There’s a big dump waiting for you on Europe’s mountainsides.
…chill dude, we mean fresh snow, of course.
Just as waveriders follow the groundswell all the way to Europe for surfing, loads of boarders check the forecast for the best places to snowboard in Europe.
From mid-winter through spring, countless cities within and outside of the Alps have excellent runs that are designed for beginners, seasoned riders, families, and off piste parties alike.
Image Credit: Getty Images, My stock images. Image Location: Switzerland.
The best places to snowboard in Europe
From Scandinavia to the border of Spain, these are the best places to snowboard in Europe.
🏂 Best for beginners: Levi, Finland
🏂 Best for casual riders: Åre, Sweden
🏂 Best for advanced riders: Tignes, France
🏂 Best for families: Grandvalira, Andorra
The best places to snowboard in the Alps
The Alps are prime for skiing, but there’s more than enough room for snowboarders on the slopes.
- Edelweiss Lodge and Resort in Garmisch, Germany
- Paganella in Andalo, Italy
- Grand Montets in Chamonix, France
- Davos Ski Resort in Davos, Switzerland
- Ski Arlberg in St. Anton am Arlberg, Austria
- Hotel Špik Alpine Resort in Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
- Malbun in Triesenberg, Liechtenstein
The best places to snowboard in the UK
The UK doesn’t exactly have the best places to snowboard in Europe, but it’s got a handful of indoor, outdoor, and artificial slopes to get your fix.
- Cairngorm Mountain, Scotland: The birthplace of The BRITS, the official snowboarding and freeski championships in the UK, is exactly where you should
- Raise, England: The English Lake District has a mountain worth the walk if the snow is good and you need an aggressive slope.
- Llangrannog Ski Centre, Wales: If freestyle is your game and you don’t mind a jib, Llangrannog Ski Centre has a year-round dry slope and freestyle park.
- Craigavon Ski Center, Northern Ireland: Artificial? Sure. Any less fun? Not at all. Craigavon lets you get a session in without going to Great Britain or mainland Europe.
The most underrated places for snowboarding in Europe
Looking for solid slopes without as many herbs and groms? We know a few runs with fewer posers and pinheads.
- Bansko, Bulgaria: Instant access to snowboarding schools if you need a refresher and places to freeride into the forest.
- Sopot, Poland: Lysa Mountain isn’t where you go to get air, but it is one of the few places where you can snowboard while taking in the Baltic Sea views.
- Jasna, Slovakia: Snowboarding on a budget in Jasna means more money to enjoy their many spas.
Image Credit: Getty Images, Mbbirdy. Image Location: Tyrol, Austria.
Where’s the best place to snowboard in Europe?
Book your trip to countries in the Alps for the best slopes to carve, such as Austria, Italy, France, Germany, and Switzerland. The UK’s north also gets powdery between December and April, making a journey to a ski resort an easy trip from London by train.
Which European countries aren’t good for snowboarding?
Don’t expect to see snow in Gibraltar, Malta, and basically anywhere else considered tropical. Some countries, like Italy and France, might see a dusting in their southern parts but it’s their mountains that have the best opportunities for snowboarding. Our best advice is to strap your leash in popular areas for snowboarding. Going off piste isn’t wise: it could be deprived of snow at best or dangerous at worst.
Does Europe have any indoor snowboarding resorts?
Yes, there are places to snowboard indoors in Europe. SnowWorld in Amsterdam and other Netherlands locations is one of the most popular places for indoor snowboarding. Keep in mind that skiing is generally more popular than snowboarding, though most indoor ski resorts welcome snowboarders without blinking an eye.
Can I bring my snowboard on the train in Europe?
Yes, you can bring a snowboard on many trains in Europe. Eurostar explicitly says yes to snowboards. Many other carriers generally state that any sports equipment gets the greenlight, so long as it doesn’t impede the space or movement of other passengers. Check your rail line’s luggage restrictions before purchasing your ticket.
Do Europe’s trains go to ski and snowboarding resorts?
Many do, some don’t, it all depends on which mountains you want to shred. Download the Trainline app and we’ll show you cheap tickets for all train and bus routes that get you to the bottom of the mountain with board in hand.
Header Image Credit: Getty Images, Noah Clayton.