Snowboarding: Difficult to get started: It's easy to fall at first, but you can improve quickly once you master the basics.
Dual-board: Easier to get started: more stable to get started, but it takes a long time to improve your skills.
Physical requirements
Snowboarding: Requires a high level of core strength and balance, suitable for those who enjoy a challenge.
Double board: Requires high lower limb strength, but is more suitable for people who are used to standing exercises.
Applicable Scenarios
Snowboarding: Suitable for those who enjoy freestyle (park, flatland freestyle) and powder surfing.
Double skis: suitable for various terrains (groomed runs, off-piste, high-speed skiing).
Comfort
Snowboarding: When you first start learning, you may feel tired from frequently standing up and sitting down.
Double skis: allow for greater freedom of movement initially, but require heavier equipment.
Cultural style
Snowboarding: Trendy and youthful, commonly found in parks and terrain areas.
Double-board: traditional, family-friendly, and with a wide audience.
suggestion:
If you enjoy side-spinning sports like surfing or skateboarding, or want to try out park equipment, you can choose a snowboard.
If you prioritize speed, exploring diverse terrains, or seeking long-term skill improvement, you may choose dual skis.
Try it out: If possible, try each for half a day and decide based on your feeling.
Learning progress reference (average situation)
Single board progress:
Zero experience → Beginner slope: After learning to push the slope, fall leaf drift, and basic edge changing in about 3-5 days, you can glide on gentle slopes.
Beginner to Intermediate: It takes about 7 to 15 days to master continuous edge changes and be able to glide smoothly on blue tracks.
Intermediate to Advanced: Approximately 30 days or more required to master steep slope speed control, powder snow, park maneuvers, etc.
Dual-board progress:
Zero-based to beginner track: After learning snowplow braking and turning in about 1-3 days, you can glide independently on gentle slopes (greenways).
Beginner to Intermediate: It takes about 5 to 10 days to master parallel turns and be able to handle slightly steeper blue tracks.
Intermediate to Advanced: Approximately 20 days or more, requiring proficiency in handling complex terrains such as steep slopes (black runs), ice surfaces, and moguls (snowballs).
Note: Progress varies greatly depending on individual athletic talent, physical fitness, coach quality, and training frequency. The above is an average reference.
What courses should I choose?
For beginners : Choose an introductory group class (4-6 people) for good value and peer interaction. The course ensures it includes equipment usage, safety knowledge, basic skating, and fall prevention techniques.
For those with basic skills but looking to improve : consider private lessons for targeted improvements to individual issues (such as posture and turning techniques). You can also enroll in specialized training camps (such as carbining, park props, and off-piste techniques).
Children vs. Adults : Children are advised to choose children's-specific courses , where instructors will use gamified teaching methods to enhance interest. Adults can choose courses of appropriate intensity based on their physical fitness to avoid over-fatigue.
Ski resort and instructor selection : Prioritize ski resorts with certified instructors (such as those from BASI, PSIA, CSIA, etc.). Check course reviews and choose ski resorts with good reputations.
What's the difference between indoor skiing and outdoor skiing?
1. Snow quality and ski slope environment
Indoor ski resorts use artificial snow, which is uniform and relatively hard, remaining unchanged throughout the year. The runs are short (usually less than 300 meters), with fixed slopes and no natural terrain variations. There is no natural snowfall, and the environment is completely controlled.
Outdoor ski resorts primarily use natural snow, supplemented by artificial snowmaking. Snow quality varies depending on the weather (e.g., powder, ice, wet snow). Ski runs can reach several kilometers in length, with diverse slopes and varied terrain (including groomed runs, off-piste areas, forests, parks, etc.). They possess a complete natural mountain environment and landscape.
2. Climate and comfort
Indoor ski resorts have a constant temperature (approximately -2°C to -5°C), are windless and sunless, and are unaffected by weather. They are suitable for beginners who are sensitive to the cold or wish to focus on their practice.
Outdoor ski resorts are completely exposed to the natural climate and may face strong winds, snowfall, fog, or intense sunlight. UV radiation is high, so sun protection is necessary, and the perceived temperature can be extremely low. The advantages are real sunshine, mountain views, and a sense of openness.
3. Convenience and Cost
Indoor ski resorts are typically located on the outskirts of major cities, allowing for day trips and flexible scheduling. They are open year-round, making them suitable for off-season training. Overall costs are lower, mainly consisting of entrance fees and instructor fees, saving on long-distance transportation and accommodation.
Outdoor ski resorts are mostly located in remote mountainous areas, requiring long-distance travel and multi-day trips. They are only open during the ski season and are greatly affected by snow conditions. The total cost is high, including transportation, accommodation, ski passes, food, and equipment transportation.
4. Target Audience and Goals
Indoor ski resorts are ideal for complete beginners: a safe and controlled environment for first-time experience. Suitable for city dwellers: ideal for daily skill practice and off-season training. Ideal for children starting their skiing journey: a safe and enclosed environment with minimal psychological pressure.
Outdoor ski resorts are for those seeking an authentic skiing experience and the joy of nature. Intermediate to advanced skiers are available to tackle diverse terrains and snow conditions. Ski vacationers seek a complete experience combining travel, scenery, and relaxation.
5. Learning outcomes and enjoyment
Advantages of indoor ski resorts : The environment is simple, which is conducive to focusing on basic skills, and instructors can easily observe and correct mistakes. Disadvantages: The fun is relatively limited, and it is not possible to learn how to cope with the variables of real outdoor skiing.
Advantages of outdoor ski resorts : Offers comprehensive learning opportunities for skiing skills, including weather assessment and terrain reading, and is highly enjoyable. Disadvantages: Beginners may become distracted or nervous due to weather, slope, and crowds.
Indoor skiing or outdoor skiing?
Beginners are advised to start indoors.
If you have never skied before, it is recommended that you take 2-3 lessons at an indoor ski resort to master the following basics:
Correct way to fall and get up
Plowshare Brake and Speed Control
After gaining confidence and control through initial turns, proceed to the beginner slopes of the outdoor ski resort to adapt to the real environment.
Urban trainers can combine indoor and outdoor training.
If you live in the city, you can use the indoor ski resort as a training base on weekdays to practice your skills regularly; on holidays, you can go to the outdoor ski resort to apply what you have learned and enjoy the fun and challenge of nature.
Outdoor vacations are the top choice for those seeking an experiential vacation.
If you view skiing as a travel and lifestyle, and value natural landscapes, varied terrain, and a vacation atmosphere, then you should choose an outdoor ski resort directly, and it is recommended to plan a multi-day trip to fully experience it.
Children's learning can be gradual
It is recommended to start with indoor ski resorts , and only take children to outdoor ski resorts to play and learn after they have developed basic control skills and are not averse to the cold.
To maximize your enjoyment and sense of accomplishment while skiing, choose options that are tailored to your stage, goals, and lifestyle.
At what level of practice can one transition from beginner to intermediate Tao?
Core Standard: Skills Readiness (Self-Checklist)
Before considering the intermediate level, you must be able to consistently and easily achieve the following on the beginner level:
1. Fully controlled gliding: a. Double skis: Can smoothly complete continuous S-shaped turns in a "basic parallel" (rather than a snowplow) manner, and can actively decelerate and stop at any time and any point. b. Snowboard: Able to smoothly and without hesitation change edges to complete continuous "S" shaped glides, rather than a simple falling leaf drift. Able to control speed and avoid losing control as the speed increases.
2. Mastering different slopes and curves: a. Able to maintain the same level of control on all gradient sections of the beginner course (including the steeper sections). b. Able to proactively adjust the size of the bend according to the situation (large bends control speed, small bends bypass obstacles or crowds).
3. Safety awareness and habits: a. Able to constantly observe the route ahead and anticipate the movements of other skiers. b. After falling, be able to quickly and safely move to the side of the ski slope to get up. c. Know and abide by the Skier Code of Conduct (e.g., the skier in front has priority).
4. Proficient in riding cable cars:
They are skilled and safe in getting on and off all types of cable cars (chairs, gondolas, etc.) without falling and affecting others. If you are still unsure about any of the above points, please continue practicing in the beginner's path.
Approximate timeframe for reference (may vary from person to person).
●Intensive learning (e.g., consecutive ski resort vacations): ○ Double board: With 3-4 hours of effective practice each day and good guidance, it may take 3-5 days to reach the level to try simple intermediate slopes. ○ Snowboard: Under the same conditions, it may take 2-4 days to master continuous edge changes and gain the ability to tackle simple intermediate slopes. Snowboarders fall more often in the early stages, but the transition may be faster after mastering edge changes.
●Weekend enthusiasts (skating 1-2 days per week): This process may take 2-4 ski weekends (approximately 4-8 ski days) because it takes time each time to regain your feel for the snow.
Important Note:
This timeframe is based on effective practice, which focuses on improving skills rather than aimless play. Taking a coaching lesson or two is the most effective way to shorten this process.
Safety recommendations for first-time intermediate-level practitioners
1. Choose the simplest blue track:
Consult with ski resort staff or instructors to choose the widest, gentlest, and best-groomed blue run as your "first intermediate run".
2. Travel in groups:
Go with experienced friends, or at least tell your companions about your plans.
3. Segmented conquest:
Don't rush down the slope all at once. You can ski for a while, then stop by the side of the track to rest, observe, and plan the next section of the route.
4. Relax your mindset:
The first few runs on the intermediate course might feel like you've "gone back to square one," which is perfectly normal. Allow yourself to glide at a slower pace and with more cautious cornering to rebuild your confidence.
5. Can be withdrawn at any time:
If you feel completely out of control or terrified, don't force yourself. You can slide down in a zigzag pattern, or even detach from the board and walk down (stay to the side and be careful).
How to accelerate progress?
Continuous learning : Taking classes for 3-5 consecutive days is much more efficient than learning in a fragmented manner.
Post-lesson practice : Review the material on your own after the lesson and record a video of yourself performing the movements.
Equipment adaptation : Rent or buy equipment that suits your skill level (such as a beginner board which is easier to control).
Safety first : Always wear a helmet, learn how to fall, and avoid venturing onto challenging ski slopes.
Summary and recommendations:
Prioritize your interests : Choose types that ignite your passion; motivation is the core of progress.
Reasonable expectations : Don't rush things. Skiing is a gradual skill; enjoying the process is more important.
Professional guidance : Especially in the beginner stage, professional coaches can help establish correct movements and avoid forming bad habits.
Lingxueling Ski School
Plume Ridge Snowsports
ROOM 1904,19/F TONG CHUN COMMERCIAL BUILDING DUNDAS STREET MONG KOKHK
