To save you some time and effort and to get you out snowboarding as soon as possible, we have researched and come up with 10 of the best snowboarding resorts in the world. Whether you are going for a quick snowboarding holiday or a full-on getaway to shred then we hope we can point you in the right direction for some of the best places to go snowboarding. There are plenty of snowboarding resorts, each of which brings its own unique ambience and varied selection of slopes, terrain parks, and activities available alongside snowboarding.
For some people, snowboarding comes more naturally than skiing; those that have experience with other board sports like skateboarding or surfing are able to work out the snowboarding technique pretty quickly. Snowboarding for beginners can be hard but those that stick with it will ultimately find it very rewarding, opening up a range of different possibilities in winter resorts not so accessible for skiers. The best places to snowboard have an array of slopes and facilities suited to beginners and those progressing their skills, leading all the way up to the highest levels of off piste snowboarding.
Let’s begin with our best snowboarding destinations in no particular order. Here you will find our selection of quality snowboarding resorts that will hopefully satisfy any snow sport lover; we have outlined prices, mountain specs, and facilities to assist you in your choice. Ticket prices vary depending on the length of your stay and the time of year you visit, it is always worth checking on the resort’s website for specifics.
Breckenridge – USA (Colorado)
Kicking off our best snowboarding resorts list is Breckenridge. A historic town in Colorado with plenty to offer aside from skiing or snowboarding, this is one of the most popular US destinations. The chance to board in the Rocky Mountains in an area that receives guaranteed snow should is an opportunity not to miss, with some real elevation and challenging trails that will keep you busy and quench your snow craving!
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: From around $110 for 1 day / Around $602 for 7 days
- Base: 9,600 ft
- Summit: 12,998 ft
- Trails: 187
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 4
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 34
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
Breckenridge is one of the all-time best snowboarding locations, it has so much to offer for those of all abilities. Ask anyone and they will vouch for the snowboarding parks, the town, and the array of slopes you can find across the resorts varied peaks.
Mammoth Mountain – USA (California)
Another of our top snowboarding destinations in the USA, out of the many choices available this is one that really stands out, especially in the sought-after state of California. The closest town is Mammoth Lakes which offers a variety of nature-based activities, but it really is one of best places to go snowboarding. The snowboarding season here can be lengthier than many due to the reliable snowfall that Mammoth Mountain receives, giving you maximum time to hit the slopes!
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: Around $69 for 1 day / $500 for 7 days
- Base: 7,953 ft
- Summit: 11,053 ft
- Trails: 150
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 8
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 25
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
It’s impossible to deny the quality of Mammoth Mountain, everything about it adds up to create one of the world’s best snowboarding destinations, US based snowboarders are lucky to have such a resort on their back-door step!
Zermatt – Switzerland
This snowboarding resort is found in a country renowned for its traditional scenic beauty and vastness of mountain-scapes; there is no denying that Switzerland offers up some of the best snowboarding in the world and Zermatt stands out as one of the go to snowboarding destinations. The town itself extremely pleasant and offers some great downtime après-ski after a day of mountain-side activities. The trails are exciting and challenging, all of which make it a strong choice for a European snowboarding vacation.
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: Zermatt Ski Pass from 79 CHF / Seasonal Pass from 1,520 / Multitude of options available
- Base: 1,620 m
- Summit: 3,899 m
- Trails: 145
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 1
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 52
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
Zermatt has incredible views, the freshest mountain air with the town free of cars, and all alongside it’s excellent snowboarding opportunities. As a top snowboarding destination it is best known for its scenic views of the Matterhorn as well as it’s connection to Cervinia in Italy.
Cortina d’Ampezzo – Italy
You can find plenty of things that will attract you to the north of Italy and it just so happens that it is host to one of the leading places to go snowboarding, the Dolomites. More specifically the great snowboarding resort Cortina d’Ampezzo, which has held the Winter Olympics and boasts an impressive selection of activities and things to do in the town itself.
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: €58 for 1 day / €309 for 7 days / €705 for 21 days / Season pass from €670
- Base: 1,224 m
- Summit: 3,244 m
- Trails: 90
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 1
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 36
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
Cortina d’Ampezzo is the perfect choice for those looking for a true Italian experience at one of the best snowboarding locations. There is a relaxed feeling to this resort that will make for an easy-going snowboarding holiday, what more could ask for than pizza in the Dolomites, what a stunning setting!
Whistler – Canada (British Columbia)
This is a first-rate snowboarding location. Whistler has to be on your snowboarding itinerary. Within the vast country of Canada, Whistler is awash with fantastic snowboarding opportunities of the highest quality. Bask in the beauty of British Columbian countryside whilst cruising down the impressive array of slopes in both Whistler and Blackcomb.
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: $112 for 1 day / $749 for 7 days / Unlimited season pass $1399
- Base: 675 m
- Summit: 2,436 m
- Trails: 200
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 5
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 26
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
This is arguably the best snowboarding resort for Canada, and a premier snowboarding destination across the world. Whistler and all that surrounds it makes for a breath-taking trip you will never forget.
Niseko – Japan (Hokkaido)
Snowboarding opportunities in Asia are less thought about than in Europe or the US but there are some excellent snowboarding destinations to consider. Niseko is our pick for where to head first, found in Hokkaido, the northern island of Japan, you will find the collection of 4 resorts that combine to create an exceptional experience. It has pretty competitive prices and a good mix of snowboarding for beginners and intermediates.
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: ¥8,000 for 1 day / ¥48,200 for 7 days / Season pass ¥125,000
- Base: 260 m
- Summit: 1,308 m
- Trails: 72
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 2
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 33
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
Niseko is a popular snowboarding destination for our Australian cousins and it’s understandable why. It’s an unbeatable snowboarding resort, especially so for lovers of powder.
Treble Cone – New Zealand
Nestled in Oceania is the idyllic country of New Zealand. Most people won’t think about visiting because of the distance but it certainly makes for a different type of snowboarding holiday. The winter season in New Zealand is the opposite of Europe and the USA, so if you miss your snowboarding during the summer, this is your answer! Treble Cone is the perfect choice for a snowboarding resort in New Zealand, it may not be suited to beginners but those with experience will find it a pleasing change of pace to the busy Euro-resorts.
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: $149 for 1 day / $600 for 5 days
- Base: 1,260 m
- Summit: 2,088 m
- Trails: 23
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 2
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 3
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
A leading snowboarding destination in the southern hemisphere, Treble Cone is a picturesque and challenging resort for those looking to get away from Europe and the US for a change.
Ruka – Finland
One of the lower altitude snowboarding mountains, Ruka is still a fantastic choice and one of the best places to learn to snowboard in peace away from the hustle and bustle of the big French resorts. It’s a smart choice if you are looking for cheaper places to ski or board, whilst still retaining an enjoyable snowboarding experience; Finland is an underappreciated holiday destination with plenty of natural beauty and a very different culture.
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: €46.50 for 1 day / €224 for 7 days / Season pass €446
- Base: 291 m
- Summit: 492 m
- Trails: 35
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 2
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 27
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
What makes Ruka an interesting selection for the best snowboarding destinations, is the accessibility and beginner friendly nature of its slopes. For anyone new to snowboarding it is accessible to learners but for more experienced boarders with families, it can be a smart choice. The attractions outside of snowboarding, with the culture and sights of Scandinavia, and especially the Arctic Circle, make this a happy alternative to mainstream European resorts.
St Anton – Austria
Austria is host to many top snowboarding resorts. Known for its rich cultural history, the best known snowboarding location in Austria is St Anton, part of the Alberg region which is sometimes referred to as ‘the cradle of alpine skiing’ but snowboarders will definitely find many and varied trails to shred. St Anton is also a fantastic choice for families, it has 134 trails to choose from, many of which are beginner and intermediate-level but if you are looking for a challenge you will not be disappointed.
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: €56.50 for 1 day / €337 for 7 days
- Base: 1,300 m
- Summit: 2,811 m
- Trails: 134
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 1
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 88
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
Europe has some of the best snowboarding locations and St Anton is a shining example. There is a superb selection of marked trails as well as off-piste snowboarding to excite and tantalise a broad range of boarders. Known for its great snow conditions and entertainment St Anton is a favourite for good reason.
Avoriaz – France
Part of the wider Portes du Soleil area, Avoriaz is the final resort on our list of the greatest snowboarding resorts around the world. It’s a location that is convenient to reach, has more than decent slopes and terrain parks and accessible surrounding areas creating a massive snowboarding area to cover. This is definitely where to go snowboarding in Europe if you enjoy intermediate trails and some terrain park action, especially with the easy accessibility of surrounding resorts.
Essential Info
- Ticket Prices: €45 for 1 day / €285 for 6 days
- Base: 1,100 m
- Summit: 2,466 m
- Trails: 51
- Off-Piste: Available
- Terrain Parks: 4
- Difficulty: All levels
- Lifts: 34
- Lessons and Equipment Rental: Available
As Portes du Soleil is a top snowboarding destination, there are many resorts that we could have picked out but to us Avoriaz is an ideal choice; it is a modern and well-rounded resort, with easy access slopes and terrain parks that will please all of you keen boarders.
Our collection of the finest snowboarding resorts is only an insight into the many locations that you can visit for an unforgettable snowboarding experience. However, these truly are some of the best snowboarding locations, each with its own unique positives and atmosphere. There is no shortage of incredible options, each bringing something unique to the table, you will have your own ideas but we hope this has been useful. Your journey into the world of snowboarding will hopefully take you all over the world.
Before you make your way to any of these lucrative resorts, it is important that you have the right winter sports insurance. Snowboarding is of course a fun and thrilling sport, but it has its risk as with all fast-paced mountain sports. Here at Snowcard we are specialists in snowboarding travel insurance, our policies are flexible and can cover you for on and off-piste boarding. Our policies cover emergency medical and rescue expenses, heli-lift, equipment, personal belongings, and more; we hope that with Snowcard Insurance you can feel more confident going down the slopes at any of these ‘best snowboarding destinations’.
Which of our top snowboarding resorts in the world will you choose first!
