Best Places to Snowboard in The Alps

While snowboarding used to be skiing’s inferior sibling, all the best resorts are now welcoming snowboarders of various levels of interest and expertise. From families and friends renting out a catered chalet, to seasonaires at resorts working hard so they can play hard – snowboards come in all shapes and sizes!

The Alps has been called the epicentre of snowboarding in Europe, and for good reason. Here are the best places for snowboarding in the Alps, straight from the aficionados.

Tignes

There are many reasons that Tignes in Espace Killy attracts more snowboarders than any other resort. It has the longest season in Europe, high runs close to many a catered chalet, and 180 miles of pistes - including some that are great even for beginners. Even better, it has a vast territory perfect for off piste boarding and plays host to the Freeride World Tour every year.

Boarders will enjoy the amazing mix of powder and partying - nearby Val D’Isére may have a great snow park, but for adventure and an easygoing atmosphere, Tignes is the place to be.

Meribel

At the heart of the Three Valleys is picture-perfect Meribel, which offers snowboarders a wonderful experience - beginner or expert alike. There are some good beginner slopes around the Altiport, as well as two snow parks nearby and some good powder stashes. The great terrain offers amazing rides on well-maintained pistes and fantastic off piste runs.

La Plagne

With six high-altitude villages, another wonderful resort to hire a catered chalet for your snowboarding holiday base is La Plagne. Aside from the outstanding off piste terrain off Bellecote, it’s also known for great beginner slopes - but a lot of pushing may be involved due to the prevalence of flat spots. (It’s okay if you keep your board waxed.)

Val Thorens

Rent a catered chalet at Europe’s highest ski resort and you’ll find a very board-friendly environment. With an outstanding snow record, good conditions are pretty much guaranteed throughout the season. Its wide pistes are great for practice, while for freestyle boarding, the Val Thorens snow park in the Plateaux area just can’t be beaten for table top jumps. Freeriders, on the other hand, will be awestruck by the terrain nearby Cime de Caron and La Masse.

Les Arcs

With its massive ski area, renting a catered chalet at this resort is always a great idea. New high-speed chairlifts allow boarders quick access to amazing runs, whether on or off piste, particularly down Aiguille Rouge. Freestyle board artists will find that the Arc 1600 snow park offers a great fun ride, while freeriders will find great nearby terrain – if you hire a local guide you'll be able to board all the best locations.

Snowboarding is here to stay in the Alps!

Danielle Hodges is the Marketing Manager for Ski Amis, a specialist ski travel agency and booking service offering bonded holidays staying in a catered or self catered chalet in La Tania and other fantastic destinations. For a luxury or good-value skiing holiday and the best catered chalets call Ski Amis.

Writer and Online Marketing Manager in London.