The Merits of Skiing and Snowboarding

When it comes to skiing, La Tania in the French Alps is world-renowned – but it is also a haven for snowboarders. There has been considerable debate about the respective merits of skiing versus snowboarding over recent years, with some winter sports enthusiasts claiming the ultimate satisfaction from skiing, while others saying it is impossible to beat the exhilaration of performing technical snowboarding tricks. There are arguments for both sides, as we will see below.

The Basic Differences

The most obvious difference is that snowboarders strap themselves to a single board, while skiers slip into separate bindings. Snowboarders also experience greater difficulty remaining stationary while on the slopes, and the inconvenience of having to sit down and then manoeuvre their boards into position. Conversely, skiers can use their poles for support and forward propulsion.

Winter Sports Injuries

It is worth pointing out that skiers are actually more likely to sustain knee injuries than their snowboarding counterparts. However, snowboarders stand a greater chance of falling over and damaging their wrists when skiing. La Tania has a number of winter sports outlets specialising in protective equipment so this hopefully won't be a problem for either party! It is also possible to hire essential safety items in the resort.

The Learning Process

People generally take quite a while to learn the art of skiing. La Tania is home to a number of schools and excellent instructors who are able to provide much needed assistance. They concentrate on the basic snowplough and glide before teaching students how to perform parallel turns. Snowboarders can usually learn the basic skills in a shorter space of time. Those who show some natural talent may be ready to hit the advanced slopes before the end of a two-week holiday.

General Excitement

Research has revealed that skiers are able to achieve far greater speeds than snowboarders. However, professional snowboarders have shown the ability to perform a wider range of tricks. Young downhill enthusiasts will be particularly impressed by the performances of Shaun White and Travis Rice, and freestyle skiers such as Simon Dumont and Sammy Carlson have done a great deal to boost the popularity of their sport.

Health Benefits

It is worth pointing out that regular skiers and snowboarders enjoy a variety of health benefits. They enjoy the opportunity of perfecting their skills and enjoying the fresh mountain air but they can also expect to realise a notable increase in hip and thigh strength. Snowboarders will enjoy the benefits of a full body workout and can expect to develop exceptionally strong core muscles. The average snowboarder will also burn more calories during a day on the slopes than those who are skiing. La Tania is the perfect place to sample both of these exciting winter sports – then it's up to you to decide your preference!

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded ski holidays. When it comes to skiing, La Tania is a superb destination, with excellent catered or self catered chalets. For a luxury or good-value break and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.