Before I tried skiing, I assumed there wasn’t much difference between skiing and snowboarding. Sure, I knew the mechanics were different, but I figured both were just ways to glide down a snowy mountain.

Oh, how wrong I was.

Skiing and snowboarding might both be thrilling winter sports, but the cultures surrounding them are worlds apart. Skiers and snowboarders belong to distinct groups, and you can spot who’s who right from the airport. It’s amazing how you can just tell.

Until now, I’ve always snowboarded because all my friends are snowboarders. A couple of years ago, I went snowboarding in Andorra with 20 friends, and it was epic. I loved it, but I’m no natural. I’m the one who falls off the lifts, causing a pile-up, who can’t stay on my feet while standing still, and who crashes into ski schools. I’m also the one who grabs a bit of liquid courage at lunch and then barrels down the mountain as if I’m invincible.

Spoiler: I’m not invincible, and it often ends in tears.

So next year, I’m thinking about swapping my snowboard for skis. Maybe “If at first you don’t succeed, try another sport” is actually good advice?

But can I really switch after being in the snowboarding camp for so long? Will I fit in with the skiers? And more importantly, will they accept my baggy pink snowboarding pants and music blasting through my headphones?

If you’re unsure what I’m talking about, let me explain.

Let’s start with snowboarders. Snowboarders are cool—maybe not as cool as they think, but still cool. To be good at snowboarding, you need to relax, bend your knees, and just be super chill. Baggy, loud clothes are a must—the brighter, the better. There’s no such thing as too flashy in snowboarding. You need huge headphones for those “sick tunes” while you carve your way down the slope. Address everyone as “Man” or “Dude,” no matter their gender.

Even the boots are cool. They’re comfy and easy to walk in. Just sling your board over your shoulder and walk around like you own the place.

You might have to sit down to strap your board on, typically in large groups by the lifts, getting in everyone’s way. But it’s cool—you don’t mind.

The thing about snowboarding is that it’s tough. It’s scary, and during your first few attempts, you’ll spend a lot of time on your bum. Get used to the cold, hard snow because you’ll be seeing a lot of it up close.

Now, what about skiing?

Skiing is more elegant. Stand tall, hold your head high, and glide down the mountain gracefully. You’re less likely to fall, so there’s no constant tumbling. You have poles to help balance, and even the worst skiers can get down the mountain with a simple snow plough.

Skiers’ clothes are more fitted, and ladies might want a jacket with a cute waist belt. If you really want to stand out, go for a designer snowsuit and pair it with oversized designer sunglasses. Don’t forget to pout—that’s crucial.

Skiers might glide down the slopes with ease, but off the slopes, it’s a struggle. Ski boots are tough and uncomfortable to walk in, making you hobble awkwardly. You’ll be lugging around your skis and poles, probably looking enviously at the boarders swaggering around with ease.

As you can see, both skiing and snowboarding have their pros and cons. Both are incredibly fun, and even if you spend most of the time falling, you’ll still have a blast.

Next March, I’m trying skiing for the first time. Wish me luck!

If you’re still undecided about whether to ski or snowboard, there are plenty of resources to help you choose. Neilson, for example, has introduced a free Mountain Experts service that provides guided area tours, insider tips, and free coaching. It’s a great way to get back into the swing of things, whether you’re skiing, snowboarding, or just tumbling like me.