The thrill of carving down a mountain, the rush of cold air against my face, the crisp sound of my board slicing through fresh snow—snowboarding is more than just a sport for me; it’s a lifestyle. But here’s the thing: when most people think of snowboarding, they think of winter. They think of ski resorts, heavy coats. But what if I told you snowboarding doesn’t have to be confined to a few months of the year? I’ve spent 2015 chasing winter across the globe, finding fresh powder in places most people wouldn’t even think to look. Here's how I made snowboarding a year-round adventure.
The Dream- Endless Winter
It all started one winter when I was on a trip to New Zealand. It was mid-summer back home, but down in the Southern Hemisphere, the snow was just starting to accumulate. I had always thought snowboarding was seasonal—something you could only do in the winter months—but New Zealand shattered that illusion. I realized there were places in the world where you could catch the tail end of winter or experience a fresh season when the snow had already melted in the north. The idea of chasing snow year-round was born.
The Global Snowboard Circuit
To snowboard year-round, you have to think global. One of the biggest perks of being a snowboarding traveler is that there are mountains in different parts of the world that offer fresh powder at various times of the year. I quickly learned to map out the best snowboarding destinations, not by season, but by what was happening in each hemisphere.
1. Summer time heatwaves in the Northern Hemisphere? Head South.
When summer kicks in on the other side of the world, I make my way to Chile. Their ski resorts— Valle Nevado—offer snowboarding from late June to early October. By the time the Northern Hemisphere resorts are winding down, the Southern Hemisphere is just ramping up,
2. Europe in the Summer: Glacier Boarding
While most associate Europe with winter resorts like the Alps, there’s something much more wild in the EU… glacier boarding. Countries like Switzerland, France, and Austria have glaciers that stay open all year. Glacier skiing and snowboarding are possible on places like Zermatt or the Dachstein Glacier in Austria. Trust me—there’s something surreal about riding through the summer months on snow that feels like winter, and the crowds are a fraction of what you get in peak season.
3. Back to the North: Fall and Spring Transitions
As the snow begins to melt in the Southern Hemisphere, Its time to think about making way back up North for the fall season. There’s a sweet spot in late September and early October where resorts like Whistler and Mammoth Mountain start their early season operations. Some high-altitude resorts in the Rockies or the Alps open earlier than you’d expect, offering prime early-season conditions and quieter slopes.
Gear for the Journey
If you’re chasing snow year-round, you quickly learn that your gear needs to be as versatile as your travel schedule. I learned (the hard way) to pack smart and be prepared for different conditions—sometimes in the same day.
1. Layering: While I always have my base layers and snowboarding pants, I also make sure to bring lighter gear for warmer conditions. In the summer, snowboarding can still be chilly at the mountain's top, but it’s a far cry from the depths of winter, so a breathable, moisture-wicking jacket and lighter gloves are essential.
2. Backcountry Gear: Sometimes, fresh powder means heading off the beaten path. I always carry a beacon, shovel, and probe when I’m venturing into more remote, less-traveled snow zones. Trust me: it’s always worth it to be prepared, no matter where you are.
3. Board Variety: Not all boards are created equal, and if you’re traveling the world, you’ll want to find the right one for each location. In my quiver I have a Never Summer pow board for deep snow in New Zealand, a slightly narrower Jobes all-mountain board for quick transitions and changing conditions , and my Huck freestyle board for hitting the parks during summer glacier sessions. It’s a bit of a hassle to pack, but it’s all part of the adventure.
The Local Culture of Snowboarding Year-Round
Snowboarding year-round isn't just about the snow. It’s about meeting people from around the world, sharing stories on chairlifts, and seeing how snowboarding culture differs across continents. The passion is the same, whether I’m in the South Island of New Zealand, chasing après-ski vibes in Switzerland, or shredding a spring sess in Japan.
One of my favorite things about traveling and snowboarding year-round is experiencing local snowboarding scenes. In Japan, the culture is so steeped in respect for nature, and the snow is unlike anything I've ever encountered—light, fluffy, and perfect for a deep carve. In New Zealand, the vibe is laid-back, and I would often end my days with a BBQ in a hostel surrounded by fellow snowboarders. The French Alps offer chic après-ski, and in Chile, I’ve found that the Southern Hemisphere’s winter feels like a refreshing, less crowded escape from the hustle of the North US and Canadian resorts.
The Best Part: Endless Adventure
The most rewarding part of snowboarding year-round isn’t just the riding—though, of course, that’s incredible—it’s the adventures that come with it. Each trip is a new challenge, a new experience, and a chance to connect with a global community of riders who are all equally obsessed with the mountains. The endless pursuit of snow is about more than just the sport; it’s about living life on your terms, constantly chasing the next peak, and feeling the pure joy of carving through fresh powder—no matter the season.
If you’ve ever dreamed of experiencing snowboarding year-round, take the plunge. Invest in the gear, plan your trips, and get ready to chase winter across the globe. It’s a whole new way to live the snowboarding dream.
So, where’s your next destination?
Happy Shredding!
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