I’ve dabbled in ice skating, here and there. What struck me first was how hard the surface feels when you land. Striking the ice doesn’t feel great, even when one’s padding or clothes are thick. Skates are tight and blades are narrow, balance is hard if you’re not used to it.

To go forward is initially by little steps. It can be easy to overbalance in either direction and fall.

Snow skating is different. The surface is softer, with more give, but also can be uneven. And sometimes it’s packed and slick, at other times it’s soft and slows you down. The type of snow matters. Powdery snow doesn't support you like firmer snow. The gear for snow skating varies, but is typically a small board with some kind of tread. It's closer to a skateboard than ice skates.

Both activities require different techniques. Small things make a big difference on the ice.

On snow, your weight really transfers, and you have to pay attention to the thicker and thinner snow. It does take time to feel comfortable with either of these.