The best places to go snowboarding in the USA

Whether you’re a one-plank pro or a beginner boarder, nothing beats the feeling of being on that mountain. But hang on. Look closer, and the resort you’re at is full of flat sections, drag lifts, and T-bars. Suddenly, what seemed dreamy has turned into a snowboarder’s nightmare!

Yes, picking the right resort as a snowboarder is crucial to having a good time. Sure, your skier pals might love a certain destination. However, it’s important to remember that the best ski resorts aren’t always the top snowboarding resorts. Oh, and that’s especially true for the ski resorts that don’t even allow snowboarders. We’re looking at you, Deer Valley, and Alta!  

Snowboarders require different requirements from a resort, such as an awesome terrain park, modern lifts (i.e., zero drag lifts), easily accessible off-piste – and some lively après. Luckily, Dope Mag is here with our pick of the 11 best places to snowboard in the US – from those that offer insane natural terrain to snow parks with tray-friendly features. Once you’ve picked the perfect place, don’t forget to select the sickest setup with our latest range of men's snowboard jackets and women's snowboard jackets. 

The best places to go snowboarding in the USA

Park City Mountain Resort, Utah

Right, ignore the fact that Utah’s Alta and Deer Valley are skiers-only resorts. Neighboring Park City Mountain Resort makes up for that, delivering everything a snowboarder could want – and more. We’re talking about over 7,300 acres of terrain (it’s the US’s largest ski resort), over 340 trails, six terrain parks, one mini pipe, and an Olympic-sized halfpipe. Need extra proof it’s awesome? Browse the feeds of Sage Kotsenburg (Park City native), Shaun White, and Torah Bright, who shred in this snowboard paradise. 

Okay, Park City’s intermediate and expert terrain is best suited to riders with a few weeks under their belts – especially if you’re venturing into the pow-filled backcountry (you can’t leave without hitting McConkey’s bowl!). However, the Ski and Snowboard School is a great choice for newbies to sharpen those skills. And if you’re heading to Park City to jump and jib, you’ll be spoilt for choice with awesome terrain parks, including  Pick Axe and 3 Kings. Don’t forget to check out the 22-foot Eagle superpipe, too. It’s hosted some of the highest international comps, such as the 2002 Olympic Games, the FIS World Championships, and multiple Grand Prix events. 

Top tip:

Ride your board straight into town (unheard of in some ski resorts!). Just cruise or charge down Creole, Town, or Quit’n Time into Historic Park City on Main Street before grabbing a beer at No Name Saloon or Flanagan’s on Main. 

Mammoth Mountain, California

The best snowboarding resort is one that feels like a giant playground, right? Enter Mammoth Mountain! With 3,500 acres of terrain, 300 days of annual sunshine, and 33 feet of snow per year, you’ll have enough room to play alongside goggle tans and pow aplenty! Oh, and there are zero drag lifts here. Can you hear snowboarders everywhere sighing with relief?

And when you thought Mammoth Mountain couldn’t get any better, we have three word for you: Unbound Terrain Park. Yep, Mammoth is a freestyler’s dream resort with over a dozen terrain parks and two pipes – all surpassing legendary status. More into surfing through pow? Don’t worry – Mammoth Mountain offers tons of accessible backcountry with insane natural drop-ins, big bowls, and plenty of trees. Our top areas are definitely Hangman’s Hollow and Huevos Grande. Of course, there’s also The Hemlocks, blending the best of both worlds to create a big-mountain freestyle haven where you can send it off booters into fresh pow. You have to hike to Hemlocks, but that keeps the crowds away.

Top tip: 

Shred on the 4th of July! Yep, if you get the itch to ride when most lifts stop spinning, you’re in luck – Mammoth’s seasons often stretch into summer! 

Vail Ski Resort, Colorado

Anywhere that hosts the annual Burton US Open Snowboarding Championships will be an epic place to ride, right? Then book your next trip to Vail. Yep, this is one of the best spots for snowboarding – just ask the likes of Zoi Sadowski-Synnott, Ben Ferguson, and Yuki Kadono, who head to Vail’s Golden Peak Terrain Park for the championships (well, we hope it’s returning soon!). And this isn’t any terrain park. You’ll find a mini pipe, nearly a dozen jumps (some as high as 50 feet!), and 30 features for that jib fix. Want more? Good thing Vail offers another terrain park, then. Oh, and these two parks are almost exclusively visited by snowboarders! 

If backcountry is your thing, don’t miss Vail’s seven legendary Back Bowls, spanning a dizzying 3,017 acres. Each Back Bowl certainly tests your mettle. Our faves are Sun Down at Dawn and the Orient Express – specifically Genghis Khan’s cornice beginning and steep-as-heck fall line. Groomers more your style? You’ll have over 5,000 acres and 267 trails to choose. Then, it’s time for après. If you’re after somewhere without eye-watering prices, hit The George for $5 happy hour drinks. 

Top tip: 

Ride through the trees down Cheetah Gully, a gully cutting through the slopes. Okay, this will test even the most advanced riders, but it’s a pretty unique run that’s 100% worth doing. You don’t want to be too precious about your shred sled, though, as Cheetah can get messy with debris and fallen trees.

Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, Wyoming

Any expert shredder out there should have their sights set on Jackson Hole. This place is epic! Well, just look at its residents – Travis Rice and Bryan Iguchi have zip codes in The Hole, so you know it must be doing something right! Plus, you won’t know where to hit first, thanks to 2,500 acres of inbound terrain alongside a thigh-burning 4,139 feet of vertical drop, a halfpipe, and two terrain parks. 

Powder hounds always sniff out Jackson Hole. That’s because it serves up epic freeriding and consistently abundant snowfall. And when we say this is expert terrain, we mean it. Just turn your attention to the famous Corbet’s Couloir, a steep, narrow chute with rocks on either side and a good 20-foot drop-in at the start. Corbet’s might sound gnarly but it’s worth doing if you have the skill set. Think of it as a badge of honor to tell people about back at the bar … and when you’re well into your 90s. 

Top tip:

Try out the natural pipe from the Thunder Chair! Yep, Jackson Hole isn’t just for freeriders – freestylers can get their fix on natural features throughout the mountain. Check out Toilet Bowl and The Paintbrush, too. 

Mt. Baker Ski Area, Washington

How could we not include this legendary resort? Some argue Mt. Baker is the home of snowboarding – and one of the few places snowboarders outnumber their two-planked friends. This snowboarding mecca is definitely way more suited to pow-hungry freeriders than total beginners or terrain-park-loving freestylers (although the natural features here are out of this world!). However, Mt. Baker’s hardcore, historic status doesn’t mean it’s intimidating. Instead, it’s a super laid-back resort. But we should tell you it’s completely off-grid, with zero water, electricity, or sewage treatments. So maybe it is a smidge hardcore. But that’s all part of its uniqueness!

And it’s not just history Mt. Baker’s steeped in – it’s also covered in snow. Don’t believe us? How does a whopping 55 feet of snowfall a year sound? Yep, that makes it one of the snowiest places in North America, creating a forgiving place to progress and a rad place to shred – especially with that backcountry pow. Remember that while venturing off-piste is encouraged, don’t duck ropes, blindly follow someone else’s tracks, or ignore the signs. If Mt. Baker has a sign warning you about cliffs, it’s not kidding around – expect big hazards and dangerous drop-offs that’ll soon end any fun and games for the unaware.

Top tip:

Speaking of games, visit Mt. Baker in February for the famous Banked Slalom course! The longest-running snowboard comp is 100% worth seeing as riders battle it out on a sweeping natural halfpipe to win a duct tape trophy (only in Mt. Baker!). Stick around for the insane after-party, too! 

Sun Valley Resort, Idaho

If your crew’s a mix of beginner and experts, take them to Sun Valley. Here, you can split up over two mountains and have the shred of your life! Newbies can cruise down Dollar Mountain’s wide-open, smooth slopes while the pros can take on Bald Mountain’s expert terrain, endless glades, and goosebump-inducing 3,400-foot vertical drop. 

Then, when it’s time to play, how about all meeting up at Motherload Terrain Park, Dollar Mountain’s expert-level park? Catch air off kickers over 50 feet and jib pro-level rails, boxes, and features. Don’t forget to try the mountain’s ridiculously fun 22-foot superpipe, too! If you’re not quite pro level, fear not – Dollar Mountain has another eight terrain parks. Oh, and you can pretty much guarantee you’ll be doing all this in sunshine. Hey, it’s not called Sun Valley for nothing! 

Top tip:

Do powder stashes get you stoked? Head for the bowls off Mayday on Bald Mountain. Just prepare for your heart rate to skyrocket – this is non-stop fall-line riding! 

Breckenridge Ski Resort, Colorado

Easy to get to, plenty of snow coverage, and terrain for all abilities. Breckenridge nails all the requirements of a snowboarder’s ski resort. In fact, Breck is thought to have had a leading role in snowboarding’s development throughout the US, so where better to head? Oh, it also has five terrain parks, two pipes, and some pretty epic terrain across all four peaks. 

First time? Cruise down Peak 9 (El Dorado). Craving air? Aim for Freeway, a mind-blowing expert terrain park – and one of the top five in North America – with jumps ranging from 35 to 70 feet and a 22-foot Olympic-sized halfpipe. We guess it’s no shocker Shaun White bought a house here. Downside: Breckenridge can be hella busy on weekends. However, ride here during the week and soak up easygoing, relaxed vibes instead. 

Top tip:

Blow off steam in Breckenridge’s awesome town after an epic day riding. Our fave après spots are definitely The Maggie (what a suntrap!) and Coppertop Bar and Cafe (order their chili). Both feature live music throughout the week, too. 

Big Sky Resort, Montana

Some snowboarders go hand in hand with terrain parks – it’s where they can let loose, stomp new tricks, and push their riding to that next level. If this sounds like you, you’re gonna want to visit Big Sky Resort. Yep, this resort doesn’t just have one or two terrain parks … it has a whopping seven of them! And, if natural features raise your stoke levels, you’re in luck – hit the gully to the side of Lower Morning Star for something special. 

But if groomers and glades are more your thing, you’ll be stoked. Big Sky offers over 5,800 acres of varied terrain alongside 4,350 feet of vertical drop and the epic 11,166-foot Lone Peak Summit. Advanced rider? Choose a chute from the summit and prepare to ‘Yew!’ to your heart’s content. The Big Couloir is probably the most well-known route down from the peak. However, it’s one of the steepest runs in North America and for true experts only. Plus, it’s narrow, so make sure you’re nimble on your board and happy with tight turns and jump turns … or expect lots of dreaded sideslipping.  

Top tip:

Check out Liberty Bowl – one of our fave expert trails ever. It starts from the top of the tram and is a thigh-burning six miles long. It’s nothing but rad on a pow day, though! 

Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado

Aim for Steamboat Ski Resort and knee-deep pow will be your reward. And this isn’t just any pow – this is Steamboat’s trademarked Champagne Powder®. It’s so dreamy you’ll believe it’s hand-delivered by the gods. Our favorite place? Head to Toutes for waist-deep lines, rooster tails, and face shots. 

Yep, freeriders will soak up all Steamboat offers. But the slope cruisers and knuckle-draggers have enough to carve and play on, too, with 2,965 acres. However, if it’s air you’re after, head to Mavericks Terrain Park, Steamboat’s biggest park. There, you’ll find kickers ranging from 50 to 70 feet and the intimidating Mavericks superpipe: 56 feet from deck to deck, 18-foot walls, and 450 feet in length. Mavericks is named after Cali’s biggest wave, and it’s easy to see why – this pipe is no joke. Conquer those walls, though, and you’ll have other riders high-fiving you for days! 

Top tip:

When you open the curtains to see it’s a pow day, shoot straight for Closets, tucked into fun glades, and Sideburns, an open meadow. Both are rad options for snowboarders as they’re not too steep, and the trees aren’t too tight. Expect tons of open space for ‘yewing’ with the crew. 

Heavenly Ski Resort, California

We all know that an amazing snowboard adventure is made better by one thing: a great view. Yep, sometimes stunning scenery makes the trip. And Heavenly offers it in spades with dreamy (or heavenly) views of Lake Tahoe. But you also want to know about the riding, right? Well, say no more – Heavenly has you covered, whatever your style or skill set.

Boarders looking for a challenge are sorted at Heavenly. Just check out the Mott and Killebrew Canyon area for expert double black diamonds weaving through chutes (serious stuff). If it’s pow you’re hunting, aim for the Milky Way Bowl. However, if jibbing is your jam, head for the 11 terrain parks, ranging from the beginners’ Groove Terrain Park to the advanced High Roller Terrain Park. 

Top tip:

Aim for The Village Board Shop if you need to hire snowboarding equipment. Just a four-minute drive from the resort, VBS provides super helpful, knowledgeable staff alongside all the gear you could need, including snowboards from brands such as Nitro and Jones. Have a board that needs tuning? Use their workshop!

Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado

Sometimes, popular resorts mean mega crowds. Not with Telluride. Yes, this Colorado resort hosts a historic charm alongside quiet slopes for cruising. And there’s enough varied terrain to keep all levels occupied. For example, the pros in your crews can hike to the 13,000-foot Palmyra Peak or charge down the seriously steep Plunge (a gnarly double black diamond). More of a newbie yourself? No worries – the gentle gradients of Prospect Bowl will have you progressing from falling leaf in no time. 

The park rats will also rate Telluride. That’s all thanks to the Air Garden Terrain Park, a 10-acre park with kickers, rails, boxes, table tops, and a halfpipe. And, if au naturel is their thing, the mountain has plenty of natural hits. Check out the West Drain, a natural halfpipe that’ll make you feel you’re dropping into downtown Telluride turn by turn.  

Top tip:

Experience a knockout view by cruising down See Forever (the clue’s in the name). Yep, this groomer is pure perfection on bluebirds, providing mind-blowing views of the San Juans as far as the eye can see.

Wrapping up

You truly are spoiled for choice when it comes to the best places to snowboard in the US. Go for terrain parks galore on the West Coast with resorts such as Mammoth, or head off-grid on the East Coast in the legendary Mt. Baker. Wherever you pick, you’ll find enough terrain to keep the stoke high – without worrying about flat sections or drag lifts! 

If you want even more inspo when scrolling, don’t forget to follow us via @dopesnow. We’ll show you how riders are lapping up the pow this season, alongside sneak peeks of our rad new collection. And why not get involved? Tag us on your socials or join our Dope Snow Community Facebook Group to say hi and get to know the crew. 

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