So it’s decided, you’re off to the mountains. But who knew that so many countries had snow?! Whether you’re just going for a week’s holiday or thinking about spending the season somewhere, it’s important to pick the right place. So where on earth do you start? I thought I would try and help you with your decision by outlining some of my experiences of doing seasons/ trips in different countries.
These are my favourite snowboarding resorts…
Australia – Perisher
Actually, my number one destination to go snowboarding: Australia. Definitely NOT a country well known for its snow! Although on paper it seems like the areas are small, not very steep and the snow can be hit-and-miss, there is so much fun to be had. I love having little side hits and rocks to jump off, eucalyptus trees to weave in between and paths to explore. I have actually ridden some pretty amazing power there too, and with kangaroos and emus grazing in the valleys nearby! The Aussies make up for smaller resorts by putting 110% into their parks, with creative features and catering for all levels. Everyone seems to lap the park together and the vibe is the most fun, positive and relaxed of any park I have ever been to. I guess that sums up the Aussies in general; happy, sunny people!
Perisher is the biggest of the Australian resorts and does often and get the better snow. You need to stay or live in nearby Jindabyne which is a beautiful little town next to a lake in the valley. I love Australia because it is just such a FUN place to ride, whatever your level. It’s such a novelty to be riding in a country that is known for its beaches, outback and surfing, and it is only a 6 hour drive between sea and mountains in New South Wales. Anywhere you choose to go always has that chilled Aussie vibe and people who make you feel so welcome.
New Zealand – Mt Ruapehu
Continuing with my Southern Hemisphere theme, have you ever snowboarded on an active volcano before? It certainly does add another element to a snow trip. Mt Ruapehu is located in the centre of the North Island of NZ and is made up of two ski areas – Whakapapa and Turoa (one thing about NZ, they have funny names!!). Most people have heard about the skiing in South Island, but less about the hidden gems on North Island, which are more popular with the kiwis.
Whakapapa is New Zealand‘s largest ski resort while Turoa has the longest vertical descent and highest point. You can also go and visit NZ’s highest cafe that has the most amazing views and pretty good food too. Both areas have terrain parks and a lot of back country to explore. The North Island tends to get the deepest snowpack in NZ and have the longest season in the southern hemisphere. So planning a trip here is definitely your best bet at some decent riding. The weather in NZ however, like the landscape, can be pretty wild.
Other than enjoying the snow, there is plenty to do. The best and most lively place to stay in is Ohakune. There are so many activities based around here. You can bike, explore, hike, visit the waterfalls, whitewater rafting, natural hot springs, indoor climbing wall, skate park and of course some bars. It’s only a 15 min drive up to the ski fields from here which is nothing compared to the 1 hour long drive to resorts in the South Island. Everything in NZ feels pretty old school compared to most American and European resorts, but this is what I love about it and what gives NZ its charm. It’s like an unspoilt, un-touristy, totally raw place to visit and did I say how beautiful it is??! The country is known for its outdoorsy, adventurous lifestyle so it is a perfect place to travel for snowboarders looking for an adventure further afield.
France – Tignes/ Meribel
I did my first ever season in Tignes, so it definitely makes my list and feels like my second home. It is probably the most snow-sure resort in the Alps, so is especially good if you are thinking about going early/late season. It also has a glacier which is open all year-round so there is always something to ride. Tignes has such variation in terrain: with tree runs down to Les Brevieres and massive open runs on the Grande Motte. There are also so many great powder runs when it snows. And the powder in Tignes is EPIC. Tignes has been host to The Brits (British Freestyle Championships) for 2 years, and also the European X-Games back in 2012, so that shows its freestyle pedigree as well.
In Tignes itself, there’s a really good swimming pool/gym, also horse riding, husky dogs, ice diving, paragliding and a great apres-ski and nightlife.
As France is so expansive, I couldn’t settle on just one favourite resort there! Meribel in my opinion has a totally different feel to it compared to the stark mountains around Tignes. It is the heart of the MASSIVE 3 Valleys ski area connecting the resorts of Val Thorens and Courcheval, so you will definitely never get bored skiing here. Meribel is one of the oldest resorts in Europe and has managed to keep its quirky french charm despite the influx of Brits who live and holiday there. Again, there is riding for every ability and whatever you fancy doing, from freestyle to freeride and cruising in between.
There is a strong ex-pat community and family feel in Meribel, which means there is a good mix of friendly English pubs mixed with crazy French apres in La Folie Douce. If shopping and a chilled coffee in the sun are more your thing, Meribel has some pretty cool places and lots to do if you don’t ski such as walking in the beautiful forests, going iceskating, swimming or indoor climbing.
Austria – Mayrhofen
Austria certainly has a totally different vibe to France. The locals are a little softer and the resorts slightly prettier and more characterful. Mayrhofen is located in the Zillertal Valley, with access to the ski area via a large and fast gondola. You can access a few different resorts from Mayrhofen using the quaint little steam train that runs through the valley which makes it a great base for the winter.
A lot of seasonnaires head to Mayrhofen because of the terrain park. It’s thought to be one of the best in Europe, with well-shaped jumps and fun, creative features. The lap time is really quick with a fast 6 man chair, so you can keep strapped in and lapping all day long! It is a bit harder to find seasonal accommodation in Austria but it makes up for that by being a lot cheaper to live and stay in than France. There also feels like more to do when not snowboarding, especially in Spring. There’s a skate park, walks to waterfalls, a bridge jump into the river, a play park and lots of BBQs. Mayrhofen is also known for its nightlife! From apres, to late night, to festivals, there always seems to be lots going on, whilst still maintaining the quaint Austrian charm which people love to see which is very impressive!
USA – Tahoe/ Northstar & Breckenridge
Tahoe is honestly one of the most beautiful and breath-taking places I have ever seen. The snowy trees and rocks framing the glassy lake definitely warrant a photo or two. The resort of Northstar is much like other American resorts: perfectly groomed runs, wide open pistes, mellow terrain and a pristine resort. They have people employed specifically to “welcome” you to Northstar, and to say “have a nice day” when you leave, along with friendly staff and lift operators. It is a great resort for beginners and families, but there is also some more hardcore terrain over the backside of the resort when it snows. And when it snows, oh it snows! I was there in the season of 2010 and I have NEVER seen so much snow. We actually couldn’t leave our house for parts of the season as there was too much. It is all very chilled, from the riding to the nightlife, and a great place to spend some time and snowboard.
To ride at Northstar, unless you are very lucky (and have lots of money) you normally have to stay in the nearby towns, either Kings Beach or Truckee. That’s the only bad thing about Tahoe, you do really need a car to get around. There are buses but it can be a mission and you need to live on a bus route; everything’s spread out, so there’s no just nipping to the shops. If you do have a car, there are so many resorts to go to around Lake Tahoe (18 in total), you can even drive down to South Lake and hit up the famous Heavenly too.
My other favourite North American resort is Breckenridge. Things to know about Breckenridge: it is freezing cold, high altitude, has great snow and is pristine. It is quite a serious resort, where athletes come to train and live to benefit from the fitness improvements at high-altitude. But this means it has a competition-standard park which is kept well-groomed and progressive. There is also the option for hiking to more gnarly areas for the more advanced snowboarder.
The town itself is picturesque, with lots of cute coffee shops and small local businesses. It has horse & carriages that go up and down the streets and beautiful ice sculptures. There is an amazing gym/ recreation centre with a spa and hot tubs for use on down days/ bad weather days. There is a real emphasis based on organic living and a healthy lifestyle. You feel instantly more healthy just being there.
Canada – Lake Louise
Canada in general is an ultimate snowboarding experience, and I think Lake Louise is the top of the pile. Surrounded by stunning National Park, it is one of the most beautiful places to be, stay and snowboard. It was even voted “Canada’s Best Ski Resort” in the 2014 World Ski Awards.
Due to the resorts around Banff being a little further from the coast, the snow is dry, making it a snowboarder’s dream on powder days. For the same reason, it also gets crazy-cold, like really really cold, so definitely don’t come without your thermals. Lake Louise has some great steep gullies and tree runs to challenge, alongside some cruisey wide runs to allow you to relax and admire the view.
There are so many other activities to do if you fancy a day off from riding, which make it a great place for an overall holiday and not just a snowboard destination. I definitely recommend trying to catch an ice hockey game, and you can also try cross-country skiing, visiting the hot springs, snowmobiling or just taking some gondola rides to admire the breathtaking scenery. Remember to look out for bears in the spring!
Banff town itself is a bustling mountain community with a mixture of restaurants, cool ski shops and chateau-style hotels. The nightlife is a real mixture between relaxed bars, lively sports bars and a few good nightclubs. The Canadians I find to be really positive people and a lot more mellow than the Americans. So there is always a friendly atmosphere in resort and once they find out you are British, they will love talking to you and hearing your accent!