How skiers and snowboarders ride well together

What’s actually different

A few physical differences explain almost every friction point in a mixed group:

• Poles and two edges. Skiers can push with poles and skate on flat ground. Snowboarders have neither, so they rely on carrying speed.
• Strapping in. Snowboarders usually take their back foot out to ride lifts, then strap in at the top, often sitting down.
• Stance. Snowboarders ride sideways, which gives them a blind side behind their back. Skiers face down the hill.
• Terrain preferences. Many snowboarders love powder, natural features and the park, and find long flat sections and narrow paths hard work. Many skiers handle moguls and traverses more easily.

None of this is a problem once everyone knows it’s coming.

Flats, traverses and cat tracks

Flat sections are where mixed groups lose each other. A few habits help:

• Check the trail map together. Before you drop in, look for long flats, uphill sections and traverses on the way down, and choose runs that avoid them where you can.
• Carry speed in. Before a flat, everyone should go straighter and keep momentum, and nobody should stop at the bottom of the slope leading into it.
• Let the snowboarder go first into a flat section, so nobody slows them down. Skiers can keep moving with their poles.
• Don’t stop on the flat to regroup. Keep going to where the slope picks up again.
• If someone gets stuck, wait for them or offer a hand. Skiers sometimes tow a boarder with a pole; only do it slowly, on gentle terrain, if both of you are comfortable.

Traverses, where a path cuts across the slope, are hard work for snowboarders on their toe edge. Give them space and don’t follow too closely.

Meeting spots that work for both

The ideal regroup spot for a mixed group is at the side of a run, on a gentle slope rather than flat ground, and clearly visible from above. A slight downhill lets the snowboarder strap in, stand up and go without having to walk or hop. Good options:

• just off to one side below the lift, out of the way of people unloading;
• at the edge of a junction, past the point where runs merge;
• at the bottom of the lift, which is the simplest default if you get separated.

When a snowboarder sits down to strap in, they’re low and harder to see, so make sure it’s well out of the way. Our slope and chairlift etiquette guide covers where not to stop.

Pace and terrain

Speed depends far more on ability and conditions than on the sport, but each tends to be quicker in different places. Skiers often get through bumps, traverses and icy, narrow paths faster. Many snowboarders are happier in deep snow, through rolling terrain and in the park. Plan a day that gives both their moment: a few groomers to warm up, a powder stash or the park, some bumps if the skier wants them, and routes that avoid the worst flats.

Agree on a pace on the first run, and check in after it. When you overtake each other, give plenty of room, especially on a snowboarder’s blind side. And because levels matter more than the sport, it’s worth reading our guide to ski and snowboard ability levels before your first day together.

Lifts

Chairlifts and gondolas are easy for both. Snowboarders load with their back foot free, and everyone should agree which way they’re heading before unloading so nobody crosses paths at the top. Surface lifts such as T-bars and drag lifts take a little more practice on a snowboard, and two people of different heights or on different gear can find it easier to ride separately. Some resorts ban snowboards entirely, including Alta and Deer Valley in Utah, so check before a trip if your group is mixed.

Finding a mixed crew

On Broski, every profile shows whether someone skis, snowboards or both, and their level for each. On the Find tab you can filter by ski or snowboard and by ability, or leave it open to see everyone riding your resort on your day. If you’re looking specifically, start with finding a ski buddy or finding a snowboard buddy, or join a meetup where both are welcome.