Ski or Snowboard?

I don't know current statistics, but it would seem with skiing and the advent of integrated ski/binding systems coupled with much shorter skis, would result in much less risk of knee injuries than in the past. Knee injuries from snowboarding are rare, but I suffered a whiplash type of injury that left me with a bulging disc in my neck that kept me from doing things like running and triathlon at a higher level for a couple of years. The multiple crashes a new boarder experiences ususlly give the body a pretty good thrashing, much more than what happens to skiers. The progression from beginner to intermediate is generally much faster for boarders though.

If knee injuries are your sole concern, your husband is correct. If you intend to get into snowboarding, I highly recommend a lesson your first time so at least you will have a good understanding of what you're trying to do.

Have fun out there!

I do both...neither of them well....

I think skiing or boarding (do both!) within your skill level could be a great way to cross-train.  I'm jealous you have such great opportunities so close to you. 

There may be more risk sitting on the couch.  Heart issues, back problems....  

Well, it sounds like I better take lessons again, whichever one I end up doing.   

Will likely try out snowboarding at least once, since we got a free ticket and lesson to Copper with his board this year, and then switch back to skiing if I find that falling on my rear isn't going to work out for me!  I get like this every time I put a race on the calendar....try to avoid doing things that I think I'd probably end up hurting myself doing.  But I'm feeling like I finally live in Colorado again, so I ought to hit the slopes.

 Thanks for your thoughts, and keep them coming if you are inclined!

I learned to ski at 29 and got to be pretty good, but did have some nagging knee injuries.  Especially annoying after skiing the bumps.  That went away when I married my husband, a full cert. ski instructor.  It was the neverending ski lesson from hell, so I switched to snowboarding.  My knees have been alot better since then   I do remember the wrist pain from falling, though.  I was TOLD to fall on my fists (punch the snow) or forearms, but didn't always do it that way, so there were a few times I boarded with wrist guards on (from Rollerblading).  That helped.  I did fracture my tailbone while on my snowboard.  Although it was a freak accident while waiting in line.  It was the result of another person pointing his board straight down the hill in my direction without having taken a lesson and therefore not knowing how to stop or turn!  Ski patrol did take his lift ticket away.  That is one thing I would highly recommend...at least one good lesson.