Rugby or football, tennis or badminton, surfing or SUP (stand up paddle boarding) – there are many examples of sports that are similar and which are held up as being in competition with each other. Who knows why people do this, as it is quite possible to enjoy many of these similar sports and because being skilled at one sport can only help with skills in others.Nowhere is this competition stronger than in snow sports, most notably between skiing and snowboarding.
The history of this competition can be explained in fairly simple terms.Skiing is the older sport, and it is traditionally associated with an older, more conventional crowd that have been enjoying it for years. It’s seen as an expensive sport, one for the middle-upper classes certainly, and alongside golf, skiing is an activity that can be intermingled with business so that après-ski can lead to business deals and an opportunity to schmooze.
Snowboarding has a more egalitarian background. It is the sport of choice for a younger, more rebellious, edgier and cooler group. It is a lifestyle activity in the way that surfing is, and it is an industry that is worth a lot of money in terms of advertising.As far what each sport entails, the equipment used does make a slight difference. Skiers use a pair of skis and a pair of ski poles, while snowboarders are simply strapped into their boards and wear a pair of boots and bindings. Snowboards traverse down a mountain through a series of sliding motions and linked turns, while skiers go straight down with turns.
If you decide to embark upon ski holidays, bear in mind that the holiday is as much about your activity on the slopes as about enjoying the perks of ski chalets. Choose to ski or snowboard, or try both! Ski chalets organisers will be able to advise you on where you can hire equipment and get lessons.All sports have their kudos and their cool factor. On your next ski holidays, try not to be swayed by image and take each sport for its own merits.Happily, the vin chaud in the bars is not so controversial.
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