Coronet Peak Ski Resort Guide
Coronet Peak was New Zealand’s first commercial ski resort to open and is popular due to its proximity to bustling Queenstown. Coronet doesn’t receive huge amounts of annual snowfall but makes up for this with great snow cannon coverage. Coronet Peak ski area would be an ideal place to learn or to progress on the intermediate terrain before heading to the more challenging Remarkables ski area. Coronet Peak is the only Queenstown ski resort that offers night-skiing and it is popular with skiers and snowboarders every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday throughout the season.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort
Coronet Peak First Impressions
The drive up to Coronet Peak is impressive and once parked you will find a modern ski resort. The base lodge has everything you would expect at a world-class ski resort. Walking through the base area and up the stairs, you are met by the Coronet Express Chair. Newly installed in 2019, the Coronet Express Chair takes you from base to summit in just a few minutes. After a couple of runs, it is obvious that the piste grooming at Coronet Peak is some of the best in New Zealand. The terrain at Coronet Peak is mostly aimed at intermediates however there are some steeps and a designated beginner area.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort
If you are used to the ski resorts of Europe you may be slightly dismayed when looking at the piste map for Coronet Peak. The Coronet Express Chairlift takes you from the base area to the top of the resort, a mere 460m of vertical drop. One positive is that the Express chairlift is fast so you can lap the terrain pretty quickly.
Coronet Peak has three chairlifts that provide access to its 40km of trails, including one to service the mellow beginner slopes. In addition, there are also surface lifts and T-bar at Coronet Peak. Although the majority of the trails at Coronet Peak are aimed at intermediate skiers and snowboarders, there is some fun to be had to the sides of the pistes should the conditions allow. Pay particular attention to the conditions report as you could easily find yourself with an issue. There are some steep runs around the resort with The Hurdle having a nice pitch.
Intermediates will love the Blue graded pistes of the Greengates Express Chairlift which take you back down to car park number 2. The runs off Greengates Express were quieter so this may be an area to head to get away from the crowds.
First-time skiers and snowboarders will find Little Easy and Big Easy runs the perfect place to practice those beginner turns at Coronet Peak. To have these slopes surfaced by the Meadows Express chair is a benefit to learning at Coronet over nearby Remarkables whose beginners area is serviced by magic carpets.
Coronet Peak Stats
Coronet Peak ski resort is one of two commercial ski resorts in the town of Queenstown on New Zealands South Island. In total there are 40km of slopes to ride at Coronet Peak and some of the key mountain stats are below.
Total Pistes - 40 km
Beg / Int / Adv - 8km / 16km / 16km
Highest Point - 1649m
Base Area -1229m
Coronet Peak Night skiing
Night skiing at Coronet Peak is pretty epic with runs open from the summit to the base area, live music, and competitions. Night skiing at Coronet Peak takes place every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday between 4 pm and 9 pm. Night skiing is the perfect opportunity to watch the sunset over Lake Wakatipu just remember to wear that extra layer.
Views From Greengates Side
Coronet Peak Piste Map
Coronet Peak is divided into three main areas. To skiers right you have the Greengates Express chairlift, which has a number of great intermediate and advanced runs that are open during the day but not for night skiing. The main area of the resort is central and covers everything under the Coronet Express chairlift. This area is suitable for all abilities with advanced snowboarders able to access the Back Bowls and beginners heading to Arnolds way direct from the same chair. The final area is to skiers left and consists of some advanced runs only accessible via the Rocky Gully T-Bar.
Coronet Peak Ski Resort Piste Map
Lifts At Coronet Peak
At Coronet Peak ski resort there are three chairlifts; Coronet Express, Greengates, Meadows Express, and the Rocky Gully T-Bar. There is also further surface lifts in the beginner area.
Meadows Express is a slow quad chair that accesses the beginner terrain at Coronet Peak. This lift is mainly used for lessons so can become crowded during peak times. From the top of Meadows Express beginners can access Little Easy and Big Easy, two gentle green pistes to practice those turns.
The Coronet Express is the most popular lift at Coronet Peak and takes snowboarders and skiers from the base of the resort to the summit. This lift was newly installed in 2019 and is pretty effective at preventing queues even during peak periods. The Coronet Express is a six-seater chair and also is able to support gondolas.
Our favourite lift at Coronet Peak is the Greengates Express. The Greengates express is a fast six-seater chair that is less busy than the rest of the resort. Laps on the Greengates side can consist of a mixture of blue, red, and black terrain on the same lap.
Coronet Peak Snow Record
Ok, I am going to deliver a pretty disappointing stat here but don’t click away. Coronet Peak receives an average of 2m of natural snowfall a season. This doesn’t quite reflect the quality of snow at Coronet Peak as the resort team does a great job of snowmaking and grooming. The coverage on-piste during my extended visit was good, although the off-piste areas were pretty bare.
Coronet Peak Season Dates
The ski season at Coronet Peak runs from June - September although good years can see it remain open into October. As discussed earlier, Coronet is not blessed with a great amount of natural snowfall so it relies heavily on cold temps and snowmaking.
Coronet Peak Lift Tickets
A Coronet Peak ski pass can be expensive if you do not plan ahead. The most cost-effective way to enjoy a snowboard trip to Coronet Peak is to purchase the 3 Peak Season Pass. The Three Peak season pass offers access to both Queenstown resorts of The Remarks and Coronet Peak as well as Mt Hutt near Christchurch. When brought in advance the 3 peak pass will cost $699 NZD for unlimited winter access.
Alternatively, you can pay by the day however expect to pay upwards of $100NZD per day. For the latest lift pass prices click here.
Travel To Coronet Peak
Getting To New Zealand
With most international flights operating into Christchurch, this may be your best access point to the South Island. If you can, I would highly recommend flights into Queenstown as firstly you have direct access from Queenstown to the resorts of The Remarkables and Coronet Peak, but equally importantly it is one of the most scenic airports in the world. Flying into Queenstown is something I will not forget in a hurry. That being said if Mt Hutt is your only ski goal then flying into Christchurch makes more sense.
Check the latest flight prices here.
Where is Coronet Peak?
Coronet Peak is the closest ski resort to Queenstown and is a short drive from the town center. Expect a 20-30 minute drive, although this may increase after a snowfall. The drive is around 20 km and is on well-established roads.
Accessing Coronet Peak
Coronet Peak is a short drive from Queenstown and with the best access road out of the 3 Peak Pass resorts, driving is the best option. If you don’t have the option to drive then buses do run from various downtown Queenstown locations but I thought the prices were fairly steep. Hitching or rideshare is possible.
Coronet Peak Accommodation
Most people stay in downtown Queenstown which has accommodations ranging from hostels to more deluxe apartments on the Lake. One benefit of staying in Queenstown is that you also have the option to ski at the nearby Remarkables ski area.
During my trip, I split time between the Freedom Camping site at Kawaru Bridge where you are allowed 4 nights within a month.
Coronet Peak Pros
Coronet Peak offers night skiing three evenings a week.
Coronet Peak’s extensive snowmaking ensures the piste retains good coverage even in lean snow years.
Coronet Peak’s new Coronet Express chairlift is fast allowing for quick laps.
A 3 Peaks pass is value for money especially on the early bird deal and includes night skiing at Coronet Peak.
The views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu are worth the chairlift ride in itself.
Coronet Peak Cons
Low annual snowfall meaning Coronet Peak has a reliance on snow-making
Expensive coach transfer from Queenstown so if self-drive isn’t an option consider hitching to Coronet Peak.
With a very short vertical drop crowds can gather at the base during peak weeks. The new Coronet Express chairlift has helped reduce this during busy periods.
Nearby Coronet Peak Activities
Grab A Fergburger
Possibly New Zealand’s most famous burgers there are not many better places to have a post skiing dinner than Fergburger. Be sure to book in advance or be prepared to queue.
Adventure Capital Of The World
If you are taking a day off snow then Queenstown is the place to be. There is an endless list of activities to enjoy in Queenstown with the Shotover Jet Boat and the Skyline Luge particular favourites.
Lake Wakatipu
Lake Wakatipu is New Zealand’s longest lake at 50miles in length and is one of Queenstown’s most stunning natural landmarks. There are loads of great ways to see Lake Wakatipu from cruises to scenic lookouts, our favourite a bbq at the beach.
Sightseeing
Coronet Peak has more to offer than just skiing and snowboarding. A trip to the Peak as a foot passenger is a must to take in the views across Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. From the sightseeing deck you will be able to see the Wakatipu Basin and the spectacular Southern Alps.
Tobogganing
Coronet Peak also offers Tobogganing in its snow play area with toboggans available to rent from the base area.
Coronet Peak Frequently Asked Questions
Which Is Better The Remarkables Or Coronet Peak?
This will completely depend on what you are looking for from your Queenstown ski experience. For us, snowboarding at both was worthwhile and pretty easy to do. The Remarks is great for terrain parks of hiking into off-piste areas whereas Coronet Peak is better for cruising the pistes. Coronet Peak also offers night skiing which is an added bonus.
How Far Is Coronet Peak From Queenstown?
Coronet Peak is 16kms from Queenstown making it the closest resort to the adventure capital of the world. The drive is easy and recommended as the resort buses are a complete rip-off.
Is Coronet Peak Good For Beginners?
The beginner's area under the Meadows Express chair is a great place to learn to ski or snowboard. Coronet Peak has its own ski school with instructors from around the world bringing a wealth of experience. One of the great parts of learning at Coronet Peak is there is green terrain accessible from the summit so beginners can explore the whole mountain.
Coronet Peak Videos
Coronet Peak Links
If you are planning to visit Coronet Peak then here are some useful links that can help you get the most out of your trip. If you want to check the Coronet Peak Webcam and stay on top of the Coronet Peak weather then click here. This link is where you will find the latest Coronet Peak snow information and equally important information about the Coronet Peak access road.
For more general information consider checking out the Coronet Peak Website or their social channels on Twitter and Instagram. If you have any general questions, I would be happy to help so drop them down in the comment section.
Hakuba Iwatake Ski Resort Review
Iwatake ski resort is a popular Hakuba Valley resort that is fantastic for intermediate and beginner riders. On my visit to Hakuba Iwatake, I was impressed by the wide cruisey blue runs and the mellow gated tree riding. On a clear day, the views from Iwatake are meant to be pretty impressive… unfortunately I didn’t get a clear day at Iwatake. One issue that Iwatake faces is its lower elevation and base area can mean that when it is snowing at other Hakuba resorts it can be raining at Iwatake. That being said Iwatake still gets its fair share of the snow and there are some great powder stashes to be found.
Hakuba Iwatake Base Area
IWATAKE SKI RESORT FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Iwatake via shuttle bus you are dropped at the base of Noah Gondola. From here you can see a chairlift to the skier’s left which accesses a fairly decent beginner’s run that would be a good gradient for learning your first turns. Around the gondola base area, there are a few ski shops, accommodations and food vans that mean Iwatake is a fairly decent place to base yourself for a trip to Hakuba. When heading up the gondola it’s easy to see why intermediates love Iwatake, in each direction, you can see wide-open pistes and on my visits very limited crowds (potentially due to the weather).
IWATAKE SKI AREA
As previously mentioned Iwatake is lower than the other resorts in the Hakuba valley with a summit of 1,289m. This coupled with a rather pitiful 539m vertical drop (less than Thredbo in Australia) means that Iwatake is a fairly small ski resort. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing as Iwatake has some decent infrastructure with fast chairs that means although laps may be short, you can get multiple runs in rather quickly. In total, there are 26 courses at Iwatake with the majority of this terrain being beginner or intermediate terrain. There is only 20% of the piste map assigned as advanced terrain but there is nothing to really get the heart pumping.
SNOWBOARDING FOR BEGINNERS IWATAKE
Iwatake has a number of trails suitable for beginners with an international ski school offering instruction in English. The gradients at Iwatake are much more mellow than nearby Happo One or Goryu so beginners may feel less intimidated here. It is possible for beginners to access ski runs at the top of Iwatake without the need to ride to the base area. If beginners choose to, it is possible to down lift on the Noah gondola at the end of the day. At the base area, there is a green run that has its own chairlift, this would be my starting point as a beginner.
SNOWBOARDING FOR INTERMEDIATES IWATAKE
Iwatake is probably best suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The groomed terrain across the mountain is generally wide and not too steep. Some of the runs at Iwatake are an amalgamation of other runs with a combination of colour ratings. The tree zones at Iwatake are open without requiring a course and offer some fun riding on mellower pitches.
SNOWBOARDING FOR ADVANCED IWATAKE
Iwatake ski resort has a designated off-piste tree skiing zone called The View. Japanese ski resorts take a pretty firm stance to riding outside of designated off-piste areas so be prepared to lose your pass for doing so. Sticking to The View and you will be fine with this area monitored by the Iwatake ski patrol. In all honesty, advanced skiers and snowboarders will likely get bored rather quickly at Iwatake with other Hakuba Valley ski areas offering more challenge.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT IWATAKE
Iwatake does have a terrain park that may be of interest to freestyle-inspired riders. The Iwatake terrain park has a number of jumps (various sizes) and some basic rails. The terrain park at Iwatake is serviced by its own two-person chairlift although this runs pretty slow.
LIFTS AT HAKUBA IWATAKE
Hakuba Iwatake ski resort has 8 chair ifts and a gondola. The Noah gondola at the base of the resort is the main access point to the rest of the ski area. The rest of the lifts at Iwatake are either Quads or Doubles, none of which are particularly speedy.
Lift queues at Iwatake ski resort are reserved for the weekend and peak periods. As more people learn about the Hakuba Valley the resort of Iwatake is becoming more popular and its location close to Happo doesn't help when avoiding crowds.
HAKUBA IWATAKE PISTE MAP
IWATAKE SKI RESORT PROS
Iwatake is perfectly spaced in between Happo One and Tsugaike which makes it really easy to visit for a day trip
Wide groomers at the Iwatake ski area will mean that intermediates will love riding around this resort.
Four gated tree areas are available to ski at Iwatake which is a nice step in comparison to other Hakuba resorts that close their tree areas.
Free shuttles run regularly to Iwatake from the Happo Bus Terminal and the train station
IWATAKE SKI RESORT CONS
Iwatake has a small vertical drop meaning the runs can be quite short.
Iwatake is rather low and its lower elevation can mean the quality of snow is not as good as at other Hakuba resorts.
TRAVEL TO IWATAKE SKI RESORT
Free shuttle buses run to Iwatake from both the train station and Happo bus terminal. The buses to Iwatake are probably amongst the more frequent as Iwatake is positioned between Happo One and Tsugaike.
Iwatake is under 5km from the Hakuba train station meaning connecting bus journeys take less than 10 minutes to reach the ski resort. There are plenty of regular bus services that run between Iwatake and other Hakuba ski areas; Tsugaike, Happo, Goryu, Hakuba 47 as well as to the Hakuba base area.
ACCOMMODATION AT IWATAKE
Basing yourself at Hakuba Iwatake would be a good option if you wanted a quieter base away from the main Happo Village but within a short bus or taxi ride. Iwatake accommodation would allow you quick access to most resorts in the Hakuba Valley. Alternatively, there are lots of accommodation options in Hakuba village and really depends on your preferences and budget. I stayed in a guesthouse which was fairly basic but provided a space to cook, wash and sleep.
If you are staying in one of the villages at the base of Iwatake you will need to access the resort via train or bus. It is possible to get a bus from Tokyo that directly passes Iwatake. Alternatively, a train to the Hakuba train station followed by a bus or transfer to your accommodation is recommended.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA IWATAKE
Unfortunately, on both my visits to Hakuba Iwatake ski resort, I wasn’t blessed with great weather. I was still able to have fun cruising around the wide pistes but the further down towards the base you went, the snow quality deteriorated. Iwatake location was great and because of the frequent buses, I was able to change resorts once I figured conditions would not improve. On a good day, I can see why people would enjoy visiting Iwatake, especially those who are looking to progress from the greens to the blues.
Zinal Ski Resort Guide
Like its neighbour Grimentz, Zinal ski resort is renowned for its epic freeride terrain. The traditional Swiss Village offers incredible charm and extensive off-piste terrain that will keep the most avid snowboarders in search of fresh lines.
ZINAL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Accessing Zinal for the first time from Grimentz I took the Grimentz-Espace Weisshorn cable car. Not only does this cable car offer great views back over Grimentz village, it also gives you an incredible view down the Chamois off-piste run. The cable car ride was an eye-opener to everything that was possible in Zinal.
ZINAL SKI AREA
The combined Grimentz-ZInal ski area in the Val d’Anniviers region of Switzerland offers 115km of slopes, some insanely good freeride terrain and two authentic mountain villages. Popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for high altitude skiing and an exceptional reputation for powder skiing. Getting between the two ski areas is easy via modern lifts.
In line with the freeride aspect of the resorts, you will find an avalanche training area to practice your beacon work that I hope you will never have to use for real.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Zinal is less beginner-friendly than Grimentz although there are a couple of places for beginners to learn their turns. A magic carpet is situated near the base of the gondola next to the Swiss Peaks Resorts hotel. This area is small but well designed for your first ski or snowboard lesson. In the resort itself, there is no green graded terrain and all blues lead into reds. This can make Zinal a daunting place for beginners to learn.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Intermediates will find plenty of fun blue and red graded pistes to enjoy in Zinal. L’arēte leads down from the Corne De Sorebois which has some great views across the valley. Intermediates looking to enjoy the off-piste should head to the Durand surface lift where options are aplenty either side of Crête and Durand pistes.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Zinal has a couple of nice steep black runs with the best pitch perhaps being Col. The Chamois run and the Dam run can be considered exhilarating with the freeride area offering some great off-piste options.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ZINAL
Freestyle isn’t really a reason to head to Zinal. There is a small park with some ride on boxes and features.
LIFTS AT ZINAL
In the Grimentz-Zinal combined area you will find a total of 21 lifts. Zinal has a mix of modern lifts combined with older surface lifts. The village of Zinal is linked to the resort by a modern 8 seater gondola whereas the ski area is linked to Zinal via cable car. Within Zinal the Durand surface lift is long but offers some of the best runs in the resort. Corne 4-seater takes you to the top of the resort at 2896m.
ZINAL PROS
The terrain at Zinal offers plenty of easy access off-piste.
The village of Zinal has everything you would expect from a ski town.
There were no lift queues in Zinal despite visiting during the holiday period.
Zinal is part of the Magic Pass giving you access to other great Swiss ski resorts.
POV riding through the Zinal freeride zone
ZINAL CONS
Beginners don’t really have good options for learning to ski in Zinal.
Getting from Zinal to Grimentz feels more work than getting from Grimentz to Zinal. I would choose Grimentz as my base to explore both resorts.
TRAVEL TO ZINAL SKI RESORT
ZINAL BY CAR
Travelling to Grimentz-Zinal by car is fairly easy. It is likely that you will have arrived at one of the main airports. Geneva would be the closest option at just over 2 hrs drive to the village. The mountain road is well-maintained but you will have to look out for local drivers. I wouldn’t define myself as a slow driver and yet there was some mad overtaking happening around blind corners. If you plan to visit Grimentz-Zinal by car be sure to carry chains with you as this is a requirement for some roads.
ZINAL BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are not many things in life more efficient than the Swiss transport system so why not try and reach Grimentz-Zinal by public transport. From Geneva to Sierre is the easy part, jump on the train and let it do the work for you. From Sierre, you will have to first take a bus to Vissoie before changing onto a bus to ZInal.
Honestly, although I am a big fan of Swiss public transport for me Grimentz-Zinal is a drive to resort.
ZINAL SNOW RECORD
The Grimentz-Zinal ski area is known for its freeride terrain and quality of snow. Surprisingly OnTheSnow list the average snowfall for Grimentz as 233cm per winter. 2m of snowfall in the area doesn’t seem like a realistic statistic so I would take that with a pinch of salt.
ZINAL LIFT PASS PRICES
In Zinal you have two main options in terms of lift passes. The first and my preferred option was to use The Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a pretty sweet lift pass that combines 52 Swiss ski resorts on one lift pass. Buy it early enough and your Magic Pass could be available for as little as 399CHF.
Option number two is to purchase a local area pass for the Val d’Anniviers. The local area pass includes Grimentz-Zinal, as well as nearby St Luc and Vercorin. These local passes are available as 1 day, 2 days or multi-day options. A 6 day Val d’Anniviers pass will cost you 295CHF.
ZINAL SKI RESORT VIDEOS
ZINAL GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GRIMENTZ-ZINAL
During my stay in Grimentz, I stayed in this pet-friendly rental apartment. It was a perfect location with a short walk to the Bendola gondola and the Zinal cable car. Located within walking distance of the supermarket, ski rentals and a great bakery it’s an ideal spot. Negatives… be careful not to get stung on paying for sheets etc which was added on at an additional cost. The village of Grimentz has lots of varied accommodation to choose from. Although I rented my apartment through Airbnb there are lots of locally run hotels that offer luxury stays or more budget-friendly options.
ZInal village has a Swiss Peaks Resorts hotel. Although I did not stay in Swiss Peaks in Zinal I did stay in their Vercorin location and was very impressed.
ZINAL SEASON DATES
The ski season in Grimentz-Zinal can begin as early as November with the season running through into mid-April. In the 2021-22 season, it is expected for the season to run until April 24th. In general, Grimentz-Zinal elevation at 1500m with skiing possible at near 3000m is a good guarantee of a suitable snow cover.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ZINAL
I would love to revisit the Grimentz-Zinal ski area as I feel there is still lots of terrain left to ride. The terrain is more suited to advanced skiers and snowboarders with little in the way of beginner terrain. If I was to revisit the area I would probably opt to stay in Grimentz over Zinal. I feel a base in Grimentz gives you the best access to both resorts.
Grimentz Ski Resort Guide
The Val d’Anniviers in Switzerland popped onto my radar when a Twitter follower posted a photo of a beautiful sidecountry ski run in Grimentz. The reputation that Grimentz holds for freeride is exceptional and it seems like every lift here opens up a new possibility. Arguably some of the best lift-accessible freeride terrain on my Magic Pass trip.
GRIMENTZ FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Waking up in Grimentz to a bucket load of new snow was exactly what was needed to start the trip on a good note. The Val d’Anniviers had endured around 10 days without snowfall prior to arrival so it was a pleasant surprise.
The Bendola gondola from the base area to the main resort area at 2112m gives you plenty of time to survey the tree lines runs that lead back to the village. It was here that I spent the majority of the afternoon escaping the cloud and seemingly finding every treestump hidden under the fresh snow cover.
GRIMENTZ SKI AREA
The combined Grimentz-ZInal ski area in the Val d’Anniviers region of Switzerland offers 115km of slopes, some insanely good freeride terrain and two authentic mountain villages. Popular with advanced skiers and snowboarders for high altitude skiing and an exceptional reputation for powder skiing, Grimentz is a paradise in the Valais.
In line with the freeride aspect of the resorts, you will find an avalanche training area to practice your beacon work that I hope you will never have to use for real.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
This is where Grimentz doesn’t shine. There is a learners area at the top of the Bendola gondola but there is little in the way of suitable terrain to progress onto. A short run is accessible via the Marenda button lift and you also have the winding run from the top of Grands Plans chair.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Intermediate skiers and snowboarders will love Grimentz with plenty of long blue and red pistes. From the top of Orzival the Panorama run is popular along with Becs and Tsarva from the Becs De Bosson chair.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Although the majority of challenging posted terrain is across in Zinal the advanced skiers will love Grimentz for its freeride opportunity. Lona is perhaps the most popular and famous option here, starting in the shadow of Becs De Bosson and running down to the village in the right conditions.
The Itinerary run, Abondance, is enjoyable in the right conditions with a number of chutes to drop into. This area is caked in sunshine and has been known to slide.
Also, consider Crēts a steep but short black piste that leads back to the top of the Bendola gondola.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT GRIMENTZ
Grimentz has a small terrain park accessible by the Orzival button lift. The larger features were still being constructed during my visit but the lower park was really nice with a couple of small jumps and some ride on rail features.
LIFTS AT GRIMENTZ
In the Grimentz-Zinal combined area you will find a total of 21 lifts. The Grimentz area is a mix of modern with some old surface lifts in place. The Bendola gondola is sufficient for ensuring there are no queues leaving the village. From the top of Bendola, the new Col Du Pouce chair is fantastic a large 6-person bubble lift that is modern and comfortable. From here you have the option to ride the Lona 2 surface lift but this is long and steep in places. Two further chairs Tsarva and Grand Plans link the area well, however replacing the Orzival surface lift could improve access to the Roc d’Orzival.
GRIMENTZ PROS
The terrain at Grimentz is exceptional with plenty of challenges to be found close to all the lifts.
Off-piste options in Grimentz seem endless!
The village of Grimentz is exactly what comes to mind when you think Swiss mountain village.
There were no lift queues in Grimentz despite visiting during the holiday period.
Lifts in Grimentz are modern and fast with further upgrades currently being planned.
Powder days in Grimentz were epic
GRIMENTZ CONS
Beginners are the ones that really miss out at Grimentz with a lack of real beginners terrain.
There are a number of long surface lifts that can feel arduous.
TRAVEL TO GRIMENTZ SKI RESORT
GRIMENTZ BY CAR
Travelling to Grimentz by car is fairly easy. It is likely that you will have arrived at one of the main airports. Geneva would be the closest option at just over 2 hrs drive to the village. The mountain road is well-maintained but you will have to look out for local drivers. I wouldn’t define myself as a slow driver and yet there was some mad overtaking happening around blind corners. If you plan to visit Grimentz by car be sure to carry chains with you as this is a requirement for some roads.
GRIMENTZ BY PUBLIC TRANSPORT
There are not many things in life more efficient than the Swiss transport system so why not try and reach Grimentz by public transport. From Geneva to Sierre is the easy part, jump on the train and let it do the work for you. From Sierre, you will have to first take a bus to Vissoie before changing onto a bus to Grimentz.
Honestly, although I am a big fan of Swiss public transport for me Grimentz is a drive to resort.
GRIMENTZ SNOW RECORD
Grimentz-Zinal ski area is known for its freeride terrain and quality of snow. Surprisingly OnTheSnow list the average snowfall for Grimentz as 233cm per winter. 2m of snowfall in the area doesn’t seem like a realistic statistic so I would take that with a pinch of salt.
Powder Day In Grimentz
GRIMENTZ LIFT PASS PRICES
In Grimentz you have two main options in terms of lift passes. The first and my preferred option was to use The Magic Pass. The Magic Pass is a pretty sweet lift pass that combines 40 Swiss ski resorts on one lift pass. Buy it early enough and your Magic Pass could be available for as little at 399CHF.
Option number two is to purchase a local area pass for the Val d’Anniviers. The local area pass includes Grimentz-Zinal, as well as nearby St Luc and Vercorin. These local passes are available as 1 day, 2 days or multi day options. A 6 day Val d’Anniviers pass will cost you 295CHF.
GRIMENTZ SKI RESORT VIDEOS
GRIMENTZ GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT GRIMENTZ
During my stay in Grimentz, I stayed in this pet-friendly rental apartment. It was a perfect location with a short walk to the Bendola gondola and the Zinal cable car. Located within walking distance of the supermarket, ski rentals and a great bakery it’s an ideal spot. Negatives… be careful not to get stung on paying for sheets etc which was added on at an additional cost. The village of Grimentz has lots of varied accommodation to choose from. Although I rented my apartment through AirBnb there are lots of locally run hotels that offer luxury stays or more budget-friendly options.
GRIMENTZ SEASON DATES
The ski season in Grimentz can begin as early as November with the season running through into mid-April. In the 2021-22 season it is expected for the season to run until April 24th. In general, Grimentz elevation at 1500m with skiing possible at near 3000m is a good guarantee of suitable snowcover.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON GRIMENTZ
As someone who prides themself on exploring new resorts around the world the biggest compliment I could offer Grimentz is that I would visit again and would happily look for an apartment here. The combined area of Grimentz-Zinal offers everything that I would want from a ski resort. The off-piste terrain here can be challenging, but even if you are considering your first forays into freeride then there are places you can explore. Perhaps the only people who miss out here are the true beginners with a lack of mellow runs.
Anzere Ski Resort Guide
Overlooking the Rhone Valley, Anzere ski resort not only offers incredible views but some great snowboarding that often gets overlooked for bigger-name resorts nearby. Seemingly next door to Crans Montana and across the valley from the 4 Vallees it is fair to say that Anzere can be the forgotten child. This is a bit unfair on Anzere, a ski resort that has plenty to offer both local and international skiers and snowboarders alike.
Duez - La Baté chair emerging from the clouds
ANZERE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Anzere was having a dry spell during my visit with not much in the way of new snow over the course of the 10 days I was based there. This coupled with the south-facing aspect had left Anzere looking a little weathered. It made me think about the possibilities of this ski resort. There are plenty of peaks that would grab the interest of anyone freeride orientated, all that was needed was the right conditions.
From prior reading about Anzere, it had been mentioned that the slopes are often empty. This however was not my experience. The slopes were busy with sizeable lift queues but you have to accept this is going to be the case during major holiday periods.
ANZERE SKI AREA
In a beautiful setting a short drive from Sion, Anzere offers 60km of slopes that are suitable for all abilities. The village at 1500m provides access to 920m of vertical drop. with the highest point Le Bâte standing at 2420. The ski area is easy to navigate using the 12 available lifts. The majority of skiable terrain in Anzere is suited towards advanced intermediates with some great long red runs. The combination of pistes 20 (Combe d'Hérémence) and 21 (Les Rousses) makes for one of the longest runs in the resort.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT ANZERE
The beginner’s plateau is found at the top of the gondola at Pas De Maimbre. The area is serviced by magic carpets and has a decent gradient for learning those first turns. The is another beginner’s area in the village with another small magic carpet and rope tow. When beginners feel ready to leave the learners area and try some blue graded runs, their best option is to take the gondola to the mid-station, where they will find blue terrain.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT ANZERE
Anzere is best suited for intermediates with nice long blue and red graded runs across the whole mountain. Heading to any of the lifts in Anzere will give you the possibility to ski a nice long groomer! The lower section of Les Rousses run (Piste 21) was a particular favourite with the route lined by trees.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT ANZERE
There is enough to keep the advanced skier or snowboarder entertained at Anzere. On piste, the pick is the long Les Masques run (Piste 1 & Piste 5) which takes you from Pas De Maimbre back down to the village. Elsewhere there are a number of itineraries if you prefer ungroomed terrain.
Touring within the resort is a possibility with dedicated routes marked on the Anzere piste map. You have to be fairly motivated to ski tour around Anzere with all of the paths easily accessible by lift. Exploring further away from the slopes remains a possibility.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT ANZERE
Anzere has a mini family park call FlyPark Anzere. The mini-park has some entry-level features perfect for your first foray into freestyle but little in the way of progressive features. Consider Leysin or Saas-Fee if you are more interested in Freestyle.
ANZERE PISTE MAP
Piste Map Anzere Ski Resort
LIFTS AT RESORT ANZERE
Anzere has 12 lifts, the majority of which are fast and modern. The main access to the resort is from the village via the gondola, although there is also parking at Les Rousses on the far side of the resort. Once in the resort, there are a number of modern quad chairs, a slow three-person and the interesting two-person Duez-Le Bâte lift which forms a crossroads with the Grillesses quad. The major bottlenecks and queues during my visit were found at the bottom of Les Rousses where the three-person chair also provides access for the toboggan run.
Anzere ski lifts
ANZERE PROS
Anzere ski resort gets plenty of bluebird days
The ski resort of Anzere is well-suited to intermediates skiers and snowboarders
The town of Anzere is well stocked with everything you would require.
Anzere has 60 km of slopes which is more than enough to keep most people entertained.
Getting to Anzere is easy via car or public transport.
The Wellness Centre in Anzere is great for soaking those muscles after a long day on the slopes.
ANZERE CONS
The close proximity to Sion can be a bit of a curse for lift queues on the weekend or during peak periods.
The sunny south-facing aspect can mean that snow quality deteriorates quickly if there is no regular snowfall.
TRAVEL TO ANZERE SKI RESORT
Anzere is a mere 20 minutes from Sion, although it is likely that you will fly into Geneva. Getting to Sion is no hassle at all using the Swiss rail network. From Sion there is public transport that runs up to the mountain village.
During my trip, I was driving so arrived in Anzere via car. Driving to Anzere is easy enough with some decent connecting roads. Be careful to avoid the sat navs requests to take you the back routes through the vineyards if you are of a nervous disposition. There are free car parks in the village that are connected to the ski resort by a complimentary bus service.
ANZERE SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow Anzere ski resort received an average of 4.49m of snowfall annually. More recently, there have been some bumper years with both 2019-20 and 2020-21 receiving over 6m of snowfall.
ANZERE PASS PRICES
Anzere is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
Anzere lift pass prices 2022
The Anzere lift pass prices for the 2021/22 season are detailed above. If you want to see the latest lift pass prices click here
ANZERE VIDEOS
ANZERE GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION IN ANZERE
During my stay in Anzere I stayed in this AirBnB. The Airbnb was perfect for a few days’ stay within a short 20-minute drive of the free car parking. If you would prefer to be in the village amidst all the amenities then Anzere offers plenty of accommodation from luxury hotels through to charming apartments. Search for your perfect Anzere ski resort accommodation by using the link below.
SEASON DATES ANZERE
Anzere ski resort opens in mid-December and closes in mid-April. In the 2021-22 season the ski resort of Anzere opened on the 17th December.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON ANZERE
Anzere is a picturesque ski resort perfect for a one-week trip or short weekend break. I need to revisit Anzere as I had a combination of ill health and bad snow during my trip.
Saas Fee Ski Resort Guide
Saas-Fee ski resort delivers a high-altitude snowsure resort partnered with a buzzing Swiss mountain village. The ski resort of Saas-Fee in the Valais region of Switzerland is world-renowned for skiing possible at 3500m and a long season that gets extended through the summer months. If you are looking for guaranteed snow then maybe Saas-Fee is the perfect destination for your next ski trip.
Saas-Fee Glacier early in the morning
SAAS-FEE FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving in Saas-Fee at the bus station it doesn’t take long to notice that one thing is missing from Saas-Fee, cars! The pedestrian village is great and there are electric taxi’s if you don’t want to lug your ski gear around. In terms of the ski resort itself, the first thing that stood out was the size. There is nearly 1800m of vertical drop at Saas-Fee with the Pearl of the Alps also home to one of Europes largest glacier ski areas.
Looking back to the village from the Langfluh lift stations
SAAS-FEE SKI AREA
The ski area in Saas-Fee extends from 1800m at the village to 3600m up on the glacier. The resort feels fairly narrow all funnelling back down the village but there is more than enough terrain to keep you occupied for a longer trip. When you consider that nearby Saas-Grund and Saas-Almagell can be accessed fairly easily, this extends the possible skiing further. There is a good mixture of terrain at Saas-Fee with a dedicated beginner area near the base and some nice long runs around the rest of the mountain. It is possible to ski top-to-bottom at Saas-Fee in one run.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
At the base of the slopes, there is a large beginners area. The area has a few different pistes for learning and is serviced by button lifts. At Saas-Fee, it is possible to find progression around the mountain with some nice blue terrain. Taking the Alpin Express to 3000m at Felskin will be the best area for this progression.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
The Plattjen area is perfect for those intermediates looking for a longer red run. The lap from top-to-bottom of the Plattjen gondola allows you the choice to combine the red with either blue or black depending on your confidence level. The slopes on Plattjen tend to be quieter than in other parts of the resort.
Intermediates can’t ignore the great terrain on the glacier with snowsure pistes offering the perfect opportunity to practice that carving. Perhaps my favourite combination of runs in Saas-Fee is the combination of pistes 11, 11a, and 11b combines red and black pistes to make a long run under the Längfluh lift.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
With regards to the piste map, there isn’t much for advanced skiers and snowboarders at Saas-Fee. A few black runs are dotted about the mountain in addition to some marked itinerary routes. The layout of Saas-Fee and its position upon the glacier limits the off-piste options here.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee has a terrain park on the glacier. During my visit, the terrain park was not open as the jumps were still being built. The terrain park at Saas-Fee attracts professional skiers and snowboarders from around the world and is well known for it’s quality.
SAAS-FEE PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT RESORT SAAS-FEE
The lift infrastructure at Saas-Fee was my biggest downside to skiing in the resort. The lifts here are mainly gondolas or cable cars. This is a necessity for the resort, especially when you consider that the lifts travel large distances. For me though, I found it detrimental to my snowboarding experience as every lift it seemed required you to take your snowboard/skis off.
Despite my reservation about the number of gondolas and cable cars you are required to take the actual infrastructure is pretty good. The lifts are fast with options to depart at the mid-station or ride all the way to the top. Taking the positives from the gondola/cable car situation, they at least provide an opportunity to warm up on those colder days.
To access the glacier you will either take the Panorama T-bar from near the Längfluh lift or you will need to take the Metro Alpin. The Saas-Fee Metro Alpin is a funicular train that runs underground to the glacier. Actually, this was a pretty cool experience and something new for me. On the glacier, you will find only t-bars but that is perfect for the conditions up there. The use of surface lifts on the Saas-Fee glacier ensures this area can remain open even when the conditions are windy.
SAAS-FEE PROS
Saas-Fee is a snowsure ski resort
Saas-Fee is well suited to intermediate skiers and beginners
The car-free village of Saas-Fee is a great base for a ski holiday
Saas-Fee has plenty of other activities around the village, skating and curling are just some examples.
Saas-Fee has incredible scenery, surrounded by multiple 4000m peaks the views from Saas-Fee are great.
Saas-Fee is home to the worlds highest rotating restaurant which is a great dining experience
The Magic Pass combines Saas-Fee with Saas Almagell and the local pass also adds Saas-Grund ensuring there is plenty of skiing to keep most occupied.
SAAS-FEE CONS
Saas-Fee can be quite cold and spends a lot of the day in the shade. This is not one for the sun worshipers.
Due to the cold conditions, some of the main runs down to the village can get pretty icy in the afternoons.
The lift connections can feel clunky, it takes an hour to reach the glacier via the Alpin Express and the Metro Alpin, although this does open up 1700m of vertical drop.
Me sliding down an icy run in the afternoon
SNOWBOARDING IN THE SAASTAL VALLEY
Locally there are three resorts included on a single lift pass; Saas-Fee, Saas Almagell and Saas Grund. The ski areas are connected by bus routes which are free to use. Saas Almagell is the lowest of the three resorts but offers some fantastic intermediate terrain. The run from Heidbodme to the base is fantastic. Saas Grund offers further guaranteed snow with snowboarding possible between 3200m and 1570m. Saas Grund has some longer runs that are great for stretching those legs.
TRAVEL TO SAAS-FEE SKI RESORT
Saas-Fee is in the Saastal or Saas Valley in the canton of Valais in Switzerland. Reaching Saas-Fee will require either car hire or a combination of trains and buses. Most likely you will fly into Geneva although it is also possible to fly into Zurich.
When in Switzerland it is always worth travelling via train to your end destination. From Geneva, it is possible to travel to Visp by train where regular buses run between Visp and the towns of Saas Grund, Saas Almagell and Saas Fee. The 511 bus will take you to Saas Grund where you may need to change to the 513 to connect to Saas Almagell.
I was road tripping through Switzerland so arrived in the Saas Valley by car. The journey was simple and the roads were in great condition despite heavy snowfall. It is essential to carry snow chains, especially if not driving a 4wd car. It is worth noting that although cars are permitted in Saas Grund and Saas Almagell, they are not permitted in Saas-Fee. If staying in Saas-Fee you will need to park in the multi-storey and get to your accommodation either on foot or via electric taxi/hotel shuttle.
SAAS-FEE SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow the ski resorts around Saas-Fee receive an average of 5m of snow per winter. Saas Almagell has a much lower base elevation than Saas-Fee and Saas Grund so the quality of snow on the lower mountain can suffer.
SAAS-FEE LIFT PASS PRICES
Saas-Fee is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
A 7 day Saas-Fee Almagell lift ticket is 419CHF so that puts into perspective the value of the Magic Pass. For the latest ski pass prices check here.
SAAS-FEE VIDEOS
SAAS-FEE GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT SAAS FEE
During my stay in the Saas Valley, I stayed at the Montela Apartments in Saas Grund. The apartments were great with a fully functional kitchen, great facilities and a luxury feel. You can find the Montela Apartments here. There is also a great selection of luxury chalets in Saas Fee with The Luxury Chalet Company, they have a wide selection of rental properties for all types of groups and all types of holidays.
SEASON DATES SAAS-FEE
Saas-Fee ski resort has one of the longest ski seasons in Europe. The glacier opens in July for summer skiing. before the resort opens fully in November. The ski season in Saas-Fee lasts into late April with a short break in May and June before doing it all again.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAAS-FEE
I can see the appeal of Saas-Fee as a winter destination. The snowsure nature of the resort will appeal to most, especially those planning early or later season trips. On a personal note, I didn’t like the flow of the resort and for me I would opt to ski elsewhere in the future. I do think that Saas-Fee has a lot to offer and will be a great destination for most skiers and snowboarders.
Saas Almagell Ski Resort Guide
Saas Almagell ski resort, in the Valais region of Switzerland, is a small ski area that is linked to the larger Saas-Fee ski resort. Saas Almagell is a quiet escape from the world-renowned Saas-Fee with some pretty decent terrain of its own. You can ski top to bottom on a combination of red runs to descend over 700m to the base of the resort.
SAAS ALMAGELL FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Getting the local bus to Saas Almagell you are dropped a few minutes walk from the ski resorts base. The area surrounding the lowest lift has lots of hotels and chalets style accommodations. Saas Almagell is a quiet village with everything you need but no fuss or loud bars.
You load the two-man chair near the ticket office which takes you to mid-mountain. This chair is slow and indicative of the lift infrastructure at Saas Almagell. That is ok though as the slow lifts are probably what keep the crowds away. The terrain here is excellent and my first laps had me buzzing to ski more empty groomers throughout the day.
SAAS ALMAGELL SKI AREA
The Saas Almagell ski area is a small one with 14km of pistes. The ski area can be considered considerably bigger when you consider that the local lift pass also allows you to access Saas-Fee and Saas Grund. The Saas Almagell ski area is mainly suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders with mostly red graded terrain. There is also a decent beginners area which has lots to keep young beginners happy.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
At mid-mountain, there is a small beginners area serviced by the Furggstolden button lift. This area has a nice gradient piste for learning to ski and snowboard at Saas Almagell. In addition to the beginner’s piste, there is an Adventureland to keep young learners entertained. The Adventureland has an Iglue, a tubing area and some mini skidoo’s.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
The whole mountain at Saas Almagell is well suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The top to bottom run is excellent and allows for over 700m descent on red graded terrain. The red runs under Furggstalden chair running to the base can become icy in the afternoon due to being in the shade. There is also a long winding blue to the bottom from just below the mid-mountain however this is far less enjoyable than the reds.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
There is little in the way of advanced terrain at Saas Almagell, a short black is available but the majority of the terrain is better suited to intermediates. If you are looking for a higher proportion of more advanced terrain then the larger Saas-Fee ski area might be of interest.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT SAAS ALMAGELL
There is no freestyle terrain at Saas Almagell. If you are interested in terrain parks then the Saas-Fee glacier is the place to go.
SAAS ALMAGELL PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT RESORT SAAS ALMAGELL
The lift infrastructure at Saas Almagell is sufficient for the terrain that is on offer, however, it cannot be considered modern. There are two main chairlifts at Saas Almagell both two-person chairs that run at fairly modest speeds. The Heidbodme chair takes 9.5 minutes to travel between mid-mountain and the top of the resort at 2400m.
In addition to the chairlifts, a few surface lifts are in operation. The Furggstalden button lift provides access to the beginner’s area. Whereas the Mittelwald button lift is fairly pointless and not entirely pleasant.
SAAS ALMAGELL PROS
Saas Almagell is much quieter than better known Saas-Fee
Saas Almagell has some exceptionally groomed pistes that are fun to bomb
The beginner's area at Saas Almagell is well-suited to young learners
The restaurant at the top of Saas Almagell has some incredible views of the surrounding valley
Transport between Saas-Almagell and neighbouring Saas-Fee and Saas Grund ski resorts is very good.
SAAS ALMAGELL CONS
Saas Almagell is over 1000m lower than Saas Fee and Saas Grund at their highest points. This can mean that snow quality is better in the over Saas valley resorts.
Limited terrain at Saas Almagell could mean you get bored after a few days of skiing there.
TRAVEL TO SAAS ALMAGELL SKI RESORT
Saas Almagell in the canton of Valais in Switzerland is part of the Saas Valley with ski resorts; Saas Fee, Saas Grund and small Saas Balen. Travelling to Saas Almagell by air is most likely going to be via Geneva airport where international flights are possible from London and other major airports.
When in Switzerland it is always worth travelling via train to your end destination. From Geneva, it is possible to travel to Visp by train where regular buses run between Visp and the towns of Saas Grund, Saas Almagell and Saas Fee. The 511 bus will take you to Saas Grund where you may need to change to the 513 to connect to Saas Almagell.
I was road tripping through Switzerland so arrived in the Saas Valley by car. The journey was simple and the roads in great condition despite heavy snowfall. It is essential to carry snow chains, especially if not driving a 4wd car. It is worth noting that although cars are permitted in Saas Grund and Saas Almagell, they are not permitted in Saas-Fee. If staying in Saas-Fee you will need to park in the multi-storey and get to your accommodation either on foot or via electric taxi/hotel shuttle.
SAAS ALMAGELL SNOW RECORD
According to OntheSnow the ski resorts around Saas-Fee receive an average of 5m of snow per winter. Saas Almagell has a much lower base elevation than Saas-Fee and Saas Grund so the quality of snow on the lower mountain can suffer.
SAAS ALMAGELL LIFT PASS PRICES
Saas Almagell is included on the Magic Pass. The Magic Pass makes for an affordable way to ski in Switzerland with 40 ski resorts included for 399CHF. To discover more about the Magic Pass click here
Below is a list of Saas Almagell lift pass prices for the 2021/22 season. For updated prices check this link
SAAS ALMAGELL VIDEOS
SAAS ALMAGELL GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT SAAS ALMAGELL
During my stay in the Saas Valley, I stayed at the Montela Apartments in Saas Grund. The apartments were great with a fully functional kitchen, great facilities and a luxury feel. You can find the Montela Apartments here.
SEASON DATES SAAS ALMAGELL
Saas Almagell ski resort is open between mid December and mid April snow dependent. In 2021/2022 season the predicted open and close dates are 18th December - 18th April.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON SAAS ALMAGELL
Saas Almagell is a nice alternative to the larger Saas-Fee. I actually really enjoyed the runs at Saas Almagell with the top to bottom run allowing for over 700m of vertical drop. The groomed terrain was exceptional despite a lack of early-season snow. If you are wanting to visit a Swiss mega-resort then Saas Almagell isn’t it. Saas Almagell has enough terrain to keep most people happy for a day or two but you will want to combine it with other resorts if you are staying for a week or more. Luckily, the bus service from Saas Almagell is brilliant and it is easy to combine your trip with ski days in Saas-Fee and Saas Grund.
Leysin Ski Resort Guide
Leysin ski resort combines with nearby Les Mosses and La Lécherette to make a fairly sizeable ski area. The 60km (local area) and 100km combined ski area are enough to keep most skiers and snowboarders happy for the duration of their ski holiday. Les Mosses is close to Geneva making it a great resort for hassle-free transfers.
LEYSIN FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Leysin has a famous revolving restaurant, Le Kuklos, that sits prominently at La Berneuse. Le Kuklos is one of the first things you will notice as you leave the gondola. Assuming you are heading straight to the slopes rather than the restaurant you will walk around 40 steps from the gondola to be met with a view across to Tour d’Ai. Under Tour d’Ai you will see the Leysin Park which is impressive.
One of the things that stands out at Leysin is the number of quality pistes for intermediates skiers and snowboarders. Pretty much from all lifts you can access a really cruise blue, so the whole resort has an accessible to everyone kind of feel.
View across to Leysin Park under Tour d’Ai
LEYSIN SKI AREA
Leysin ski resort has 100km of pistes if you include the combined ski area with Les Mosses and La Lécherette. Locally the 60km of pistes are well suited to intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There are plenty of well-groomed trails in Leysin to keep intermediates exploring the mountain. With the addition of terrain parks and boardercross tracks, Leysin would be a great place to progress your riding.
The Leysin ski resort is linked to Les Mosses and La Lécherette by ski bus, the journey takes 9 minutes and the service runs every 30minutes.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
Beginners have two main options for taking their first turns in Leysin. Near La Berneuse gondola station at the bottom of the mountain is the Vallee Blanche beginners area. Serviced by a magic carpet this is probably the best spot in Leysin ski resort to have your first ski lessons. The pitch of the Vallee Blanche area is perfect for learning and the magic carpet makes it fairly hassle-free. The other beginner’s slope is found at the top of La Bernuese gondola and beside Le Kuklos restaurant. This area is convenient for use of nearby facilities but it is fairly small with only a rope tow to transport for back up the hill.
Around the rest of the mountain there are a number of nice blue runs for beginners to progress onto. However, proceed with caution and be sure to check the piste map before heading off as blues tend to merge into red runs in Leysin. I helped one poor lady down from a red after she had ended up their by mistake!
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
Leysin ski resort is really well geared up for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The majority of the trails are either blue or red with plenty of long runs meaning you don’t need to keep stopping. The combination of runs that form a complete trail from La Berneuse top gondola station all the way to the bottom station is a leg burner. Although shorter, some of my favourite trails were found in Les Mosses with the Artet T-Bar accessing some nice runs. Within Leysin the red under the Solepraz chair is excellent, although the chair is slow and tedious.
There are two boardercross tracks within the ski area with the Leysin boardercross being fairly mellow.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
There is little in the way of advanced terrain with a singular black trail above the terrain park. The terrain park itself does have a large jump line and a half-pipe which should offer enough challenge for most. I mean if it’s good enough for Candide Thovex it is probably good enough for you and me.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT LEYSIN
The freestyle set-up in Leysin seems pretty good. Although my visit was early season there were a number of jumps and rails already set up and the construction of the large jump line and half-pipe was well underway.
LEYSIN PISTE MAP
LIFTS AT LEYSIN
The lift infrastructure at Leysin is pretty good with a majority of lifts being fast and modern. The notable exceptions are Solepraz and the terrain park chair, both slower two-person chairs. The chairs in place connect the ski area smoothly and ensure that it is easy to navigate Leysin.
Nearby Les Mosses and La Lécherette are linked to Leysin by ski bus. Be aware that when in Les Mosses and La Lécherette there are no chairlifts only surface lifts.
LEYSIN PROS
Leysin is a sunny resort with plenty of bluebird days
Intermediate terrain is aplenty at Leysin with some stunning red runs.
The terrain park at Leysin is renowned for its quality and is the best in the Vaudois valley.
Good lift infrastructure makes Leysin easy to navigate
LEYSIN CONS
Leysin has little in the way of advanced terrain and advanced skiers could get bored.
The link to nearby Les Mosses is via a ski bus that runs every half an hour, missing it can add a long wait to your day.
TRAVEL TO LEYSIN SKI RESORT
Leysin village is near the town of Aigle which is accessible by public transport from Geneva. The route by road is simple, a short 1hr 40min drive around Lac Léman leads you up to the village of Leysin via Aigle. Train routes are possible from Geneva airport with a change in Aigle before heading up to Leysin village.
LEYSIN SNOW RECORD
Leysin has an average yearly snowfall of 401cm according to OnTheSnow although this amount can fluctuate greatly.
LEYSIN LIFT PASS PRICES
If you are going to ski and snowboard in Leysin or any of the other Magic Pass resorts for more than a week, it makes sense to buy the Magic Pass at early bird prices. Below is a list of the Leysin ski pass prices in the 2021-2022 season.
LEYSIN VIDEOS
LEYSIN GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT LEYSIN
Leysin village is split across the mountainside with the majority of accommodation below the gondola in the main village. Some accommodation is available above the gondola in quieter areas of the village. In Leysin you can find everything from plush hotels, self-catering apartments to catered chalets.
SEASON DATES LEYSIN
Leysin opens in late November or early December and the season can last into mid-April. In 2021 its opening date was 4th December. The early and late season snow quality can suffer due to Leysin having a lower elevation.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON LEYSIN
Leysin is a popular resort with families with the location making it easily accessible by road or public transport. The 60km local area is enough for most people but the extended area that encompasses Les Mosses and La Lécherette will provide more terrain for those who really want to explore. Leysin receives an abundance of sunshine due to its orientation so a Leysin ski holiday should ensure a couple of bluebird ski days.
A Guide To Snowboarding In Switzerland
Snowboarding in the Swiss Alps offers you the opportunity to ski at some of the worlds best ski resorts within sight of the worlds most iconic mountains. Whether it is the Eiger or the Matterhorn there are resorts to suit all abilities. Welcoming of skiers and snowboarders alike, Swiss ski resorts have invested heavily in infrastructure to ensure they have not only some of the best lifts and terrain parks but also ease of access and resort accommodation is high quality as well.
Switzerland offers the convenience and grandeur of well-run mega-resorts alongside the charm of traditional chalets that throwback to simpler times. Of course, all of this comes at a cost with Switzerland being renowned for being an expensive place to ski. The luxury resorts of Verbier and Crans Montana are far from my comfort zone or my budget but visits to them have left me astounded as to the quality of snowboarding available in Switzerland.
Switzerland is home to some pretty impressive mountains. World-renowned Matterhorn and the Eiger particular highlights but with a large number of 4000m peaks, there is plenty of choices. With mountains running throughout central Switzerland the Swiss Alps also comes with a large choice of ski resorts.
Switzerland can offer a variety of ski experiences from small resorts in local villages up to the large Aprés towns with mega facilities. Here are some of my favourites that offer the best snowboarding in Switzerland.
THE 4 VALLEES
Combining together the resorts of Thyon, Veysonnaz, Nendaz, La Tzoumaz and of course Verbier the 4 Vallees is a sizeable ski area! Over 400km of pistes make the 4 Vallees the largest combined ski area in Switzerland and one of the largest European ski areas, behind the Three Valleys across the border in France. The 4 Vallees has some of Switzerland’s best freeride terrain and hosts the Freeride World Tour. The 4 Vallees is considered amongst the best snowboarding in the world.
GRINDELWALD
Grindelwald has to be amongst the most scenic mountain villages in the world. Its location in the shadow of the Eiger is awe-inspiring and taking the train to the resort adds a really cool element. Part of the linked Jungrau ski region Mürren, Grindelwald and Wenger are all included on one ski pass.
TRAVELLING TO SWISS SKI RESORTS
Travel to Swiss ski resorts is generally quite simple. Switzerland as a country is efficient and the transport is no exception. Most visitors will enter via the international airport in Geneva although flying to Zurich, Basel or Sion are also possible options. From Geneva, you will have your choice of options from; luxury private or shared transfers, self-drive or the world-famous rail network. Not only a sustainable choice but incredibly well run, the Swiss rail network will get you to resort quickly but also allow you to take in some of the worlds most scenic train journeys. You can search for train tickets at Rail Europe.
Geneva airport is conveniently located with easy access to; Verbier, Grimentz, Anzere, Leysin, Crans Montana, Grindelwald and many more.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Is snowboarding allowed in Switzerland?
Switzerland welcomes all disciplines to its ski resorts so whether you are skiing, snowboarding, telemarking or yes… snowblading you will be welcome in Switzerland. Come on… this isn’t Deer Valley or Alta!
Is skiing in Switzerland Expensive?
Switzerland is an expensive country to visit in my experience but that doesn’t mean that you can not plan an affordable Swiss ski trip. When considering how much snowboarding in Switzerland costs you should keep an open mind to your ski destination. If planning your Swiss ski trip on a budget consider which resort you will visit carefully. Some of the mega-resorts will have higher prices for lift passes and accommodation but deals can be found when avoiding these larger ski areas. You can also save money on lift passes by booking them pre-season for discounts or using the Magic Pass which offers incredible value.
Can you ski year-round in Switzerland?
Switzerland is home to many high-altitude ski resorts that offer skiing and snowboarding in pristine conditions throughout the winter. Luckily though the fun doesn't need to stop when the winter ends as Switzerland is home to glacier skiing at some of its best-known ski resorts. Zermatt’s glacier is open 365 days a year and Saas-Fee operates from July right through until April.
Where should I ski in Switzerland?
Switzerland has plenty of choice when it comes to ski resorts. The big players in terms of name are of course Zermatt, St Moritz, Davos-Klosters, Verbier, Grindelwald, Wengen, Saas-Fee, Andermatt, Grimentz and many more! Why not check out some of the resort reviews below to find your perfect resort.
RESORT REVIEWS
WHY SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN SWITZERLAND
Switzerland is high on most skiers list of destinations they would like to ski but what is it that makes Switzerland such a fabulous winter destination.
Switzerland is an incredibly organised country and this means fewer headaches when it comes to exploring the country by public transport. From arrival airports, the transport links are great with efficient trains being a fantastic way to see the country.
The ski resorts themselves are abundant with beautiful mountain villages that maintain their rustic charm despite being modernised for lift infrastructure.
Swiss ski resorts have world-class facilities and encourage athletes to train year-round in their mountains. You too can have access to the fast lifts, the huge terrain parks but best of all some incredible mountain scenery.
SWISS SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Switzerland has enough snow for you to be able to ski year-round but that is more due to the altitude of the resorts than the magnitude of the snow. Verbier receives an annual average of 5.5m whereas Zermatt receives 3m according to sno.co.uk. When you compare these snow statistics to the resorts of Japan or even the likes of Kirkwood in the US there is no comparison. The Swiss resorts however do have altitude on their side which protects and maintains the quality of the snow for longer periods.
MULTI RESORT PASSES
Making a Swiss snowboard trip affordable can be helped massively by finding a good deal on a ski pass. Here are some of the best multi-resort passes to get you access to some of Switzerland’s best ski resorts.
MAGIC PASS
Not many ski passes have got me as excited to purchase them as the Magic Pass. Available on the early bird deal for as little as 399CHF the Magic pass provides access to 40 Swiss ski areas. Saas-Fee, Grimentz and Les Diablerets are a few on offer with this expansive pass. The Magic Pass does have some interesting add ons as well with Crans Montana, Glacier 3000 and a Spa Pools pass available to order.
SNOWPASS GRAUBÜNDEN
Laax, Davos and St Moritz are big pulls on the Snowpass Graubünden but with 40 resorts across Switzerland, there are plenty more that could pull your attention. Sadly, this pass fails to come in at anywhere near the same value as Magic Pass with a cost of over 1000CHF. Some may feel this is good value with resorts such as Ischgl also listed.
TOP 4 SKI PASS
Also available at a reasonable early bird price the Top 4 Ski Pass offers the best skiing in the Bernese Oberland. Ski and snowboard at the famous Jungfrau ski region, Gstaad and more with over 600km of slopes all for under 700CHF early bird price.
THE SWISS SKI SEASON
It is possible to have lift-assisted skiing 365 days a year in Switzerland but the main season runs alongside other European resorts. If you discount the glacier access at resorts like Zermatt and Saas-Fee the Swiss alps snowboarding season runs between November and April. The peak periods are as you would expect in the school holidays especially around Christmas and New Years weeks. February is also a busy time to ski in Switzerland.
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Grindelwald Ski Resort Review
Grindelwald, set against the backdrop of the Bernese Oberland Mountains, is a small mountain village famous for the Eiger. Grindelwald is stunning and has access to its own slopes via a scenic train ride from the village. Forming part of the wider Jungfrau ski region, Grindelwald is a fantastic snowboard destination for epic Swiss Alps scenery, a traditional mountain village and more than enough terrain to keep you occupied.
Photo @dilolwa
GRINDELWALD FIRST IMPRESSIONS
My journey to Grindelwald took me to the resort by train from Geneva. Arriving in Grindelwald by train is an incredible way to get to a ski resort. The Swiss rail system is efficient and easy to navigate and offers some of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. As the train wound its way up towards the village of Grindelwald it is impossible to not be impressed by the surrounding mountains.
The village and ski area of Grindelwald sit under the impressive north face of the Eiger, however equally impressive are the peaks on Jungfrau and Mönch which are visible from the Grindelwald Wengen ski area. Grindelwald offers extensive terrain with a mix of trails for various abilities, some impressive off-piste and a beautiful setting that will be sure to make any ski trip special. When you consider that the Jungfrau ski area combines with Adelboden-Lenk, Gstaad, and Meiringen-Hasliberg to form the Top 4 Ski Pass, there are plenty of options here.
GRINDELWALD SKI AREA
Grindelwald ski area and the wider Jungfrau region, encompass 211km of pistes across three mountain ranges, Grindelwald-Wengen, Grindelwald-First and Mürren-Schilthorn . Not many ski areas can claim such a fantastic backdrop with the peaks of the Eiger, Mönch and Jungfrau all overlooking the slopes.
Locally Grindelwald-Wengen has 155km of pistes with a good amount of intermediate terrain serviced by 33 chairlifts. The 14% of advanced terrain is supplemented with some exceptional off-piste. Some areas are designated as non-ski zones to protect the local wildlife that resides in the region so be sure to look out for signs. There is around 1400m of vertical drop at Grindelwald-Wengen and this can lead to quite drastic changes in conditions. The higher reaches of the resort maintain a good quality of snow throughout the season however lower pistes can suffer.
GRINDELWALD TERRAIN
There are a number of mellow runs around the resort so beginners will feel they are able to explore. If you are looking to learn for the first time the Bodmi nursery slope could be a good location to start. Intermediates will love the longer blue and red runs that are perfect for cruising around the resort. Kleine Scheidegg is particularly good for this with number 21 piste making an excellent run back down to the Grindelwald terminal if the snow is good. On piste terrain is limited for advanced skiers and snowboarders with the majority of challenging terrain reliant on good snowfall off-piste.
GRINDELWALD SEASON DATES
Grindelwald normally opens in late November and closes in mid-April. For up to date opening and closing dates check here.
GRINDELWALD PISTE MAP
GRINDELWALD PROS
Grindelwald is a great base for intermediate skiers or boarders with a good choice of long reds and blue pistes
Grindelwald has some amazing scenery that is quite literally jaw-dropping.
Getting the train to the ski resort of Grindelwald is a unique and very cool experience.
Grindelwald has a large vertical drop of nearly 1400m.
Ability to come Grindelwald with a trip to other Top 4 ski areas Adelboden-Lenk, Gstaad, and Meiringen-Hasliberg
Grindelwald could be the perfect eco-ski trip. Travel from the UK by train all the way to the mountains.
GRINDELWALD CONS
Grindelwald is quite literally overshadowed by the Eiger, beautiful to look at but wouldn't mind more sunshine!
The village and trains can be overcrowded with tourists at peak times.
Runs lower down towards the village can suffer in the late and early season due to low altitude.
GRINDELWALD GALLERY
GRINDELWALD LIFT PASSS
Depending on the length of your stay and your adventure level there are a few different lift pass choices in Grindelwald. Most people visiting for a one week trip will be more then happy with the local area pass covering Grindelwald-Wengen. This pass gives you access to the local 155km area and costs around 300CHF for 6days.
If you are looking to explore wider afield and want to take advantage of the larger Jungfrau ski region then a Jungfrau pass is around 370CHF.
Skiers and snowboarders looking for a longer trip or multiple trips throughout the season should consider buying the season pass which is available at early bird prices for under 700CHF. This pass includes the area of Grindelwald-Wengen the wider Jungfrau and the resorts of Mürren, Gstaad, Adelboden and Meiringen.
TRAVEL TO GRINDELWALD
The ski resort of Grindelwald is located in central Switzerland near the town of Interlaken. Interlaken will be the major transit point for most visitors heading to Grindelwald by train with the town only 40 minutes away from the station of Interlaken Ost. From Interlaken, you can connect with all major cities and therefore the major international airports in Geneva, Zurich and Basel. Taking the train to the resort is a great option with the scenery on the journey from Geneva to Grindelwald ensuring the journey isn’t tedious.
If you fancy the drive, the transfer times from major airports are similar times to the train journeys. One advantage with driving is not needing to change vehicle along the route which will happen a couple of times on the train journey.
GRINDELWALD ACCOMMODATION
On my trip to Grindelwald, I was staying lower than the village itself along the train route from Interlaken to Grindelwald. The setting was a perfect Swiss chalet-style apartment with views across the valley in all directions. The novelty of getting the train to the resort was great and I would recommend this as an option.
The village of Grindelwald itself has plenty of variety of accommodation options as it is a year-round tourist destination.
GRINDELWALD INFORMATION
Website: www.grindelwald.swiss
Instagram: grindelwald_eiger
Twitter: @GrindelwaldCH
Sanosaka Ski Resort Guide
Set in a beautiful location overlooking Lake Aokiko and away from the hub surrounding Happo One, Sanosaka is off the beaten track. A combination of Sanosaka’s location and an irregular bus service ensures that Sanosaka remains a crowd-free resort. People regularly use the terms quiet or crowd-free to describe ski resorts but at Sanosaka I genuinely felt that I was the only person there. Sanosaka is overlooked by many visitors which is an oversight as Sanosaka offers incredible views and uncrowded slopes.
SANOSAKA FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Sanosaka you would be forgiven for thinking you are in the wrong place. The bus drops you at the road, a short walk into the resort. As you head through the car park you will notice there are very few cars and you know you will have a good day ahead. This feeling is amplified as soon as you walk through the main doors at the base area where I was met by @jupbrown an enthusiastic Kiwi who manages the resort. I have honestly never felt so welcomed at a ski resort and this personal touch makes a big difference!
Got to love having a ski resort to yourself
HAKUBA SANOSAKA SKI AREA
Even for Japanese resorts, it’s fair to say that Sanosaka is small. One of the smallest resorts in the Hakuba Valley with a vertical drop of 460m and 5 chairlifts Sanosaka is easily overlooked. Looking at the trail map doesn’t really do Sanosaka justice.
Sanosaka Piste Map
At Sanosaka the limited terrain is well maintained with perfect wide groomed pistes making it perfect for working on those carves. With 60% of the runs classified as red or black, Sanosaka is a resort that can offer a challenge although no pitch is particularly steep. There are plans for development at Sanosaka with the resort looking to purchase the closed down Aokiko which sits between Sanosaka and Kashimayari. This would significantly increase the ski area and make riding from Sanosaka to Kashimayari possible by chairlift.
My favourite run was Lake Down Trail which I continuously lapped. This run has some of the best views in the resort and is a nice wide groomer with some small park features at the bottom. This run made my list of the BEST FIVE RUNS IN HAKUBA.
BEGINNERS TERRAIN AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
Beginners will find learning at Sanosaka particularly enjoyable. Firstly the terrain near the base area has a suitable learning slope with everything needed for your first lessons nearby; ski school, rentals, etc. With some mellow blue terrain, Sanosaka would be a particularly nice resort for beginners to progress at as they can head out around the rest of the Hakuba mountains.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
Intermediates will thrive at Sanosaka with most of the terrain at Sanosaka being nice wide groomed runs. Sanosaka ski resorts Lake Down Trail is the best of these with a wide pisted run down to a small terrain park nearer the chairlift. There is little to worry intermediate skiers and snowboarders at Sanosaka and they may even be tempted by the kinder black-graded terrain.
ADVANCED TERRAIN AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
The advanced terrain at Sanosaka is negligible with only a couple of runs having any real pitch to them. Two steeper pitch runs in area C of the trail map alongside a mogul course near the base area are probably the pick of the lot at Sanosaka.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
There is a small terrain park at Sanosaka that consisted of two medium-sized jumps and some ride on tubes and rails. Better terrain parks are available elsewhere in the Hakuba Valley.
LIFTS AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
Five chairlifts seem excessive for a resort of Sanosaka’s size but the lift infrastructure is pretty good. A fast lift from the base area into the main area of the resort alongside another fast lift that allows you to lap Lake Down Trail. Further slower two and three-person lifts make up the rest of the offering at Sanosaka.
HAKUBA SANOSAKA PROS
Hakuba Sanosaka ski area is quieter than the other Hakuba Valley ski resorts.
No lift lines make Sanosaka ski resort particularly appealing
Sanosaka’s great groomed terrain makes it a fantastic resort to hit first thing in the morning.
It would be interesting to hit Sanosaka on a powder day as you would have no crowds to fight with for freshies.
HAKUBA SANOSAKA CONS
Hakuba Sanosaka has a poor transport link up with the rest of Hakuba meaning bus options are few and far between.
Further from the centre getting to Sanosaka ski resort takes longer which can eat into your on snow time.
TRAVEL TO HAKUBA SANOSAKA SKI RESORT
Sanosaka is a little removed from the main hub of Hakuba Resorts. Sat between Kashimayari at one end of the valley and the main hub of Happo, Goryu and Hakuba 47 you can arrive at Sanosaka by train or via the free shuttle buses. Free shuttle buses run to Hakuba Sanosaka from the Happo Bus Terminal but are limited. The bus stops near the resort but doesn’t go in meaning a short walk to the resort from the roadside. Sanosaka is on the same bus route as Kashimayari ski resort. The 8:30 am bus will be your earliest option. For an up-to-date bus timetable click here
HAKUBA SANOSAKA SNOW RECORD
Sanosaka ski resort is in the Hakuba Valley which receives copious amounts of snow. At the other end of the Valley to Cortina which receives 12m per season, Sanosaka’s snow stats are less readily available. Sanosaka will receive less snow than Cortina but it will still receive around 8-10m of snow per winter.
HAKUBA SANOSAKA LIFT PASSES
HAKUBA VALLEY PASS
If you are planning to visit more Hakuba Valley ski resorts than Hakuba Sanosaka it may be worth picking up a Hakuba Valley pass. The Hakuba Valley Pass not only offers access to the slopes but the interconnecting resort shuttles. This means your transport and skiing are included on the same pass. Find out more by watching the video below.
EPIC PASS
If you are an Epic Pass season pass holder then you will get access to the resorts of the Hakuba Valley included with your pass. The Epic Pass allows for 5 consecutive days of skiing in the Hakuba Valley, additional tickets can be purchased at a discount.
PAY AS YOU PLAY
If you want more freedom to choose your day-to-day activities and resorts you won't lose much money by paying on the day. Paying for your lift passes on the day offers a number of benefits. You can get full-day, morning or afternoon passes which offers flexibility.
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HAKUBA SANOSAKA GALLERY
ACCOMMODATION AT HAKUBA SANOSAKA
The traditional village around Sanosaka offers a more authentic feel than Hakuba village, but what you gain in authenticity you lose in surrounding amenities. This is why most people make the day trip to Sanosaka. It is unlikely you will opt to stay at Hakuba Sanosaka as it is further away from the main resorts. It would be better to find accommodation closer to Hakuba Base Camp and Echoland.
I stayed at Nori’s sharehouse, which is a no-frills share home in the Hakuba Village. The location was good and I had no complaints about my stay. The house even had a workstation to tune your gear. There are plenty of other accommodation options in and around Hakuba.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON HAKUBA SANOSAKA
I had my best non-powder day in Japan at Hakuba Sanosaka and I think that probably says all you need to know. Yes, it is small. Yes, other resorts have more runs. Yes, there is more challenging terrain elsewhere…. but Sanosaka is special. To have a ski resort pretty much to yourself is awesome and when the runs are maintained so well it’s hard to want to snowboard anywhere else.
A Guide To Snowboarding In Italy
Italy has become one of my favourite ski and snowboard destinations. For some reason lacking the popularity of neighbouring France and Switzerland, Italy offers world class facilities and extensive resort areas that can rival any European destination. All of this whilst being much more affordable than a visit across the border.
Photo @KarinHiselius
On a trip to Italy you will have a high chance of good weather, with my January 2020 visit to Ski Rama Dolomiti boasting six bluebird days out of seven. This is due to their location in the Southern Alps, ensuring that you can enjoy that slice of pizza on the sun deck! Expect stunning scenery and tall mountain peaks that combine with snow sure skiing at high altitude and on glaciers that ensure a long season.
With resorts bordering France, Switzerland and Austria you can find cultural influences from around Europe in Italy. An example of this is seen in Courmayeur, where it’s location and proximity to Chamonix in France, is reflected in the village architecture.
A ski or snowboard trip to Italy offers plenty of options, with resorts in the Alps, Dolomites, Aosta Valley and many more. You can even take a trip to Sicily to make turns on active volcano Mt Etna.
Visit Italy for the skiing and the beautiful scenery but return for the food and the people. In Italy you will be meet welcoming locals who are proud of their mountains and offer great hospitality.
The terrain in the Dolomites mainly suits intermediate skiers and snowboarders with the Ski Rama Dolomiti having an array of quality red and blue graded runs. Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley can offer more challenge and its location close to Chamonix offers the opportunity for a multi country trip.
TRAVELLING TO ITALIAN SKI RESORTS
Access to the Italian resorts is easy with plenty of airports well placed to connect into the mountains. Consider Turin, Milan, Bergamo, Venice or Trevisio. Regular transfers are run out of all airports to the major resorts across Italy. Self-drive is my favourite option however beware Italian drivers who can be inpatient on the mountain roads.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How many ski resorts are there in Italy?
There are 291 listed ski resorts in Italy divided amongst the Italian Alps and Italian Dolomites regions. Some of the most well known resorts in Italy are; Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley, Cervinia which allows access to glacier skiing in winter and summer, and Madonna Di Campiglio with beautiful scenery and incredible trails.
What is the highest ski resort in Italy?
If you are looking for guaranteed snow throughout the ski season you tend to head towards the highest resorts. The higher a resort is the longer it tends to keep its snow in a good standard. With some glacier skiing available, some high ski resorts can maintain snow throughout the summer so it is possible to ski year round. In Italy the resort that has the highest possible skiing is the combined area of Breuil-Cervinia and Valtournenche, although this is somewhat cheating. This ski area incorporates the Swiss resort of Zermatt and allows for skiing 365 days per year on the Matterhorn Glacier.
How much does it cost to ski in Italy?
Skiing in Italy can be more affordable than skiing in other European countries. You only need to look at some of the combined resort areas where skiing is possible across countries to illustrate this point. I have already mentioned the resort of Cervinia above that is linked on the same lift pass as Zermatt in Switzerland, well buying the same lift pass that covers both resorts is cheaper to purchase in Italy than at the Swiss resort, for the same product!! Additionally, you should find the general day to day costs of a ski trip to Italy more reasonable than at ski resorts in France or Switzerland. Consider spending €7 for a small plate of fries in France, vs spending a similar amount for a large pizza in Italy.
WHY SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN ITALY
There are a number of really good reasons to plan a ski or snowboard trip to Italy.
Similar to it’s neighbours in; France, Switzerland and Austria, Italy has some incredibly scenic mountains. The Dolomites are stunning and provide the perfect back drop for your day on the snow.
The proximity of some Italian ski resorts to the borders of France and Switzerland mean that it is possible to ski across two countries in the same day.
Skiing in Italy represents incredible value for money especially when compared to those mountains across the border in France. You will be able to save on nearly every aspect of your holiday with accommodation and food noticeably more affordable in Italy.
Great facilities and world class ski resorts. Whether it is the lift infrastructure or the snow-making Italian ski resorts tend to have facilities that are on par with major European resorts.
ITALIAN SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Italy tends to be a reliable option when it comes to snow sure ski holidays. There are plenty of options to ski above 2000m which is a good guide for retaining snow. Cervinia has access to the glacier at Zermatt and Passo Tonale has access to the Presena Glacier.
MULTI RESORT PASSES
The Skirama Dolomiti is included for 7 days of skiing on the Epic pass. A lift pass to the Skirama Dolomiti covers 8 resorts, 380km of pistes and 150 ski lifts! Skirama Dolomiti is home to some great resorts like; Madonna di Campiglio, Pejo and Ponte di Legno.
DOLOMITI SUPERSKI
Similarly Dolomiti Superski is included on the IKON pass with similar restrictions. A lift pass for the Dolomiti Superski area covers the 12 Resorts and 1200km of pistes. Look out for Cortina d’Ampezzo, Val Gardena and Alta Badia as resorts to check out.
AOSTA VALLEY
The Aosta Valley has a beautiful setting amongst some of the finest mountains in Europe. Mont Blanc and The Matterhorn are both visible from the ski resorts of Vallee d’Aosta. With international skiing possible between Italy and France in La Thuile, and Italy and Switzerland in Cervinia, Aosta has a lot to offer. The Aosta Valley also includes the resort of Courmayeur which has some great off-piste and is known across the world.
VIA LATTEA
The Via Lattea pass includes 7 resorts split between Italy and France. The area close to Turin played host to the Winter Olympics in 2006. Sauze d’Oulx and Sestriere are probably the best know resorts on this pass.
THE ITALIAN SKI SEASON
It is possible to have lift assisted skiing 365 days a year in Italy but the main season runs alongside other European resorts. The peak periods are as you would expect in the school holidays so if you can visit outside of these times you will save money and have a better experience. You can normally be lucky towards the end of Jan start of Feb if you are wanting uncontested powder turns.
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Courmayeur
Pila
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Courmayeur Ski Resort Guide
Courmayeur is one of the premier ski resorts in Italy’s Aosta Valley. Skiing in the shadow of Mont Blanc will appeal to many with views of this historic peak available from many aspects of the resort. Courmayeur is a incredibly scenic ski resort that has an appeal for both the advanced and family skiers.
Advanced skiers and snowboarders will enjoy the big mountain feel and off-piste terrain. When you also consider Courmayeur’s proximity to Chamonix across the border then there are options for skiing some classic off-piste routes.
Families will appreciate the lay out of the resort with good lift access direct from the town of Courmayeur ensuring accommodation and amenities are easily accessible from the slopes.
COURMAYEUR FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving in Courmayeurs for my first foray into Italian ski resorts I was quickly impressed by the character of the car-free village. Surrounded by epic mountain scenery, Courmayeurs location in the valley is stunning. There are plenty of upmarket shops that were well out of my price range, but the restaurants and après ski was reasonable. I stayed across the river in Dolonne which was quiet with it’s cobbled streets and traditional housing.
COURMAYEUR SKI AREA
Courmayeurs pisted ski area is quite modest with 50km of pistes but this doesn’t do the ski area justice. Part of the Aosta Valley ski area with a combined 350km of pistes, Courmayeur is perhaps best known for it’s off-piste terrain. The ski area at Courmayeur has 1500m of vertical drop from the Arp down to Dolonne which means the top to bottom run from Youla to Dolonne is a leg burner.
The majority of the Courmayeur ski area is above 1700m with only a small beginners area down at Dolonne. With the majority of the ski area being above 1700m the snow conditions across the resort are reliable. The ski area of Courmayeur is accessible directly from the village via cable car.
COURMAYEUR SKI AREA BY ABILITY
BEGINNERS TERRAIN COURMAYEUR
Courmayeur is not the most suitable resort to learn to ski or snowboard as the majority of its terrain is geared towards advanced skiers. There are however dedicated learners area which can be used to for learning to ski and snowboard. The beginners areas have magic carpets to transport learners to the top of the the beginners runs. The progression at Courmayeur is limited for beginners with no green runs to speak of you will be moving from the bunny hill onto blue terrain.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN COURMAYEUR
Intermediates skiers will be well suited to a Courmayeur ski trip. The majority of the pistes in Courmayeur are red graded including the run back down to Dolonne. To avoid overly repeating runs, plan day trips to nearby Aosta Valley resorts.
ADVANCED TERRAIN COURMAYEUR
In terms of on piste options there are not many advanced trails. The groomed terrain is excellent and lends itself well to carving especially if you can get some early tracks.
The real appeal to advanced snowboarders at Courmayeur is the off-piste with the backcountry off the Arp and Punta Helbronner being the cream of the crop. This really is an area for those with experience and knowledge so ski within your limits or hire a guide. Being in Italy also opens up the option for heli-skiing which in the area surrounding Courmayeur offers endless opportunity.
COURMAYEUR FREESTYLE TERRAIN
Courmayeur has one park with nothing major to speak of. The terrain park at Courmayeur has kickers and rails that are perfect for your first forays into freestyle. It is likely that freestyle will not be your motivation for visiting Courmayeur ski resort but it is a nice addition to what is available off-piste.
LIFTS AT COURMAYEUR
Courmayeur has a great connection of lifts, gondolas and surface installations although some could do with updating. In total Courmayeur has 18 lifts to transport skiers around the mountain.
The resort is linked well to the town below with a cable car that rises 500m to the resort at 1704m. Whether you take the Courmayeur cable car or the parallel Dolonne Gondola you will end up at Plan Checrouit.
From here it is possible to take a series of gondolas to the top of the resort at Cresta D’Arp 2755m. The Arb cable car is old but once at the top you have some incredible perspectives of the mountains around you. It is from the Cresta D’Arp that you will access the best of the off-piste terrain at Courmayeur ski resort. There is a third entry point to the ski resort using the Val Very cable car from Entreves.
COURMAYEUR SNOW RECORD
Courmayeur is known for its off-piste skiing so you would assume it would receive plentiful snow. On average Courmayeur receives around 3-4m of snow per winter. This on on par with European freeride Mecca Verbier but falls way below the resorts of Japan or West Coast USA. The cold climate and altitude at Courmayeurs highest installations ensures that the snow quality remains good throughout the season.
COURMAYEUR PISTE MAP
COURMAYEUR SEASON DATES
The Courmayeur ski season opens towards the end of Novemeber/first week of December with the season running into late April.
COURMAYEUR LIFT TICKETS
To ski in Courmayeur you have a number of interesting lift ticket options depending on your needs.
If you want to cover the most terrain and explore a few different resorts the then Aosta Valley pass may serve your needs the best. The Aosta Valley (Valle d’Aosta) pass includes skiing in; Courmayeur Monte Bianco, Gran Paradiso, La Thuile - La Rosiere, Breuil - Cervinia (including Zermatt), Pila, Monterosa, and more. Plenty to keep yourself occupied whether for a week or a season.
You can also either choose a solitary Courmayeur pass or the Courmayeur Monte Bianco combined ski area.
Another interesting alternative to skiing in resort is Heliski Courmayeur who offer the opportunity to have an incredible off-piste experience within reach of the highest peak in the Alps, Mont Blanc. To learn more about their packages you can check their website here.
TRAVEL TO COURMAYEUR
WHERE IS COURMAYEUR?
Courmayeur in the Aosta Valley is close to the borders of France and Switzerland. Surrounded by some of the most impressive mountain peaks in Europe Courmayeur is within a short drive of Chamonix and Mont Blanc. Turin is a popular access point for Courmayeur with an International airport.
DRIVING TO COURMAYEUR
Driving to Courmayeur is possible from France, Switzerland and of course other Italian cities. If you are driving to Courmayeur from France be prepared to pay for regular tolls and for access to the Mont Blanc Tunnel. Within Italy Turin and Milan will be the best access points.
FLIGHTS TO COURMAYEUR
If you are heading to Courmayeur by air then the airports of Milan, Turin and Geneva are your most likely entry points. All have regular flights from Europe but flights to Geneva tend to be cheaper than those to Milan and Turin. You may find that if hiring a car when you land this cost may be cheaper at the Italian airports so you will need to consider this. Geneva is the closest airport to Courmayeur but will mean crossing the border from Switzerland.
COURMAYEUR PROS
Courmayeur has incredible off-piste terrain
The scenery surrounding Courmayeur will rival most ski resorts
Courmayeur is included in the Aosta Valley pass so there are options to ski multiple resorts on the same lift ticket.
Transfers to the resort in under two hours with multiple options for flight destination.
Courmayeur makes skiing on Mont Blanc possible.
Ski in two countries on the same trip with day trips to La Thuile or La Rosiere
COURMAYEUR CONS
Courmayeur is not suited to a beginners ski holiday with little terrain for learners.
50km of terrain is ok but not huge in comparison to some other ski areas.
COURMAYEUR GALLERY
COURMAYEUR ACTIVITIES
Courmayeur is a up market town, some might say posh, with a number of expensive boutiques. Shopping in Courmayeur is popular with visitors and may be a draw for some. Similarly if you are in the mood for relaxation then heading to a Courmayeur spa could be the perfect down day activity. The Pré Saint Didier Spa near Courmayeur has an outside pool with views of Mont Blanc!
Cross country skiing is possible in Courmayeur where Val Ferret has 20km of nordic trails.
COURMAYEUR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS COURMAYEUR GOOD FOR BEGINNERS
Despite having a dedicated beginners area Courmayeur is not a great resort to learn to ski at. There is very little terrain for progression so able beginners may get bored lapping the same terrain.
IS COURMAYEUR GOOD FOR SKIING?
Courmayeur has. great reputation for skiing around the world. Primarily suited to intermediates and advanced skiers and snowboarders with an interest in off-piste.
WHAT IS THE LONGEST RUN AT COURMAYEUR?
It is possible to ski from top to bottom of the resort in Courmayeur with a combination of runs that have 1500m of vertical drop!
WHAT IS COURMAYEUR FAMOUS FOR?
Courmayeur is famous for the incredible off-piste terrain and its location close to Mont Blanc in the Aosta Valley.
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Resort Review: Raw riding in Fernie, BC
Picking the transfer bus from Calgary and driving through The Great Plains eagerly awaiting to see the first mini peaks and the start of ‘the rockies’. I’m thinking I can’t wait to get to bed and get going in a resort I have shared a few happy weeks in previous years. Back, with more snowboarding experience under my belt I couldn’t wait to come back and tackle the ‘raw’ terrain that Fernie had to offer…
Glades for day! Fernie is a powder-lovers dream
Located on the ‘powder highway’ and known for it’s excessive snowfall or the ‘Fernie Factor’, it’s a place that is on the list of many powder hounds. The snow is dry, or classic ‘interior BC’ powder and the terrain is rough and ready. Small town charm, friendly locals, what’s not to like?
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Fernie is a classic rocky mountains working town, separate to the ski hill. If you are staying in Downtown Fernie, expect to get a shuttle or better known as the “FernieStoke Shuttle” to the hill. Limited accommodation is located at the hill. Upon arrival at the base (at 600m), you’ll notice Fernie Alpine Resort is towered over by a gigantic headwall - very prone to avalanches with ski patrol constantly doing analysis and bombing to keep it safe, but aesthetically adding to the drama and impressiveness of the terrain. Under the headwall is five skiable bowls and lift access to Polar Peak (at 2100m) Best place to start is Lizard Bowl. Some great mix of groomed and easy going glades.
The Downtown Fernie Charm with an impressive backdrop
FERNIE SKI AREA
With the five skiable bowls there’s plenty of variety. You’ll find that the majority of technical and steep runs occur on the Polar Peak - true alpine conditions, no trees and considerable exposure, it can sometimes be closed. However, get the chance to go up there on a clear day and you will not be disappointed. Options to take the blue that winds down the face to the left which intersects with a few blacks, or off to the right of the Polar Peak you’ll have the challange of a few double blacks.
The grading here leans towards difficult and with a bit of wind can make the runs hard packed and icy. But right conditions will be mind-blowing with good turn after good turn. This is where you get the vert!
For the more adventurous type the resort has some great inbounds hikes leading to some great glades and tree runs, try Snake Ridge in Cedar bowl (far right on a trail map) which will be a 10 minute easy bootpack. Can be steep in places and sometimes go into a compression at the bottom (I’m a fallen victim of this compression) Whatever route you take down you’ll be picked up by a cat track leading to the Haul Back T-Bar.
Fernie’s dramatic headwall from the base
Morning Glory is one tick off if you are first to it on a dump day. Bewarned it can get tracked out quickly. Alternatively on the rare occasion the headwall hike, Face Lift is open is definitely something to be experienced. It’s a 20-30 minute bootpack With avi conditions very volatile on the headwall, it’s seldomly open.
The glades of Fernie, choose tight trees or spaced out
Fernie has a terrain park made up of rails and boxes. No kickers here, however lets face it, we’re not in Fernie for the parks. There’s plenty of side hits and natural terrain to keep the practising freestyler happy too.
What I love about Fernie…
The raw, real Canadian feel, the amazing snowfall, terrain variety, buzzing town with great food spots and bars. I would even consider it uncrowded, even at weekends when the city dwellers of Calgary come down.
What I dislike about Fernie…
Hard to say really, if I’m being picky there is not much in terms of groomers to please the leisurely skier although everywhere is accessible by a groomed run. Check the grooming report at the base.
The Face Lift bootlick with Fernie in the Distance
FERNIE GALLERY
Travel to resort
Nearest international airport is Calgary and there are shuttle buses that run daily to Fernie and back. Cranbrook is a notable close town with a domestic airport.
Hidden Gems
A traverse left across the top Currie Bowl from the Whitepass Chair will bring you to Corner Pocket, a double black run involving an abseil down the other side into Lizard Bowl. Once down, you can take the run down or traverse out as much as you please to score the goods. The abseil and traverse puts a lot of people off and you can get many a good turn.
For really decent Japanese try Yamagoya Sushi. Soft Shell Crab with a cold Asahi is the one at the end of a great day.
Accommodation
I stayed at the Red Tree Lodge in Downtown. Really friendly staff and team and the bus stops right outside. 10 - 15 minute walk into the town and supermarket.
I would recommend this place for…
Powder lovers who want to ride different terrain every day.
White Pass into Timber Bowl, with an inversion
Thanks to Kate for sharing this post. If you want to learn more about Kate go give her a follow.
Sun Peaks Ski Resort Guide
Sun Peaks is the second largest ski resort in Canada, not that you would assume this from its lack of crowds and laid-back village. Formerly known as Tod Mountain, Sun Peaks continues to undergo development in and around the village with the lift infrastructure also having recent upgrades. Sun Peaks has firmly placed itself amongst the top Canadian ski resorts. The Sun Peaks trails are shared across three separate peaks with runs in total.
SUN PEAKS FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Sun Peaks for a winter season I was pleasantly surprised by the Village feel. The purpose built village, at the base of the slopes, has everything you would need at a ski resort. This felt convenient and much less aggravation then having to continually travel up and down from the mountain. The ski area itself is pretty impressive with plenty to keep you interested. The only thing really lacking from Sun Peaks is any teeth clenching terrain that could excite the more advanced skiers and snowboarders.
SUN PEAKS SKI AREA
Sun Peaks ski area has a good mixture of terrain to suit all abilities. This is part of the reason why some see Sun Peaks BC as a perfect family ski area. Split across three mountains; Mt Tod, Mt Morrisey and, Sundance Mountain, each has its own characteristics.
MT TOD
Mt Tod marks the highest point in the resort, with the highest lift the West Bowl T-Bar at 2080m. Mt Tod is home to some of the gnarlier terrain at Sun Peaks with ♦♦ Green Door leading into some pretty awesome glades. You will also find the Gil’s backcountry area at Mt Tod. The Gil’s is a dedicated sidecountry zone which can be great fun in the right conditions. The only downside to the Gil’s area is the long cat track back out. It is not all black diamond runs on Mt Tod, with the longest green also available here, 5 mile. 5 Mile is popular as it allows learners to leave the beginners area and head up to the top of the mountain. Lower Mt Tod has some fantastic groomed blue terrain, perfect for laying into those carves.
SUNDANCE MOUNTAIN
Sundance Mountain is home to some of the best intermediate runs in the resort with perfect groomers like Sundance and Sundowner. This area of the resort comes into its own with some brilliant trees for intermediates. Lone Fir West and Lone Fir Centre offer widely spaced trees on a mellow pitch. Sundance Mountain is also home to the terrain parks at Sun Peaks. There are three main parks that run underneath the Sundance chair, with the features increasing in size towards the base area.
MT MORRISEY
Mt Morrissey is sometimes neglected by visitors to Sun Peaks which is exactly why you should go there. Morrisey sits on the other side of the valley and for this reason alone some visitors cant be bothered to walk across the car park to get to it. This means Morrisey is the place to go when you want some time to yourself away from the weekend visitors. On Mt Morrissey you can find some big bumps on ♦♦In Tatters and ♦♦Static Cling or stick to the groomers that run underneath the Morrisey Express Chairlift.
SUN PEAKS SKI AREA BY ABILITY
BEGINNERS TERRAIN SUN PEAKS
Sun Peaks has two dedicated ski school areas in addition to a nursery slope for the really young starters. The carpet outside the ski school base will be the first place to take your turns before moving to the Village Platter. If you are up and running but not looking for anything too challenging, then Homesteader leading into the bottom of 5 mile is a great place to start.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN SUN PEAKS
There is intermediate terrain everywhere at Sun Peaks so just pick a lift and go. If you are wanting to stay on the groomed runs then Sundance Express, Morrissey Express and Sunburst Express chairs will all take you to perfect wide blue terrain. If you want to try your hand at some ♦ single black diamond terrain then ♦Sting could be a good place to start.
ADVANCED TERRAIN SUN PEAKS
Bowls and trees will be the places to go to ensure you are making the most of the advanced terrain at Sun Peaks. ♦♦Green Door ♦Hattrick and ♦Crystal Bowl are all good places to start. If you can deal with the slowest lift on the mountain, Burfield, then you have to check out ♦♦Freddy’s.
SUN PEAKS FREESTYLE TERRAIN
The terrain parks at Sun Peaks are all found on Sundance Mountain and effectively run underneath the Sundance Express which has its positives and negatives. Positive, it means you can scope your line from the chair and get quick laps. Negative, everyone can see you from the chair which can be off-putting if you are not a narcissist. What was nice about the freestyle terrain at Sun Peaks, is that the Park Crew regularly changed it up with new features throughout the winter.
LIFTS AT SUN PEAKS
There are seven chairlifts, three button lifts and two carpets at Sun Peaks. Recently installed Orient chairlift is a Quad chair that accesses some mellow terrain near the village. Morrisey Express Quad, Sundance Express and Sunburst Express are all fast Quad chairs with the Sunburst Express having the added benefit of a bubble! Elevation and Crystal chairlifts are both slow but over short distances so they do the job. Whereas Burfield chair is an enigma. Some people love it because it deters people from riding the runs on that side of the mountain, keeping it quiet. Other (and probably rightly so) would say it should be replaced as its 23 minute journey time is ridiculous.
SUN PEAKS SNOW RECORD
Sun Peaks receives an average snowfall of around 6m per season. In comparison to other resorts in BC this isn’t impressive (Revelstoke 14m, Shames Mountain 12m). What is impressive though is the quality of the snow with Sun Peaks receiving dry BC powder.
SUN PEAKS PISTE MAP
SEASON DATES
Sun Peaks season dates tend to run between a late November start and and early to mid April close. The snow quality is good throughout the season with lots of smaller snow showers rather than huge dumps. The ski lifts at Sun Peaks tend to run from 9:00 until 15:30 although the Sundance lift opens at 08:30.
SUN PEAKS LIFT TICKETS
Sun Peaks season passes cost $1200 Canadian on the early bird deal which is not bad value for the amount of terrain on offer. A daily lift pass will cost around $95 for an adult pass with multi-day discounts available.
TRAVEL TO SUN PEAKS
WHERE IS SUN PEAKS?
Sun Peaks is close to the town of Kamloops in British Columbia. Kamloops has an airport that is a 45 minute drive from the ski resort of Sun Peaks. The closest major city is Vancouver which is situated South West of Sun Peaks.
DRIVING TO SUN PEAKS
The road between Kamloops and Sun Peaks is pretty mellow by mountain road standards. Driving between Kamloops and Sun Peaks will take around 45 minutes. If you would prefer to take a shuttle, I highly recommend Mostly Mental Shuttles who I used throughout my stay at Sun Peaks.
PARKING AT SUN PEAKS
Sun Peaks has parking at the base area and at the bottom of Burfield Chair. Parking at Sun Peaks is free but overnight stays in the car park are prohibited. If you have accommodation in the village, they will have dedicated overnight parking.
HOW TO GET TO SUN PEAKS
INTERNATIONAL
To fly into Sun Peaks from outside of Canada you will need to get a connecting flight. Kamloops Airport has regular connections with the larger international airports in Vancouver and Calgary. You can also fly via Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton or Toronto into Kelowna Airport. Transfers from Kelowna will cost more as it is a further two hours from Sun Peaks.
SUN PEAKS ACCOMMODATION
The Village at Sun Peaks has lots of great hotels and lodges. During my time in Sun Peaks I spent time staying at the Sun Peaks Grand Hotel, a four star hotel on the foot of the slopes. There are many accommodation options for different budgets at Sun Peaks including the Sun Peaks Hostel, and the Peaks Bed and Breakfast. Most of the accommodation is situated in the village a short walk from the slopes however the hostel is closer to the Burfield Chair.
The Sun Peaks Village is very clearly European inspired with buildings that would not look out of place in Austria or Switzerland.If you stay in the village the Main Street remains snow covered throughout winter ensuring it is possible to ski from your accommodation to the lifts.
Away from the village centre it is possible to stay in East Village. East Village consists of many private accommodation rentals, mainly self-catering condos or houses. East Village is even more convenient with the introduction of the Orion chairlift.
SUN PEAKS PROS
Sun Peaks is the second largest ski resort in Canada (over 4,000 acres) meaning there is plenty of terrain to keep you occupied.
Sun Peaks ski resort has a village feel with ski-in ski-out accommodation
Snow quality at Sun Peaks is brilliant with regular cover and top up dustings of snow.
Sun Peaks lift infrastructure is mostly modern and quick.
The Tree skiing at Sun Peaks is great with widely spaced trees around the whole mountain.
SUN PEAKS CONS
The Burfield Chairlift… please someone just rip that thing out
There is a lack of real expert terrain at Sun Peaks.
The cheaper accommodation (Sun Peaks Hostel) is a 2km walk from the village.
SUN PEAKS GALLERY
SUN PEAKS ACTIVITIES
Away from the ski lifts Sun Peaks has plenty to offer. The 30+ km of cross-country ski tracks double up as a fat-biking trail which is a fun alternative to being in the resort. The village itself has; an ice-rink, spa, outdoor pool and dog sledding in addition to a large tubing area near the village platter.
If you fancy the trip 45 minutes downhill into Kamloops, then a trip to watch the Kamloops Blazers ice-hockey team is a must. In Kamloops you will find more facilities, like large supermarkets or shopping centres that could help you during your trip.
SUN PEAKS FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS SUN PEAKS GOOD FOR BEGINNERS
Sun Peaks is excellent for beginners with two dedicated beginners areas and some nice long green trails. At Sun Peaks beginners can move around the whole mountain as there is green terrain accessible from most chairlifts. Beginners will enjoy 5 mile, a long run that winds its way from top to bottom of Mt Tod.
WHAT IS SUN PEAKS KNOWN FOR?
Sun Peaks is probably best known for its European style village that is perfectly placed to ensure visitors can make the most of its three mountain peaks. Sun Peaks refer to this as Sun Peaks 360 due to the 360 degrees of skiing that is possible from the village. It is also pretty call that it’s possible to ski down the Main Street in Sun Peaks to the chairlifts!
WHAT IS THE LONGEST RUN AT SUN PEAKS?
Out of the 137 trails at Sun Peaks 5-mile is the longest. Not surprisingly, this green trail is 5 miles (8km) long and can be found at the top of Mt Tod.
WHERE IN BC IS SUN PEAKS?
Sun Peaks closest major city is Kamloops a town with 83,000 residents. Sun Peaks is a 45 minute drive to the North of Kamloops down the mountain road. Sun Peaks location close to Kamloops makes a trip to see the local ice hockey team, Kamloops Blazers, popular amongst guests.
HOW BIG IS SUN PEAKS RESORT?
As the second largest skiable area Sun Peaks boundary covers 4,270 acres of skiable terrain split across three mountains; Mt Tod, Sundance Mountain, and Mt Morrisey. The layout of Sun Peaks ensures crowds (if there are any) are spread out around the resort keeping lift queues to a minimum.
DOES SUN PEAKS HAVE NIGHT SKIING?
Yes, but don’t get too excited. Night skiing at Sun Peaks is an infrequent occurrence and involves the lighting of the two green slopes at the Village Platter chairlift. There is access to the lower terrain park with small features. I would love to see Sun Peaks light up Sundance Mountain for night skiing. The terrain on that mountain is perfect and would make a great addition to night-skiing.
SUN PEAKS APRÈS SKI
In general, Sun Peaks is a quiet village but there are some decent bars if you do want to dance the night away. At the base of the slopes you will find Bottoms. Check out Bottoms for their happy hour and a Canadian staple.. Poutine. As the evening gets later Bottoms changes from restaurant feel to nightclub with regularly hosted special events and DJ sets. Morrisey’s Bar in the village hosts an open mic night which is where some of the resort locals come to share their musical talent. If open mic isn’t your thing then head out back to the Morrisey’s games room, a great way to meet other people and challenge for the pool table.
GET IN TOUCH
Thanks for reading this Sun Peakls ski resort guide and I hope it has answered many of your questions. I’ve given my opinion but I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via the socials. Have you been to Sun Peaks ski resort? How does Sun Peaks compare to other BC ski resorts?
SUN PEAKS SKI RESORT INFO
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Marmot Basin Ski Resort Guide
Marmot Basin near the town of Jasper in Alberta, is a ski resort inside the beautiful Jasper National Park. The area surrounding Marmot is filled with great views and landscapes that you won’t tire off. Much quieter than the resorts of Banff, Marmot Basin is a weekend ski destination for the locals in Edmonton. This means Monday- Friday you can feel alone at Marmot and that is not a bad thing. The lack of crowds can mean that fresh tracks can last for a couple of days following new snowfall, especially if you are prepared to hike for it.
MARMOT BASIN FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Having spent my first winter season at Marmot Basin it feels like a home from home for me. Arriving into the town of Jasper the locals were incredibly welcoming and I enjoyed my stay there. The Jasper in January celebrations were great as the whole town comes out. If you can plan your trip for this period I would recommend it. You will also receive discounts on lift tickets and lodging during this time. It is noticeable how cold it can be skiing or snowboarding at Marmot Basin and during January the lifts were shut for a few days due to the low temperatures. Come prepared, be sensible and you will have an awesome time.
MARMOT BASIN SKI AREA
Marmot has one of the highest base areas in Canada at 1698m. This helps not only maintain a high quality of snow but also ensures a longer season(November- May). With over 900m of vertical drop and 91 runs, including the new Tres Hombres area, Marmot is big enough to keep everyone happy.
The terrain is varied at Marmot with mellow beginner terrain accessible from the top of Eagle Ridge and the Canadian Rockies Express chairs meaning that first timers can still explore the mountain. For those wanting more challenge head to Eagles East which has lots of great double black diamond terrain. Hikes to Cornice and Peak Run are both well worth the effort and the views from the top breathtaking.
From a personal stand point, this was a fantastic resort for teaching at with a split of runs fairly even between beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. As a result, Marmot is therefore a fantastic place to learn or progress your riding. Marmot has two terrain parks, a beginner park with small rail and box features and a main park with a progression to larger jumps and rails.
Marmot Basin has 7 chairlifts with the Canadian Rockies Express being the fastest lift taking you from the base area. The Knob chair is slower but accesses some of the best terrain on the mountain so is well worth waiting for. The beginners slope School House has its own chair making sure life easy for never evers.
MARMOT BASIN SKI AREA BY ABILITY
BEGINNERS TERRAIN MARMOT BASIN
Marmot Basin is a fantastic resort to learn at. The Marmot Basin Ski School has two dedicated areas for beginners lessons. The Magic Carpet, next to the ski school base, and the School House Chair, a dedicated area with a few green trails; School House, Tranquilizer and Home Run. One real advantage of learning to ski and snowboard at Marmot Basin is that green terrain can be accessed even at the highest points of the mountain. This means that as a beginner you are not restricted to one area and can explore the who hill. Basin Run from the top of the Canadian Rockies Express Chair is a must for beginners.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN MARMOT BASIN
Marmot has plenty to offer intermediate skiers and snowboarders. Some nice groomed blue trails are available from the top of the Canadian Rockies Express Chair, whereas there are plenty of nice single black diamonds to progress onto. Highway 16 and Show Off are fantastic groomers when the conditions are right with lots of fun to be found of the Knob Chair and in the Bowls after fresh snow.
ADVANCED TERRAIN MARMOT BASIN
There is some really good advanced terrain at Marmot Basin. Eagles East was certainly an area I loved with a number of really interesting routes back down to the Eagle Express Quad. The top of Eagles East essentially is a ridge where you can drop in where you fancy. The glades in this area are also really fun. If you don’t mind a hike, then a trip to Cornice and the Marmot Peak are well worth the effort. The recently opened Tres Hombres area and Caribou Knoll are great places to go in search of freshies.
MARMOT BASIN FREESTYLE TERRAIN
Marmot Basin has two terrain parks. There is a mini rail park at mid mountain, which has a mixture of small rails and boxes that are mostly ride on. The main terrain park is near the base of the resort and has various lines to follow. The large terrain park is normally laid out with a medium to large jump line and other combinations of rails and boxes.
LIFTS AT MARMOT BASIN
Marmot basin has six chair lifts and a magic carpet. The lift infrastructure at Marmot Basin is a mixture of old and new, with the Canadian Rockies Express being the premium lift. The Canadian Rockies Express transports skiers and snowboarders from the base to the second highest lift accessed point in 8 minutes. The Eagle Express, Paradise and Eagle Ridge Chairs are all Quads with the Knob Chair being a slow double.
MARMOT BASIN SNOW RECORD
Marmot basin’s snow record isn’t anything to rave about with on average only 3m of the fresh stuff falling each winter. What makes Marmot stand out is its location, guaranteeing cold conditions and good quality snow and also low footfall. Marmot can feel like a mountain you have to yourself Mon-Fri which equates to less competition for first tracks.
MARMOT BASIN PISTE MAP
SEASON DATES
Marmot Basin has a long season lasting between November and May. The conditions at Marmot are particularly cold, especially throughout January and February.
MARMOT BASIN LIFT TICKETS
For up to date information on the Marmot Basin lift passes follow this link.
TRAVEL TO MARMOT BASIN
WHERE IS MARMOT BASIN?
Marmot Basin is located near the town of Jasper in the Jasper National Park. Getting to Marmot isn’t a short journey but the Icefields Parkway is one of the most scenic roads to drive down. You will not regret the commute.
DRIVING TO MARMOT BASIN
Driving to Marmot is an experience in itself. The Icefields Parkway has been voted amongst the top 10 scenic drives in the world. The road from Lake Louise to Jasper certainly makes it worth the effort of driving past the Banff resorts.
As Marmot Basin is located within the boundary of Jasper National Park you will need to pay to enter the park.
PARKING AT MARMOT BASIN
Marmot Basin has 4 parking lots on the hill which is free and on a first come first served basis. The layout of Marmot allows you to ski back to your car throughout the day if necessary to pick up that extra layer or maybe some snacks!
HOW TO GET TO MARMOT BASIN
INTERNATIONAL
The closest international airports to Jasper at Edmonton (229m) and Calgary (251m). Coming from Europe there are more likely to be affordable flights into Calgary.
From both Calgary and Edmonton tour operators offer transfers to Jasper. I used SUNDOG
MARMOT BASIN ACCOMMODATION
There is no in resort accommodation at Marmot Basin with the majority of guests staying in nearby Jasper. Personally I stayed at the Whistlers Inn which had the benefit of a rooftop hot tub with mountain views. In Jasper you will find everything from hostels to luxury lodge style accommodation.
MARMOT BASIN PROS
Marmot Basin is a quiet ski resorts where you will rarely see crowds. I spent a season riding at Marmot and barely remember a lift line.
Marmot Basin is perfect for beginners who can explore the whole mountain on green terrain
Marmot Basin’s Eagles East area offers plenty of ungroomed terrain, chutes, drops, and glades for advanced riders to enjoy.
Marmot Basin has a longer ski season than most ski resorts.
Driving to Jasper and Marmot Basin is an experience in itself.
MARMOT BASIN CONS
Marmot Basin gets incredibly cold in January. Make sure to ride with a friend and watch out for frost nip.
With no on site accommodation at Marmot Basin you will need to commute from Jasper on a daily basis. Marmot Basin shuttles are available on a regular schedule and car parking is available at the resort.
MARMOT BASIN GALLERY
MARMOT BASIN ACTIVITIES
Activities at Marmot Basin will all happen away from the resort and back in or around Jasper. Walking in Maligne Canyon is an awesome winter experience. The Ice Walk at Maligne Canyon takes you deep into the canyon surrounded by tall walls of ice. A similarly epic winter experience is ice skating on Pyramid Lake. There are two ice-rinks available in Jasper itself, but what is more Canadian then heading to a frozen lake for a skate. Back in the town there is a cinema, curling, and a number of bars / pubs to while away the evening hours.
MARMOT BASIN FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS MARMOT BASIN GOOD FOR BEGINNERS
Marmot Basin is an excellent ski resort for beginners to visit. The dedicated learning area at School House offers the perfect gradient to perfect those turns. The real benefit of learning at Marmot is the ability to ski from the top of the mountain via green trails. This means that once beginners are feeling confident they can explore the whole hill.
IS MARMOT BASIN A MOUNTAIN?
Marmot Basin ski area is located across four mountain faces. There is 3000ft of vertical drop at Marmot Basin with the highest point being 8,570ft (2,612m)
HOW FAR IS MARMOT BASIN FROM JASPER?
Marmot Basin ski resort is a 20km drive South of the town of Jasper, AB. There are a number of daily shuttles that run between Jasper and Marmot Basin.
WHAT TIME DO THE LIFTS RUN AT MARMOT BASIN?
9:00 - 16:00 with the exception of School House chair which runs until 16:30.
DO YOU NEED A PARK PASS TO GO TO MARMOT BASIN?
Yes, Marmot Basin is within the Jasper National Park so you will need a valid park pass if you are driving to Marmot Basin.
GET IN TOUCH
Thanks for reading this Marmot Basin ski resort guide and I hope it has answered many of your questions. I’ve given my opinion but I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via the socials. Have you been to Marmot Basin ski resort? What were your opinions? Which is your favourite Alberta ski area?
MARMOT BASIN SKI RESORT INFO
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Killington Ski Resort Guide
Aptly named the ‘Beast of the East’, Killington ski resort is spread across 7 mountain areas. One area, Killington Peak reaches 4,241 ft making it the second highest point in the state. This all alludes to the fact that Killington has masses of terrain which will keep the family happy not just all week, but all season. New England’s largest ski resort, Killington, also opens earlier and closes later than all other East Coast ski resorts.
KILLINGTON FIRST IMPRESSIONS
One of my first experiences at Killington was sitting on the Snowshed Express Quad whilst it had broken down, luckily this was the only set back to my trip. Killington impressed as a resort, with extensive infrastructure, good grooming and a really good ski school. Killington is renowned for is après ski and nightlife which make the area around the base lively.
KILLINGTON SKI AREA
If you are looking for more terrain than any other East Coast ski area, well Bingo, Killington is that mountain. Looking at the stats Killington ski area is huge. Spread across 7 peaks, with Killington Peak (1293m) the highest point, there is 929m of vertical drop. A Killington lift pass allows skiing and snowboarding at both Killington and Pico Mountains. Combined these ski areas offer 1,977 acres of skiable terrain across 213 trails. There are 155 trails at Killington resort with the majority being either intermediate (40%) or advanced (43% terrain).
Killington is located just seven miles from Pico Mountain, a locals favourite, which is included with your Killington lift tickets.
KILLINGTON SKI AREA BY ABILITY
BEGINNERS TERRAIN KILLINGTON
There are two obvious learning zones at Killington; Sunrise Mountain and Snowshed. Snowshed has two lifts; Snowshed Express Quad and Snowshed Double, that access a few green slopes. Snowshed slope is wide but can become busy during peak times. The area at Sunrise mountain is serviced by the Sunrise Village Triple Chair. This area has a few gentle greens that lead back to the chair.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN KILLINGTON
From Killington Peak, intermediates will love taking the long Solitude blue run around the boundary of Killington ski resort. There are plenty of blues at Skye Peak and also on Snowdon Mountain that will keep intermediates interested. If you feel the need to push yourself further, my first black diamond was Superstar.
ADVANCED TERRAIN KILLINGTON
Killington has plenty to offer challenge to the advanced skiers and snowboarders who visit the 7 peaks. The glades at Devil’s Den and Growler on Bear Mountain offer plenty of fun. Killington Peak comes into its own with some aptly named Double Blacks; Flume, Double Dipper and Flume.
FREESTYLE TERRAIN KILLINGTON
Killington ski area has partnered with Woodward to produce some of the best freestyle terrain on the East Coast. The Stash offers features made out of natural materials, whereas Bear Mountain is also home to the Half-Pipe. Ramshead Mountain is where you will find the majority of freestyle terrain with everything from the Family Cross adventure zone to the Olympic Athlete (Red Gerard) inspired Red’s Backyard.
LIFTS AT KILLINGTON
Killington has an excellent lift infrastructure with 21 lifts in total. Three gondolas cover the largest journeys in the resort, with the K-1 Express heading up to Killington Peak and accessing some of the double black diamond terrain. Furthermore, there is a collection of Quads, Triples, Doubles, and even a six person chair.
KILLINGTON SNOW RECORD
Despite being on the East Coast of the USA, often known for having more ice then fresh snow, Killington averages 250 inches of snowfall every winter. Thats 6.35m of natural snowfall, more than resorts like Verbier in Europe. Further to the natural stuff, Killington has extensive snowmaking that ensures the 250 snow guns can blast out 12 inches of snow in a 24 hour period. If you are looking to visit Killington when the conditions are at their best, the most snow tends to fall in February and March with 55in and 57in averages respectively.
KILLINGTON PISTE MAP
SEASON DATES
Killington not only has one of the longest ski seasons on the East Coast but one of the longest in the whole of North America. Killington will open, snow dependent, in late October or early November and run well into May. Some really good snow years have ensured the lifts have been able to turn on Superstar into June.
KILLINGTON LIFT TICKETS
Killington charge $165 for a daily ticket if bought at full-price on the day. Luckily for all of us reading this, we are not that silly and like to plan a little in advance. Advanced tickets will always get you the lowest price and further discounts are available when purchasing a multi-day ticket.
An adult season pass will set you back $1479 but again booking early could save you over $400! You can also ski and ride at Killington and nearby Pico mountain on the IKON Pass with 7 days access.
TRAVEL TO KILLINGTON
WHERE IS KILLINGTON?
Killngton ski resort has been popular with the weekend crowds travelling up from New York or Boston a 4/5 or 3 hour drive respectively. Killington’s location in the South of Vermont has made it a mainstay of the two cities with substantial visitors making use of the good transport links.
DRIVING TO KILLINGTON
Killington is ideally located close to both I-89 and I-91.
PARKING AT KILLINGTON
Killington has three base areas at which is possible to park; K-1 Lodge, Snowshed Lodge and Ramshead Lodge. All of the base areas offer free-parking so choose the one that best suits your needs. For all relevant parking information check here.
INTERNATIONAL
International visitors will most likely arrive into either New York or Boston and then need to make their way to Killington. Car rental is advised as Greyhound or Megabus journeys are long!
KILLINGTON PROS
Killington has more terrain than other East Coast Ski Resorts
Killington ski area is spread out across 7 peaks so you can find a space away from the crowds.
Killington has good lift infrastructure
Killington gets a decent amount of natural snowfall, over 6m!
Killington ski resort lift tickets also allow access at nearby Pico Mountain Resort.
The freestyle terrain at Killington is quality!
KILLINGTON CONS
$165 for a Killington day ticket seems steep!
The East Coast can serve up some icy and cold conditions.
Killington ski area is a good 3/4 hour drive from international airports!
KILLINGTON GALLERY
KILLINGTON FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS KILLINGTON A GOOD SKI RESORT?
Killington has terrain to suit all abilities making it a great option for everyone. As a large ski resort Killington has lots to offer both on and off the snow with a renowned Après scene. East Coast resorts can get icy but Killington has a better snow record than other East Coast ski resorts. The infrastructure at Killington, including the snow-making is modern and can help during lean periods without snowfall.
IS KILLINGTON GOOD FOR BEGINNERS?
My first ever week skiing was at Killington and I had a great time. With no prior experience I started in the designated beginners area at Snowshed but soon progressed across the whole mountain. With a number of lifts that just service the beginners terrain and some magic carpets, beginners have plenty to get them started. My experience of the ski school at Killngton was very positive.
CAN YOU SKI FROM KILLINGTON TO PICO?
There are no interconnecting trails between Killington and Pico. You can however take a shuttle or self-drive between the two resorts.
IS KILLINGTON GOOD FOR KIDS?
Killington ski resort has plenty to offer away from the trails. Obviously, skiing and snowboarding is the main reason to visit but if your kids fancy a break why not head to the tubing park? There is also dogsledding, ice-skating and a cinema to keep the family occupied.
IS KILLINGTON ON THE IKON PASS?
At Killington you receive 7 days of skiing with an IKON PASS. These days are shared between Killington and Pico mountains.
GET IN TOUCH
Thanks for reading this Killington ski resort guide and I hope it has answered many of your questions. I’ve given my opinion but I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via the socials. Have you been to Killington ski resort? What were your opinions? Are there better ski resorts on the East Coast?
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RELATED KILLINGTON POSTS
A Guide To Snowboarding In Canada
Snowboarding in Canada has everything from wild mountain ranges to small local ski hills. British Columbia offers opportunities to ride some thigh burning terrain in some of the best powder conditions on the planet! Head across the border into Alberta and you will find colder temps and longer seasons set amongst the incredible back drop of the Rockies. Further East Ontario plays host to Blue Mountain the playground of Toronto and Quebec has the charming resort of Mont Tremblant. Whatever you are searching for, Canada has you covered with; amazing scenery, friendly hospitality and insane snowfall that combine for an epic ski trip.
Photo Credit @ameliasp8
Snowboarding in Canada is world renowned with many international guests heading back year on year. Why? Well it could be the beautiful mountain landscapes or the world class facilities at major Canadian ski resorts. Maybe it is the tree skiing that seems endless amongst the numerous towering evergreens. For me, it boils down to the friendly and welcoming atmosphere created by locals and the quiet resorts away from the crowds. Snowboarding in Canada can be glitz and glam but it doesn’t have to be. There are plenty of resorts where with the insane amounts of snowfall is beggars belief that there are no lift lines!
CANADIAN SKI RESORTS IN BC
British Columbia is home to some of Canada’s best in resort and backcountry skiing and of course Canada’s largest ski resort Whistler Blackcomb. Whistler is Canadas most popular resort with more guests than any other mountain. The terrain at Whistler has it all and Whistler’s proximity to Vancouver is a leading factor in what makes Whistler ski resort so popular.
Known for the Powder Highway, interior BC is home to some serious freeride resorts; Kicking Horse, Panorama, Revelstoke, Red Mountain, Fernie and Whitewater. The only thing more legendary than the terrain at these resorts is the snow record. The snowfall in this area of BC is a major contributor to why there are so many successful cat-skiing and heli-skiing operators. The most famous of which is probably Baldface Lodge, host to the Supernatural snowboard competition.
Big White, Sun Peaks, Silverstar and Kimberley ski resorts make up the remainder of BC’s offering. These resorts, although less extreme than the other mentioned should not be overlooked. There is great terrain at each of these resorts, especially if you love tree skiing.
Photo Credit @themcny
CANADIAN ALBERTA SKI RESORTS
If you can brave the colder temperatures a trip into Alberta will not disappoint. The most popular resorts in Alberta are situated in the town of Banff and form the Ski Big 3. Sunshine Village, Lake Louise and Mt Norquay all offer something a little different. Norquay is often spoken of as a first day of your holiday ski resort, go to Norquay to rediscover your ski legs. Lake Louise is probably the most scenic ski resort in Canada. A modern ski area with fantastic facilities, Lake Louise is situated a 45minute drive outside of Banff. Mostly an intermediate mountain you may wish to head to Sunshine Village to get your thrills. The final offering of the Ski Big 3 in Banff is Sunshine Village. Sunshine is home to Delerium Dive, a dedicated off-piste area with steeps and drops.
Leaving Banff and heading along the Icefields Parkway, one of the worlds most scenic drives, you will come across Marmot Basin. A bit of a secret and weekend playground for the people of Edmonton. If you hit Marmot ski resort during the week it is likely that you will have the lifts to yourself. Castle Mountain is another ski resort in Alberta worth considering visiting. Castle Mountain is home to an inbounds cat skiing operation.
View from Marmot Basin
CANADIAN ONTARIO AND QUEBEC SKI RESORTS
Similar to the East Coast of the USA, Canada’s East Coast is home to ski resorts for the brave. Cold conditions and less snowfall mean that it’s easy to forget about the resorts of Ontario and Quebec. Mont Tremblant and Blue Mountain have good reputations but it is hard to justify heading to the East Coast with what is on offer out West. If you were to venture East Mont Tremblant ski resort is unique with its bright buildings, Quebecoise architecture cobbled walkways. The village at Mt Tremblant does put everything within easy reach and proves popular amongst East-Coasters.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
WHEN CAN YOU SNOWBOARD IN CANADA?
The majority of Canadian ski areas run their winter operations between November through to April. Some resorts like Marmot Basin in Alberta have longer seasons into May. Most years it is possible to ski on the glacier at Whistler Blackcomb through the summer in June and July!
WHAT IS THE BEST SNOWBOARDING RESORT IN CANADA?
Very much an opinion orientated question but here it goes. Whistler is consistently voted as being the best resort in Canada. I can see why with its facilities and terrain, but with that you also get expense and lift queues. Canada is privileged in that it has a number of incredible ski resorts without the reputation that Whistler has. For me, this potentially leads to a better resort experience.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO SNOWBOARD IN CANADA?
Very much a variable answer depending on where you ski but lets take a simplified look at lift tickets. If you take the daily lift ticket price at the following popular Canadian ski resorts and average the prices the cost of a days skiing in Canada is CAD$104.67
Big White ( CAD$89), Blue Mountain ( CAD$63). Fernie ( CAD$134), Kicking Horse ( CAD$124), Red Mountain ( CAD$118), Sun Peaks ( CAD$105), Whitewater ( CAD$99.75)
CANADA SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
Canadian ski areas get copious amounts of snow throughout the winter season. The Powder highway resorts of Whitewater, Revelstoke and Fernie receive an average of over 9m of snow each! Much more than this the powder that falls in this area is dry and fluffy meaning every flake should be savoured. On the coast of BC, Whistler receives the most snow with over 10m of average snowfall. Being on the coast, the snow can occasionally be heavy. In contrast Mont Tremblant on the East Coast receives just under 4m of average snowfall per winter.
WHY SNOWBOARD IN CANADA
Well if those snow record statistics didn’t entice you into a Canadian ski trip I am not sure what else will. For me a trip to Canada is all about the laid back resort towns, no lift lines and fantastic tree skiing.
MULTI RESORT PASSES CANADA
Unless you have been buried under a rock for the past few years, you will have heard of both the Ikon and the Epic Pass. There is some debate over whether these season passes are a good or bad thing for the ski industry in North America.
From a selfish standpoint I used the Epic pass for a season that allowed me to ski in the US, Japan, Europe and i’d planned a Australia trip (before Covid curtailed that idea). That is well… pretty Epic. To be able to ski across a number of resorts in different countries and continents is a unique. The Epic and Ikon are great for being able to access a number of resorts at what I deem to be a pretty reasonable price.
Sadly, these passes also come with a large downside. Crowds. The Epic and Ikon passes have encouraged more people to purchase season passes and have raised the profile of a number of resorts. The increased profile and accessibility has led to crowds, especially at peak holiday periods or weekends.
Although many locals view Epic or Ikon as a negative, potentially bringing more crowds to the resort, these passes have also led to a huge effort to increase the quality of infrastructure. Many resorts on the passes have received upgrades to their lift system and lodges which leads to a greater overall experience.
There are a number of other combined ski passes in North America such as the Mountain Collective or Indy Pass. These tend to offer a few days skiing or snowboarding across their member resorts.
In Canada you can receive unlimited skiing or snowboard at Whistler (EPIC PASS) and Blue Mountain/MT Tremblant (IKON PASS) but other lift pass privileges are restricted to limited days.
Epic Pass allows limited access to the following Canadian ski resorts; Fernie, Kicking Horse, Kimberley, Mont Sainte Anne, Nakiska, and Stoneham.
Ikon Pass allows limited access to the following Canadian ski resorts; Revelstoke, Red Mountain Resort, and Cypress Mountain.
THE CANADIAN SKI SEASON
The ski season in the Canada runs very similar to the operating durations in Europe. Most Canadian ski resorts operate between November and April with limited operations in May. Summer operations in Canada are restricted to the glacier at Whistler Blackcomber ski resort, BC.
RESORT REVIEWS
CANADA GALLERY
CANADA VIDEOS
COST OF A CANADIAN SNOWBOARD TRIP
From a European perspective a snowboard trip to Canada makes more financial sense than a trip to the USA.In terms of flight prices you will find similar deals to the major international airports. Once in country a lot of the expenses are similar but Canadian ski resorts tend to have cheaper lift tickets than their American counterparts. The difference between a day ticket at Sun Peaks and Killington equates to £23 per day, now that is money you could be spending in the bar!
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Northstar Ski Resort Guide
Northstar Ski Resort has everything you would expect from a destination ski area. Located north of Lake Tahoe in California, the Northstar ski area is owned by Vail resorts, therefore, is accessible using the Epic Pass. The resort and village are upmarket with a plethora of facilities to keep all the family entertained. Whether it is laps of the terrain park or the ice rink, Northstar California is guaranteed to be perfect for your family ski trip.
NORTHSTAR FIRST IMPRESSIONS
Arriving at Northstar and parking in one of the free car parks, you are transported to the village via a free shuttle bus. One thing of note was the driver spoke over a speaker, detailing what terrain was open and the forecast for that day and week. I thought that was a nice touch and something I have not noticed when visiting other ski areas.
When in the village you can see that the set-up at Northstar is first class. The village is clean and well-maintained, with a number of obvious facilities; ski rentals, shops, cafes, and the gondola. The gondola takes you from the village to the base of the Vista Express and the Tahoe Zephyr Express. Although you can ski back down to the village and the gondola base, the majority of the skiing is found above these two lifts.
Riding the Vista Express you get a pretty decent overview of the freestyle terrain managed by Northstar Park and Pipe crew. My last impression is just how much terrain is dedicated to the terrain parks at Northstar. This is a real USP for Northstar with features to suit skiers and snowboarders who are beginners all the way through to expert freestyle riders.
NORTHSTAR SKI AREA
Northstar ski resort is pretty big with nearly 100 runs, although its vertical drop of 695m can be considered fairly modest. There is nothing particularly gnarly at Northstar ski resort, which I think is why they have focussed on terrain parks to draw the advanced crowd.
There are three areas to the Northstar California ski resort; Mt Pluto, Backside, Lookout Mountain
MT PLUTO
Mt Pluto is accessible from the village Gondola and is where you will find the beginner trails in addition to the blue trails and terrain parks. The beginner trails, lead back to the village which is a nice way to end the day. The blue trails on Mt Pluto are groomed wide pistes, perfect for skiers and snowboarders who are ready to explore more of the mountain. You will also find the terrain parks on Mt Pluto. This is Northstar Resort’s main selling point. There are nine parks, including the pipe and being home to Burtons, The Stash. The stash is a terrain park made out of natural features, such as tree rides.
BACKSIDE
The backside is where you will find the majority of Northstars steeper terrain. There are some nice glades on the backside which make for some interesting tree skiing but nothing in comparison to Heavenly. The runs, as with all of Northstar, are pisted and well-maintained. Some may argue that some terrain on the Backside of Northstar should be left ungroomed.
LOOKOUT MOUNTAIN
Lookout Mountain similar to The Backside has mostly single black diamond terrain serviced by one chairlift, the Martis Camp Express. The chair is named after Martis Camp a member-only lodge that sits adjacent to the lifts. One long blue, Washoe, also runs down to the base of Lookout Mountain.
With less skiable terrain than nearby Epic Pass partner Heavenly, Northstar has had to flex to secure the advanced ability guests. With little in the way of natural features for this crowd, Northstar Park and Pipe set up has been given the run of Mt Pluto with nine terrain parks to really draw the freestyle crowd. Given the success of events such as slopestyle at the recent winter Olympics, this is a shrewd move.
NORTHSTAR SKI AREA BY ABILITY
BEGINNERS TERRAIN NORTHSTAR
There are a handful of beginner runs at Northstar with the majority close to the gondola and the village. Village run, a mellow green, is a nice way to end the day by riding back into the main village. There is enough to keep never evers interested whilst learning their first turns, and a returning beginner will be excited by the amount of blue terrain they could progress onto.
INTERMEDIATE TERRAIN NORTHSTAR
Northstar can be considered an intermediates mountain. There are so many nice pisted runs across the whole mountain. The terrain on Mt Pluto is mostly blue with the odd single black diamond thrown in. Both the backside and Lookout Mountain have plenty of single black diamond runs with some interesting tree skiing to be found.
ADVANCED TERRAIN NORTHSTAR
Northstar has some interesting riding on the Backside of the resort. Here you can find some of the steeper groomers as well as some decent tree-skiing. If you catch the conditions right, these trees can be a lot of fun. The terrain parks at Northstar Ski Resort cater for advanced skiers and snowboarders with some pretty hefty features. The halfpipe sits in a prominent position near the Vista chair and there are a number of large kickers and rail features. No wonder Northstar Park and Pipe is so popular.
LIFTS AT NORTHSTAR
Northstar ski resorts lift system is modern and efficient. Really nothing else should be expected from a resort that charges $200+ for a day ticket. The lifts are quick and include two gondolas and 7 express chair lifts.
NORTHSTAR SNOW RECORD
Northstar is blessed with an average of 9m of snowfall per season! When you throw in the number of sunny days that Californian ski resorts tend to receive then that makes for a winning combination. There is also extensive snow-making at Northstar which is fantastic for the resort if there is a lean winter.
NORTHSTAR PISTE MAP
SEASON DATES
Due to the plentiful snow record and the substantive snowmaking at Northstar, the season is able to run from around mid-November through to the end of April.
NORTHSTAR LIFT TICKETS
Ok, so this is not a typo. A day ticket at Northstar is around $209! That’s extortionate. Luckily, early booking, online booking and multi-day discounts can be applied to that. When you consider that buying a Tahoe Local Pass via Epic Pass can be done for under $500, it is nonsensical to purchase a day pass at Northstar. Plan ahead to make the most of your trip to Northstar.
NORTHSTAR VIDEOS
TRAVEL TO NORTHSTAR
WHERE IS NORTHSTAR?
Northstar ski resort in California is North of Lake Tahoe just 4 miles from Truckee Airport. You can access Truckee for International airports, with San Francisco being a popular connection point. Similarly, Reno International airport is a short 40-minute drive from Northstar so offers a great access point.
DRIVING TO NORTHSTAR
Due to the amount of snow that falls around Tahoe it is sensible to keep an eye on the road information. You can find your latest travel information here and cameras here.
PARKING AT NORTHSTAR
Parking at Northstar is free at the Village View and Castle Peak car parks. The Village View car park is closer to the village and therefore the gondola. Castle Peak car park is closer to the main road as you enter Northstar ski area. Both car parks are serviced by free shuttle buses that take you to the village.
Paid parking is available in the village which is adjacent to the gondola. The cost is $20 during the week or $40 on the weekends.
HOW TO GET TO NORTHSTAR
INTERNATIONAL
If like me you are arriving from outside North America then you will probably find it cheaper and easier to fly into San Francisco International Airport. From San Francisco, you can continue your journey by either taking an internal flight to Reno or take the 3-hour drive to South Lake Tahoe straight from San Francisco. It is also possible to fly into Sacramento and but you will have to connect via another US airport.
DOMESTIC
An internal flight to Reno or Truckee Airports will bring you to your closest access point to the Northstar ski resort. Reno offers a more regular schedule but is further away from Northstar.
NORTHSTAR ACCOMMODATION
Northstar has its own village at the base. This is an ideal place to stay if you want to have all the convenience of a resort ski holiday. More affordable accommodation can be found nearby in Truckee or close to Kings Beach North Lake Tahoe.
NORTHSTAR PROS
The terrain park set up at Northstar is insane. There is a whole side of the mountain dedicated to freestyle with features to suit all abilities. This is a real draw as to why people would visit Northstar.
The Village at Northstar is purpose-built, with everything you would need to make the most of your ski trip to Lake Tahoe.
Northstar would be a great choice of ski resort for a family ski trip. There is a really calm vibe, without the wild apres scene. The Northstar ice rink is just one of the potential evening activities for children and adults.
There is a fast lift system at Northstar. The Vista Express chair accesses the freestyle terrain and guarantees a quick lap. The Northstar gondola from the village is an efficient way to reach the main ski area.
Cruising blues? Intermediates will appreciate the nice wide pistes at Northstar. There are a number of single black diamond runs that will allow intermediates to progress further.
Contentious, but the Epic Pass makes Northstar affordable as a day visitor. I visited as day trips from my base in South Lake Tahoe. This meant more affordable lodging, and lift pass already included with Heavenly and Kirkwood on the Epic Pass.
NORTHSTAR CONS
Northstar is pricey. A stay in the village will hurt your wallet. Everything at Northstar is expensive. Whether it is lodging or lift tickets, food or facilities, you can be sure to spend a buck or two.
Northstar is fantastic and has a great reputation. Sadly this means crowds during peak weeks and weekends.
Northstar is missing the really gnarly terrain. It has a good area for tree skiing on the backside, but nothing to really get the heart pumping.
NORTHSTAR GALLERY
NORTHSTAR ACTIVITIES
The centrepiece of Northstar village is the ice rink. Within a stone’s throw of the slopes, it is possible to swap your ski boots for ice skates. Popular with families. the ice rink is surrounded by tables where those who would prefer to sit and watch with an apres pint may feel more comfortable. There are a number of fit pits to keep you warm as your family and friends skate the night away.
The Northstar Village is home to a number of shops and boutiques. At my time of visiting, there were a number of brand outlets such as; The North Face and Burton. If shopping isn’t your thing, then why not head out on a dog sled tour, go to the tubing run, or hit the cross-country ski trails.
NORTHSTAR FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IS NORTHSTAR GOOD FOR BEGINNERS
Northstar ski school has an excellent reputation and is a fantastic place to learn to ski or snowboard. There is nothing too steep or daunting at Northstar so beginners should feel comfortable exploring the mountain.
WHEN DOES NORTHSTAR OPEN?
Although this date will change year on year and be dependent on snow conditions, Northstar normally opens towards the end of November.
WHICH IS BETTER HEAVENLY OR NORTHSTAR?
Ultimately this comes down to opinion. Heavenly is the largest resort in Tahoe and therefore offers more terrain. If my only goal was to ride in a terrain park I would head to Northstar as their set up is insanely good. Beginners will also appreciate Northstar for the mellow terrain and less traversing around the mountain. Overall, I believe that Heavenly is a better mountain. There is more expert terrain and areas like Mott Canyon are so much fun. The Village at Northstar is more compact, whereas Heavenly has larger-scale hotel options.
IS HEAVENLY OR NORTHSTAR BETTER FOR BEGINNERS?
There is more mellow terrain at Northstar and less scary intermediate terrain. If I was learning I would choose to head to Northstar. There are a few nice dedicated beginner areas at Heavenly on both California and Nevada side. I feel that Northstar is a more navigatable mountain and this would factor into my decision making as a beginner.
WHO OWNS NORTHSTAR?
Northstar was bought by Vail Resorts for a huge $63million! This purchase brought Northstar into the Epic Pass family and means pass holders can ride for free at Heavenly, Kirkwood and a number of other US and world ski resorts.
HOW LONG ARE THE RUNS AT NORTHSTAR?
Obviously, the runs will vary in length but the longest run at Northstar is 2.6miles long. Northstar has 675m of vertical drop meaning that you can combine a number of runs from the summit of Mt Pluto to the village for a longer run.
IS NORTHSTAR GOOD FOR SNOWBOARDING?
Northstar California is a great mountain to snowboard on. The terrain parks and the widely spaced tree runs make Northstar incredibly snowboarder friendly. There are no long traverses and the mountain is serviced by a number of fast lifts.
GET IN TOUCH
Thanks for reading this Northstar ski resort guide and I hope it has answered many of your questions. I’ve given my opinion but I’d love to hear from you in the comments or via the socials. Have you been to Northstar ski resort? What were your opinions? Are there better ski resorts in Lake Tahoe?
RELATED NORTHSTAR POSTS
A Guide To Snowboarding In the USA
America is a powerhouse in the ski and snowboard community and this reflected in its people. On the East Coast, you have a hardened bunch of locals passionate enough to #skitheeast although it doesn’t always offer the rewards. On the West Coast you have the lucky Californians who have it all, 12m of snowfall a season at Kirkwood, masses of terrain at Heavenly, Squaw Valley and Mammoth, a freestyle heaven at Northstar and views that take your breathe away when the cold doesn’t. The USA can be considered amongst the greatest places to ski on earth and is the birthplace of snowboarding, whats to complain about!
Getting to the USA may take longer for us Europeans, and depending on where you ski, you could pay a premium for lift passes. Despite the cost of lift passes in America I wouldn’t rule out an American ski adventure. There are ways to get value for your buck whilst skiing in America and you wont regret the outlay.
My first ever ski trip was to the US and Killington ski resort in the Vermont mountains. East Coast skiing offers a number of advantages over a trip out west. The mountains in Vermont and Maine can offer the full package at resorts like; Okamo, Stowe and Killington or you can opt for a more local feel at the family resorts of Jay Peak and Smugglers’ Notch. The East Coast resorts are known for beautiful pistes lined with trees but sometimes also known for their icy conditions. Skiing and snowboarding on the East Coast is possible from November into June with Killington offering the longest season. Although it is worth noting, that this involves largely one run remaining open on Killington late into the season. That run does happen to be Superstar my first ever Black diamond run. Another bonus to East Coast ski trips is the shorter flight time from Europe. The shorter flight time combined with cheaper flights is certainly a big pull for skiers from this side of the pond.
When it comes to skiing and snowboarding in America there is one image that sticks in my mind, Corbet’s Couloir. Although I have not been fortunate to ski Corbet’s yet, this iconic line at Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is reflective of some of the possible gnarly runs possible in the USA. Jackson Hole is not alone and there are plenty of resorts with terrain that is certain to make your heart skip a beat.
Although always popular, the last few years Colorado’s incredible terrain and reliable snow conditions have been showcased by Youtubers such as Jonathan Buckhouse and TJ from BoardArchive. Colorado is home to the world famous and slightly controversial Vail resort, which is now infamous for introducing the Epic Pass (more info to follow) and the resort of Breckenridge. Breckenridge is the resort where Ryan Knapton can be found tearing up the groomers and this is a showcase of how great the pisted terrain is at Breckenridge.
Away from Colorado you have Utah whose ski resorts of A*** and Snowbird receive some of the best snow on the continent. It is just a shame that A*** and other Utah resort D*** V***** wont let snowboarders access their slopes, lame. With that off my chest it’s important to remember that Utah is still home to the USA’s largest ski area in Park City and the incredible landscape of Brain Head.
In 2020 I was lucky enough to visit California and the resorts of Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar. We all know what happened to the 2020 ski season, but those early turns on the West coast were enough to sustain my lust for snow for the rest of winter. California is an incredible destination for a US ski trip with some of the best resorts in the country. Heavenly, situated in South Lake Tahoe, is a resort that spans two states. The California side has some great tree skiing, two terrain parks and one of the best views I have ever seen at a ski resort. Across the state line in Nevada, Heavenly offers a different perspective across the Nevada desert and some superb cruisey blues. Nevada is also home to Mott Canyon which I think would excite even the most hardened skiers and snowboarders. Tahoe is an exciting place to be with Squaw Valley, Sierra at Tahoe, Northstar, and Kirkwood all within driving distance of each other.
American ski trips are more than just the time you spend on show with resorts putting on a range of Apres ski activities. Using Tahoe as an example there are; casinos, snowmobile tours, ice-rink, cinema, and some great restaurants to keep you occupied after your day on snow. This should illustrate the quality of facilities on offer at American ski resorts with many being purpose built resorts with everything within walking distance of the accommodation.
Unlike European resorts, American ski resorts can be spread out with the need to drive to get your provisions but if you want everything on your doorstep this is also a possibility. The ski towns normally have a great selection of restaurants and bars, most of which will offer good deals on certain days or happy hours. It’s worth planning out where you want to eat on which day like this as it is likely to save you money.
The largest downside to a trip stateside is the abhorrent prices of lift tickets. Day passes are extortionate and America can be an expensive place to ski if only taking a one-week trip. Your best option is to make use of the multi-resort season pass options that have become quite controversial in the states. Epic and Ikon are the two major options of multi-resort ski passes with the Epic also offering some great options to ski in Europe and the Southern Hemisphere. In 2020, I used my Epic Pass to ski at the resorts of Ski Rama Dolomiti, Italy, The 3 Vallees, France and Heavenly, Kirkwood and Northstar in the US. For me this represented great value, but if you can only get a one week trip every year then the USA may be an expensive option for lift passes.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Where can you ski year round in the USA?
In Europe there are a number of ski resorts that are open for year round operation, sadly in the US this is not the case. The sole 365 ski resort in the US is Timberline Lodge at Mt Hood in Oregon. The Timberline lodge ski area is open throughout the summer months and offers some freestyle focussed terrain on the Palmer Glacier.
What is the largest ski resort in USA?
Utah is home to the largest ski resort in the USA with Park City taking the title. Park City ski area outside of Salt Lake City offers 250km of pistes between an elevation of 2080m-3049m. The masses of terrain at Park City is serviced by 39 chairlifts. Park City is great for intermediates with 152km of the trails being graded for intermediate level riders.
What is the most expensive ski resort in the USA?
Completely at the opposite end of how I like to ski this question asks for the most expensive ski resort in the USA. I am just grateful that the answer is D*** V***** which I have no intention of heading to due to their stance on snowboarders. It is reported that guests spend over $500 per night for a room in a 3* hotel at D*** V*****.
Which State in the USA has the most ski resorts?
In total, there are around 476 operating ski resorts in the USA which open across 37 different states. The state with the most ski resorts is New York which has 51 resorts. The following states only have 1 ski resort; Alabama, Maryland, Rhode Island and Tennessee.
WHY SKI OR SNOWBOARD IN THE USA
There are many reasons to choose the USA for your next ski or snowboard trip. The US is home to a large number of ski resorts that can be considered amongst the best in the world. The profile of resorts like Vail, Killington, Heavenly and Jackson Hole ensure that America is firmly on the map.
The USA offers a huge amount of choice and flexibility in terms of a ski vacation. There are huge resorts, in terms of terrain, with Park City in Utah being the largest. The USA is also home to a number of unique smaller resorts like Mt Bohemia which have a cult following.
It is possible to ski year round in the USA, with resorts like Mt Hood open for summer skiing and snowboarding and Mammoth in California open for a longer season.
USA SKI RESORT SNOW RECORD
If you are looking for guaranteed powder days then a ski trip to the USA could be just what the powder Dr ordered. Utah is home to number of ski resorts that regularly receive over 12m of annual snowfall! That is Japan kind of crazy snowfall.
Sadly, although it has a cult following skiing the East Coast of the US offers less reward in terms of snowfall. There are some incredible East Coast ski resorts but this side of the US is more renowned for ice then powder days.
MULTI RESORT PASSES USA
Unless you have been buried under a rock for the past few years, you will have heard of both the Ikon and the Epic Pass. There is some debate over whether these season passes are a good or bad thing for the ski industry in America.
From a selfish standpoint I used the Epic pass for a season that allowed me to ski in the US, Japan, Europe and i’d planned a Australia trip (before Covid curtailed that idea). That is well… pretty Epic. To be able to ski across a number of resorts in different countries and continents is a unique. The Epic and Ikon are great for being able to access a number of resorts at what I deem to be a pretty reasonable price.
Sadly, these passes also come with a large downside. Crowds. The Epic and Ikon passes have encouraged more people to purchase season passes and have raised the profile of a number of resorts. The increased profile and accessibility has led to crowds, especially at peak holiday periods or weekends.
Although many locals view Epic or Ikon as a negative, potentially bringing more crowds to the resort, these passes have also led to a huge effort to increase the quality of infrastructure. Many resorts on the passes have received upgrades to their lift system and lodges which leads to a greater overall experience.
There are a number of other combined ski passes in America such as the Mountain Collective or Indy Pass. These tend to offer a few days skiing or snowboarding across their member resorts.
THE US SKI SEASON
The ski season in the USA is pretty long with a number of resorts having extended seasons. It is not uncommon for US ski resorts to open in November and to have their closing weekend towards the end of April. A number of ski resorts in the USA have extended seasons that can run into June or July. Mammoth in California in particular being one of the last to close.
In addition to the long ski season in the USA, it is possible to ski throughout the summer. Oregan is home to Timberline which sells itself as the only year-round ski resort in North America. Timberline is popular with freestyle camps with a good terrain park set up. Another great summer ski or snowboard trip option is Beartooth Basin, Montana. Beartooth Basin is strange as it actually isn’t open during the winter months. This summer only ski resort only opens once the snow has been cleared from the access roads in May. Think of Beartooth Basin as small but steep summer skiing.
RESORT REVIEWS
USA GALLERY
USA VIDEOS
NORTHSTAR
HEAVENLY
KIRKWOOD
COST OF A USA SNOWBOARD TRIP
The cost of skiing and snowboarding in the USA is a complicated issue. From a European perspective a ski trip to the USA can seem very costly. In fact, out of the snowboarding I have completed across South America, Europe, Asia, Australasia and North America, US ski trips hurt the wallet the most. Even when compared to their nearest neighbour Canada a US ski trip is costly.
The main difference in price can be found in the lift tickets. Lift tickets in the USA can seem extortionate with some of the larger resorts charging hundreds of $ for a day pass. Purchasing an Epic or Ikon pass will significantly reduce these costs.
One positive of a US ski trip in terms of cost is your dining costs. I found that in South Lake Tahoe I was able to eat out for a reasonable price and still have a decent quality of meal. Similarly, having an Apres ski drink will set you back less in the US then it would in Europe.