Are you in search of the highest peaks, freshest powder and most intense terrain parks? Today, we’re outlining some of the most adrenaline-pumping snowboarding destinations in the country, perfect for those seeking a thrilling day on the mountain.
And, remember — with a private pilot’s certification, you can spend the day, weekend or the whole winter exploring the top snowboarding destinations in the country. It’s as simple as tossing your board, boots and winter gear into your plane’s hold, entering your coordinates and taking off towards your ideal spot.
So, if you’re looking for awesome places to snowboard, we think that you’ll enjoy these 10. Keep reading to find out more!
1) Grand Targhee, Wyoming
Nearest Airport: Driggs Airport (KDIJ)
More Information About Grand Targhee: Official Website
For some of the best powder in Wyoming, head to Grand Targhee. Not only is there more than 500 inches of snowfall every year, but the place also has deeper snow that the other more popular mountain in the state, Jackson Hole. Snowboarders with an affinity for backcountry will love the untouched bowls, two terrain parks, enjoyable tree runs and 600+ acres of snowcat-access terrain.
2) Jay Peak, Vermont
Nearest Airport: Burlington International Airport (BTV)
More Information About Jay Peak: Official Website
Jay Peak in Vermont offers a true Rocky Mountain experience, located on the East Coast. With steep chutes and tough terrain, this mountain offers a snowboarding experience unlike any other in the state. One of the best things about Jay Peak is its tree runs, with tight turns that are sure to get your adrenaline flowing. If you have an opportunity to snowboard here, don’t pass it up!
3) Keystone, Colorado
Nearest Airport: Leadville-Lake County Airpor (KLXV)
More Information About Keystone: Official Website
One of the best mountains for snowboarders in Colorado is Keystone with its six terrain parks, spread over 60 acres. Those looking to practice their freestyle skills will love the variety of jumps, kickers, boxes and rails of all shapes, sizes and difficulties. Plus, Keystone is one of the only mountains in Summit Valley and surrounding area to offer night skiing — the runs can get icy, so don’t forget to bring your helmet.
4) Alyeska Resort, Alaska
Nearest Airport: Ted Stevens International Airport (AVC)
More Information About Alyeska: Official Website
Not only is the scenery among the Chugach Mountains in Alaska amazing, the ski resort Alyeska is home to some of the best snowboarding runs in North America. Home to the longest continuous black diamond ski run on the continent, even advanced snowboarders will face challenged on this mountain. A year-round resort destination, once you snowboard at Alyeska, you may never want to go anywhere else again.
5) Minneapolis/St. Paul, Minnesota
Nearest Airport: Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP)
Find More Information About the Twin Cities: Official Website
You should never write off a midwestern snowboard trip — there are plenty of steep, snowy peaks, and it’s also much more affordable than more traditional trips to western states. The Twin Cities provides a wide mix of snowboarding opportunities, with resorts like Vail-owned Afton Alps and Buck Hill, where Winter Olympians Linsey Vonn and Kristina Koznick honed their talents. The snowboarding is great and lift rates can also drop down as cheap as $15 on some nights at peaks throughout the area.
6) Sun Valley, Idaho
Nearest Airport: Freeman Memorial Airport (SUN)
More Information About Sun Valley: Official Website
Sun Valley is home to two mountains that provides something for snowboarders of every skill level. Advanced boarders can hit Bald Mountain with its fast groomers, expansive glades and dramatic drops, whereas beginners and can enjoy easier runs. Park lovers will also love the expansive terrain features, like a 22-foot high superpipe, the largest in the Northwest region.
7) Park City, Utah
Nearest Airport: Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC)
More Information About Park City: Official Website
Boasting over 114 trails, three terrain parks and a superpipe of its own, you can’t get much closer to heaven than at Park City. In fact, the snowboarding is so good here, that it was home to the 2002 Salt Lake City Winter Olympic Games. The city has two major ski resorts: Deer Valley Resort and Park City Mountain Resort. You really can’t go wrong with a trip to this award-winning snowboarding hotspot.
8) Big Sky, Montana
Nearest Airport: Bozeman Yellowstone International Airport (BZN)
More Information About Big Sky: Official Website
Even advanced snowboarders will find Big Sky challenging, with its two mountains, Lone Peak and Andesite. Featuring over 3,500 acres of terrain, the area has become a favorite for boarders that love intense runs. And, for those that enjoy a great après ski, this mountain town has plenty of dining, entertainment and lodging options.
9) Finger Lakes, New York
Nearest Airport: Finger Lakes Regional Airport (0G7)
More Information About Finger Lakes: Official Website
Another East Coast favorite is located in central New York, Finger Lakes. The area around the 11 lakes offers perfect mountain conditions due to the large deposits of lake-effect snow that covers the area in fresh powder. The snow is great, plus, Finger Lakes boasts miles of groomed trails and parks that are perfect for snowboarders.
10) Mt. Baker, Washington
Nearest Airport: Concrete Airport
More Information About Mt. Baker: Official Website
Near the Canadian border, Mt. Baker is a favorite destination for snowboarders around the country. Known for its wide variety of challenging backcountry runs and whopping average yearly snowfall of 682 inches. Located in the North Cascades of Washington, you’re bound to enjoy its 1,000 acres of boardable terrain.
Do You Want to Reach the Best Snowboarding Destinations in the U.S.?
Whether you’re someone that wants to learn to fly or a certified pilot that wants to further their education, Inflight Pilot Training can help you gain the freedom to explore these snowboarding destinations.
We are a leading flight instruction company serving Minneapolis, St. Paul and the surrounding areas. With a reputable training program and an extensive roster of highly skilled, certified flight instructors, we can give you the freedom to fly to the greatest destinations in the country.
For additional information on Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.