Five of the Best Up-and-Coming Snowboarding Destinations
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Published: December 16, 2009
Been there, done that is easy when it comes to the well-traveled path of many snowboarders. After all, there’s a reason that certain resorts around the world are popular, especially with the reception of skiers still often icy towards those on boards.
Whether you’re new to the sport or a seasoned professional, it’s often difficult to plan the perfect snowboarding vacation. Whether it’s higher costs at old favorites or a desire to try new things, looking around when there are so many options can be tough. Since snowboarders are often a brave and daring group, there has been more of a movement to find far-flung resorts with ideal conditions, but actually making arrangements can be a little bit intimidating.
That’s why we’re here to help all of those aspiring globe-trotting snowboarders. While it might be great to hit the resort in your backyard all winter, it’s even more rewarding to find the common bond of snowboarding can make you friends all over the world, while seeing incredible new countries and riding some great mountains. Whether it’s the southern hemisphere or the northern hemisphere, a world-class resort or a smaller, more local hill, there’s so much more to boarding than your own back yard. Here are some of the world’s greatest destinations for snowboarding that you may have never heard of.
Hlidarfjall, Iceland – While Iceland might not be at the top of many snowboarding lists, the fact is, this incredible island country has some excellent and rarely explored slopes available. After all, where else can you snowboard on a mountain with views to a sometimes-active volcano? Seven kilometers away from the university town of Akuereyri in the north, Hlidarfjall is one of the most popular resorts in the whole country, with four lifts and a simple ski lodge leading the way to some fun trails. The highlight for visitors seems to be the night boarding.
Thredbo, Australia – For those who are sick of slumming it, Thredbo is a popular and hot new destination for skiers and snowboarders alike who might not know that Australia has a bustling scene. With over 650 meters of vertical drop and a staggering variety of runs, it’s a good mix of trails for beginners and experts alike. The best of the best wo are unafraid of the very steep all flock to Funnel Web, the steepest run on the entire mountain.
Bansko, Bulgaria – Western Europe is so last year, anyway. Try what European boarders already figured out, and book a flight to Sofia, Bulgaria. Bansko is only a couple of hours away from the country’s capital city, but it feels like a world once you see those beautiful snow-covered mountains. Located in the beautiful Pirin Range, Bansko has over 20 kilometers of tree-lined slopes in its three separate areas of the mountain.
Ras Dashen, Ethiopia – For true pioneers of the sport, it might be worth a visit to Ethiopia to board something that not many boarders have taken on so far. Ras Dashen is in the highest mountain in the entire country, and the only place in Ethiopia that gets enough snow to ski regularly. A cluster of nine tall and jagged peaks, this is not snowboarding for beginners by any means. Only real adventurers should take this task on.
Ruka, Finland – It’s no surprise that there’s excellent snowboarding in Scandinavian countries. Located in Finland, Ruka is one of the most well-maintained slopes you’re likely to see anywhere in the world. Whether it’s a gentle incline for beginners to the sport or more challenging runs perfect for intermediate and advanced level snowboarders, there’s a little bit of something for everyone. Ruka also takes its reputation as an excellent resort seriously, and snowboarders are pretty much promised no ice or rocks on the mountain’s pine-covered slopes.
Damian Papworth loves snowboarding in Japan. He also knows that for japan snow accommodation, the Hooting Owl Lodge in Niseko is hard to beat.
Tagged with: extreme sports, snow, snow sports, snowboarding, snowboarding apparel, Sports, sports and recreation, sports clothes, Travel, Travel and leisure, winter, winter gear, Winter Sports
