Since I was a ski instructor back in high school and college I saw more injuries from snow borders than skiers their 1st time out. Why? Because when you fall on skiis your skiis detach from you. Whereas you fall on snow boards most people do the "stick hands out in front of you and break your wrists or dislocate your shoulders" move.

Ever see a snow boarder fall compared to a skier? It really looks like it hurts