There is a dearth of great places to ski and snowboard in Europe and not just in your typical Alp territories, each country brings about different customs and traditions while remaining utterly unique and fascinating.   Whether it be challenging slopes you are after or cute towns and villages which offer picturesque backdrops, there is plenty to choose from.
 
Ruka, Finland
 
The largest ski resort in Finland, it has hosted some major snowboard championships but the boarding here is not exactly challenging and is actually the perfect resort for beginners.  The slopes are lumpy, rounded and manageable and you can explore the whole area in half a day.  The resort has the largest annual snowfall out of all Finland’s resorts offering which makes for fantastic soft and powdery snow while it also gets extremely cold in the winter, offering perfect boarding conditions.
 
As well as boarding there are also a number of activities on offer such as snowmobiling across frozen lakes, or husky sledging which is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity.  Kuusamo is the nearest village and offers superb and unique nature, fishing and many other activities, the nearest biggest town is Oulu, which can be found off the West coast of Finland.
 
Chamonix, France
 
One of the most sort-after resorts for boarding enthusiasts, whether seasoned pros have been before or not, Chamonix always excites and gets the blood pumping.  In the shadow of Mont Blanc, the 10 mile long valley boasts one bustling town, five ski areas and lift access to some of the most spine-tingling steeps on the planet.  The villages of Le Tour and Argentiere can also be found at the top of the valley, they are charming pockets of activity which greatly add to the appeal of Chamonix.
 
The challenging slopes and terrain are a must for snowboarders, it also is a unique and antiquated place, which has been left unspoilt and maintains a traditional feel.  Scores of hotels and restaurants are to be chosen from among the cobbled streets and squares, beautiful old buildings and fast-running River and pavement cafes.   
 
Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
 
Germany does not spring to mind when thinking of snowboarding destinations and although it is surrounded by its more well-known alpine neighbours, Germany can still boast plenty of ride-able terrain.  All located the in southernmost part of the country; you are guaranteed to get efficient and convenient boarding experience in Germany.  Garmisch embellishes all of this and has been Germany’s leading ski resort for many years now, an attractive place with old buildings, cute and cosy narrow streets with a centre filled with painted houses - there is plenty for snowboarders to choose from.
The lifts and slopes are not located centrally in Garmisch and require travel by car or bus, the main three peaks are Alpspitze, Kreuzeck and Hausberg and offer the most pistes, and one of the highlights of Garmisch is Wank, which can be an excellent boarding location when the snow conditions are right.  Garmisch-Partenkirchen’s location is less than an hour’s drive from Munich and around ninety minutes from Munich airport, making it extremely convenient.
St Anton, Austria
 
With the best terrain in Austria, St Anton provides a memorable snowboarding experience.   It’s slopes are varied but on average they are challenging and require an intermediate level, what makes St Anton stand out however is the party atmosphere, having a drink and embracing the spirit of the the lively après-ski in well-known bars such as the Krazy Kangaroo really offers an authentic experience.
 
Tackling the slopes of St Christoph, Stuben, Lech and Zürs is an extremely rewarding challenge as they offer great snowboarding terrain, with copious amounts of powder! There are an impressive 280km of pistes but it is the 180km of marked off-piste runs that really sets St.Anton apart, with steeps, deep power, and trees on all sides of the mountain slopes it’s difficult to match.  Try and resist the lure of the après before tackling the off piste runs, as this place gets ridden out faster than no other.
 
Val Gardena, Italy
 
Said to be the largest snowboarding area in the world, there is an astounding 600 miles of marked trails that are served by some 460 lifts of all shapes and styles.  Located in the northern area of the Dolomites, it is a huge valley which contains three main villages and small amount of satellite hamlets - it offers something for everyone.
 
Whichever of the three main villages you choose to stay in, you can move around the resort via a regular shuttle bus service – it is also relatively simple to navigate around the different slopes.  Snowboarding in the Dolomites truly is life affirming, experience a new dimension through long curves on the slopes, with powdered snow that kick up beautiful snow crystals – it is like snowboarding on white gold!
 
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
 
Kranjsa Gora is a real gem of a resort both on and off the slope, with a five star hotel and a casino right next to the modern and up to date chair lifts, it defines luxury.  Established in 1922, this Slovenian resort lies at 810 metres altitude in the Gorenjska region of the Slovenian Julian Alps.  With the highest lifts and ski slopes at 1623m.  A special characteristic of the skiing of Kranjska Gora is the diversity of the slopes offering quality boarding to beginners and pros.
 
As soon as you step out of your hotel you will find yourself within a stone’s throw of the slopes, with the only thing dividing you from them and your hotel is a snow beach, which becomes a tourist resort in the summer too. The imposing peaks of the Julian Alps, the vast forests stretching from Mojstrana to Ratece and the ski areas among them attract hikers, alpinists, bicyclists, and skiers. 
 
Round Up
 
Europe is amass with excellent skiing and snowboarding resorts – from the party atmosphere of St.Anton in Austria to the tranquil and scenic Chamonix of France each has its own identity and character, they also offer an opportunity to absorb a nations culture, cuisine and mingle with the locals.

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