As a New Englander, mountain sports come standard with cold winters and usually a good amount of snow. Travelling a bit further north to Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine to hit the slopes is the ultimate way to spend a long weekend or even just a day trip.

     Mountains used to restrict snowboarders from using their trails but with the evolution of the sport, they are permitted almost everywhere. Although skiing dates back earlier than boarding, riders reign supreme on mountains today.

     Skiers may think they have it made when it comes to getting off chairlifts with ease but in reality with the addition of poles, snowboarders have more mobility considering their hands are empty. If you wanted to change the song on your iPod half way down the trail, you simply pull over to the side and adjust it with your free hands. On the contrary, skiers must take the pole handles off their wrists and plant their poles in the snow – which may fall over at any moment.

     Aside from having free hands, snowboarding provides for a much more fun and relaxing experience. No need to tire yourself out because if you snowboard you can glide over to the edge of the trail, plop down in some powder, and enjoy the scenery. Skiers don’t have this luxury because sitting down on the mountain is a process when you have two skinny boards attached to your feet. Senior Erin Gerhard said, “It’s frustrating when your snowboarding buddies can sit down on the side of the trail and you can’t because you’re on skis.”

     Sitting on a chairlift with a skier, the conversation usually includes how sore their feet are and how cold their toes are because their boots are too tight. The most prevalent advantage to snowboarding: comfortable boots. Senior Laura Haselman said, “They’re easier to walk in – they’re more like shoes and you can use them as snow boots if you want.” Snowboard boots are just as comfortable as regular snow boots. No need to use extreme caution grasping the railing of the stairs in the ski lodge when you’re a snowboarder – just skip down the stairs in your practical boots with your toasty warm feet.

     Snowboarders tend to enjoy themselves more on the mountain than skiers. They get off the chairlift, take time to chat with their snowboarding counterparts as they strap in their second foot and proceed through the day with a stress-free attitude. Skiers have a habit of zooming off the chairlifts and eyeing snowboarders with a frustrated glance of envy – usually indicating a sense of jealousy of the snowboarder’s carefree attitude.

     The only downside to snowboarding is learning. Teaching yourself to snowboard is difficult so remember to enroll in a lesson if you’re having trouble. The outcome is beyond worth it. Snowboarders appreciate their craft more because it’s harder to master and more gratifying to participate in.

     So if you’re looking for a fun, relaxing, and comfortable way to spend your weekend in the snow, turn to snowboarding and you’ll never look back.