Since its humble beginnings in the 1970s to its official inclusion in the Winter Olympics, snowboarding sure has hit it big. Once considered the land equivalent of surfing, its participants a bunch of blissed-out stoner slackers, snowboarding has enjoyed a truly explosive mainstream popularity and now boarders outnumber skiers on many mountains around the world.
While the word snowboarding circuit consists of some well-known resorts that everyone's been to at least once, truly adventurous snowboarders, as well as pioneers of the sport, have been spending a lot of time searching far and wide for some of the best and rarest mountains. After all, everyone knows you can hit the slopes in Colorado-England and Florida, not so much. For a true taste of adventure, getting off the beaten path can really be a rewarding experience, not to mention an incredible vacation.
That's why we're here to help all of those aspiring globe-trotting snowboarders. While it might be great to hit the resort in your backyard all winter, it's even more rewarding to find the common bond of snowboarding can make you friends all over the world, while seeing incredible new countries and riding some great mountains. Whether it's the southern hemisphere or the northern hemisphere, a world-class resort or a smaller, more local hill, there's so much more to boarding than your own back yard. Here are some of the world's greatest destinations for snowboarding that you may have never heard of.
Hlidarfjall, Iceland - While Iceland might not be at the top of many snowboarding lists, the fact is, this incredible island country has some excellent and rarely explored slopes available. After all, where else can you snowboard on a mountain with views to a sometimes-active volcano? Seven kilometers away from the university town of Akuereyri in the north, Hlidarfjall is one of the most popular resorts in the whole country, with four lifts and a simple ski lodge leading the way to some fun trails. The highlight for visitors seems to be the night boarding.
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.
Blue Mountain, Canada - Located in the province of Ontario, Blue Mountain is one of the best spots in all of Canada for snowboarders seeking out half-pipes and tabletops. Over 30 trails and 20 lifts make getting back to the top again easy, and intermediate snowboarders will find the variety of slopes challenging and fun. Three half pipes and two terrain parks mean that those who are more interested in working out tricks than racing downhill will be more than satisfied, and Toronto isn't that far away for those craving a night out on the town.
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.
Queenstown, New Zealand - Located on New Zealand's South Island and famous for it treeless slopes (trees do not grow above the snow line here) Queenstown has become a must for any traveling snowboarder. Also hosting activities like the world's biggest bungee jump, Queenstown is growingly becoming reknowned as an adventurist's paradise.
While the word snowboarding circuit consists of some well-known resorts that everyone's been to at least once, truly adventurous snowboarders, as well as pioneers of the sport, have been spending a lot of time searching far and wide for some of the best and rarest mountains. After all, everyone knows you can hit the slopes in Colorado-England and Florida, not so much. For a true taste of adventure, getting off the beaten path can really be a rewarding experience, not to mention an incredible vacation.
That's why we're here to help all of those aspiring globe-trotting snowboarders. While it might be great to hit the resort in your backyard all winter, it's even more rewarding to find the common bond of snowboarding can make you friends all over the world, while seeing incredible new countries and riding some great mountains. Whether it's the southern hemisphere or the northern hemisphere, a world-class resort or a smaller, more local hill, there's so much more to boarding than your own back yard. Here are some of the world's greatest destinations for snowboarding that you may have never heard of.
Hlidarfjall, Iceland - While Iceland might not be at the top of many snowboarding lists, the fact is, this incredible island country has some excellent and rarely explored slopes available. After all, where else can you snowboard on a mountain with views to a sometimes-active volcano? Seven kilometers away from the university town of Akuereyri in the north, Hlidarfjall is one of the most popular resorts in the whole country, with four lifts and a simple ski lodge leading the way to some fun trails. The highlight for visitors seems to be the night boarding.
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.
Blue Mountain, Canada - Located in the province of Ontario, Blue Mountain is one of the best spots in all of Canada for snowboarders seeking out half-pipes and tabletops. Over 30 trails and 20 lifts make getting back to the top again easy, and intermediate snowboarders will find the variety of slopes challenging and fun. Three half pipes and two terrain parks mean that those who are more interested in working out tricks than racing downhill will be more than satisfied, and Toronto isn't that far away for those craving a night out on the town.
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.
Queenstown, New Zealand - Located on New Zealand's South Island and famous for it treeless slopes (trees do not grow above the snow line here) Queenstown has become a must for any traveling snowboarder. Also hosting activities like the world's biggest bungee jump, Queenstown is growingly becoming reknowned as an adventurist's paradise.
About the Author:
Damian Papworth loves snowboarding in Japan. He also knows that for cheap japan snow accommodation, the Hooting Owl Lodge in Niseko is difficult to top.
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