Snowboarding is one of the most popular winter activities and it’s a great way to get outdoors and enjoy some fresh air. From Alpine peaks to backyard slopes, there are plenty of destinations for snowboarders of all levels. But which locations should avid snowboarders have on their bucket lists?
From North America to Europe and even Australia, the world is full of amazing skiing and snowboarding destinations. With so many options available, it can be difficult to narrow down the best spots but there are those that stand out from the rest.
So whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or challenging terrain, these top destinations offer everything a diehard snowboarder needs in order to truly appreciate winter sports. Read on to discover some of the best places in the world for an incredible snowboarding holiday.
Key Article Points of Interest:
- Snowboarding is one of the most popular winter activities, but not all snowboarding locations are equal.
- Hakuba Valley in Japan and Jackson Hole, Wyoming in North America are amongst the top destinations for dedicated snowboarders.
- Austria’s westernmost state Vorarlberg is a great choice for skiing and snowboarding, complemented by its picturesque village of Seefeld.
Best Snowboarding Destinations around the World
Snowboarding is an exhilarating way to escape every day and explore the great outdoors. With so many amazing snowboard destinations around the world, it can be hard to decide where to go. Fortunately, there are a few places that stand out above the rest for their incredible terrain, luxurious accommodations, and unbeatable views.
Hakuba Valley, Japan
Hakuba Valley, Japan is a world-renowned ski resort located in the Nagano Prefecture. It is known for its light, deep powder and four base areas that offer a variety of terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. The village of Hakuba offers great lodging and dining options, as well as access to the bus system connecting to Nagano and other resorts. Tokyo has many ski resorts that are easily accessible via bullet trains and budgeted flights, making it an ideal destination for those looking for a winter getaway.
Nagano is a popular ski destination, having hosted the Winter Olympics in 1998. It offers some of the best backcountry and side-country snowboarding experiences in Japan. Sapporo, located on Hokkaido island, is another beautiful ski destination with stunning views and nature. With its abundance of snowfall each year, Hakuba Valley is one of the top destinations for skiing and snowboarding in Japan.
Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Jackson Hole, Wyoming is a winter paradise for snowboarders and non-snowboarders alike. With Corbet’s Couloir and four “Stash” terrain parks, there is something for everyone to enjoy. After a day of skiing or snowboarding, visitors can take advantage of the nightlife at The Mangy Moose or Million Dollar Cowboy Bar. For those looking for a more relaxing experience, take a sleigh ride through the National Elk Refuge or fat bike out to Granite Hot Spring Pool.
Accommodations in Jackson Hole range from home rentals to the Alpine Lodge in downtown Jackson Hole. There are plenty of activities to enjoy while visiting such as dog sledding, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, coach tours, paragliding, and tubing. Grand Teton National Park is also nearby and offers stunning views of moose grazing in frozen meadows, bison roaming snow-filled plains, and geysers spouting. After a long day of snowboarding, visitors can relax in the hot springs or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants in town.
Vorarlberg, Austria
Vorarlberg is Austria’s westernmost state and a popular destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With over 42 ski resorts and 300 ski lifts, the region offers plenty of opportunities to hit the slopes. The Ländle Card provides access to 30 resorts in Vorarlberg as well as a few across the border in Germany. Accommodations range from five-star hotels with Finnish spas to more budget-friendly options with free hot chocolate bars for guests.
The picturesque village of Seefeld is a great place to explore during your stay in Vorarlberg. It offers activities such as Nordic walking, tobogganing, paragliding, ice skating, and swimming. Seefeld is renowned for its cross-country skiing and winter walking with over 88 miles of cleared and salted paths. Located near Innsbruck, it makes for an ideal day trip to explore the city. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious ski holiday or just want to enjoy some winter activities, Vorarlberg is the perfect destination for snowboarders.
Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada
Lake Tahoe is a winter paradise located on the border of California and Nevada. It is home to 15 resorts, each offering something unique for visitors. Palisades Tahoe, Northstar California, and Diamond Peak are just a few of the resorts that offer family-friendly terrain and fantastic lake views. Skiing and snowboarding are popular activities at Lake Tahoe, but there are also plenty of other options such as gambling, cross-country skiing, brewery tours, and winter festivals. Sierra at Tahoe is the closest ski resort to San Francisco and the Bay area. This resort offers a variety of downhill skiing and snowboarding opportunities as well as parks and pipes for more extreme riders. For those looking for a more relaxed experience, snowshoeing is also available. With so many activities to choose from, Lake Tahoe has something for everyone during the winter months!
South Island, New Zealand
The South Island of New Zealand is a paradise for snowboarders and skiers alike. With 34 ski resorts, the season runs from June to October, making it an ideal destination for winter sports enthusiasts. Companies like Haka Tours and Ski New Zealand offer multi-day packages that include lift tickets, lodging, and transportation between resorts. For those looking for a more extreme experience, heli-snowboard tours are available to access remote backcountry lines.
The South Island has several ski resorts to choose from including Cardrona, Treble Cone, Coronet Peak, The Remarkables, and Mt Hutt. All of these resorts offer something unique and cater to different levels of ability. For those who want to explore multiple ski resorts in one trip, a multi-access lift pass is available for access to all the ski areas on the South Island.
Quebec, Canada
Quebec is a winter wonderland, offering some of the best snowboarding in the world. With three large resorts and night skiing/riding, it’s a great destination for any level of rider. The city of Quebec itself is also a unique and beautiful winter destination, with ice bars, downhill luges, and cobblestone streets decorated with white lights and bright green wreaths. For those looking for an extra special experience, visit in early February to experience the world’s largest Winter Carnival.
Mont Tremblant is another popular spot for winter activities in Quebec. Located just 80 miles north of Montreal, it’s considered one of the top resorts in eastern North America. The town offers a variety of international eateries and a vibrant après-ski scene. Visitors can enjoy activities such as ice climbing, snowmobiling, dog sledding, and more. Whether you’re looking to hit the slopes or explore the city streets during wintertime, Quebec has something for everyone.
Puerto Montt, Chile
Puerto Montt, Chile is a great destination for snowboarders looking to hit the slopes year-round. Expert snowboarders can explore backcountry terrains like Llaima Volcano and Lonquimay Volcano, while beginner and intermediate snowboarders can visit resorts like Corralco Mountain Resort, Nevados de Chillan Ski Resort, or Antillanca in Argentina. Skiers can easily access the ski village of Pradollano near Granada, Spain for outstanding skiing.
Non-skiers can also enjoy Puerto Montt with its whitewashed alleys and Alhambra fortress-palace. There are plenty of activities to do in sunny weather with over 80% blizzard-free days such as snowshoeing, ice skating, tubing, ski biking, and Rollersledge. Puerto Montt is an ideal destination for all types of winter sports enthusiasts who want to experience the best of Chile’s winter wonderland.
Dolomites, Italy
The Dolomites in Italy are a great destination for snowboarders looking to do hut-to-hut trips. Accommodations range from luxurious rifugios to more budget-friendly options with bunk-style rooms, and experienced split boarders can enjoy the trip without having to carry their luggage, as it will be taken care of by the tour company. Cortina d’Ampezzo is a world-renowned snowboarding destination with some of the best couloirs and piste runs in Italy. It held the 1956 Winter Olympic Games and offers 120km of trails, 1 snow park, and 36 lifts. Easily accessible from three nearby airports, Cortina d’Ampezzo is an ideal spot for those looking for an unforgettable snowboarding experience.
The Dolomites offer something for everyone – from beginner to expert-level riders – making it a great place to explore and discover new terrain. The area boasts some of the most stunning views in Europe, with its jagged peaks and snow-covered valleys. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an adrenaline-filled adventure, the Dolomites are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah is a great destination for winter sports enthusiasts. With nine resorts within an hour’s drive, there are plenty of options to choose from. Park City Resort is one of the most popular spots, offering six terrain parks and a 22-foot halfpipe. Woodward Park City also offers multiple zones for both beginners and experts, including a large freestyle terrain park. For those looking for something more extreme, The King’s Crown has “monster booters” that can be seen from space! Park City is only 30 minutes away from Salt Lake City airport, making it an ideal spot for visitors who want to get in some skiing or snowboarding without having to travel too far. Plus, if you’re willing to hike off-piste there are plenty of great opportunities available. All in all, Salt Lake City is the perfect place to enjoy some winter fun!
Aspen, Colorado
Aspen, Colorado is a winter wonderland for skiers and snowboarders alike. With four resorts covering 5,500 acres of terrain, Aspen-Snowmass has something for everyone. From the challenging tree runs to the beginner slopes at Buttermilk, there’s something for all levels of experience. The towns can get crowded on weekends, so plan accordingly if you want to avoid the crowds.
For those looking for a luxurious ski-in, ski-out experience, One Ski Hill Place is located at the base of Peak 8 in Breckenridge. Amenities include a private aquatics center with two indoor pools and two hot tubs as well as a fire pit. Non-skiers can enjoy free sledding at Carter Park or 30 miles of snowshoeing and mountain biking trails nearby. The T-Bar offers Apres Ski entertainment after a day on the slopes. Whether you’re an experienced skier or just starting out, Aspen -Snowmass is the perfect destination for a winter getaway.
Conclusion
From Maine to California, there are plenty of resorts in the United States that offer runs for snowboarders of all skill levels. Whether you’re looking for park or powder, ski lifts, or skinning, there’s something for everyone. For those seeking a more luxurious experience, some resorts offer catered backcountry huts with gourmet meals and comfortable beds. And no matter where you choose to go, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of mountains, forests, and lakes. Before heading out on your trip though, it’s always best to call attractions and restaurants ahead of time to confirm current opening times.
