With the winter nights drawing in are you are looking to dust off the board for an adventurous weekend break? Or are you looking for a luxurious get away with excellent Après Ski for the winter period? Take a look at the best places to visit this winter for snowboarders of all types; whether it’s for the chance to learn to snowboard, the best place to visit for early season powder or a family vacation read on for a look into the best in snowboarding destinations.
Ultimate luxury – Courchevel, French Alps
Courchevel, one of the most renowned luxury snowboarding resorts, has something for everyone including high pistes, with great snow almost guaranteed, four terrain-parks, and – being part of the Three Valleys area – you can easily travel between the other resorts in the area. There are four surrounding villages giving the upper hand in choice and the ability to cater to all tastes for accommodation; although not necessarily all budgets. If it’s exclusive yet lively Après Ski you’re looking for head to Courchevel 1850 (so named because of its altitude) where the exclusive night clubs and bars offer everything from fine food to live music.
For enthusiasts and experts – Verbier, Swiss Alps
With varied terrain and endless runs Verbier has to be top of the list for all enthusiasts. Recognized as one of the premier ‘off-piste’ locations in the world, this village in the Swiss Alps is a perfect destination for those adrenaline junkies among you. Alongside runs for the adventurous there are also seven different schools for the beginner offering private or group lessons and much more. After a good snow fall there are unmissable rides taking you all the way down Mont-Fort; these, however, are not for the faint hearted.
For beginners – Alpe d’Huez, France
Alpe d’Huez is a beginner’s paradise with an absolutely huge novice / green run area. This is easily accessible, never gets busy and is always in top condition. With the resort offering daily rentals for boards you can’t go far wrong for your first time boarding than to be treated gently with this well groomed multi-pisted resort. Offering varied terrain Alpe d’Huez has something for everyone not just the beginner making it perfect for groups with varied levels of expertise.
Get the early snow season at Val d’Isere, France
Because of its location in a remote valley at high altitudes Val d’Isere boasts a longer season than most running from November to May. There is something for everyone here with a lively resort and plenty of nightlife and restaurants on offer. Whilst not being the cheapest destination around it can offer you designer shops, bars to suit all tastes and hotels to suit all budgets. Freeriders and Freestylers are accommodated completely and will want to return time and again for the miles of piste and off-piste to play around with as well as the fun-park under Mout Blanc which surpasses that of Tignes.
Top Snowboarding destinations for families – Lake Tahoe, Nevada & Canada
With breath-taking views and panoramic beauty this resort is family friendly and offers a range of activities, with several exceptional resorts surrounding this hot spot for skiers and snowboarders alike. Diamond Peak, a family-friendly resort, offers kids under 6 free skiing and a reduced price for families. There are easy ways to keep your holiday inexpensive, like not renting a car as the resorts offer free shuttle services. Also keep in mind that Mountain Lodges are convenient but expensive so explore the budget lodges. There is the option for group and private lessons in snowboarding for beginners and while the children are learning there is the opportunity for the adults to take on the Diamond Peak Terrain Park – perfect for those looking to take on some extra thrills and excitement. Lake Tahoe has everything a family could want for a brilliant holiday without remortgaging your house.
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