Snowboarding is an exhilarating sport that thousands of people look forward to every winter. Unfortunately, when the weather gets warmer and snow begins to melt, snowboarders have to pack away their gear until next season.
But what if we told you that there are destinations where snowboarding is possible year round? Yes, you read that right. Year-round snowboarding! Imagine hitting the slopes in the middle of summer.
If youโre already feeling intrigued, keep reading as we guide you through some of the best places for this thrilling adventure. From Europe to North America, Asia to Australia, weโve got you covered with a list of top-notch spots to visit. You wonโt believe how incredible these locations are for practicing your skills and experiencing unforgettable rides.
โSnowboarding makes me feel like I am doing something amazing. It gives me confidence and makes me feel alive.โ -Jamie Anderson
We know that avid snowboarders cannot resist the call of thundering mountains or gorgeous alpine scenery. Thatโs why weโve collected information on several locales around the world that cater to all level of riders from beginner to advanced. Whether you prefer naturally occurring terrain parks, powder-filled bowls, halfpipes, or superpipes, there is a destination out there for you.
You might be surprised at some of the locations on our list – some offer ceiling fans to help maintain cool temperatures while others require ascent via lifts- but they all share one thing: perfect conditions for carving quick turns down black diamonds and blues any time of year.
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Hit the Slopes in the Southern Hemisphere
If youโre an avid snowboarder, youโve probably wondered where you can hit the slopes year round. While many resorts shut down in the spring and summer months, there are still plenty of options available for those who want to keep shredding throughout the year.
Experience Winter in July
One of the best places to snowboard year round is in the southern hemisphere since their winter season starts in June and lasts until September. This means that while the northern hemisphere is enjoying a warm summer breeze, you can be carving through fresh powder on the other side of the world.
โIn New Zealand, we have some of the longest ski seasons in the world, so you can enjoy skiing and snowboarding from June right up until October.โ -Skiexpress.co.nz
New Zealand boasts several great ski fields such as Coronet Peak and The Remarkables which are located just outside of Queenstown. These resorts offer breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys along with fantastic runs suitable for all skill levels. In addition, Australiaโs Mount Hotham and Perisher Valley are also great locations to visit during the off-season.
Discover New Terrain
Snowboarding year-round not only provides a unique experience but also gives riders an opportunity to explore new terrain. Seasoned snowboarders know that every mountain and resort offers different challenges and conditions.
โThe more mountains you ride, the better you get, because no two are alikeโ -Eddie Wall
By traveling to resorts in the southern hemisphere, snowboarders can discover new terrain and push themselves to adapt to ever-changing conditions. Riders can tackle everything from wide-open groomers to steep backcountry bowls, challenging themselves to become better snowboarders.
Escape Crowded Ski Resorts
Crowded ski resorts can be a nightmare for avid snowboarders. Long lift lines and packed runs can put a damper on any powder day. However, visiting southern hemisphere resorts during the off-season gives riders an opportunity to escape crowded slopes and enjoy a quieter experience.
โThereโs something magical about having a whole mountain to yourself.โ -Snowpak.com
Less crowds mean more time to explore the terrain and enjoy uninterrupted runs. Snowboarders can take their time scouting out new areas of the mountain and enjoying the stunning views without worrying about bumping into other riders along the way.
- Overall, hitting the slopes in the southern hemisphere is a unique and exciting option for those who want to snowboard year-round.
- New Zealand and Australia offer some of the best skiing and snowboarding conditions during the Winter off season
- Snowboarders get the chance to explore new mountains and terrain which ultimately makes them better riders
- Avoid crowded ski resorts so you can fully immerse yourself in the experience
Explore Indoor Snowboarding Facilities
Practice Your Skills Year-Round
If you are an avid snowboarder, it can be frustrating to have to wait for winter to hit the slopes. Luckily, indoor snowboarding facilities offer a solution to this problem by allowing you to practice your skills year-round. These facilities typically feature slopes with real snow or synthetic surfaces that mimic real snow conditions and provide ample opportunities to hone your snowboarding abilities.
By taking advantage of indoor snowboarding facilities, you can maintain and even improve your skill level, ensuring that you’re ready to tackle any challenge when winter finally arrives. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, these facilities provide a valuable opportunity to keep practicing throughout the year.
Try Out New Tricks Safely
Indoor snowboarding facilities also offer a safe environment for trying out new tricks without the risk of injury. The soft snow surface minimizes injuries if you take a tumble while attempting a new move. Many indoor facilities also have foam pits where skiers and snowboarders can launch into safe landings during more dangerous aerial maneuvers.
In addition, some facilities offer coaching services that can help you develop your technical skills and learn new tricks safely. With qualified instructors, you’ll receive personalized feedback on your performance so you can identify areas for improvement and refine your technique. This type of tailored instruction can help you progress faster and avoid common mistakes that could lead to injury.
“Injury is the enemy of every athlete.” -Tiki Barber
The indoor setting also has controlled temperatures which means few weather-related cancellations. As long as the facility stays open, you can count on being able to practice your snowboarding year round, regardless of whatโs happening outside.
Moreover, some indoor snowboarding facilities even offer lift-accessed laps where you can practice taking downhill runs, just like on the mountain. These provide an authentic downhill experience in a controlled environment.
Indoor snowboarding facilities are not only convenient but also practical for those who want to progress technically and master new tricks while ensuring safety measures.
Embark on a Glacier Adventure
If you are an adventure seeker who loves the snow and cold, then a glacier adventure is definitely for you. Imagine being surrounded by pristine landscapes of white and blue ice, with no other sign of human existence as far as the eye can see.
Explore Remote, Pristine Landscapes
A glacier adventure offers a unique opportunity to explore remote and untouched landscapes, unlike anything you have ever seen before. Located in some of the world’s most isolated regions, glaciers offer unparalleled views of icy peaks, valleys, and crevasses that have remained untouched for centuries.
“Here’s the thing about glaciers- they may be awe-inspiring reminders of natureโs power and beauty, but if you want to really experience them youโve got to hike up onto them.” -Michelle Shea
The beauty and isolation of glaciers will leave you feeling humbled, small, and appreciative of this majestic planet we live in.
Experience the Thrill of Ice Climbing
If challenging your physical limits is what drives you, then youโll love the experiences offered on a glacier adventure. No activity screams adrenaline like ice climbing does. Whether it be walking across razor-thin ridges or scaling 30-story frozen walls, there’s something about the rush that comes with trying an impossible task.
“The allure of climbing ice has been too strong from the beginning: the danger so real, yet retained some intangible appeal. With practice, more confidence has come that allows me to walk around with marginally less fear-based insanity.” -Will Gadd
But don’t worry; you’re not expected to be a pro climber to participate in these adventures. Many tours cater to climbers of all levels, from beginner to expert.
Discover Unique Wildlife
A glacier adventure isn’t just about the ice and snow- it’s also an opportunity to see some of the unique animals that inhabit these remote areas. Depending on where you go, you can expect to spot various species like polar bears, penguins, seals, and even Arctic wolves. This is a rare chance to see wildlife species in their natural habitat and to respect them.
“As long as I live, Iโll hear waterfalls and birds sing. Iโll interpret the rocks, learn the language of flood, storm, and the avalanche. Iโll acquaint myself with the glaciers and wild gardens, and get as near the heart of the world as I can.” -John Muir
Learn About Glacial Geology
If you are interested in science or geology, then a glacier excursion offers a great educational experience too! You can learn about how glaciers are formed, why they play such an integral role in our ecosystems, and how our planet was shaped during the last Ice Age. It’s fascinating information about Mother Earth and global warming that few people know much.
“Weโre learning more about ourselves than we ever thought possible because of whatโs happening to this ice, but there arenโt enough sensors on every single crevasse in Greenland yet.” โ M Jackson
If you want to fulfill your adrenaline-packed dreams while exploring hidden corners of the world, look no further than going on a glacier adventure. With experiences ranging from climbing immense vertical walls made of sheer ice to watching one of natureโs most spectacular shows: the Aurora Borealis. Getting lost only means discovering something unexpected & beautiful. Nature has so much to teach us, even beyond its beauty.
Discover the Best Spring Skiing Destinations
If you are seeking a place to ski year round, spring skiing can be your best bet. When most people think of skiing they imagine frigid temperatures and snowstorms, but in spring, long sunny days and soft snow provide ideal skiing conditions for visitors.
Enjoy Sunny Days and Soft Snow
If you want to enjoy skiing when other resorts shut down for the season, head to Colorado’s Arapahoe Basin that stays open until early June. It provides 960 skiable acres, with fantastic terrain parks, majestic skiing, and snowboarding on offer. For those looking for alternative experiences, Mammoth Mountain in California offers bluebird skies and mild aprรจs-conditions throughout May and into July. Washingtonโs Crystal Mountain Resort gives anglers an opportunity to catch more than fish at its annual Pond Skim event where participants try to traverse a pool of water while still on their skis/snowboards.
Experience Festivals and Events
Spring also signals festival and events season, making it an opportune time to discover new destinations as well as enjoying your favorite activities. North America’s largest pond-skimming competition “9th Red Bull Slopesoakers” takes place every April in Park City, Utah which attracts thousands of spectators and skiers alike. Lake Louise offers a free day of skiing or taking part in a cookie scavenger hunt during their Ski resort Easter weekend celebrations. Moreover, Squaw Valley’s WinterWonderGrass allows visitors to get a taste of local grain products combined with live Bluegrass music concerts.
Find Deals on Lodging and Lift Tickets
Picking the right destinations during the spring skiing season could mean finding yourselves some excellent deals. From cozy lodges to luxury accommodations, discounts may vary between resorts, but most places offer a reasonable cut in rates starting from April onwards. You will anticipate lower-priced lift tickets during this season than the peak winter months and save on airfare and accommodations bargains if you book early.
Explore the Beauty of Wildflowers and Wildlife
This time of year may also surprise you with equally exciting non-skiing activities such as wildflower hikes and wildlife viewings depending on your travel plan preferences. Late spring often means bluebirds, alpine birds, and raptors return to their mountain homes in Lake Tahoe’s region. Throughout early June into July, hikers can lead up Marble Peak (Wyoming) towards an array of Rocky Mountain wildflowers bloomed while appreciating one beautiful view of Wind River Rangeโs skyline at its summit.
“Spring skiing is about having fun outside after a long winter. It makes no difference whether itโs bright sunny mountain slopes or gray cement parks: we’re thankful for the lives lived outdoors that make us appreciate our day jobs.” -Keri Herman
Chase the Snow: Find Off-Season Resorts
If you’re an avid snowboarder, you know that there’s nothing better than hitting the slopes. But what do you do during the off-season? Luckily, there are plenty of resorts around the world where you can enjoy snowboarding year round.
Discover Hidden Gems and Lesser-Known Mountains
Sure, everyone knows about popular ski resort areas like Aspen or Vail, but have you ever heard of Mount Hutt in New Zealand or Cerro Catedral in Argentina? These lesser-known mountains offer unique experiences for snowboarders looking to explore different parts of the world.
“You never know what’s around the corner. It could be everything.” – Cormac McCarthy
The beauty of discovering hidden gems is not only finding new locations to shred the powder but also the opportunity to explore different cultural wonders as well. So why not take a chance on one of these lesser-known snowboarding destinations and gain some valuable travel experience?
Experience Quieter Slopes and Shorter Lift Lines
One of the primary reasons people dread going to crowded ski resorts during peak season is due to the long lift lines. The good news is that by choosing to go snowboarding during the off-season, you’ll find smaller crowds and faster access to lifts allowing you more time to enjoy shredding down the mountain.
Besides shorter lift lines, many resorts also tend to stutter when it comes to their amenities while fewer skiers fill them up. However, once the crowds start gathering at mainstream ski destinations; your off-beat location will become busier with better equipment rentals, spa services, and extensive food options.
Find Deals on Lodging and Lift Tickets
Who doesn’t enjoy a good steal? When planning your next snowboarding trip, it’s strategic to look ahead for better deals in lift passes. Along with that, compared to peak seasons, lesser publicity is the main reason behind low lodging and food costs during off-seasons.
“Happiness is snowboarding on fresh powder.” -Unknown
There are plenty of reasons why finding an off-beat pretty much untraveled slope isnโt a bad idea after all. Quieter slopes, shorter wait times, varied cultural experiences, excellent amenities accompanied by cheap accommodations and lift passes make snowboarding year-round at these hidden gems so worth it. So pick up your boots because shred-worthy adventure awaits!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some places where you can snowboard year round?
There are a few places around the world where you can snowboard year round. One of the most popular is Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, which offers glacier skiing and snowboarding during the summer months. Another option is Zermatt in Switzerland, which has a glacier that is open for skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year. Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon is also a great year-round option in the United States. Additionally, some indoor snowboarding facilities offer year-round snowboarding experiences.
Are there any indoor snowboarding facilities that are open all year?
Yes, there are several indoor snowboarding facilities around the world that are open all year. One of the most popular is SnowWorld in the Netherlands, which has three indoor slopes that offer year-round skiing and snowboarding. Another option is Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort located in the Mall of the Emirates in Dubai. The facility offers five runs, including the longest indoor ski slope in the world. Other indoor snowboarding facilities that are open year-round include Snowplanet in New Zealand and SnowDome in the United Kingdom.
What countries have ski resorts with year round snowboarding?
There are several countries that have ski resorts with year-round snowboarding. Switzerland is home to Zermatt, which has a glacier that is open for skiing and snowboarding all year. Austria has the Hintertux Glacier, which is open year-round and offers skiing and snowboarding. In Chile, Valle Nevado is a popular ski resort that offers year-round snowboarding on several runs. Some resorts in New Zealand and Australia also offer year-round snowboarding options during their winter months.
What is the best time of year to snowboard in the southern hemisphere?
The best time to snowboard in the southern hemisphere is generally during the winter months of June through September. This is when many ski resorts in countries like Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, and Australia are open for skiing and snowboarding. However, it’s important to check the specific resort’s opening and closing dates as they can vary depending on weather conditions and other factors. Additionally, some resorts in the southern hemisphere offer year-round snowboarding on their glaciers, so there may be opportunities to snowboard outside of the traditional winter season.
What are some of the best snowboarding destinations that offer year round access?
There are several snowboarding destinations around the world that offer year-round access. One of the most popular is Whistler Blackcomb in British Columbia, Canada, which offers glacier skiing and snowboarding during the summer months. Zermatt in Switzerland is also a great option, as its glacier is open for skiing and snowboarding 365 days a year. Other options include Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon, USA, and Hintertux Glacier in Austria. Additionally, some indoor snowboarding facilities offer year-round snowboarding experiences, including SnowWorld in the Netherlands and Ski Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.
Are there any locations in the United States where you can snowboard year round?
Yes, there are a few locations in the United States where you can snowboard year round. Timberline Lodge on Mount Hood in Oregon offers year-round snowboarding on its Palmer Snowfield. Mammoth Mountain in California also offers summer skiing and snowboarding on its glacier. Additionally, some indoor snowboarding facilities in the United States offer year-round snowboarding experiences, including Woodward Tahoe in California and Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre in Virginia.