Best Places to Go Snowboarding This Year

The winter season is upon us and what better way to enjoy the crisp, winter air than by shredding up some fresh, fluffy snow down endless terrains. Whether you are a newbie looking to try out the sport for the first time, or an expert rider looking for a new challenge, we’ve got some of the best places to go snowboarding this winter season.

First up on our list, Snowbird, Utah. Utah is famous for light, dry powder and tons of it. Since they receive nearly four hundred feet of snow each year, it’s safe to say your chances of scoring a powder day is just about guaranteed. Located in Little Cottonwood Canyon, this four-season resort is great for experienced riders. Riders will have the opportunity to eat up the challenging terrain, boasting more than 4,700 acres of slopes. Let’s also not forget about the most vertical terrain in Utah, Snowbird Tram. Established in 1971, Snowbird’s Tram sweeps passengers along a 1.6 mile cable and up 2,900 vertical feet!

With just a hop, skip (don’t slip!) and a seven hour drive east of Snowbird, Utah, we find the jaw-dropping views of the Rocky Mountains in Breckenridge, Colorado. The pros like to call this place “home away from home”. First established as a gold mining town in the 1850s, Breckenridge is now one of the most visited ski resorts in the western hemisphere. Known for its variety of terrain, Breckenridge has five peaks and four terrain parks to explore.

Next up on our list of best places to go snowboarding is Mammoth Mountain in California. The first image that pops into your head when you think of California is probably Hollywood, with sunny beaches and a nice, warm temperature year round. However, California has also graciously blessed us with Mammoth Mountain, voted the number one family friendly resort by OnTheSnow visitors. Mammoth’s terrain parks have achieved legendary status. Nine — that’s right, nine — terrain parks and three half-pipes are calling your name in California. Mammoth Unbound, the latest development of the parks, offers more than a dozen areas of skiing and snowboarding for all levels and skill sets.

While the U.S. has plenty more to offer, let’s take a look at what our friends in the Swiss Alps have been shredding up. If you’re an expert rider looking to make the most of your trip, say no more! Verbier Ski Resort in Switzerland is just the place for you. Verbier is massive with 94 lifts and over 400 km of piste (a ski run, for those of us that aren’t familiar with the lingo). Located in the Four Valleys, one lift pass will connect you to the riding areas of Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz and Val de Bagnes. The lines you get in Verbier are some of the best you can experience in Europe. With that being said, the slightest hesitation and you’ll lose your line in the blink of an eye. So keep those boards strapped on tight and go go go!

For all of our beginners out there, we’ve got the perfect European snowboarding trip, just for you. Located just over the border of Switzerland, Cervinia, Italy sits at the top of the Aosta Valley. Cervinia is set just under 4,500 meters, giving snowboarders a clear view of one of the world’s most impressive mountains, Matterhorn. Beginner boarders can ride at ease as Cervinia offers plenty of long, gentle runs and wide open motorways.

We hope that you’ve found this information helpful and that we’ve inspired you to go out and embrace the beauty of the mountains. Before you hit the slopes, make sure you have everything you need from your snowboard and boots, to a few layers of warm snow clothes. Need a certified copy of your birth certificate before traveling? VitalChek is happy to help before you set out on your next snowboarding adventure. Happy shredding!