We’ve delved into the most agreeable resorts for skiiers in past compilations. There is another winter sport, however, that nevertheless requires attention. Due to the fact that the concept of snowboarding germinated from summer sports like surfing and skateboarding, it is a common misconception that the genesis of snowboarding lies in Southern California. Strangely, it lies in the Midwest, in the more frigid environs of Michigan
In 1965, Sherman Poppen, an engineer by trade, invented the prototype for the modern snowboard. He crafted it for his two daughters, and coined his intellectual property as a “snurfer,” an amalgamation of two nouns: “snow” and “surfer.” Poppen’s invention gained traction with national equipment manufacturers, who saw its potential for consumer interest. Eventually, it attracted the attention of the Brunswick Corporation, which licensed the product and began manufacturing it on a national scale.
By the end of the 1970’s, over a million “snurfers” had been sold. The escalation in popularity of this novelty item began to propagate competitions where athletes could demonstrate their capacity to leverage the snowboard into astounding feats. Additional companies took notice, including Burton on the East Coast, and Sims Snowboards on the West Coast.
Even in the 1980s, snowboarders were largely regarded with disdain by conventional skiiers, who tended to view them as vagrants. Yet, culture was aggregating in favor of the snowboarders, who gained further popularity from non-confromist groups like skateboarders. Once insurance companies allowed ski resorts to cover snowboarding under existing liability policies, the acceptance of snowboarding began to proliferate into the mainstream.
In this article, we’ll identify the 6 best resorts for snowboarders, ones that accommodate their flair for creativity and fun.
Resort: Mammoth Mountain
Location: Mammoth Lakes, CA
Price: $99.00 (for children), $219.00 (for adults)
The Low-Down: Located near Yosemite and June Lake, Mammoth Mountain is mammoth in size. It features 300 days of annual sunshine, and 33 feet of snow per year. It also includes an “Unbound Terrain Park,” a daydream for freestyling snowboarders, latent with bowls, pipes, and an admixture of varied terrain facilitating a snowboarder’s creativity. Mammoth is also home to a plentiful amount of accessible backcountry, ground that is not manicured but still opportune for adventurous boarders. Another tantalizing amenity are “The Hemlocks,” or the backside of Mammoth Mountain. Although it takes an abbreviated hike to reach, it is worth it for the free terrain that is available.
Resort: Mt. Baker Ski Area – Best Winter Resorts For Snowboarders
Location: Mt. Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest, WA
Price: $58.23 (youth), $94.27 (adult)
The Low-Down: Mt. Baker is a rare resort where snowboarders often outnumber skiiers. Some colloquially refer to it as the “home of snowboarding.” Located in a national forest, its presence remains somewhat muted, or inconspicuous. It is almost completely off-the-grid, with no water, electricity, or sewage treatments. Mt. Baker is covered in approximately 55 feet of snowfall per year, making it one of the ample resorts for fresh powder. It is notably light on freestyle terrain features, but is perfectly adequate for snowboarders who simply want to enjoy an experience carving down the mountain. If you happen to trail off-piste, be aware of the ensuing signage: When they indicate a cliff is nearby, heed the warning.
Resort: Sun Valley Resort
Location: Sun Valley, ID
Price: $129.00 (adult)
The Low-Down: Sun Valley is inclusive of two mountains, Bald Mountain and Dollar Mountain. While the latter features open and smooth slopes designed for beginners, Bald Mountain presents more challenging terrain. Moreover, within the confines of Dollar Park, paradoxically, is the “Motherload Terrain Park,” which houses air-kickers, jib pro-level rails, boxes and other features. Additionally, as its name suggests, Sun Valley has amenable weather, with most of the snowboarding season flush with sunshine.
Resort: Steamboat Ski Resort – Best Winter Resorts For Snowboarders
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Price: $171.00 (adult)
The Low-Down: For a supreme snowboarding experience, heading to the Colorado Rockies is seldom a poor idea. The powder at Steamboat Ski Resort is so remarkable it’s been trademarked as “Champagne Powder.” With 2,695 acres, Steamboat Ski Resort possess an ample amount of terrain to carve and cruise along. If you’re seeking to sky through pristine air, also visit “Maverick’s Terrain Park,” where one can find kickers ranging from 50 to 70 feet; an extravagant superpipe; and 18 foot walls, 450 feet in length. Steamboat Ski Resort is also known for its backcountry terrain, featured most prominently in area referred to as “The Closets.” Here, you’ll find spacious slopes, idyllic glades, and numerous open meadows.
Resort: Mount Bachelor
Location: Deschutes National Forest, OR
Price: $86.00 (adult)
The Low-Down: While not as well-known as other resorts of its stature, Mount Bachelor comprises 4,200 acres of snowboarding terrain. Sitting on top of a massive volcano, the resort boasts one of the most unique layouts of any ski resort in North America. Mount Bachelor features a direct summit lift, providing boarders access to multiple alpine bowls and mountain faces of every direction. Mount Bachelor offers high-speed lifts to every point on the mountain, boasting quick access to any piste trail a snowboarder might desire. While the weather can be variable, impeding access to certain trails, if you happen to cross paths with Mount Bachelor on an ideal Spring day, there isn’t a resort in North America with better snowboarding options.
Resort: Palisades Tahoe – Best Winter Resorts For Snowboarders
Location: Lake Tahoe, CA
Price: $119.00 (adult)
The Low-Down: Formerly known as Squaw Valley, the resort altered its name to Palisades Tahoe in order to be more respectful to native peoples. One of the hosts of the 1960 Olympic games, Palisades Tahoe consequently has a world-class range of amenities. Widely regarded as the premium ski resort in Lake Tahoe, Palisades Tahoe is a must-visit for eager boarders. Also connected to another ski resort, Alpine Meadows, Palisades Tahoe is a wonderland for any winter-sports enthusiast. Featuring plentiful terrain for all levels of snowboarders – beginner, intermediate and advanced, alike – at Palisades Tahoe, the world is one’s oyster. With wonderful views of Lake Tahoe, an advanced lift network, quality powder, and 3,600 acres of terrain, Palisades Tahoe offers numerous reasons to visit.
