers in the background push themselves using poles.Monica Humphries/Insider

I fell a lot more when I was learning how to snowboard.

The author in a patch of trees after falling on her snowboard.Monica Humphries/Insider

I thought that getting on and off lifts was easier on skis.

A family of skiers gets off a lift.Monica Humphries/Insider

Different parts of my body ached after both skiing and snowboarding.

The author rests and straps into her snowboard.Monica Humphries/Insider

Everyone told me that "snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master, while skiing is easier to learn and harder to master." So far, I think the saying rings true.

The author snowboarding at the Winter Park Resort.Katie Sproles

Everyone told me that "snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master, while skiing is easier to learn and harder to master." So far, I think the saying rings true.

After trying both, I think there's nothing like gliding down a snowy mountain on a sunny day — regardless of whether you're on skis or a snowboard.

The author holds a snowboard.Monica Humphries/Insider

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I tried skiing and snowboarding for the first time and noticed 7 big differences that made me realize I'll be sticking with just one for now

Growing up in Florida, my winters involved cold ocean plunges in bathing suits, not skiing in snowsuits.

Last winter, I strapped into a snowboard and attempted a few beginner runs.

This year, I decided to give skiing a shot.

Let's start with the gear. I thought snowboard boots were much more comfortable than ski boots.

I learned that your position on the mountain makes some things more challenging while snowboarding.

I discovered that navigating on flat surfaces felt exhausting on a snowboard and easier on skis.

I fell a lot more when I was learning how to snowboard.

I thought that getting on and off lifts was easier on skis.

Different parts of my body ached after both skiing and snowboarding.

Everyone told me that "snowboarding is harder to learn but easier to master, while skiing is easier to learn and harder to master." So far, I think the saying rings true.

After trying both, I think there's nothing like gliding down a snowy mountain on a sunny day — regardless of whether you're on skis or a snowboard.