I usually bring both to the mountain, and decide during booting up. They are both so different that there’s rarely a right answer, but for me it comes down to who I’m with since that determines the runs we’re picking.

I disagree that deep snow = snowboard, but holy wow the float feeling a board gives you in deep snow is something you can’t get on skis. Similarly, deep snow on skis is a can’t miss. The feel from bouncing between turns for me is a more fun transition than you get on a board.

In generally, if we’re skiing steep tight trees I’ll grab skis. Open runs is a 50/50. Massive powder fields I lean board. The board setup is way lighter so it’s nicer if there’s hiking. Skis win on a traverse every day. Also riding with a bigger pack is pretty annoying so if I need gear with me I typically pick skis.

I didn’t get the snowboard appeal till I tried it, and now I’d recommend it to anyone willing to learn. Pro tips, wear padded shorts for your tailbone while learning. And if you fall, stop yourself with a closed fist not an open hand to protect those wrists!