Last updated on February 8th, 2021 at 08:14 pm
Did you have a traumatic start with skis?
Even if it’s your first time hitting the slopes, you might find it too daunting. Bad reps spread by most media companies about skiing, in general, creates paranoia too. They make it look like skiing is more dangerous than soccer or rugby.
There’s some degree of truth about how dangerous this sport can be. However, you won’t be performing the same stunts as professionals. It’s like the difference between an F1 race and driving through the freeway.
Snowblades offer a more low-impact experience. It’s a better alternative to ski for beginners and casuals alike. Here’s a list of reasons why some folks choose short blades over skis.
Table of Contents
Friendly to Beginners and Casuals
Ski blades is another term for short blades or snowblades. These are mini skis, about 40 to 90 cm in length only. They clamp into your regular ski boot with ease.
You don’t need poles to use this, which means there’ll be no crossing skis. Plus, you won’t have to endure about a week of lessons before skiing the slopes.
It makes the experience less intimidating. Snowblades are the best choice for people who don’t ski on a regular basis. It’s great for vacationers and casual skiers.
Even with its simplicity, it’s still fun to use. It doesn’t reduce the thrill experienced when going downhill.
Research proves that snowblading is safer than skiing. The smaller size helps minimize the occurrence of leg injuries.
Short blades are easier to handle when skiing on moguls or choppy terrain. Their design restricts them from running at faster speeds. These features allow even older people to use them.
Offers Better Control and Freedom
Short skis allow you to make a sharper turn with ease. The turning radius is smaller because the skis are much shorter.
Even if you’re good with actual skis, using short blades now and then is helpful. You can use them to improve and polish your turning techniques.
These blades offer a great degree of satisfaction. It’s especially gratifying when you make successful aggressive turns.
Short blades are more manageable and lighter than their full-sized counterparts. These features provide enough reason for most park skiers to choose shorter skis.
Since they’re smaller, it is quite handy when riding lift queues. It’s easier to carry as well.
Improves Posture and Leg Strength
Controlling the snowblades is effortless. Thus, your body will undergo physical conditioning, as well. Your core and leg muscles are always engaged to help you maintain your balance and control.
Downhill skiing offers a high-intensity body workout. It activates your muscles while you’re having fun.
Your abdominals and obliques help maintain your stability. At the same time, your hamstrings help flex your knee up and down. Your feet and ankles go through their full range of motion, strengthening them as well.
It tones your buttocks and thighs as well. These muscles are constantly activated to maintain your balance and stance.
Did you know that you can lose around 1,400 calories with 4 hours of skiing downhill? Aside from muscle conditioning and toning, you lose weight as well.
Perfect Cross-Over Sport for Bladers and Skaters
The use of short blades makes skiing approachable even to bladers and skaters. If you have experience with rollerblading, you already have the necessary skills.
As you begin to carve, bank, and slice, you’ll notice that you’re in familiar territory. Motion and balance are very similar. Going downhill is similar when you’re moving your rollerblade forward.
The muscles involved between both sports are the same. Having a strong core and legs will make learning snowblading a lot easier.
Tricks Are Easier to Perform
You’re not restricted to skiboarding downhill only, though. Since snowblades are easy to maneuver, you can perform tricks as well.
Tricks like spins are easier to perform because there’s less weight on your boots. Even experienced skiers will enjoy the way snowblades help in attempting certain maneuvers. They’ll be able to do tricks and moves that are hard to perform on skis.
You’ll be able to do aerial tricks and off jumps with fewer weight restrictions. This will allow you to experience the tricks to completion. You can then translate the skills you’ve learned when using your full-length skis.
Want to learn how to choose the right skis? Check out this guide and find out the durability of alpine skis.
Short Blades Are More Affordable
Regardless if you’re renting or buying your own short blades, they cost less than skis. The shorter length of the skis requires smaller materials to manufacture. And you don’t have to buy poles.
What’s surprising is that even if they cost less, you actually get more bang for your buck. This is especially true if you’re a beginner.
You’ll have more fun times with short blades than when you’re struggling with skis. If this is part of your vacation, it’s better to spend it going down the slope than struggling with skiing.
Great Introduction to Skiing
Skiboarding does not detract from skiing. In fact, it’s a great introduction if you plan on learning to use the skis later on.
The specific postures and techniques are not exactly the same, though. The correct posture when using short blades is more similar to rollerblading. When on skis, you have to lean down over your ski tips when navigating steep terrains.
Your instructor can point out to you a few distinct differences. You’ll have an easier transition to using full-sized ski equipment.
While skiboarding teaches you the fundamentals, it should not replace basic ski training. However, it can help you progress faster.
Start Your Skiing Experience With Snowblades
If skiing is too intimidating, snowblades can boost your confidence. You won’t have to go through many embarrassing falls when you use them. First-timers will have an easy time as they get introduced to hitting the slopes.
If you want to learn more about skiboarding, we have guides that can help you out. Want to know more about skiing? Read through more of our great guides today.