Snowboarding is an exciting sport and whether you are taking it up for the first time or a seasoned snowboarder you will soon get addicted to the adrenaline rush. Now if you live in a winter destination with the perfect snowboarding conditions you are fortunate but most of us have to travel to experience the perfect snow for this action sport. So here are 5 of the top snowboarding destinations for all levels of snowboarder.
Chamonix, France
Chamonix France is a world-renowned snowboarding resort with the background of Mont Blanc. For more experienced snowboarders, its terrain is steep and it’s not really suited for beginners. Those with advanced skills should head to Les Grands Montets and Bochard. It’s the perfect destination for freeriding.
The town itself is busy, with over 9000 residents and a Belle Epoque and Victorian style. The centre itself is perfect for strolling as it’s pedestrian-free and the apres-ski focuses on beer, cocktails and live music.
Mayrhofen, Austria
Mayrhofen in Austria is a popular resort, especially for the British. One of the main features for snowboarders is the Vans Penken Park, known around Europe as one of the best all-around snowboarding parks. It’s also a great place for hiking in the summer months.
Mayrhofen itself is an attractive vibrant village, with lots of chalets and can be described as picture-postcard perfect. It also has an indoor pool with a jacuzzi and various water features including a giant slide, open all year round. The partying here is legendary so it’s a great resort for the apres-ski.
Verbier, Switzerland
Verbier is the main resort in Switzerland’s largest ski area. It’s a resort that appeals to all levels of snowboarders but attracts those with more adventurous advanced skills. However, if you are learning to snowboard you can still get lessons here. It’s a resort that is sunny and surprisingly warm with lots of fresh snow around the area.
The village has some high-end chalets and hotels in which to stay and is a pricey resort, after all, it is in Switzerland! Its nightlife is concentrated in a small area but it’s lively nonetheless. Geneva is the nearest airport which is two hours away. There are many flights to Geneva from the UK and Geneva to Tignes just under 3 hours.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
For beginner snowboarders, Whistler Blackcomb is just perfect. For complete beginners, there are easy and manageable slopes and snowboarding courses, where you can learn on the powder snow whilst more experienced snowboarders can complete instructor qualifications.
The village itself has won numerous awards for its design and those of you who like retail therapy will enjoy the range of over 200 designer sand outdoor lifestyle shops. A larger resort than most, the range of restaurants is good, with everything from French fondue to New Mexican. Come for the snowboarding, stay for the eating, drinking and shopping.
Soll, Austria
Another great Austrian destination is Soll. An easy destination to get to, a quick 15 minutes from the airport, Soll has really great slopes for novice snowboarders and intermediates, and over a third of the slopes are marked blue for beginners. The schools are excellent too if you are a complete novice. SkiWelt is a vast ski resort
The village of Soll is small, and the chalet-style buildings are spread out, but it’s a pretty village with a large church at its centre and also has a lively apres-ski. It also has Witches Water, a waterpark and themed adventure park open from May to October.
So here are 5 of my top snowboard destinations. Let me know if you’ve visited any and tried out the slopes.
