Skiing vs Snowboarding for Beginners: Is It Hard?
If you’re planning your first winter sports holiday, one question comes up again and again:
Should I choose skiing or snowboarding—and how hard is it really?
The honest answer?
Yes, you will fall. Everyone does. But that doesn’t mean you’ll be on your own, embarrassed, or failing. With the right lessons and expectations, learning to ski or snowboard can be one of the most rewarding things you ever tried.
Let’s break it down.
Will I Fall? (Yes—but You Won’t Be Alone)
Falling is part of learning, whether you choose skiing or snowboarding. The good news is this:
- You’ll be learning in a class with people at the same level
- Everyone else will be falling too
- Instructors teach you how to fall safely
You won’t be the only one on the ground, and you won’t be judged. In fact, falling usually means you’re trying—and that’s precisely what instructors want to see.
Skiing vs Snowboarding: Which Is Easier for Beginners?
There’s a saying in winter sports that’s been around for years:
Skiing is easy to learn, but hard to master.
Snowboarding is hard to learn, but easy to master.
This saying exists for a reason.
Let’s look at both.
Learning to Ski as a Beginner
Skiing is open to all ages and is often the first choice for beginners.
Why is skiing easier at the start
- You face forward naturally
- You can stand still more easily
- You’ll often progress to a green run by the end of your first week
(Green runs are designed for beginners to intermediates)
What surprises beginners
Skiing uses muscles you probably didn’t even know you had. Around day two or three, you’ll feel it—especially in your legs.
This is completely normal.
That’s why we always recommend:
- Doing basic warm-up exercises a couple of months before your trip
- Keeping your fitness up, so getting back up after a fall isn’t exhausting
If your fitness isn’t there, skiing can feel much harder—not because of skill, but because standing up again takes energy.
The good news? You’re still learning in a group, still progressing, and still supported.
Learning to Snowboard as a Beginner
Snowboarding has a steeper learning curve at the beginning.
What to expect with snowboarding
- You’ll fall more often in the first few days
- Many beginners are still on the nursery slope by the end of the week
- Progress feels slower at first—but then suddenly clicks
Snowboarding takes longer to feel comfortable, but once it does, many people find it easier to progress and more playful than skiing.
Safety Gear We Strongly Recommend
No matter which sport you choose, protection matters—especially when you’re learning.
We recommend:
- Crash pad shorts for skiing and snowboarding
- Wrist guards for snowboarders (they fit under gloves)
When we fall, our instinct is to put out our hands. Wrist guards can make a huge difference.
For more info on "What to Wear Skiing or Snowboarding for the First Time"
You’ll also be taught how to fall properly—yes, like a kid.
Fall, roll, get up, brush off the snow, and go again.
Lessons: Group or Private?
We always recommend taking lessons—no exceptions.
Group lessons
- Cheaper
- Larger groups for skiing
- Snowboarding groups are usually 6–8 people
Private lessons (our top recommendation)
At Snowboard Guru, we recommend private lessons for everyone, even beginners.
Yes, they cost more—but:
- Your progress is much faster
- Lessons are tailored to you
- Confidence builds quickly
💡 Top tip: Book lessons around lunchtime. Nursery slopes are quieter, and learning is less stressful.
Cost: Is Skiing or Snowboarding Cheaper?
Generally:
- Skiing is slightly cheaper
- Ski classes tend to be larger
- Snowboarding classes are smaller and often cost more
This can vary by resort, but it’s something to consider if budget is a concern.
Which Should You Choose?
Here’s our honest recommendation:
- If you and your friends are all new, start with snowboarding
- If you’re still having fun after learning snowboard basics, consider trying skiing later
- Skiing is helpful to have “in your back pocket,” especially:
- When snow conditions are icy
- When coverage is limited
Skis have four edges, while a snowboard has two, making skiing easier on icy runs.
Don’t Give Up—Everyone Learns Differently
Whether you choose skiing or snowboarding:
- You will fall
- You will feel sore
- You will improve
Everyone learns at a different pace, and that’s completely fine.
Stick with it, keep going, and trust the process.
You will get there.
