Top 20 Snowboarding Resorts Around the Globe, According to Expert Riders

Historically, the relationship between skiers and snowboarders hasn't always been harmonious. While most popular ski resorts now accommodate both groups, three U.S. ski areas—Deer Valley, Alta, and Mad River Glen—have completely banned snowboarders, and many mountains are filled with moguls, which are not favored by snowboarders. However, acceptance of the sport has notably grown since its introduction in 1965, and the number of resorts embracing snowboarders with dedicated terrain has steadily increased over the years.

To find out more about the mountains preferred by boarders and what makes a ski resort welcoming to snowboarders, we reached out to several enthusiasts. Here’s a look at the finest snowboarding resorts around the world, from the U.S. and Canada to France, Switzerland, and beyond.

Top Snowboarding Resorts in the U.S.

Mt. Baker Ski Area, Washington

Despite its name as a “ski area,” Mt. Baker is truly a snowboarder’s paradise—it was among the first ski areas on the West Coast to embrace the sport. This winter playground is also known for hosting the Legendary Banked Slalom race, a premier event in the snowboarding community, usually taking place in early February.

“The maritime snowpack and mild temperatures have historically made Baker more favorable for snowboards than skis. Even today, where such factors are less significant, Baker remains in a league of its own,” says Josh Niernberg, a competitive snowboarder, chef, and restaurant owner in Grand Junction, Colorado.

“This mountain is truly exceptional,” adds Brent Sandor, vice president of marketing at 686, a company specializing in snowboard gear. “It’s a small, independent mountain with some of the most impressive terrain; it deserves a spot at the top of every snowboarder's list.”

Brighton Resort, Colorado

As Niernberg puts it, Brighton Resort is “the hub of snowboarding,” highlighting its ideal mix of “terrain parks, natural features, cliffs, deep snow, and an amazing atmosphere.” Situated about 45 minutes southeast of Salt Lake City airport, the resort enjoys an average annual snowfall of around 500 inches.

Niernberg emphasizes that the friendly atmosphere significantly enhances the experience. “Ski areas that genuinely welcome their guests, even without luxury amenities, tend to be much more snowboard-friendly from an on-mountain perspective,” he notes.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, California

The Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is a top choice for Sandor. This California mountain boasts 25 lifts and receives an average of about 350 inches of snow each year. It also features 10 terrain parks equipped with over 100 jibs, 50 jumps, and two halfpipes.

“There’s just an abundance of terrain, from steep runs to parks and accessible backcountry,” Sandor shares in an email interview with Dinogo. “It feels like a second home to me, so it has to be at the top of my list.”

Park City Mountain, Utah

One of the exciting aspects of snowboarding at Park City Mountain is the knowledge that the nearby Deer Valley Resort has a strict no-snowboarding policy. It almost seems like Park City was designed with snowboarders in mind.

According to Mel Hampton, a lifelong snowboarder and field marketing manager for the mountain, "Many runs in Park City’s Mountain Village allow for easy navigation from the lift to the slopes, making it convenient for snowboarders. They also favor areas with steeper runs since riding down is generally simpler on a snowboard. Plus, Park City Mountain’s six terrain parks and half-pipe provide fantastic choices."

Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort, Colorado

My husband transitioned from skiing to snowboarding in eighth grade and now rides for Ogasaka Snowboards from Japan. One of his top choices for snowboarding in the U.S. is Snowmass, one of the four mountains that comprise the Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort. He describes Snowmass as having "fantastic parks and half-pipes, along with enjoyable groomed terrain."

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, Oregon

If carving down a stratovolcano excites you, head to Mt. Bachelor, a cherished ski destination in Oregon famed for its excellent snow and vibrant snowboarding culture. Unlike many of the more commercial ski areas across the nation, Mt. Bachelor maintains a rustic charm that both Niernberg and my husband truly value.

"I really appreciate the smaller ski areas over large resorts and have found myself increasingly drawn to the rustic charm of these less commercial spots," says Niernberg. "Having grown up riding in Vail/Summit County, I've realized that smaller ski areas often offer a greater variety of terrain than many of the bigger resorts." Mt. Bachelor embodies this sentiment.

Powderhorn Mountain Resort, Colorado

Powderhorn stands out as a unique gem on this list, and both my husband and Niernberg feel it has a distinctive allure. "When I arrive at this ski area, the roads are usually snow-free until the final stretch. I park for free, take a short 30-yard walk to the high-speed quad, recognize all the staff by name, ride the chairlift for six minutes, buckle in, and glide right down the front through wide glades of pine and aspen," Niernberg shares.

Just an hour after leaving the resort, you can find yourself in Grand Junction, home to Bin 707 Foodbar, Taco Party, and Jojo's Dinette—three beloved local eateries and a private event space, all owned by Niernberg.

Top International Resorts for Snowboarders

Kitzsteinhorn Glacier, Austria

A major advantage of visiting Kitzsteinhorn Glacier is the consistent snow quality from October to May, unlike most U.S. ski resorts that typically operate from November to April. The resort features its own 20-foot superpipe, along with a variety of kickers, rails, and boxes. It's a top choice for my husband’s snowboarding friend, Lucas Foster, who represented the U.S. Olympic Snowboard Team at the 2022 Winter Olympics.

Baldface, Canada

This isn’t your average resort; Baldface is a true paradise for snowboarders. It's a snowcat operation that transports riders into the Valhalla Mountain Range for untouched powder and camaraderie among fellow boarders. For those seeking adventure, multiday trips can be booked from the company’s lodge in Nelson, British Columbia.

Sandor describes it as "a bucket-list trip," while Niernberg dubs it "the ultimate snowboard terrain and the finest snow on the planet."

Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, France

Nestled near the Italian border and just a 2.5-hour drive from Lyon, Chamonix Valley in France boasts some of the world's premier skiing. Set against the majestic backdrop of Mont Blanc, the highest peak in the Alps, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc offers abundant natural freestyle terrain, perfect for boarders.

Ski Alberg, Austria

Ski Alberg is the largest interconnected ski area in Austria, comprising St. Anton am Arlberg and the neighboring villages of St. Christoph, Lech, Warth, Schröcken, Stuben, and Zürs. This expansive area provides a wealth of terrain options, including a fantastic snow park. During peak winter, snowboarders can enjoy approximately 186 miles of on-piste and 124 miles of off-piste trails to explore.

Laax, Switzerland

Laax, part of the Flims Laax Falera ski resort family, is renowned for hosting the world’s largest halfpipe, measuring an impressive 22.6 feet high, 656 feet long, and 72 feet wide. This destination is also a favorite among Foster.

Niseko United, Japan

Niseko United comprises four neighboring resorts—Annupuri, Niseko Village, Niseko Tokyo Grand Hirafu, and Hanazono—all accessible with a single All Mountain Pass. Niernberg highlights that snowboarding at Niseko is unique because it “remains both budget-friendly and accessible,” featuring the renowned light ‘Japow’ snow that consistently falls from early January to March.

Les Arcs, France

Along with a park and night skiing, Les Arcs features 123 named ski runs, primarily catering to intermediate snowboarders. The resort not only has ample terrain to satisfy any rider but also offers a variety of off-mountain activities, such as two luge tracks, a museum focused on local wildlife, and a beautiful walkway. Located about a 2.5-hour drive from Lyon, it’s close to the Swiss border.

Davos Klosters, Switzerland

Although Davos Klosters may not be as famous as Chamonix, snowboarders will appreciate its expansive runs and massive halfpipes. Like many European ski regions, it encompasses several areas—six in total, including Jakobshorn, which is also quite popular. Davos is located about two hours from Zurich in eastern Switzerland.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Canada

Though it remains somewhat underappreciated, Revelstoke Mountain Resort boasts the longest vertical drop of any ski resort in North America, measuring 5,620 feet. Niernberg describes the terrain as “visually unique,” enhancing the overall experience, alongside a “fantastic park” and a balanced “50/50 ski/snowboard headcount.”

Verbier, Switzerland

As part of the renowned 4 Vallées ski area, one of Switzerland's largest ski resorts, Verbier offers access to nearby Thyon, Nendaz, and Veysonnaz. Verbier is particularly famous for the Attelas-Mayentzet Piste, featuring a descent of approximately 3,280 feet. Snowboarders appreciate the wide, well-groomed slopes that provide ample space for carving.

Rusutsu Resort, Japan

As Hokkaido's largest year-round ski resort, Rusutsu offers a range of activities including golf, a petting zoo, and an amusement park, all alongside exceptional snowboard terrain and Japan’s vibrant snow-surf culture.

Niernberg notes that “one of the three peaks at Rusutsu remains largely untouched and ungroomed throughout the entire season. Combined with the renowned ‘Japow’ snowfall, this allows for accessible powder turns through loosely gladed areas, complete with rocks and cliffs, making Rusutsu truly magical.”

Tignes, France

This expansive French resort is celebrated for its high-altitude glaciers, ensuring reliable snow and excellent conditions. It features two impressive parks and a friendly atmosphere—after all, ski areas in France were among the first to welcome snowboarders.

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

With its towering mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, this renowned Canadian ski area caters to all types of skiers and snowboarders. It boasts 200 marked runs, three terrain parks, 16 alpine bowls, and three glaciers. Whistler Blackcomb generally enjoys an extended winter season of around 200 days and averages 408 inches of snowfall annually.