I think that nowadays skiing will be more popular coz the new materials like funski (2 side ski) will be alot entertaining for youngsters..
Today however boarders are something to look out on the piste all the time (for skiers)! I always ski with my ears 'on my back'.
Personally I think that the two should be on diff slopes
went sking for the first time this year. also had snowboard taster lesson. i found that sking was the more technical . classical if you like. wereas snowboarding was fun and rebelious.
For someone who only takes part in winter sports for one week of the year it's got to be boarding. The learning curve is very steep, so after the initial couple of harsh days (4 or 5 even) you do feel quite competent. You fall quite a lot, but it doesn't seem to be quite as dangerous as skiing ( legs not going in different directions) and it's easier to stop. Plus it is cooler