3 Amazing Snowboarding Destinations to Ride This Winter Season
The popularity of snowboarding continues to soar, and the activity is posting a hefty growth rate of any snow sport. Though the number of global participants is difficult to estimate, US snowboarders alone are at 7.6 million while snowboarding accounts for 30-40% of resort visits according to Unofficial Networks. Growth drivers include technological innovations, accessibility, lifestyle, and cultural appeal. Finding the right destination is also a significant factor that influences snowboard participation. The overall choice of destination directly impacts the quality of experience, satisfaction, and the capacity to attract new participants. For snowboarders, chasing the perfect powder, terrain, and mountain culture is a challenge. Here are dreamy snowboarding destinations that consistently offer superb riding experiences.
Niseko, Japan
Snowboarding demands a specific set of gear and clothes to make one’s experience in the mountains safe, comfortable, and of high performance. Specialists at Tactics recommend gear, especially snowboarding equipment, that is based on the height, weight, ability and type of riding that is planned for a seamless experience. These include the proper snowboard, snug boots, snowboard bindings, and layered clothing. Having sorted the right gear for the activity, choosing the destination is critical as well for a great experience. One of the major considerations any snowboarder looks for is snow quality. Riders prefer fluffy and dry powder that would make it easy to ride the terrain flawlessly. Niseko, located in the northern island of Hokkaido, offers an astonishing snowfall. The Siberian storms dump incredible volumes of light and exceptionally deep snow nearly daily throughout the winter making it an amazing playground for snowboarding. Weave through perfectly spaced birched forests and enjoy the snow day and night. Beyond the snow, savor traditional hot springs, try delicious Japanese dishes, or mingle with the area’s vibrant international community.
Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
This is North America’s largest ski resort offering enormous swathes and variety of terrain across two magnificent mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb. Snowboarding enthusiasts will find everything from intermediate terrain to advanced or expert runs. If looking for a big mountain feel, the area offers 16 alpine bowls, impressive tree runs, and long vertical drops some over 5,280 feet like the famous Peak to Creek. The resort also features multiple terrain parks enabling riders to safely progress their skills while the high-speed chairlifts and peak to peak gondola ensure no time is wasted waiting or riding slowly. An average snowfall of over 400 inches means that Whistler offers reliable snowboarding conditions throughout the season. Riders can also enjoy the vibrant apres-ski scene which aligns perfectly with the snowboarding culture.
Krippenstein, Austria
Situated on the Dachstein Plateau, Krippenstein is far from the renowned apres-ski crowds of the Arlberg region and is essentially a local’s getaway, rarely visited by non-Austrians. However, the area is amazing for snowboarding and is a freeride mecca boasting of 11km of groomed pistes and more than 30km of designated off-piste and deep powder routes that drop from the 2,100m summit. Ride the expansive and challenging terrain free of crowds. Soak up the incredible Dachstein panorama and connect with other dedicated riders, locals, and guides.
Whether you’re after the massive variety of Whistler Blackcomb, the deep dry powder of Niseko, or the quiet freeride challenges of Krippenstein, the common goal is to relish the ultimate snow experience. Indeed, the snowboarding world is rich with diverse destinations waiting to be enjoyed.