Snowboarding rose to prominence on the slopes in the 1970s and 1980s as an rebellious alternative to skiing. The more sophisticated, sensible skiiers didn’t accept the sub-culture of snowboarding at first and there was a clear divide between the two groups.
As snowboarding became more popular as a sport and began to build its own style, fashion and culture – slopes would aim specific runs to the snowboarders. With more snowboarders taking to the slopes, the resorts are beginning to sell themselves more to the snowboarding crowd, rather than focussing all of their efforts into attracting skiiers.
The best snowboarding resorts offer great slopes for beginners and experts, so any snowboarder can challenge their own ability. Europe offers some of the best skiing and snowboarding destinations, with North America and Canada enticing the serious boarders to travel that extra distance. New on the scene, Japan and New Zealand are gaining a reputation as having some great snowboarding resorts.
France can provide some of the perfect pistes for a snowboarding holiday. Whether you are a professional or up-for-fun, Tignes offers thrills that can rival any resort in the world. Boasting some of the highest peaks in the Alps, Tignes also provides almost two-hundred miles of skiing and snowboarding terrain.
Tignes is one of only two French resorts that is listed as snow-sure, and can welcome almost 30,000 visitors at once. With hundreds of bars and shops, Tignes is the perfect destination to snowboard and enjoy a varied and exciting nightlife. Popular since the 1960s, Tignes has grown to accommodate the growing number of visitors, at the expense of the glacier that is expected to split in the future.
If you want to travel away from Europe, Canada’s Whistler is one of the most popular destinations for skiiers and snowboarders. One of the most popular destinations on North America, Whistler provides two of the best mountains for snowboarding found anywhere in the world.
The snowboarders can unwind and relax after a day on the slopes in Whistler Village, with so many shops, restaurants and bars that you can try a different one every day. Snowboarding at Whistler is increasingly popular and the resort has adjusted to incorporate all levels of abilities.
For the purist snowboarder who wants to focus on the slope, Lake Tahoe in the United States can offer serious boarding pleasure. With over 500 ski runs, boarders can enjoy endless rides down various slopes in the bright sunshine.
Snowboarders can take advantage of the fantastic half-pipes, parks and facilities aimed specifically at the sport. So, for those boarders looking to practise their skills as well as speed, Lake Tahoe could be the perfect destination.
Snowboarding continues to grow in popularity and will continue to do so as holiday makers look for that holiday with a difference. Excitement, skill and pleasure make snowboarding more popular than ever and with so many destinations now embracing the sport, it looks set to grow even further.
I agree with you Tignes is one of the best snowboard resorts, but not only because its Snow sure, but because its got some great runs.
Plus they have sorted the park out so it’s nearly the all round resort.
The only issue I had was the off piste, as its all visible it gets tracked out easily.
Can anyone else think of a resort with eveything?