Head to any ski resort in the world and ask the locals “snowboarding or skiing – which is best?” and you’re sure to get some passionate responses from both camps. And after our chat with four avid boarders and skiers, it’s clear this is a debate that will keep on going and going (and going!)...

Do you think snowboarding/skiing is easy to learn?

Boarders

Nick: I think it’s quite easy to learn but it helps if you have good balance and co-ordination.

Amber: After a lot of practice, you’ll have that one run where it just clicks, and it will all make sense. In my opinion, snowboarding is a lot more playful, so the progress isn’t directly related to just how fast you can go, jibbing, carving and popping about begin to come naturally as you gain more confidence on the mountain.

Skiers

Louisa: Like anything new, it can take a little time to grasp the basics. I started skiing as an adult, which I think is harder. I know people who have been skiing since they were a child, and I think it’s much easier that way. My main advice would be to join a ski school, as nothing beats learning from the pros.

Matt: Within a week of lessons, I could ski down a red run! I was able to pick up the basics quickly and get to a good level, where I felt confident on lifts and on the piste.

Is it easy to progress?

Boarders

Nick: Definitely, once you get a good grasp of the basics, your confidence grows quickly, and you want to find more challenges and fun ways down the mountain. This has the added benefit of the spectacular views you wouldn’t otherwise see.

Amber: The saying goes “snowboarding is harder (than skiing) to learn, but easier to master” and I would say it’s true.

Skiers

Louisa: It’s different for everyone, but generally I think skiing can be difficult to become an expert at. I’ve been skiing for ten years, and I still feel like I haven’t mastered techniques like carving.

Matt: It was easy to get the basics of skiing to a level where I could go down runs safely without an instructor. I found moving past snow plough and into parallel turns a hard part of progression as some level of speed is needed to make a turn, so the first few attempts can be a bit daunting.

Who’s gear is more comfortable?

Boarders

Nick: The age-old question. I used to be a one brand sort of guy and stuck with Burton. They have the history and research and development as one of the founding brands of the sport, but these days, I mix it up as other brands have caught up. I’m still a big fan of Burton boots but I also really like Vans boots. I ride Lib Tech for my board, Union Bindings, Burton pants and I have jackets from Nike, Burton and Oakley.

Amber: If you’ve grown up around skiing you’ll recognise the big, plastic hard ski boots, and snowboarders quickly said no to that. The cushioned boots and easy laces make walking up stairs (and dancing at après) a breeze. Walking around town post-mountain is as comfortable as wearing normal snow boots.

Skiers

Louisa: There’s no way around this one – snowboarding boots are definitely comfier than stiff ski boots. I bought my own pair which were moulded to my feet, and I’ve found this much better. You also have more things to carry as a skier, with your two skis and poles.

Matt: I would have to say snowboarders have better footwear. Eight hours in ski boots can certainly take its toll on your feet. Walking in ski boots can take some getting used to as well, especially going down a set of stairs.

What’s your favourite thing about snowboarding/skiing?

Boarders

Nick: Exploring the mountainous terrain and finding fun and exciting ways down the slopes with friends.

Amber: One of my favourite things about snowboarding is the community surrounding it. I learnt to ride at university, so naturally I was around like-minded people. However, even after graduation, the snowboarders at my local hill and at any mountain resort I’ve visited are all the same. Little compliments on your ’fit to open conversation, offering advice, filming your lines. It’s just a very welcoming and supportive community.

Skiers

Louisa: A bluebird day after a heavy snowfall, nothing beats it. I’ll always try and get first lifts on a morning like that, so you can make the first tracks on the mountain.

Matt: There are loads of reasons on this list but, for me, it would be skiing on a bluebird day in fresh snow from first to last lifts and then rounding it off with your drink of choice in front of the fire. Being out on the mountain is hard to beat.

What are the most difficult parts of snowboarding/skiing?

Boarders

Nick: The physical/fitness side. It’s an all-day work out, but it’s worth it. Flat ground can be difficult as you don’t have the flexibility of poles or separate skis.

Amber: Like with all extreme sports, there can be challenges. A lot of it can be a mental game, one bad experience can truly knock your confidence for a while. But take it slow and you’ll remember why you love the sport. One of the other big difficulties is the availability of the sport. Being from Manchester, I was lucky enough to have an indoor slope nearby, so I could still get my fix regularly.

Skiers

Louisa: Learning to ski in different weather conditions can be challenging. It’s always worth doing your research when you visit a new resort. South-facing slopes get the sun first, so it’s best to tick these off in the morning before the snow turns soft and bumpy.

Matt: Some of the most difficult things about skiing are getting to grips with carving turns and getting back up after falling over on a steep slope. Not to mention having to wait a year before you can do it all again and dealing with moguls when you are a beginner.

Would you ever be tempted to switch?

Boarders

Nick: I’ve been curious to try skiing but having to start from scratch again would mean I miss out on just exploring and having fun straight away, so I never get round to it.

Amber: Now I am lucky enough to live in a mountain town in Canada, I must admit I am tempted to learn to ski again (not switch completely, however). But currently I’m more interested in picking up a split board, to get more back-country boarding in this season.

Skiers

Louisa: I tried snowboarding once and fell... a lot. It’s hard when you’re only there for a week, as you don’t want to waste time. I think if I was going to give it a go, I’d get practising on some indoor slopes in the UK first.

Matt: I would not be tempted to switch. The thought of getting a drag lift on a snowboard or having to walk if it’s flat is enough to keep me firmly on my skis.