Ever since snowboarding began to rival skiing for piste space back in the 60s, a debate has raged as to which snow-bound pursuit deserves ultimate bragging rights.

The question might sound simple: is it better to slide down a mountain side using two sticks and a couple of poles, or carve out a course with your feet stuck to a single piece of wood? And never one to shirk a challenge (or fail to respect the weight of history), here’s our definitive skiing vs. snowboarding comparison… in 300 words, or so.

Starting Out

First off, the fact that snowboards are a proverbial pain for newbies can’t be avoided. Having strapped on, it’s inevitably impossible to stay still whilst standing upright and you quickly develop a bum like a wet lettuce. And if you hit a flat bit of snow… well, you’re stuck.

Skiers, on the other hand, have the luxury of poles to help drive a bit of momentum and it’s easier to balance on two bits of wood than one so they also tend to have drier behinds.

So as far as beginners go, skiing wins out; it’s easier to pick up the basics and your holiday is likely to be rather less frustrating.

Moving On

From sporting enthusiasts themselves to people who like to sit in the bar to watch (and drink), it’s generally agreed that snowboarding is more rewarding for intermediates. Skiers may have the edge in terms of speed, but you get to freestyle with a board. That means jumps, rails, half-pipes… basically all the things that make you look sexy on the slopes.

The winner here has got to be snowboarding. It’s way cooler, and not just because it doesn’t have a history of day-glo one-pieces.

Up and Up

The real snow-lovers who’ve managed to master both skiing and snowboarding will tell you that the two sports have equal (if different) merit at an advanced level.

That might sound like a horrendous cop-out, but there’s a fair chance that if you can grab, jib, flip and fake (and know what all that means) then you’re going to look pretty good, no matter what is attached to your feet.

But there’s one last big thing to take into account, whatever your level. Hint; it’s got something to do with falling over…

Whether it’s a week with your board or a ski holiday that you’re looking forward to, there’s still plenty of scope to hit the slopes on a credit-crunch budget this year… just book cheap accommodation at the chic resorts of Chamonix and Aspen, or head to hostels near the excellent conditions of Whistler in Canada and Zermatt, Interlaken (in Switzerland) and Innsbruck (Austria) in Europe. And for a really budget-friendly break, try Poland’s Zakopane…

JC

What’s your take on the ski vs. snowboard debate? Are you a die-hard ski fan? Or perhaps a dedicated snowboarder?

Tell us about your favorite slopes, and whether you think this destination suits the ski or snowboard experience!