The World’s Greatest Destinations for Snowboarding
Written by Damian Papworth on December 25, 2009 – 1:47 pm -Been there, done that is easy when it comes to the well-traveled path of many snowboarders. After all, there’s a reason that certain resorts around the world are popular, especially with the reception of skiers still often icy towards those on boards.
However, if there’s one thing that the naysayers did get right, it’s that snowboarders are a fun and adventurous bunch. Thus, why go on the same boring vacation that everyone else has already been on? Taking on new parks and hills is a lot more exciting than checking out a spot you’ve already had many times over. But combing the world for the hot new destination is a lot of work, especially after a hard day on the mountain.
That’s why we’re here to help all of those aspiring globe-trotting snowboarders. While it might be great to hit the resort in your backyard all winter, it’s even more rewarding to find the common bond of snowboarding can make you friends all over the world, while seeing incredible new countries and riding some great mountains. Whether it’s the southern hemisphere or the northern hemisphere, a world-class resort or a smaller, more local hill, there’s so much more to boarding than your own back yard. Here are some of the world’s greatest destinations for snowboarding that you may have never heard of.
The Summit at Snoqualmie – Located on Snoqualmie Pass in Washington, this snowboard and ski resort consists of four smaller base areas that used to be their own independent resorts. Today, the resort is open during the season seven days a week, and six nights out of the week, for a chance to get in even more time on the slopes. With a majority of the slopes catering to advanced boarders, beginners definitely will find the area a challenge. If you’re new to the sport, it’s not a good place to start.
Whistler Blackcomb – Located in British Columbia, this hugely popular ski and snowboard resort is the largest resort of its kind in all of North America. High-speed lifts mean less wait time between runs, and there’s even an area for tubing when you get sick of boarding.
Blue Mountain, Canada – Located in the province of Ontario, Blue Mountain is one of the best spots in all of Canada for snowboarders seeking out half-pipes and tabletops. Over 30 trails and 20 lifts make getting back to the top again easy, and intermediate snowboarders will find the variety of slopes challenging and fun. Three half pipes and two terrain parks mean that those who are more interested in working out tricks than racing downhill will be more than satisfied, and Toronto isn’t that far away for those craving a night out on the town.
Borno, Italy – Located in Italy’s Lombardia region, this medium-sized resort offers a truly impressive 700 meters of vertical descent for its skiers and snowboarders. A short trip from Milan, it’s popular with beginner snowboarders because of its large amount of beginner-oriented trails, but both experts and intermediates will also find a number of runs to their liking.
Queenstown, New Zealand – Located on New Zealand’s South Island and famous for it treeless slopes (trees do not grow above the snow line here) Queenstown has become a must for any traveling snowboarder. Also hosting activities like the world’s biggest bungee jump, Queenstown is growingly becoming reknowned as an adventurist’s paradise.
Damian Papworth adores snowboarding in Japan. He also understands that for cheap japan snow accommodation, the Hooting Owl Lodge in Niseko is hard to beat.
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