I do both..... but my Kids (4,7,8). They all started skiing when they were 2. You can't do that with snowboarding. I started them snowboarding at 5 an 6, but only when they want... They just did their first race (gs) last weeked..... Now the 4 year old want to start this year... so I agreed (my wife says I am crazy because they are finally skiing/boarding on their own) But she is so cute I can't say no.
Last year I had a trip out to Whistler... I skied only. When I lived out West... (seems like ages ago) I used to have snow shoes etc. i did some back country.... Went with a friend of mine on Skis and was getting lapped big time..... almost 2 runs to my 1. Access on skis is way better. As for which is more fun... in B.Country conditions a crazy carpet would be fun.... So I will take the extra vert....
As for feel..... nothing compares to the G's on the race board. So I will continue to do both.
As to decline... look out... industry wide... Winters here are getting spotty at best.... All the boomers are slowly quieting ..... just not renewing memberships etc. Their kids are not bringing their kids... Despite the fact they themselves went every weekend growing up. They can't give 1/2 price lift tickets here away. At the same time we have to rely on more an more snowmaking, which is expensive. Lift regulations are becoming more stringent (which is probably a good thing) but it drives costs up. It is not looking good for the few of us that keep sliding.
On the plus side my road biking season keeps getting longer.