Snowboarding in the French, Swiss, Austrian and Italian Alps can unlock some of the best terrain to ride in the world. Whether you’re looking for freeride opportunities or want to learn for the first time, there’s plenty of choice in the Alps. Take a look at our top 10 guide to the best snowboarding resorts in Europe.
Flims Laax, Switzerland
Often referred to as the snowboarder’s paradise of Europe, Flims Laax is specifically geared up for snowboarding. The famous annual Laax Open snowboarding competition also attracts the best riders in the world, adding to its worldwide reputation. A state-of-the-art lift system has meant that there are reduced queue times and easy access to the mountain. There are fantastic freeride opportunities as well as various snow parks if you want to catch some air.
Stay At:
Hotel Adula in Flims Laax is a family-run hotel with a fabulous range of health and fitness facilities.
Avoriaz, France
Avoriaz is a must-visit resort if you’re snowboarding in the French Alps. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced rider, the resort has something for everyone. For people new to snowboarding, there’s easy access to the beginner slopes from the main village. Freestylers will want to check out Avoriaz’s five terrain parks, the Stash park in particular is a unique wooded area full of rails and jumps. On top of this, there are incredible off-piste spots to get your deep powder fix.
Stay At:
Sitting at 1,800m with ski-in ski-out access, the chic and modern Hotel Les Cimes du Soleil boasts one of the most convenient locations you could ask for.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm, Austria
The extensive network of slopes and variety of terrain makes Saalbach-Hinterglemm one of the best places to snowboard in Austria. When it’s a powder day, there are incredible off-piste spots to explore with a guide. The resort also has a terrain park that is open until the early evening. Perfect if you want to master tricks. Due to the amount of different graded runs, riders of all abilities can enjoy this resort. Saalbach-Hinterglemm is high on the list for best Alps snowboarding.
Stay At:
Alpin Resort and Spa has excellent modern and stylish facilities, including indoor and outdoor swimming pools, two hot tubs, a sauna and a steam room.
Verbier, Switzerland
In the heart of the Four Valleys, Verbier is a very snowboarder-friendly resort, in fact, it’s one of the best in the Alps for snowboarding. There are two large terrain parks in the resort; one near the La Chaux chairlift and the other in Thyon. A great way to catch some air and rails. To ride some untouched powder Bruson can be accessed easily for off-piste spots and tree paths. The Les Esserts nursery run is easy to access for beginner boarders. Verbier is true Swiss bliss!
Stay At:
Situated in the heart of Verbier, the Hotel Vanessa is an ideal spot for an Alpine break.
Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs has something for every type of snowboarder. The wide-open pistes are perfect for beginners to learn on and are very well maintained. There’s also a lot more of the piste map to explore for intermediates and advanced riders too. Freeriders can explore the powder bowls of Arcs 2000 to the powder fields of Peisey-Vallandry. Try your hand at rails, kickers, and jumps at the large snowpark in the resort. Les Arcs is highly recommended if you’re snowboarding in the French Alps.
Stay At:
Hotel La Cachette in Les Arcs 1600 has a traditional yet homely feel with a prime ski-in ski-out location.
Livigno, Italy
Livigno has it all when it comes to snowboarding possibilities. No wonder some of the best riders in the world frequently visit the Italian ski resort. Wide runs are perfect for those still learning to ride, whilst intermediate and advanced snowboarders can ride more challenging slopes too. The terrain parks and off-piste pockets in Mottlino will keep all freeride and freestyle riders happy. Go for the Italian twist for the best Alps snowboarding this winter.
Stay At:
Hotel Amerikan in Livigno has an enviable position, just 20m from the lifts. The hotel features an eco-friendly indoor pool, pizzeria, and restaurant.
Chamonix, France
If you’re after stunning off-piste snowboarding, Chamonix is one of the best resorts in Europe. The varied terrain and endless possibilities attract some of the best riders on the planet to push themselves. The Grands Montets Glacier has an impressive fun park and half-pipe if you’re up for some action. The resort isn’t particularly suitable for beginners but if you’re looking to push your skills, Chamonix is a premium resort if you’re snowboarding in the French Alps.
Stay At:
Chalet Ardoise in Chamonix is a luxurious, bright and spacious chalet.
Tignes, France
Another resort to consider if you’re snowboarding in the French Alps is Tignes. The resort has slopes suitable for all abilities on and off-piste. The wide-open runs and gentle gradient at the top section of the Grande Motte are perfect for beginners to hone their skills. If you want to try something different Tignes has a 2km long snow park, a pro pipe, and a boardercross course. For powder hounds, there is a long off-piste run to try with a guide, the L’Aiguille Percée to Tignes Les Brevieres. All these possibilities show that Tignes has some of the best Alps snowboarding around.
Stay At:
Chalet Hotel Rosset, in the heart of Tignes-le-Lac, is a traditional chalet hotel with terrific views across the lake.
Mayrhofen, Austria
Austria is ski crazy but Mayrhofen has some fantastic snowboarding opportunities. The Austrian resort has incredible freeride terrain above and below the tree line. The Vans Penken Park is a top-class snow park with a variety of jumps and rails to tackle. A team of professional park shapers ensures the course is in great condition all season. The ski area and lift system make it easy for riders to get around the mountain, making the resort one of the best for Alps snowboarding.
Stay At:
The homely Hotel Kramerwirt is situated in Mayrhofen in Austria and offers extensive spa facilities.
Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia has a fantastic variety of runs to snowboard, so all levels of rider are welcome. For the more advanced snowboarder, there’s more challenging terrain in Zermatt, which is easy to get to. There are two snow parks in the area the Gravity Park and Plan Maison, both have a great selection of rails and jumps to try out. There’s also the opportunity to book a heli-board flight over to drops like the Monte Rosa, to tick off a bucket list experience.
Stay At:
White Angel Hotel in Cervinia is situated near the Plan Maison cable car. The hotel has a wellness centre with sauna and a hammam, and Matterhorn views.
Speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700 for more information on the best Alps snowboarding.
