Snowboarding is an intense winter sport that has taken the world by storm. Whether you're a freestyle trickster, a backcountry powder hound or a combination of both, there are plenty of amazing places to snowboard around the world. Here's our list of the 30 best places to snowboard in the world.
30 best places to snowboard
- Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada - Ranked as one of the top ski resorts in North America, this dual-mountain resort features over 200 marked runs and more than 8,000 acres of terrain for all levels of riders – from beginner to expert. Plus it’s home to some of the best parks in Canada.
- Val Thorens, France – The highest ski resort in Europe, Val Thorens is a haven for park enthusiasts and big mountain riders alike. Located in the Three Valleys of Les Trois Vallées ski domain, this mecca of snowboarding offers some of the best powder conditions on the continent.
- Saas-Fee, Switzerland - Nestled amongst 13 glaciers at an altitude of 3,600 metres above sea level lies Saas-Fee. This Swiss village is renowned for its stepped terrain parks and challenging freeriding areas with diverse landscapes. From steep couloirs to deep tree runs there’s something for everyone here.
- Hakuba Valley, Japan - Blessed with some of the best powder in the world, Hakuba Valley is an ideal destination for all kinds of riders. From vast open bowls to tree runs and park features, it offers something special for everyone. Plus its reliable snowfall makes this one of Japan’s most dependable winter spots.
- Mount Bachelor, Oregon - Located on a 3,683 metre extinct volcano near Bend, this mountain resort has been a favourite among Pacific Northwest riders for years. It boasts more than 5,000 acres of terrain and some of the best parks in the US with tons of jumps and jibs to explore.
- Tignes & Val d’Isère, France - These two linked ski resorts are perfect for off-piste riding and big mountain shredding. There’s a huge variety of terrain here, from steep chutes and long cruisers to natural halfpipes and some of the world's longest runs. Plus it’s home to one of the biggest terrain parks in Europe.
- Zermatt, Switzerland - The ultimate mountain playground for freeride enthusiasts, Zermatt is known for its endless off-piste opportunities. With over 200 kilometres of powder runs, heli skiing and easy access to some of the tallest ski areas in Europe – including the Matterhorn – this Swiss resort should be on every rider’s bucket list.
- Mount Buller, Australia – Home to Australia’s best snowboarding terrain park, Mount Buller offers a variety of terrain for riders of all levels. From gentle beginner slopes to challenging big mountain lines – and some of the best views in the southern hemisphere – this resort is sure to please everyone.
- Kirkwood Mountain Resort, California - This far-flung ski area located near Lake Tahoe offers over 2,000 acres of terrain, from wide open groomers to chutes, steeps and steep gullies. Its ample snowfall makes it one of the snowiest resorts in North America. Plus it’s home to some of the biggest parks in the US with loads of hits and jibs.
- Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming - This legendary destination has been luring powder hounds for decades thanks to its steep, rugged terrain and incredible snow conditions. With over 2,500 acres of lift accessed terrain and world-class parks, it’s the perfect place for riders of all levels to push their limits.
- Livigno, Italy - A freerider's paradise, Livigno is known for its vast off-piste terrain and easily accessible backcountry. This Italian resort also boasts some of Europe’s best parks with plenty of tables, rails and jibs to choose from. Plus its nightlife scene is second to none.
- Laax & Falera Ski Resort, Switzerland - Offering more than 200 kilometres of ski runs spread across two villages (Falera and Laax), this Swiss resort has something for everyone. With its world-class terrain parks and acres of off-piste powder, Laax & Falera is the perfect spot for freestylers and freeriders alike.
- Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Canada - Situated in the Selkirk Mountains near British Columbia’s border with Alberta, Revelstoke Mountain Resort is a mecca for advanced riders. Boasting some of the best big mountain riding on the continent – along with 3 parks and a superpipe – this resort has something for every rider.
- Avoriaz, France - Found at an altitude of 1,800 metres above sea level in the Portes du Soleil ski domain, Avoriaz has long been one of Europe’s premier snowboarding destinations. Here, you’ll find world-class terrain parks, plenty of off-piste runs and some of the best backcountry riding in France.
- Snowbird Ski & Summer Resort, Utah - This legendary resort near Salt Lake City offers over 500 acres of lift accessed terrain and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. With its steep chutes, wide open bowls and scenic views of Little Cottonwood Canyon – not to mention its award winning halfpipe – this is a must-visit destination for all serious riders.
- Kostrzyn, Poland - Located close to the German border, Kostrzyn is well known amongst Polish shredders. It has two terrain parks, one for beginners and another for experts, as well as a superpipe. Plus it’s located within driving distance of Berlin, making it a great spot to hit up on weekends.
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, California – Boasting the longest ski season in the US and some of the best conditions in North America, Mammoth is a must-visit destination for riders from all over the country. It offers over 3,500 acres of terrain across 11 peaks with plenty of steeps, backcountry lines and miles of groomed runs.
- Snow Valley Ski Resort, Alberta - One of Canada’s oldest resorts (founded in 1942), Snow Valley offers an impressive variety of terrain for all levels. From wide open beginner slopes to expert chutes and glades, this resort will keep even the most seasoned rider challenged. Its amazing views of the Canadian Rockies are an added bonus.
- Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort, British Columbia - This iconic resort is home to some of the best skiing in North America and one of the longest ski seasons in North America. With over 8,000 acres of lift accessed terrain and two mountains (Whistler and Blackcomb), it’s no wonder why this legendary mountain is one of the most popular snowboarding destinations in the world.
- Saas-Fee, Switzerland - Nestled high up in the Swiss Alps at an elevation of 3,500 metres above sea level lies Saas-Fee. Offering more than 200 kilometres of runs, this resort is perfect for riders who want to take their skills to the next level. Its steep terrain and incredible views make it a must-visit destination.
- Mount Baker Ski Area, Washington - There’s a reason why Mount Baker has been called “the powder capital of the world”. With over 1,000 acres of lift accessed terrain and some of the best snow conditions in North America, it’s no wonder why this mountain attracts so many serious riders each year. It also boasts one of the longest ski seasons in North America.
- Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, California - This Lake Tahoe based resort offers more than 4,000 acres of terrain across two mountains (Squaw and Alpine) with plenty of steeps, chutes, glades and powder bowls. It’s the perfect destination for riders who want to take their skills up a notch.
- Val Thorens Ski Resort, France - Located at an altitude of 2,300 metres in the French Alps, Val Thorens offers some of the best snow conditions in Europe. With over 200 kilometres of runs and two terrain parks (one for beginners and one for experts), it’s no wonder why this resort is such a popular spot amongst experienced riders. Plus, its incredible vistas make it well worth a visit.
- Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado - This world-renowned resort offers one of the longest ski seasons in North America and some of the best snow conditions in the US. With over 4,000 acres of terrain across five peaks (Peak 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12), it’s no wonder why so many shredders flock here each year. Plus its village atmosphere makes for an incredible vacation destination.
- Les Arcs, France - Located in the French Alps at an altitude of 1,962 metres, this resort offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Europe. With over 200 kilometres of runs spread across four villages (Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950 and Arc 2000), it’s no wonder why so many riders make their way here each year. Plus its stunning views are an added bonus.
- Soelden Ski Resort, Austria - This iconic resort is home to one of the longest ski seasons in Europe and boasts some of the best snow conditions in Austria. With over 150 kilometres of runs spread across three mountains (Gleirschkogl, Tiefenbachkogl and Gaislachkogl), it’s the perfect destination for riders who want to take their skills up a notch. Plus its stunning views of the Austrian Alps make it well worth a visit.
- Niseko, Japan - This incredible ski resort on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido offers some of the best snowboarding in Asia. With over 2,000 acres of terrain across four mountains (Annupuri, Niseko Village, Hanazono and Grand Hirafu) and plenty of backcountry lines, this is the perfect destination for experienced shredders. Plus its unique charm makes it an unforgettable experience.
- Silverton Mountain, Colorado - Silverton Mountain is one of the most challenging ski resorts in North America. With over 1,819 acres of terrain and an average snowfall of 393 inches a year, it’s no wonder why so many experienced riders flock here each season. Plus its remote location makes for an unforgettable experience.
- Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy - Located in the Italian Alps near Venice, this resort offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Europe. With over 120 kilometres of runs across four mountains (Tofana di Rozes, Cristallo, Faloria and Monte Pore) and plenty of steeps, chutes and powder bowls, it’s no wonder why so many riders make their way here each year. Plus, its stunning views are an added bonus.
- Chamonix, France - This iconic resort in the French Alps offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding in Europe. With over 186 kilometres of runs spread across seven mountains (Aiguille du Midi, Brevent/Flegere, Grands Montets, Balme Tour/Vallorcine, La Flégère and Les Houches), it’s no wonder why so many riders flock here each season. Plus its stunning views are an added bonus.
The bottom line
There you have it, our list of the best places to snowboard on earth. Whether you want to venture outside North America, or stay in the United States, we've got you covered.
