Whether you’re a seasoned rider or a new slider, it’s time to grab your board and drop into our guide to Europe’s best snowboarding spots. Parks, pistes and powder? Right this way…

Avoriaz

Fly to Geneva

Few resorts stack up to Avoriaz when it comes to stellar snowboarding credentials, so it’s well deserving of its ‘snowboard capital of Europe’ moniker. It’s a mecca for freestylers, boasting not one, not two, but six snow parks, plus a permanent half-pipe. If you’re new to the scene, La Chapelle snow park is best for beginners, while the experts ride the rails in the Arare snow park. On-piste, you’ll have access to more than 150km of slopes and a hefty helping of knockout views.

Chamonix

Fly to Geneva

Boarders on a quest for testing terrain and sensational scenery should look no further than charming Chamonix. It’s here, in the shadow of Mont Blanc, that experienced riders can take on the Vallée Blanche, one of Europe’s longest off-piste tracks. Glide through cloud-like powder, thread through frost-rimmed forests and don’t forget to take in the postcard panoramas. Chamonix’s also home to one of the biggest snow parks in Europe, packed with obstacles for all ages to get stuck into. Would you rather sit back and watch how the pros do it? Head on over to the chill-out zone. Off the mountains, the town’s chock-full of places for post-slope sipping and supping. Evenings reminiscing about the day’s runs over gooey tartiflette and steaming chocolat chaud are snowboarding-holiday highlights.

Tignes

Fly to Chambery

There’s nothing worse than anxiously watching the weather forecast for that dump of snow before your boarding break. It’s great news then that Tignes sits at a lofty 2100m, meaning it’s about as snow sure as it gets! In fact, you can board on the Grand Motte Glacier almost all year round. Practice your turns on the nursery slopes in Le Lac, then work your way through the huge network of red and black runs. For mountaintop thrills, the resort’s snow park is just the ticket, with a variety of kickers and jumps to tackle. There’s even an airbag jump on the run back to Val Claret!

Les Arcs

Fly to Chambery

Wide slopes and fabulous freestyle facilities make up the winning winter package in Les Arcs. The resort’s split into several villages, each with their own character. Arc 1600’s a favourite for families, while the nightlife is best in Arc 1800. In between these two villages sits one of the best snow parks in the Alps, where you’ll find a quarter-pipe and boardercross course. And why not finish your day with a visit to France’s biggest Igloo Village in Arc 1950? Marvel at the magical snow sculptures then enjoy an ice-cold beer peche. Once you’ve conquered all the slopes, catch the cable car over to La Plagne and explore the other side of the 425km Paradiski area.

Mayrhofen

Fly to Innsbruck

This Austrian favourite boasts its fair share of snowboard superlatives. If you want to test out your tricks, Penken Park’s the place to be. It regularly hosts the major players of the sport at the British Snowboarding Championships, so you can be sure you’re in good hands! Travelling with tots? The kids-only zone is a great starting point for youngsters. Off-pisters have 300km of backcountry bliss to uncover and most trails are accessible using the lift system. Want to give the crowds the slip? Head over to the quieter resort of Kaltenbach for a queue-free day on the slopes.

St Anton

Fly to Innsbruck

If you’ve got a few snowboarding seasons under your belt, St Anton’s a boarder’s paradise. We’re talking nearly 300km of pisted slopes, 180km of easy-to-reach off-piste trails and barely a drag lift in sight. The section below the Valluga peak is a hotspot for freeriders, while freestyle fun comes by the bucketload at Stanton Park. If you’re up for a boogie in your boots, the après-ski options are endless. It’s all about table-top dancing at the Mooserwirt, while the Krazy Kanguruh’s sun terrace is primed for soaking up the rays.