The Best Mountains to Snowboard on for Your Next Winter Vacation

Published on 03/06/2023 · 7 min readAlready planning your next winter vacation? Snowboarding expert Will Koons gives you his top 5 destinations based on what you may be looking for in a resort.
will koons, Snowboarding Expert
By Snowboarding Expert will koons

Photo by Mike Clark

Winter is the perfect time for outdoor enthusiasts to head to the mountains and hit the slopes. From adrenaline-pumping trails to beautiful bowls, snowboarding can be a thrilling and unforgettable experience. In this expert guide, we will explore the five best mountains for snowboarding on your next winter vacation. We'll provide key information on each of these mountain resorts, such as location, accessibility, number of runs and lifts, elevation, snowfall, and other notable features that make them stand out from the rest.

The 5 Best Mountains to Snowboard on Your Winter Holiday

1. Snowbird: Best for Powder

Photo by Lance Anderson

Stats

Location: Wasatch Mountains, Utah, USA

Key info: It has 169 runs and 11 lifts, with a maximum elevation of 11,000 feet and an annual snowfall of 500 inches. The resort covers 2,500 skiable acres, with runs for all experience levels, from beginner to expert, including many intermediates.

Spot Overview

Snowbird is known for its deep powder snow and challenging terrain, making it a popular destination for expert snowboarders. It is less crowded than other resorts in the area, which makes it perfect for those who want to avoid crowds. Additionally, it is a short distance from Salt Lake City, which makes it easily accessible by car.

Expert Review

As an expert snowboarder, I can confidently say that Snowbird is one of the best mountains for snowboarding. The powder snow is unparalleled, and the challenging terrain keeps even the most experienced snowboarders on their toes. The resort also offers amazing views of the surrounding mountains, which is an added bonus. However, the resort can be intimidating for beginners, so it may not be the best choice for those just starting out.

2. Whistler Blackcomb: Best for Scenery

Photo by Sierra M.

Stats

Location: British Columbia, Canada

Key info: It has over 200 runs and 37 lifts, with a maximum elevation of 7,494 feet and an annual snowfall of 458 inches. The resort covers 8,171 acres of skiable terrain, with runs for all experience levels.

Spot Overview

Whistler Blackcomb is known for its breathtaking scenery, which includes views of towering mountains, glaciers, and forests. The resort is also home to a vibrant village, which offers a range of dining and nightlife options. Additionally, the resort offers runs for all levels of experience, making it a great choice for families and groups with varying skill levels.

Expert Review

As someone who has been snowboarding for years, Whistler Blackcomb is one of my favorite mountains. The scenery is absolutely stunning, and the runs are diverse and challenging. However, it can be a bit crowded during peak season, so it's important to plan accordingly. The village offers a range of amenities, which makes it easy to spend several days exploring the resort.

3. Mammoth Mountain: Best for Terrain Parks

Photo by Benton Sherman

Stats

Location: Mammoth Lakes, California, USA

Key info: It has 150 runs and 28 lifts, with a maximum elevation of 11,053 feet and an annual snowfall of 400 inches. The resort covers 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, with runs for all experience levels.

Spot Overview

Mammoth Mountain is known for its impressive terrain parks, which include a variety of jumps, rails, and other features that are perfect for freestyle snowboarding. The resort also offers runs for all levels of experience, from beginner to advanced, making it a great choice for families and groups with varying skill levels.

Expert Review

Mammoth Mountain is one of my favorite mountains to snowboard as someone who loves to hit the terrain parks. The parks are well-maintained and offer a wide range of features for riders of all levels. Additionally, the resort offers a range of other activities, such as cross-country skiing and snowmobiling, which makes it easy to spend several days exploring the area. However, the resort can be a bit crowded on weekends and during peak season, so it's important to plan accordingly.

4. Jackson Hole Mountain Resort: Best for Steep, Big Mountain Terrain

Photo by Max Kramer

Stats

Location: Teton Village, Wyoming, USA

Key info: It has 16 lifts serving 133 runs with a maximum elevation of 10,450 feet, providing a vertical drop of over 4,000 feet and annual snowfall of 459 inches.

Spot Overview

Jackson Hole is known for its challenging terrain and deep powder, making it a popular destination for experienced snowboarders. The resort offers a variety of runs, from steep chutes to open bowls, as well as terrain parks for those looking for a more adventurous experience. In addition to snowboarding, Jackson Hole offers a range of activities, including snowmobiling and snowshoeing, making it easy to spend a full day exploring the area.

Expert Review

As an experienced snowboarder, I have visited Jackson Hole multiple times and can attest to its reputation as one of the best mountains to snowboard on your next winter vacation. The resort's challenging terrain and deep powder make for an exhilarating experience, and the stunning mountain scenery is truly breathtaking. However, due to its challenging terrain, Jackson Hole may not be the best choice for beginners or those looking for a more relaxed experience. The resort also offers a range of dining and shopping options and a vibrant town with plenty of nightlife. Overall, I highly recommend Jackson Hole to experienced snowboarders looking for a challenging and exciting winter vacation. The resort's combination of challenging terrain and breathtaking scenery make for an unforgettable experience, and the off-piste stash potential is incredible!

5. Park City Mountain Resort: Best for Families

Photo by Mollie Moran

Stats

Location: Park City, Utah, USA

Key info: It has 348 runs and 41 lifts, with a maximum elevation of 10,026 feet and an annual snowfall of 355 inches. The resort covers 7,300 acres of skiable terrain, with runs for all experience levels.

Spot Overview

Park City Mountain is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, which includes a range of runs and activities for children of all ages. The resort also offers a range of dining and shopping options, which makes it easy to spend a full day or more exploring the area.

Expert Review

As someone who enjoys snowboarding with my family, Park City Mountain is one of the best mountains for families. The resort offers a wide range of runs for all skill levels, from beginner to advanced, so everyone in the family can find something to enjoy. Additionally, the resort offers a variety of family-friendly activities, such as tubing and snowshoeing, which makes it easy to spend a full day exploring the area. The resort also offers a range of dining and shopping options, which makes it easy to find something to do when you're not on the mountain.

Other Resorts to Consider

While the above resorts are some of the best mountains to snowboard on your next winter vacation, there are many other great resorts to consider as well.

Colorado, USA

  • Breckenridge Ski Resort: Offers a range of runs for all skill levels, as well as a vibrant town with plenty of dining and shopping options.
  • Aspen Snowmass: This location is known for its vast skiable terrain.
  • Vail: It offers luxurious amenities and great terrain.

Europe

  • Verbier (Switzerland): Located in the Swiss Alps, Verbier offers a range of challenging runs for experienced snowboarders and breathtaking mountain scenery.
  • LAAX (Switzerland): LAAX is known for its world-class terrain parks and freestyle features.
  • Chamonix (France): This location has steep and challenging terrain, with some Europe’s best backcountry skiing and snowboarding.
  • Mayrhofen (Austria): Has a diverse terrain, from wide-open cruisers to challenging off-piste runs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, planning a winter vacation to go snowboarding is an exciting prospect that can offer a wealth of different experiences, depending on your preferences and priorities. With so many great mountains to choose from, it can be challenging to decide on the perfect destination for your next adventure. However, by researching and exploring each resort's unique features and attractions, you're sure to find a mountain that suits your needs.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort or Canada's Whistler Blackcomb may be a perfect choice for those seeking deep powder and off-piste terrain. On the other hand, families looking for a range of activities and beginner-friendly runs may prefer the charm of Park City, Utah. And for those looking to push their skills to the limit, Chamonix in France offers some of the world's most challenging terrain and off-piste skiing and snowboarding.

No matter what mountain you choose, planning and ensuring you have the right gear is crucial to making the most of your winter getaway. At Curated.com, our Experts can help you find the perfect snowboarding gear for your trip, from boards and bindings to boots and outerwear. So whether you're a seasoned pro or a first-time rider, we've got you covered. With the right equipment and a little planning, your winter vacation will surely be an unforgettable experience.

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