The 10 best resorts for snowboarding in the world

Where’s the best resort in the world for boarding? Many have pondered this question over the years – and we’ve heard it’s been responsible for more than a few arguments between friends. So, we thought we’d give the answer a shot! 

Okay, rounding up the top ten has taken blood, sweat, and a lot of tears. However, we’ve assembled the definitive list. So, are you ready to get stoked for the trip of a lifetime? Then sink your edges into this! Oh, and don’t forget to drop in to our epic snowboarding collection, too. 

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Vail Ski Resort, US

Vail is one of the biggest and most famous ski resorts in North America — and with good reason! With over 5,000 acres of terrain and seven legendary Back Bowls, it offers a huge variety of trails, nearly 30 feet/9 meters of snow annually, and a slick, well-connected lift system. The resort village is super charming, with a blend of alpine-style architecture for that European feel. It’s awash with upmarket shops and restaurants, too, making it ideal for foodies and spenders. 

For snowboarders, Vail is a dream thanks to its wide-open groomers, endless tree runs, and world-class terrain parks. Golden Peak and Pride Terrain Park serve up everything from beginner lines to pro-level jumps and rails. Meanwhile, the Back Bowls provide that steep ’n’ deep, no-limits kind of riding that freeriders crave. Whether you're carving corduroy or hunting for powder stashes, Vail caters to all snowboarders.

Don’t leave without dropping in to Sun Down Bowl – especially after a fresh dumping of the good stuff. This route is steep, spacious, and perfect for floaty turns. Later, head for a beer at Garfinkel’s at the base of Lionshead Village. It’s a local favorite with a massive deck overlooking the slopes, great happy hour deals, and that laid-back Colorado energy that hits just right after a long day on the mountain.

Whistler Blackcomb, Canada

Whistler Blackcomb is Canada’s crown jewel for snow sports. With a massive 8,171 acres of terrain, two interconnected mountains, and a buzzing alpine village, it’s one of the world’s largest and most complete resorts. The snow record is amazing, with nearly 40 feet/11 meters annually (starting in October and ending in May). Pair this with its top-tier lift system, and every rider is happy is here — from those wanting mellow cruisers to others hunting expert chutes and bowls.

Snowboarders will feel right at home. Whistler’s terrain parks are some of the best on the planet, with five separate zones for every skill level. The natural terrain is even better — think endless glades, big open alpine bowls, and cliff lines galore. More into backcountry? You’ll have easy access to serious slackcountry from the top of Harmony or Spanky’s Ladder. This helps make Whistler Blackcomb a freerider’s dream playground.

When the legs finally give out, cruise down into the village and hit the Longhorn Saloon at the base. This spot has a killer patio, pumping music, and big après energy. Order a round, kick off the boots, and soak up the views of the lines you just conquered…it’s the Whistler way.

St. Anton, Austria

St. Anton is a heavyweight of the Alps — and a powder paradise to boot. It’s part of the sprawling Ski Arlberg ski area, offering access to over 190 miles/305 kilometers of trails and a near-infinite amount of off-piste. The town itself is a lively mix of traditional Austrian charm and buzzing nightlife, drawing serious skiers and boarders from all over the world. You’ll find history, atmosphere, and terrain to keep you grinning all week.

Snowboarders will love St. Anton for its challenging runs, epic freeride zones, and the sheer amount of snow it scores every winter. Lech am Arlberg and Zürs are two of the snowiest resorts in the Alps and definitely the place to hit for your floaty, dreamy powder laps. Valluga and Schindler Spitze are legendary areas for advanced freeriders, with endless chutes and bowls. However, this can come with serious avalanche risk, so book a guide if venturing off-piste.

For a must-ride run, take the lift to Kapall and discover the Mattun descent — a steep, ungroomed powder field that drops down toward the village. For a post-shred celebration, there’s no place like the MooserWirt. This spot is loud, chaotic, and absolutely iconic, with music blasting and beers flowing from mid-afternoon. This is après-ski, Austrian style.

Park City Mountain Resort, US

Park City is the largest lift-served ski resort in the US. It offers over 7,300 acres of rideable terrain across two distinct base areas and a seamless connection to its namesake historic mountain town. Once a mining town, Park City is now a lively winter destination, with a laid-back vibe and a walkable Main Street packed with bars and restaurants. You’ll also notice some classic Wild West charm lingering in the air.

For snowboarders, Park City is a paradise filled with long groomers, gladed tree runs, and one of the best park scenes in North America. Yes, the resort is home to multiple terrain parks, including the legendary 3 Kings, which serves up creative lines, pro-level jumps, and endless jibs. Powder days don’t disappoint either — Jupiter Bowl and under McConkey’s Express are favorites for deep snow and natural hits when the storms roll in (which is very often).

Want to get the legs burning? Drop in to the Silverlode area and ride down Claim Jumper before heading over to Bonanza for flowy, fast-paced carving. Post-riding, aim for No Name Saloon on Main Street — iconic for a reason. Packed with locals and visitors alike, No Name Saloon has rooftop seating, a wild interior, and burgers that hit different after a long day.

Tignes, France

Tignes is a high-altitude, snow-sure resort that delivers one of the longest seasons in Europe. Sharing the vast Tignes – Val d'Isère area (also known as Espace Killy) with Val d’Isère, Tignes offers over 180 miles/300 kilometers of trails, a massive glacier, and some of the best lift-accessed off-piste skiing and snowboarding in the Alps. Okay, the purpose-built villages aren’t winning any beauty contests. Still, what they lack in looks, they more than make up for in convenience and access (and après!)

For snowboarders, Tignes is gold. The Grande Motte Glacier guarantees snow early and late season, and there’s a sweet snowpark above Val Claret with a progression line, pro features, and a solid halfpipe. But the real draw is the freeride terrain — La Banane is a local favorite for steep lines and powder stashes. The endless natural features and wide-open bowls make it feel like a playground, too.

Don’t miss dropping in to La Sache — it’s long, scenic, and holds powder well after a storm. You’ll need strong legs and a bit of nerve, but this is a legendary route for good reason. Then‌ it’s straight to La Folie Douce. Yes, from 3 pm, Folie is the quintessential (and essential!) après spot in Tignes, serving up table dancing and ski shots all afternoon long. Just prepare for champagne or Jäger-splattered outerwear (or both!). 

Mammoth Mountain, US

Mammoth Mountain is a California icon. Snowboarders flock here for its epic snowfall (it often buries the lifts entirely and closes the resort), long season (you can regularly rip on the Fourth of July weekend), and laid-back SoCal energy. With a summit of over 11,000 feet/3,300 meters, Mammoth is also one of the highest ski resorts in the state. And that elevation pays off, with reliable snow totals often hitting over 33 feet/10 meters a year. The terrain is sprawling and diverse, covering 3,500 acres with stunning Sierra views and everything from mellow cruisers to wide-open alpine bowls.

Snowboarders have long called Mammoth home thanks to its world-famous Unbound Terrain Parks. This makes it one of the most progressive freestyle spots in the world with ten unique parks, three halfpipes (including an Olympic-sized 22-foot superpipe), and a constant rotation of new and innovative features. Beyond the park, there’s also incredible natural terrain. Just check out the wind lips, drops, steep chutes, and powder stashes that hang around long after a storm.

Don’t leave without heading up Chair 23 for some of the gnarliest lines on the mountain. Wipeout and Dropout Chutes are local favorites when conditions are right. And for a post-ride hangout? You can’t beat the Mammoth Brewing Company. Great beer, hearty food, and an electric atmosphere perfectly match the mountain’s no-fuss, all-fun vibe.

Avoriaz, France

Perched high above the Morzine valley, Avoriaz is a snowboarder’s haven in the heart of the Portes du Soleil — one of the world’s largest ski areas. With its car-free, snow-covered streets and super unique wooden architecture, the whole resort feels like a winter fairytale. And Avoriaz sits at 5,905 feet/1,800 meters, so snow reliability is solid. In fact, Avoriaz is the snowiest resort in all of France, and one of the snowiest in the Alps. This resort also offers direct access to 404 miles/650 kilometers of linked terrain stretching into Switzerland.

What makes Avoriaz really stand out, though? Its freestyle scene. Yep, this resort is home to The Stash — an eco-friendly, all-wood, Burton-designed snowpark that weaves through the forest with creative features at every turn. There are several other traditional parks catering to all levels, including the pro-level Snowpark d'Arare and the easy-to-get-to Chapelle Snowpark, right in town. You’ll find tons of natural side hits all over the resort, too. 

Freeriders will love the powder lines off the Chavanette and Hauts Forts areas, with plenty of variety for adventurous legs. If conditions are right, take the long off-piste descent from Pointe de Vorlaz — it’s steep, wild, and drops you into a quiet valley that feels a world away from the lifts. Then, cruise back into town and aim for Le Yeti. It’s a classic après spot right on the slopes with DJs, deck chairs, and a party vibe that kicks off early and doesn’t quit until well after sundown.

Mt. Bachelor Ski Resort, US

Mt. Bachelor flies a little under the radar compared to the mega-resorts above. However, for snowboarders in the know, it’s a true hidden gem. Mt. Bachelor is just outside Bend, Oregon, and is built on a dormant volcano. This means it has 360 degrees of ridable terrain from the summit and nearly 40 feet/11.5 meters of snow a season. You’ll also find over 4,300 acres to explore. Plus, Bachelor has one of the longest seasons in the US (often lasting into May). Yep, Mt. Bachelor is a paradise for riders chasing powder, variety, and no crowds.

Snowboarders love Bachelor for its natural features and all-mountain freestyle flow. These include playful wind lips and natural gullies on the high, exposed slopes and tree stashes lower down. All this makes the mountain feel like a terrain park built by nature. Bachelor’s own Woodward Mountain Parks are rock solid too, with thoughtfully built lines and progression-focused zones for all abilities — from your first box to full-on big air. And the best part? The lift lines stay chill, even on a powder day. That’s all thanks to the layout and sheer scale of the place.

For the best lines, hit the summit on a clear morning and drop in to the Outback zone. Long, powdery laps await alongside seemingly endless tree runs. When it’s time to unwind, Bend’s Deschutes Brewery is the go-to. This place has top-tier craft beers, yummy food, and that relaxed Pacific Northwest vibe that’ll have you wanting to buy property in the area ASAP (good luck with that!).

Niseko United, Japan

Niseko has earned a legendary status among powder hounds, and it absolutely lives up to the hype. Situated on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido, Niseko United links four resorts: Niseko Tokyu Grand HIRAFU, Niseko Hanazono, Niseko Village, and Niseko Annupuri International Ski Area. All resorts are nestled in the shadow of Mount Yōtei. What makes this spot so famous? 50 feet/15 meters of snow annually. That’s right — this place is a bottomless powder paradise.

For snowboarders, it doesn’t get much better. The terrain is a dreamy mix of open bowls, playful tree runs, and mellow groomers. The lift system is modern and well-connected, and the resort is known for its easy backcountry access. With a short bootpack from the top gates, you’ll slash untouched lines through perfectly spaced birch trees — an experience that really feels bucket list worthy.

Our pick of unmissable runs? Drop through Gate 3 from the top of Grand Hirafu for an epic powder descent into the sidecountry. After you’re done floating through the trees, head into Hirafu village and grab a table at Bar Gyu+, also known as the ‘Fridge Door Bar’. Yep, hidden behind a Coca-Cola fridge door is an intimate speakeasy (that’s not so quiet!) with killer cocktails and a great vibe – a dreamy way to end the day in true Niseko style.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Canada

Revelstoke might not have the international name recognition of Whistler, but for die-hard powder hounds, it’s holy ground. With the biggest vertical drop in North America (5,620 feet/1,713 meters), legendary powder, and a laid-back, no-frills vibe, Revelstoke is the place people return to year after year. The town itself is small and authentic, with a real mountain community feel. Yep, this isn’t a flashy resort – it’s a rider’s one.

What makes Revelstoke so special for snowboarders? In a word: powder. Yes, the resort averages upwards of 45 feet/14 meters of snow annually, and the terrain is steep, deep, and seriously rewarding. Tree runs are everywhere, the alpine zones are massive, and there’s plenty of backcountry access from the top of the lift system. There's also a growing freestyle scene, with a terrain park that gets better each season. However, Revelstoke is really about big mountain freeriding.

If you want a proper mission, hit the North Bowl from the top of the Stoke Chair. After a short hike, you’ll discover massive powder fields and gnarly lines to test your skills. To reward yourself, head into town and grab a beer at The Village Idiot. This is a snowboarder’s bar through and through, with delicious food, solid drinks, and a vibe that’s about as core as it gets.

Wrapping up

We know — we missed so many epic spots! But if you only ride our top ten in your lifetime, you’re doing better than okay! Once you’ve ticked those off, head to other legendary resorts, such as Brighton Resort, Mt. Baker, J-Hole, Laax, Saas-Fee, Zermatt, Verbier, Ischgl, Mayrhofen, Chamonix, Les Arc, La Plagne, and so many more. Hey, you have a new place to rip every single year til your knees can take no mo’! And you know what? That sounds like a pretty good life to us.

Think we missed something or need more info on anything above? Hit us up at crew@montecwear.com to talk all things snow.

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