Let’s face it - a good ski resort is usually a good snowboard resort. However, there are some ski resorts that snowboarders prefer more than others. All snowboarders do not love moguls, so resorts with a variety of slopes are a strong preference. Snowboarders also appreciate resorts with well-designed lifts and trails that minimize flat or uphill sections. Each resort listed below has something special that sets it apart. Here's a curated list of snowboard-friendly resorts that promise an unforgettable experience.
North American Snowboarding Hotspots
1. Heavenly Ski Resort, California/Nevada
Heavenly is a large, family-friendly ski resort straddling the border of Nevada and California. What makes Heavenly unique is that it overlooks Lake Tahoe. Heavenly has four different bases, two in each state. For the shortest lines and access to the best runs, utilize either of the Nevada bases. Even if they are a bit of a drive from your accommodations, the Nevada area makes for a better experience. Once on the mountain, there are plenty of long, groomed, blue runs. There are also a few greens and blacks, depending on your skiing ability.
In addition to Heavenly ski resort, South Lake Tahoe is a neat town to visit. The ski village has many delicious restaurants and shops with brands like The North Face and Patagonia.
2. Kirkwood Ski Resort, California
Located just 33 miles south of South Lake Tahoe, Kirkwood Ski Resort is one of the best ski resorts in California. The vibe at Kirkwood is generally low-key and family-friendly. Kirkwood is an excellent option for snowboarding beginners. The bunny slope is an actual hill that’s not too flat and not too steep. The other green runs are longer, wider, and spacious. The longest run in this ski resort is 2.5 miles. In addition, there is a man-made terrain park that offers more excitement for snowboarders. January through March are the best times to enjoy winter adventures. A shuttle service is available.
There are plenty of food options at Kirkwood on the main side. The cafeteria lodge has a bunch of bean bags for the kids and tables for the adults. You can enjoy your lunch in this spot with your family.
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3. Mammoth Mountain, California
Even though California is known for its deserts and beaches, it also offers great skiing and snowboarding. Mammoth is five hours away from Los Angeles and San Francisco, located in the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range. It has more than 3,500 acres of skiable area that even novice skiers and snowboarders can enjoy. The California sunshine provides a bright blue sky most of the year, and it is a real treat for experienced skiers and snowboarders at higher elevations on the mountain. Experts can go high above the treeline for steep and challenging runs.
Depending on the day, it can be a bit pricey to snowboard and ski at Mammoth; expect to set back a couple of hundred dollars per lift ticket. For those days when people need a break from the slopes, there is plenty of hiking, sledding, and tours.
4. Arapahoe Basin (A-Basin), Colorado
Commonly called A-Basin, this area is located within the Arapaho National Forest in Colorado and is easily reached via Interstate 70 from Denver. What makes Arapahoe Basin different from other Colorado ski resorts is its unusually long season - the slopes here close in May and sometimes even June. With nine lifts and over 1,400 acres of prime alpine terrain, this place has enough space for everyone.
If you are a newbie skier or snowboarder, A-Basin is a great place to learn. A-Basin has a relaxed, hippie vibe. When visiting this ski area, be aware that traffic on I-70 can be congested, especially on weekends. To save time, try to visit on a weekday when it’s less hectic. Want to ski or snowboard here all winter? You can get an A-Basin ski pass online.
5. Snowmass Ski Resort, Colorado
The Aspen area is home to four world-famous ski resorts: Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Buttermilk, and Snowmass. Snowmass Ski Resort is the largest of the four resorts with over 90 runs and 3,362 skiable acres. It also has three terrain parks, one superpipe, and one mini pipe. One of the best times to visit is January through April, when there tends to be better snow in late winter and early spring. Since this mountain is farther from Denver, it typically attracts more local traffic from Western Colorado, as well as guests flying in from all over the world.
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When visiting Aspen for vacation, plan to spend at least three to five days. Aside from skiing and snowboarding, there are fun shops, yoga studios, and restaurants that will make your winter getaway even greater. You can also enjoy the hour-long drive up to Colorado’s famous Glenwood Hot Springs.
6. Beaver Creek Ski Resort, Colorado
Located roughly two hours west of Denver off I-70 in the Vail Valley, Beaver Creek Ski Resort offers guests three village areas to ski and snowboard: the main Beaver Creek Village, Arrowhead, and Bachelor Gulch. Beaver Creek tends to have a slower-paced vibe than some of the other Colorado mountain resorts, attracting upscale guests worldwide. In the winter, the village resort areas are a haven for skiers and snowboarders, leading to over 2,082 skiable acres, 167 trails, and 24 lifts. Most of the beginner terrain is actually at the top of the mountain, so keep that in mind.
It’s OK to ride the chairlift down if you’re not comfortable with more intermediate terrain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, there’s an ice-skating rink in the main mountain village that will keep guests enjoying time off the slopes. There is no need to have a vehicle either - take the complimentary shuttle to access the slopes and explore the town.
7. Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado
If you love getting above the tree line, the Imperial Express Super Chair reaches an elevation of 12,840 feet. The town of Breck (what the locals call it) sits in a valley surrounded by stunning Rocky Mountain peaks. The best time to ski and ride in Breckenridge to beat the crowds is after the first week of January until the end of February. December can also be a great month if the snow conditions are there. Since Breckenridge is close to Denver, the area can get extremely busy.
8. Steamboat Springs, Colorado
There is no better ski resort in the United States than Steamboat Springs. Steamboat Springs has a wide range of terrain - from steep blacks to easy greens and even terrain parks. Steamboat offers both skiing and snowboarding. The IKON Pass is accepted at Steamboat, or you can buy day passes. The food at the on-mountain restaurants is far better than at other ski resorts.
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Good beginner runs to check out include Why Not and Sundial. What makes Steamboat Springs truly unique is that the city of Steamboat Springs was a town long before the ski resort was built. As a result, it makes for a great place to enjoy. Just outside of town, the Strawberry Park Hot Springs is one of the best hot springs in Colorado.
9. Vail, Colorado
Visitors come from all over the world to ski and snowboard at Vail. The resort is located off I-70, making it easily accessible. Vail is a large mountain, so it can be challenging for skiers and snowboarders to grasp where they are if they are not familiar with the mountain. Be sure to have a trail map. The base elevation at Vail is 8,120 feet, so if visiting from out of town, be thoughtful of skiing and snowboarding at higher elevations.
10. Timberline Lodge, Mt. Hood, Oregon
There is no better place to ski or snowboard on a sunny winter day than Timberline Lodge at the base of Mt. Hood. This National Historic Landmark functions as both a hotel and ski resort and was built as a Works Progress Administration (WPA) project during the Great Depression. It was dedicated by President Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1937 and has been a Pacific Northwest favorite for both snow enthusiasts and tourists ever since and is open year-round.
Timberline is a popular destination, and weekends are crowded. No matter your experience level, visitors to Timberline should ride the Magic Mile lift and run. Named for its original length and location above the tree line, at the time of construction in 1938, the Magic Mile was the longest chairlift in existence and also the first to use metal towers. On a sunny day, riders will be above the clouds and able to see nearby Mt.
11. Park City, Utah
Almost any ski resort in Utah boasts incredible skiing and stunning views, but the best ski town is Park City. If you’re an Ikon Pass holder, Deer Valley Resort is for you. Otherwise, Park City Mountain Resort is operated by Vail, which means you can use the Epic Pass. Either way, those passes make Park City one of the most affordable skiing options in Utah. What makes Park City unique is the wealth of non-skiing activities nearby. Main Street has the best restaurants, shops, and even a ski lift that takes you directly to the mountain. In nearby Heber, take a dip in a geothermal hot spring at the Homestead Crater, or take a ride on Heber Valley Railroad’s North Pole Express.
12. Sugarbush Resort, Vermont
Are you looking for a spot to ski or snowboard on the East Coast? Check out Sugarbush Resort in central Vermont. Sugarbush is one of the largest winter sports resorts in New England, and there are over 100 trails serviced by 16 lifts spread over two separate mountains. Many upgrades have been made to the base area, especially at Lincoln Peak, within the last 20 years. One of the most notable features of Sugarbush is the nearly 2-mile-long Slide Brook Express Quad Connector lift, which connects Lincoln Peak and Mt.
The area locals enjoy most is the highest point of the resort, at the top of Mt. Ellen. To get there, take the Green Mountain Express Quad from the base lodge and the Summit Quad lifts. Next, take the Panorama, following Rim Run, then down to Joe’s Cruiser trails. This will take skiers through beautiful evergreen-lined terrain that is even more awesome with fresh snow.
13. Massanutten Resort, Virginia
When most people think of ski destinations, Virginia doesn’t usually come to mind. But Massanutten Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts near D.C. Massanutten is located about two hours from D.C. and just minutes from Shenandoah National Park. For 40 years, it’s been the area’s premier destination for all winter activities. Virginia has fickle winters - meaning there’s usually not much snow - but Massanutten has one of the most powerful snowmaking systems in the country.
Skiing and snowboarding are both popular activities here, but with over 6,000 acres of property, the resort offers a smorgasbord of other activities too. One of them is snow tubing; Massanutten is currently one of only a few places on the East Coast that offers nighttime snow tubing. There’s also an outdoor ice-skating rink. Massanutten starts making snow in late November, but the coldest weather arrives in Virginia around late January/February. Avoid weekends, as they are usually packed.
14. Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Sitting at a base elevation of 6,311 feet, Jackson Hole is a stunning ski resort in the Teton Range of the Rocky Mountains of Wyoming. For those interested in dropping into Corbet’s Couloir, consider site conditions before heading off. Depending on the snowpack and time of year, this drop can go from a few feet to a huge drop. Check with resort staff before heading into this expert-only terrain.
Skiers and snowboarders have access to 131 trails and 13 lifts. Also, be sure to ride the world-famous Bridger Gondola and Big Red, the aerial tram. Downtown Jackson is 12 miles away from Teton Village and Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, so visitors can take the START Bus back and forth to explore the town. This Teton resort lives up to its extremely demanding reputation.
15. Snowy Range, Wyoming
Snowy Range is one of the most popular ski resorts in Wyoming and is a three-hour drive from Denver, Colorado. The runs at Snowy Range are great for both skiers and snowboarders alike, but are very popular amongst snowboarders. The best time of year to go is from January to March. Of course, it is the least busy from Monday to Thursday, but skiers and snowboarders may catch Coloradans in the middle of the week playing hooky if there is fresh powder.
Try to go during the workweek since tickets cost less, and it is quieter. Since Snowy Range is a small to mid-size ski resort, the overall feel is relaxed and homey, much like the nearby town of Centennial. Less than an hour away is Laramie, where you can visit the University of Wyoming and see a football or volleyball home game. The area is known for its rich local history and has several geological and railroad museums.
Additional Snowboarding Destinations
Here are some more resorts that deserve a mention:
- Winter Park, Colorado: Known for its terrain parks suitable for all skill levels.
- Stowe Resort, Vermont: Offers a classic New England experience with a charming village and diverse terrain.
- Taos Ski Valley, New Mexico: Provides challenging terrain and a unique cultural experience.
- Copper Mountain, Colorado: A mecca for snowboarders in Summit County with well-designed parks.
- Telluride, Colorado: Features breathtaking scenery and a range of terrain from groomed runs to extreme chutes.
Table of Snowboard-Friendly Resorts
| Resort Name | Location | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Heavenly Ski Resort | California/Nevada | Lake Tahoe views, diverse terrain |
| Kirkwood Ski Resort | California | Family-friendly, excellent for beginners |
| Mammoth Mountain | California | Extensive terrain, abundant snowfall |
| Arapahoe Basin | Colorado | Long season, relaxed vibe |
| Snowmass Ski Resort | Colorado | Large area, terrain parks |
| Beaver Creek Ski Resort | Colorado | Upscale, family-friendly |
| Breckenridge Ski Resort | Colorado | High-elevation, stunning views |
| Steamboat Springs | Colorado | Wide range of terrain, unique town |
| Vail | Colorado | Large mountain, accessible |
| Timberline Lodge | Oregon | Historic landmark, year-round |
| Park City | Utah | Best ski town with non-skiing activities |
| Sugarbush Resort | Vermont | Largest winter sports resorts in New England |
| Massanutten Resort | Virginia | Offers a smorgasbord of other activities |
| Jackson Hole | Wyoming | A stunning ski resort in the Teton Range |
| Snowy Range | Wyoming | Runs are great for both skiers and snowboarders |