The Five Hottest Spots for Excellent Snowboarding

Since its beginnings as more of a fringe spot, snowboarding has made huge inroads into resorts originally intended for those on skis. In fact, many of the world’s best ski resorts have added specific snowboarding parks, including areas for those who prefer a ride on the half-pipe to a day out on the trails.

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.

For anyone planning a high-energy snowboarding vacation, combing the list of the world’s best mountains for snowboarding would be a time-consuming task. Thankfully, we’ve done it for you. Here are the five hottest spots for some of the world’s best snowboarding. Whether you’re into racing down the mountain or landing perfect tricks, there’s something on the list for everyone.

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.

Thredbo, Australia – For those who are sick of slumming it, Thredbo is a popular and hot new destination for skiers and snowboarders alike who might not know that Australia has a bustling scene. With over 650 meters of vertical drop and a staggering variety of runs, it’s a good mix of trails for beginners and experts alike. The best of the best wo are unafraid of the very steep all flock to Funnel Web, the steepest run on the entire mountain.

Bansko, Bulgaria – Western Europe is so last year, anyway. Try what European boarders already figured out, and book a flight to Sofia, Bulgaria. Bansko is only a couple of hours away from the country’s capital city, but it feels like a world once you see those beautiful snow-covered mountains. Located in the beautiful Pirin Range, Bansko has over 20 kilometers of tree-lined slopes in its three separate areas of the mountain.

La Parva, Chile – While snowboarders might not be flocking to Chile from all over the world yet, its prime location between the ocean and the tallest peaks of the Andes means some fabulous runs. Snowboarders head to La Parva for a chance at some upper Andes skiing. In the mountains above the capital city of Santiago, La Parva is 9,022 feet above sea level.

Blafjoll, Iceland – With Iceland’s economy tanking, it’s never been more affordable for snowboarders to head to this magical world of fire, little people, northern lights, and even some excellent snowboarding. One of the largest resorts in Iceland, Blafjoll is best suited for intermediate snowboarders, with slightly more difficult trails. It might have one of the best views around. Night boarding is a popular activity here.

Damian Papworth adores snowboarding in Japan. He also understands that for japan snow accommodation, the Hooting Owl Lodge in Niseko is hard to beat.

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