One of the great things about snowboarding is that you can enjoy your favorite thing while traveling the world and seeing incredible places. But to ensure you can make the most of your snowboard trip, you need to know the best month to snowboard at your chosen destination.
The best month to go snowboarding in the northern hemisphere is around January since you get more snow. For the southern hemisphere, you get the best snow around July. However, remember that mountains are diverse places with regularly fluctuating weather patterns and the best time in one place is not as good as another, even in the same hemisphere.
It all depends on the style of snowboarding you want to do, the experience you want, and where you are going. In this article, I will go through the best months to go snowboarding, whether you are heading to ski resorts in the northern or southern hemispheres.
Best Month To Go Snowboarding In The Northern Hemisphere
The winter season in the United States, Canada, and Scandinavia generally runs from December to April, while in Europe and Japan, the season starts in December and finishes in March.
Usually, January is an excellent time to visit resorts in the northern hemisphere, as this is when most of the snow falls.
Also, ski resorts tend to be less busy as the Christmas rush ends and the kids return to school.
Your personal preferences make a difference as to when you should travel. Some people want to ensure they get the most snow, while others may prefer milder temperatures and more chances of blue-sky days.
1. Snowboarding in January
Snowboarding in January also means there’s a good chance that you will experience good snow quality.
This is because the temperature is usually pretty constant, so the snow doesn’t melt during the day and freeze overnight, causing bulletproof ice on the slopes, which is tricky for any snowboarder.
The less crowded slopes mean snowboarders can have lots of fun regardless of their skill level.
For example, if you’re a beginner, you can learn to shred without the stress of thousands of people swarming around you.
On top of this, there’s a good chance you’ll be able to book last-minute snowboard lessons when you are feeling particularly rusty.
More advanced riders can head into the backcountry and often find fresh lines as fewer people are competing for them.
This time of year usually sees regular snowfall, so you may be lucky enough to score fresh tracks several times throughout your trip.
2. Snowboarding in March
Having said all this, booking a snowboard trip at the end of the season offers a different experience. When you snowboard in March, you enjoy milder temperatures and quieter slopes.
Additionally, many ski resorts change the lift opening times, giving you an extra hour or two on the slopes.
March is also a great time for beginners to learn, as the snow is softer and more forgiving when you wipe out.
Learning to snowboard on a sunny day is often preferable to learning in subzero temperatures and snow storms.
On top of all this, March in the northern hemisphere tends to be cheaper as businesses and ski resorts try to squeeze a little more cash out of the season.
Where To Snowboard In The Northern Hemisphere?
The northern hemisphere has an extensive array of ski resorts, with many of them offering deep snow, varied terrain, and an awesome après culture.
1. North America
Popular destinations in the United States and Canada include Colorado, Utah, California, British Columbia, and Alberta.
Resorts like Whistler Blackcomb, Park City, and Aspen Snowmass provide world-class snowboarding experiences.
But remember that Alta, Deer Valley, and Mad River Glen still have snowboard bans because they think they’re better than us.
2. Europe
Europe, France, Switzerland, Austria, and Italy have a seemingly endless list of ski resorts with extensive snowboarding terrain.
For example, head to iconic destinations such as Chamonix, Zermatt, Saint Anton, and Val d’Isere. All of these resorts provide fantastic snowboarding experiences and are lively party towns.
The Scandinavian countries of Norway, Sweden, and Finland offer exceptional snowboarding opportunities.
One of the most sought-after destinations for snowboarding is Lofoten in Norway, famed for its incredible backcountry riding and splitboard adventures.
During a trip to these Scandinavian ski resorts, you may be lucky enough to see the Northern Lights while shredding down pristine slopes.
Best Month To Go Snowboarding In The Southern Hemisphere
Heading below the equator, the winter season in New Zealand, Chile, and Argentina runs from June to October. Australia’s winter season is slightly shorter, starting in June and ending in September.
The ski resorts in South America have some of the world’s heaviest snow and highest peaks. These resorts may not be as established as those in the Northern Hemisphere.
Still, some argue that these mountain ranges are equal to or better than those in Europe and North America.
July
Southern hemisphere countries get the most snow in July. Therefore snowboarding here in July is the equivalent of snowboarding in January in the northern hemisphere.
However, it is essential to remember that weather patterns fluctuate, and the exact timing of the best snow can be challenging to predict, especially with how diverse each country’s geography is.
For example, if you head to Cerro Castor in Argentina, you will get the best snow in September, as it gets an average of 54 inches of coverage in fall.
Where To Snowboard In The Southern Hemisphere?
With their unique geographical advantage, southern hemisphere ski resorts provide the opportunity to chase winter adventures during the summer months, making them an enticing destination for snow lovers seeking an escape from the traditional ski season.
1. New Zealand
New Zealand’s most popular ski resorts are Queenstown and Wanaka. These destinations offer diverse terrain and stunning landscapes, often used as backdrops for films and TV shows.
These resorts are not well known for their immaculately groomed slopes. Still, they have some excellent backcountry options, allowing you to have unique experiences in the wilderness.
2. Australia
When you think of Australia, it conjures up images of sandy beaches and deserts. But it does provide some of the best opportunities for snowboarding in the southern hemisphere.
For example, Victoria’s Alpine region is home to resorts like Mount Buller and Falls Creek. Both of these ski resorts get excellent snow conditions, attracting snowboarders from all over the world.
You will often see pro riders training here for the upcoming competitions in the northern hemisphere.
3. South America
Chile and Argentina in South America are known for their challenging backcountry terrain.
Snowboarding in these countries offers some unique experiences; for example, the Nevados de Chillan ski resort offers Snowcat Tours and off-piste adventures, allowing you to access the vast backcountry zones.
Here you can even ride into an extinct volcano crater over 10,000 feet above sea level.
Ski resorts in the Andes mountain range, such as Valle Nevado, Portillo, and Bariloche, attract riders with diverse terrain and rich cultural experiences.
These destinations offer very different experiences to those found in the northern hemisphere.
Therefore, some snowboarders enjoy perpetual winters by traveling across either side of the equator following the snow.
Final Thoughts
The best thing to do is check the websites for specific ski resorts and chat with travel experts. Additionally, keep up to date with powder alerts from websites such as Wepowder.
Also, I’ve written another article on the best time to snowboard and what to expect. It’ll be a worthy read for more info on this topic.
No matter which side of the equator you are on, the world offers some incredible opportunities for snowboarding throughout the year.
The best month for snowboarding depends on your wants, needs, and destination.
So before you book your trip, it is crucial to consider factors like weather, snow conditions, and what you want out of your trip.