Archive for the ‘Snowboarding’ Category

The United States has a huge range of resorts across the country spread out over the northern eastern states, the central Rocky Mountain states and the north-western states. Beware, many are low grade and are simple operated for the colour of money. The usual snowboarding season lasts from November until mid-April, with a few northern areas staying open until mid-May. The country’s resorts are generally much smaller than their European counterparts. However, the Rocky Mountains do have peaks that rise up to 3,000 metres.

Jackson Hole

The combination of the terrain and snowfall is second to none as Jackson’s slopes rise up out of the Snake River valley in what seems like a sheer wall. North America’s highest continuous vertical drop (over 4,000ft) can also be found here, a fantastic range of terrain – including couloirs, cliff-bands, open bowls and trees – and a snowfall average of 369 inches during an average winter. Perhaps the best thing about the resort is its very own ski and snowboard school. The instructors here do seem to have an extra spark which makes learning for beginners much more enjoyable. To get the best of them, sign up for one of the Steep and Deep camps.

Aspen

Famous the world over for its skiing, the snowboarding is pretty good here too. The only problem is the lack of wide, high, open bowls for free-riding – and the relatively low snowfall for the Rockies. It is still comparable to the best in the Alps, but 256 inches isn’t much compared with Snowbird’s 466 inches. To give yourself the highest possible chance of scoring perfect powder, heading to Utah or Wyoming could be the best bet.