Whether you crave the adrenaline rush of steep slopes, big jumps, deep powder, or love to explore terrain parks, our list of the top 10 snowboarding resorts has everything to satisfy your snowboarding cravings!
Have you checked off any of these top snowboarding resorts from your bucket list? Don’t wait too long, as legendary sports cinematographer Warren Miller famously said, ‘Do it now or you’ll be one year older when you do.
1. Saas Fee, Switzerland
Saas Fee, renowned as one of the top snowboarding resorts, is also highly regarded for its family-friendly atmosphere. As the home base for the British Snowboarding team for most of the year, the resort boasts easy blue terrain and challenging red slopes to satisfy both beginners and experts alike.
With year-round skiing available, Saas Fee’s charm permeates throughout the resort, making it an ideal destination for families where everyone can find happiness.
2. Verbier, Switzerland
When it comes to freeriding, Verbier reigns supreme. Expert riders seeking an exceptional experience should consider hiring a guide to explore the extensive steeps, while most will be more than satisfied with the range of piste options and itineraries.
Situated in the Four Valleys, the lifts connect the ski areas of Verbier, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Val de Bagnes, providing ample opportunities to explore.
For extreme off-piste adventures, take the Mont-Gelé cable car to access numerous steep couloirs and open slopes for an exhilarating ride down. Some of the best powder can be found at the Mont-Fort Glacier, and skiing into Tortin unveils an epic open bowl.
The intermediate ski areas of Les Attelas and Les Ruinettes tend to be overcrowded, so savvy skiers should head to Savoleyres for challenging reds and picturesque tree-lined pistes. Drawing a global clientele, Verbier is a world-class resort with a lively après-ski scene.
3. Ischgl, Austria
Ischgl is renowned for its highly acclaimed snow school operations, making it an ideal destination for snowboarders looking to learn or improve their skills. With terrain options catering to riders of all levels, Ischgl is undoubtedly one of the top snowboarding resorts available.
One of the unique features of this resort is the ability to ride back directly into town at the end of the day, adding to the overall convenience and charm of the experience. With a town that is among the most picturesque in the Alps, it’s easy to see why Ischgl is a winning choice for riders.
4. Tignes, France
Tignes, along with its interconnected sister resort Val d’Isere, is widely regarded as one of the premier snowboarding destinations in Europe. With an abundance of fresh terrain to explore, snowboarders can spend days enjoying the slopes.
As the host of the European X-Games and a favored destination of many professional snowboarders, Tignes boasts ample terrain parks and vast freeride space.
Those looking to elevate their skills can enlist the help of the snow school to gain insights from expert guides and truly take their game to the next level.
5. Cervinia, Italy
Situated on the border of Switzerland and Italy, Cervinia is a snowboarding haven offering extensive terrain for riders of all levels, including beginners.
The resort is located near the top of the Aosta Valley and boasts miles of long, gentle runs with stunning views of the Matterhorn. The peak, just across the border in Switzerland, rises over 3,600 meters, ensuring high-quality snow throughout the season.
Compared to the more extravagant Zermatt in Switzerland, Cervinia offers a more affordable option with the added benefit of advanced terrain accessible via the lift linking the two ski areas.
The Indian Park is an ideal location for freestylers to showcase their skills. While advanced or expert riders may find the resort less challenging, it’s an excellent destination for beginners and intermediates.
6. Val Thorens, France
Val Thorens, located at the top of France’s Three Valleys, is a snowboarder’s paradise with an abundance of terrain to explore, making it a top contender on our list of the best snowboarding resorts.
The slopes are perfectly suited for snowboarding, and its ample snowpack and easy access to neighboring resorts such as Meribel and Courchevel make it a must-visit destination. In addition to the variety of on-mountain activities, the après-ski scene is unrivaled with an exciting club scene that lasts well into the night.
7. Chamonix, France
With the stunning Mont Blanc as its backdrop, Chamonix is a destination for adventurous snowboarders who seek steep and rugged terrain. Although it may not be suitable for the faint-hearted, it is undoubtedly one of the best snowboarding resorts on our list.
Chamonix is a charming French ski town with a rich history. The ski areas are spread out across the valley, but with such breathtaking scenery, you won’t mind the distance.
8. Mammoth Mountain, California, USA
Mammoth Mountain is a top-rated “Family Friendly Resort” by OnTheSnow readers every year, and it’s easy to see why. In addition to epic skiing and riding, there are a plethora of other activities to enjoy. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to the West Coast of the USA.
When it comes to snow, Mammoth Mountain delivers. It’s typically one of the first resorts in the US to open and one of the last to close, with top-notch quality snow throughout the season, including as late as the 4th of July. Plus, the resort offers a wide variety of food options and decent après-ski activities to complete the all-around great resort experience.
9. Palisades-Tahoe, California, USA
Another option for snowboarding in the USA is Palisades-Tahoe, located not too far from Mammoth. It hosted the 1960 Winter Olympics and boasts steep lines for freeriders, as well as some terrain for beginners.
However, most runs are better suited for skilled riders. The resort can get quite crowded on weekends and holidays, but crowds tend to disperse during the week. There are many natural and man-made features such as hits, cornices, cliff bands, and chutes to challenge advanced riders.
The Snowboard King of the Mountain competition draws big crowds each winter. Kids are also catered for with activities such as the SnoVentures Centre, Adventure Zone and Family Cross Course via the Big Blue Express (6-pack) chairlift. Additionally, Palisades-Tahoe now features a Burton Learn to Ride Centre.