Skiing and snowboarding is getting more and more popular each year when the snow hits Colorado. Back in the 80s and 90s, skiing and snowboarding wasn't the most popular thing to do. Going up to the mountains was either too expensive or they just had no interest in it.

Nowadays, everyone wants to ski and snowboard and you need to time it just right to avoid painfully long traffic and lift lines. Caden Robbins, (Grade 12) described, “I hate snowboarding and skiing. They are both too dangerous and I can’t afford a [lift] pass.” Whereas, Ben Paquette, (Grade 9) exclaimed, “I love to ski! I feel so free riding down the mountain and I don't have a single worry in the world.”

I have been skiing my whole life and I just love it! My dad taught me to ski right as I learned how to walk; he has always had a passion for skiing and wanted his kids to be just like him. I enjoy skiing more than snowboarding, although I really want to try snowboarding sometime. I am a skateboarder so I think it would translate to snowboarding and it would be really fun. The reason I enjoy skiing more than snowboarding is because I am a lot better at it than skiing and I feel more comfortable on the mountain. I spoke with Kaitlyn Hoff (Grade 10) and she said, “I like to ski more because it’s a lot easier.”

One of the worst feelings while skiing and snowboarding is feeling like a complete newbie. It’s the sinking feeling you get in your stomach when you feel as if everyone is laughing and looking at you. There is no need to get discouraged because half of the people are thinking the same thing as you. Pretend as if nobody is there and have a fun time! There is such a beauty in flying down a mountain with the freezing cold wind and snow blowing in your face. Although it can be very dangerous, even deadly, I still love it. Jacob Lashell (Grade 11) told me, “Snowboarding really speaks to me because I can haul down and weave through people.”

I was curious if the majority of people going to the mountain were skiers or snowboarders. So, I did some research. According to the Ski gathering (2021), “There are way more skiers than snowboarders around the world and especially in Colorado. Nine percent of the 5.2 million people in Colorado are skiers.” Madison Will (Grade 11) explained, “I used to ski but decided to switch over to snowboarding because it is free from all the stress in my life.”

Skiers and snowboarders may have their beef on which one is better and cooler than the other. Personally, I think we should forget about all that nonsense. Why not just try and enjoy the beauty of being in the mountains and enjoy the fresh air.