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Top 5 Places to Snowboard in the U.S.

Time to Shred! Now’s the best time to drive up the mountains and hit the snow. Your adventure awaits as there’s so many amazing slopes to ride down. Whether it's the steep mountains, big jumps or good old fashioned powder that gets you pumped here’s our top 5 places to snowboard in the U.S.

 

Powder Mountain - Eden, Utah

With over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain, Powder Mountain is one of North America's largest ski areas. This is the place if you want to learn how to snowboard, feel the bliss of solitude, shred like Shaun White, or hang in an awesome small town. Even on the busiest day, you may only find one skier/snowboarder per two acres of terrain. Almost 3,000 acres is a traditional lift served resort with an abundance of groomed trails and powder runs. If you plan to stay at a resort, guests may choose from a free orientation over groomed cruisers with a Mountain Host or a day with a Mountain Adventure Pro making fresh tracks through secret glades, chutes & open bowls. After a few runs with a Pro, guests naturally feel part of the Powder Mountain family. For those seeking a once in a lifetime adventure, Powder Mountain offers guided backcountry tours at amazingly affordable prices. A helpful note: Pow Mow caps their day tickets at 1,500 to help keep its promise of "Preserving The Pow". We encourage anyone visiting Powder Mountain to purchase passes beforehand, so you won't miss what could quite possibly be the best powder day of your life!

Mammoth Mountain - Mammoth Lakes, California

Mammoth Mountain is a lava dome complex west of the town of Mammoth Lakes, California. It was formed was formed in a series of eruptions that ended 57,000 years ago. Mammoth has welcomed snowboarders onto its slopes for many years, and with a good snow record, riding is often possible into May. “The village” sits on the edge of town and is the main tourist hub. A high speed Gondola then transports all guests to Canyon Lodge – one of the 3 main base areas that access the slopes. Mammoth's slopes can often get very busy on weekends, but don't let that put you off as Mammoth is a pretty big place. It's one of the biggest resorts in America, with over 150 trails set out on a long-since dead volcano. 3,500 acres Mammoth's terrain parks have achieved legendary status. “Mammoth Unbound” is the latest development of parks on offer – providing over a dozen areas for all levels and abilities to gain confidence and progress on freestyle terrain. Overall Mammoth is a great resort for boarders, there’s good variety in terrain from trees to open bowls, an efficient lift system; without any drag lifts.

Mount Baker - Stratovolcano in Washington

We recommend Mount Baker if you like a challenge and can shred the dumps of deep snow because it isn’t the place for beginners or intermediates. Mount Baker is one of the snowiest places in the world and remain a snowboarding Mecca. It was one of the first resorts to welcome rather than ban snowboarders 60 years ago. Beyond just becoming a place to ride, its natural beauty is worth the visit for a family vacation. Every February the mountain hosts the legendary Banked Slalom race and has done since 1985, which attracts hundreds of competitors every year. Another reason for its immense popularity is for the family-run resort that manages to preserve a grassroots feeling in Mount Baker.

Telluride - Telluride, Colorado

Telluride is a National Historic Landmark surrounded by the highest concentration of 13,000' and 14,000' peaks in the United States. One of the world's most beautiful ski resorts, this former gold rush town has been popular with skiers & snowboarders since the '70s. Quiet slopes, non-existent queues and a vast open space waiting to be conquered. But what really stands out about this resort is the ample terrains. Telluride is a snowboard heaven offering regularly groomed runs that are wide and gentle even at the highest peaks. Beginner trails are well marked and so easy to manoeuvre. And open glades provide for many scenic runs. That’s not to say that there isn’t plenty of challenging terrain – 41 percent of the trails are classed as “advanced” or “expert”, and there are some pretty steep lines to ride including the now infamous Black Diamond Run: “The Plunge”. Above the historic mining town of Telluride is a modern mountain village connected by a free pedestrian gondola, the only one of its kind in North America. Meaning: you’ll never have to get in a car for the entirety of your stay. Unlike any other resort in North America, Telluride's location and size allows guests to revel in a peaceful atmosphere, where the people are authentic and friendly.  You can also appreciate the area's history and beauty at Telluride Historical Museum and Bridal Veil Falls, Colorado's longest free falling falls. Telluride is a mountain for everyone.

Mt Bachelor - Central Oregon

Mount Bachelor offers one of the nation's longest ski seasons, mid-November through the end of May It’s located in the Cascade Mountains of Central Oregon. Mt. Bachelor is part of the infamous Cascade Volcano chain, which runs from Canada into the Pacific Northwest. On your drive up, you’ll notice how the volcano formed natural halfpipe-like gullies which extend from the summit and wind down into tree level. Designated trails have been cut to match the terrain’s natural flow. You won’t find anything like Mt. Bachelor’s playful trails. Blessed with an annual snowfall of 387 inches, a powder day is unforgettable. Make sure to always check the weather when snowboarding Mt Bachelor as it usually impacts the way you’ll snowboard.

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