Skiers and Snowboarders have squabbled over which winter sport dominates for over two decades. Each side has its benefits and both are addictive, thrilling and fun; providing some much needed recreation in the cold winter months. So which one reins king of the mountain and if you haven't tried either, which one's for you? ? This Twist will provide some insight into this long-standing debate.



So why the tension?

Skiing and Snowboarding have been plotted against each other in a battle of good vs. evil. Every skier and snowboarder has experienced some form of mountain tension; lift line heckling is an eminent part of both sports. Most people have a reason for not liking the other but in my experience the reason is never very good. So why the tension?

Boarders are often regarded as punks who fail to abide by right-of-way rules and often lose control of their speed. Skiers on the other hand are known to wear hot pink snow pants still and have trouble looking cool wobbling around in awkward plastic boots.

Is any of this true? To a certain extent some of this may be true but certainly not of everyone. Chalk the tension up to the mere fact that Skiing and Riding appeals to different people. A prime example is in regards to the different sports' heroes; Skiers are more traditionally measured by speed (Peekaboo Street) whereas snowboarders are measured by Jumps (Shaun White). The gap is getting smaller and smaller with more Skiers riding Park and Boarding becoming an Olympic sport. There is a generational element that added to the fundamental difference.

Some Key Differences

Many boarders and skiers alike would agree that the only thing similar about the two sports is that they both are down hill and require snow. When it comes to your body, skiing isn't known to be kind on your knees. When you lose control, it's a lot harder to keep track of your legs when they're not tied together and a day of moguls can be killer. On the other had boarding can be especially hard on your butt more than ever when you're just beginning; stopping is difficult to control and your balance will fail you often. It is also much harder on your wrists for the same reason. A blessing and a curse is a skier's poles. One benefit is it serves as a balancing mechanism to keep you in control and a fantastic tool to scoot you along when it's flat. The curse is that you have to carry them wherever you go; carrying both poles and skis in ski boots nonetheless is a pain - They are also always the first thing you'll forget! Boarders often get stranded and have to walk when the terrain fails them by getting flat, if it were up to me, I'd take the poles. Skis handle better in icy conditions and bumps (moguls) whereas snowboards cut through powder gracefully and easily.

In a completely and utterly biased opinion I believe skiing requires a certain physique that snowboarding just can't match...

My favorite place to Ski: Steamboat Springs (Colorado) known for their champagne powder and super long runs. You'll hardly ever wait in line and you truly can't beat the snow.

My favorite place to Ride: Mary Jane (Colorado) with an altitude of 11,000 feet, Mary Jane gets more snow then any other Colorado mountain, you can't find Bowls better than Mary's, and I mean the Mountain kind.

History of the Ski

The oldest known ski dates back to 2500! Original skis were not exactly used for recreation but as a mode of transportation during long winters in a more cross-country fashion. Skiing has strong Scandinavian roots and they turned this winter necessity into a sport in the early 1700's. In 1850 downhill skiing became possible when Norwegian, Sondre Norheim developed bindings that would prevent a persons skis from falling off. In the early 1900's Europeans started catching onto the trend and the activity became more and more popular.

History of the Board

Snowboarding didn't gain popularity until the 70's but began when Sherman Poppen made a toy for his children by hooking 2 skis together. Surfer Dimitrije Milovich developed the first official Snowboard it became an official sport in 1985. Originally only 7% of ski areas allowed snowboarding in Europe and America alike mostly because boards were a little on the unpredictable side. With improved equipment and a major popularity shift, over 97% of resorts allow boarders to ride the slopes if not cater to them. Now an Olympic sport, whatever Snowboarding lacks in history, it certainly makes up for it in growing popularity.

Safety Tips on the Slope

Tips to keep you safe no matter which sport you choose by: Travel Insurance Direct

? Remember to give other snowboarders and skiers the right of way when going downhill. You may be able to see them, however can they see you?

? When stopping on a run make sure you keep to the sides.

? Whenever crossing or first entering a run look both ways and up the slope before moving off.

? Always use some kind of safety device to prevent runaway equipment.

Never, ever snowboard or ski alone.

? Avoid closed trails and out-of-bound areas. Posted signs and rules should be obeyed at all times. Listen to the local experts or you might end up in a frozen creek.

? Wear a Helmet - you won't look cool smashed up against a tree, promise.