ISPO Names Five Best Snowparks In The World
Every freestyler's dream is probably situated in Breckenridge, Colorado. But there are more snowparks worldwide that every snowboarder and freeskier should ride at least once in a lifetime. ISPO.com gives an overview of what you can’t miss on this must-see list.
Breckenridge is considered by many to be the best snowpark in the world. All well-known snowboarders and freeskiers train in the four huge terrain parks. The best freestylers in the world practice their tricks for the contests in "Breck's" perfectly shaped parks. But beginners will also find optimal conditions in the snowparks, because they can start small and slowly try more difficult obstacles. "Breck" offers every kicker size and boxes in every difficulty. The runs are also perfectly matched to each other.
Where: Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Setup: Two 3-er lines, more than 80 obstacles
Lift pass: $102
Opening times: 11/09/2018-04/30/2019
The snowpark of Whistler Blackcomb in Canada is so huge that it can be seen from space. Divided into five different parks, the site extends over 40 hectares. The snowpark is shaped twice a day so that all 150 obstacles (including 90 rails) and the pipe are always in perfect condition. The five parks offer a large selection for every skill level, and with rollers, hips, boxes, rails, kickers, wallrides, and banked turns, it has everything. The perfect playground for every freestyler!
Where: Whistler, Canada
Setup: 150 obstacles
Lift pass: CAD 149
Opening times: 11/22/2018-05/27/2019
China is preparing for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, and is opening more and more ski resorts, including some indoor halls. Just this year, the Wanda Indoor Ski and Winter Sports Resort opened in Harbin, offering space for 3,000 skiers and snowboarders. The largest outdoor ski resort in China, however, is located in the northernmost province of Heilongjiang, on Yabuli Sun Mountain.
The fun park here consists of a slopestyle area and a superpipe, and was the venue for the 2016 Snowboard World Championships. All of China’s national winter sports teams train there. The northern location of Yabuli ensures snow from early November to late April, even if there’s little snow in the region.
Where: Yabuli, China
Setup: Varies
Lift pass: N/A
Opening times: 11/09/2018-04/30/2019
As one of the first snowparks in Europe, Avoriaz is still one of the top freestyle spots today. With various parks divided according to difficulty (XS, S, M, L) and the Burton Stash Park, where wooden features have been integrated into the natural terrain, a lot of variety is on offer.
The Lil’Stash and the Burton Kids Parkaway provide a playful introduction to park riding for the little ones, while experienced riders can try out the countless rails, boxes, and kickers. In addition, two of the last halfpipes in France are located in Avoriaz: the superpipe at a length of 120 meters and a smaller pipe for intermediate riders.
Where: Avoriaz, France
Setup: Varies
Lift pass: €53
Opening times: 12/14/2019-04/22/2019
Banked slaloms are making a huge comeback as they put the fun of snowboarding back in the spotlight and are made for all ages and abilities. In Hakuba, Japan, there is now a snowpark designed in banked slalom style. Gliding, carving, sliding, jumping, and twisting – at the Happo Banks, everyone can give free rein to their creativity and discover a new side of snowboarding and skiing. Jumps, banks and jib spots are built into the course, so that every freestyler can let off steam.
Where: Hakuba, Japan
Setup: Banks and jumps
Lift pass: €46
Opening times: 02/03/2019-04/08/2019
