Ski or Snowboard First? What a Skier Since Age 3 and Snowboarder Since 12 Recommends

Short answer first. If you've never done either, I'd start with skiing. I've skied since I was 3 and snowboarded since I was 12. Having done both, the hardest part for beginners is getting used to the feeling of sliding — and skiing gets you there faster. You can switch to snowboarding afterwards; it's never too late.

• First time? Ski: you face forward as you move, which is close to how you normally walk
• Snowboarding is sideways: it asks your body to move in a way you never do day to day
• The exception: if you skateboard or surf, starting on a snowboard is fine
• What matters most: whichever one you actually want to do

Why start with skiing

Humans walk on two legs, facing forward. That's everyday life. On skis, you slide facing forward. Each leg moves on its own, so if you lose your balance you can step a foot out and recover.

On a snowboard, you stand sideways on the board with both feet locked to one plank. The everyday habit of facing forward and walking doesn't help you. It's a movement you've never built up in daily life, so the first hurdle is higher.

What beginners struggle with most: the sliding

What trips up first-timers isn't technique — it's the feeling of the ground sliding away under you. On snow, just standing still, your skis or board start moving. Getting used to that is the scariest, most tiring part.

Skis get you comfortable with that feeling relatively quickly. Get used to sliding first, then try snowboarding, and because you already know how snow feels, you'll enjoy it much more.

A local tip: lots of people pick snowboarding from day one because skiing seems less cool. But getting down the mountain on skis will probably make you love Niseko more than spending your first two days on your backside.

Who can start with snowboarding

• People who skateboard or surf in summer — you already have the sideways feel
• People who just really want to snowboard — motivation is the fastest way to improve
• People who don't mind falling over

You'll fall a lot on a snowboard in the first few days. That's true for everyone, so don't worry about it too much.

Whichever you choose, take a lesson

Ski or snowboard, a lesson for the first day or two is worth it. Just learning how to stop and how to fall on day one cuts your chances of getting hurt a lot.

For lessons and rentals, see Is Niseko Good for Beginners?

FAQ

Which is easier for a first-timer, skiing or snowboarding?

Generally, skiers feel like they can "do it" sooner, because moving forward on skis is close to how you normally walk.

How many days does it take to snowboard?

It varies, but most people fall a lot for the first two or three days. Lessons speed things up.

What should kids start with?

Ski schools set minimum ages for skiing and snowboarding separately. Before you book, check your child's age is accepted.

Can I switch from skiing to snowboarding later?

Yes. Because you already know how snow feels, you'll probably enjoy it more.

— Niseko Hub Editorial Team