If it seems as though everyone under 40 is snowboarding instead of skiing, that’s because it is largely true.  Snowboarding has become quite popular while skiing is on the decline.

As someone who has snowboarded and skied, I’ve decided to trade in my snowboard for ski equipment. 

Here’s why.

Snowboarding is too Difficult

Ask anyone who’s carved the slopes atop a board about the experience and you’ll find they found it difficult to move the next day.  In particular, snowboarding takes a toll on the knees and back. 

Perhaps most important is the steep learning curve of snowboarding.  Maintaining the perfect balance to remain upright on a board is a challenge in and of itself. 

Mix in turns and stopping and you have quite the challenge on your hands…or feet I should say.   

Though I slightly improved during my time as a snowboarder, I eventually decided balancing atop a thin board was not only too challenging but dangerous.

Bouncing Back on the Slopes

Take a spill on a snowboard and you’ll feel the pain.  Making matters worse is the fact that you’ll struggle to return to an upright position.  Return to your feet and you’ll inevitably fall again.

Rinse and repeat the above upwards of a dozen times while riding the slopes and you might think about giving up.  That’s exactly what I did.

Don’t get me wrong, I still plan on snowboarding a couple times per year.  However, my wintertime exercise now centers on skiing. 

Here’s why I reach for my skis, ski poles and ski boots instead of a board.

Switching to Skis

Skiing is easier on the body and the mind.  Though I still suffer the occasional fall on the slopes, it’s much easier to maintain balance on two skis than a board with feet placed adjacent.

It’s also easier to return to the standing position after a wipeout on skis.  The best part is I always have my ski poles in-hand to help me return to an upright position.

Though skiing isn’t as chic as snowboarding, I don’t care how I look.  I ski to have fun and get some much-needed exercise. 

Most importantly, I am less likely to fall and end up in pain when gliding on skis instead of a board. Add in the right ski equipment and the experience becomes even safer.

The Value of Versatility

Snowboarding is best characterized with words like “extreme”, “intense” and “trendy” while skiing centers on function over form.  

Granted, snowboarding certainly provides a dynamic experience when attempting tricks and jumps. I’m all about function over form. 

In contrast, functionality is synonymous with versatility. 

I downhill ski with traditional long skis and mini skis.  Moreover, I enjoy cross-country skiing far off the beaten path. 

As long as I have the right equipment for skiing, I have the confidence necessary to spend an entire day on the white stuff.

Simply put, you can’t venture into the wilderness for a thrilling outdoor expedition on a snowboard.  It is this diversity of experiences that makes me gravitate toward the skis as I transition into the second half of life.

I encourage you to do the same.