Snowboarders of all experience levels can enjoy a great holiday at one of the world’s best resorts, which offer top-notch facilities, instructors, and guides to ensure an enjoyable experience. These resorts host international competitions year after year and promise a memorable experience. If you’re looking for the best places to snowboard on the planet, here is a list of the top ten snowboarding resorts across the globe worth considering. These places offer some of the best conditions for snowboarding on the planet. If you want to narrow down your search to a particular country, here are some fantastic destinations to check out.
Avoriaz
Avoriaz is famously known as the ‘snowboard capital of Europe’ and is a favorite among avid snowboarders. The snowparks are suitable for all ages, with six in total, including the Mint Snowboarding School, the pro-standard Arare, and the eco-friendly The Stash; it’s no wonder the area has been transforming rookies into riders for years. Freeriders can explore the trees, cliffs, and powder bowl, and piste riders can take in the views on the Bleue du Fornet or the Comebette black. Avoriaz has something to offer all levels of snowboarders!
Mayrhofen
The Big M is an unforgettable experience with its park, pistes, and powder that keep people coming back every year. The park features 11 kickers, 34 boxes, and a 5-in-1 rail ride; there’s even a kids-only zone. Besides the park, the Ahorn piste is great for building up your rhythm, while the Harakiri is a steep challenge. And if you’re looking for a different experience, the 300km ungroomed descents will take your breath away.
Breckenridge
Breckenridge Resort in Colorado is renowned for its snowboarding, having hosted the world’s first freestyle snowboard event in 1985 and continuing to draw in pro’s for events like the Dew Tour and Super Girl All-Female Slopestyle. The resort features five freestyle areas, the renowned Freeway Park, and a 22ft superpipe. On the piste, the signature motorway groomers are a dream to ride, and the Lower American route from Peak 9 is great for both experienced and novice riders.
Davos
Jakobshorn is the undisputed ruler of the snowboarding world at Davos, offering JatzPark’s massive kickers and rails at the summit as well as Bolgen’s famous superpipe at the bottom, a popular destination during the O’Neill Evolution Snowboard Jam. Snowboarders of all levels can explore various mountains, ranging from the high and open to those weaving through trees, with more challenging black runs and off-piste routes available.
St. Anton
St Anton is a great destination for experienced boarders, offering a huge variety of terrain such as 280km of groomers, 180km of off-piste and limitless backcountry. Freeriders should take on the Valluga North Face, the Bridge Couloir, Kapall’s backside, and Schindler Spitze. At O’Neill’s STANTON Park, there are four lines of varying levels, from fun to professional, and a restaurant and DJ at the bottom to really get your adrenaline pumping.
Chamonix
Chamonix is an ideal destination for boarders seeking an exciting experience. It offers man-made and natural obstacles, two parks, a natural half-pipe, natural tables and jibs, a Big Airbag jump, powder descents, and the Vallée Blanche – a 20km, 2700m vertical dive into the wilderness. The ultimate way to experience Chamonix is to go off-piste with a guide – the views of the Drus summits make it worth the effort.
Verbier
Verbier is a paradise for those who love extreme free-riding. From any lift, you can traverse the many gullies, rock faces, powder fields, and open bowls. Notable locations include Mont Gelé with intense couloirs, Chassoure for challenging lines, and Mont Fort for deep powder. The natural parks of the area, like the zone under the Lac des Vaux lift, and the snowpark, offer a variety of thrilling experiences.
Tignes
The ski resort in Tignes, France, offers high-altitude skiing with slopes reaching up to 3450m and broad, casual groomers. There’s no shortage of groomed runs to explore; Signal, Grettalu, and Carline Blues in Val Claret are sure to leave you feeling unstoppable. If you’re looking to take your snowboarding to the next level, Rebel Alliance can help you with backcountry and park techniques. Head up the Tichot, and Col du Palet lifts for freestyle terrain, including a half-pipe.
Whistler
Whistler, home of the 2010 Winter Olympics and many pro snowboarders is known for its great on-piste and backcountry riding. Blackcomb offers great on-piste riding, while the backcountry of British Columbia can be accessed by cat, helicopter, or hiking. Freestylers have no shortage of options either – the Nintendo Terrain Parks team constructs and rebuilds terrain parks each season, taking feedback from riders to create a constantly-evolving experience. Whether it’s hitting the pro’s XL Park or the Big Easy Terrain Garden, Whistler will never cease to amaze.
Les Arcs
From the thrilling 3226-meter peak of the Aiguille rouge, the view is breathtakingly all-white. Visitors can experience a wide range of skiing activities from black pistes, free-ride material, hard-core freestyle, and cruising through the trees; there is something for everyone. The lower half of the mountain offers a variety of freestyle options, including tree lines, natural rollers, and a slopestyle area with a variety of other features. The pistes tend to be wide and steep or narrow with a lower gradient. Don’t forget to take a cruise on Grand Renard under the Col De La Chal, followed by Reches into the trees above Vellandry with the Barmont blue.
