When the Northern Hemisphere's ski season ends and summer heat sets in, dedicated snowboarders don't have to hang up their boards. Thanks to the Southern Hemisphere's winter season and year-round glacial terrain, there are incredible destinations where you can chase powder and perfect your skills while others are hitting the beach. Here are the top six places to snowboard during summer 2025. 1. Chilean Andes - Valle Nevado & PortilloBest Time: June to September Chile's Andes Mountains offer some of the best summer snowboarding in the world, with Valle Nevado opening up its doors in June (late May on a big early start) to over 7,000 acres of skiable terrain. The proximity to Santiago makes these resorts incredibly accessible – you can be shredding summer powder at these 3 main snow sport destinations by lunchtime the day you land in Chile. Valle Nevado stands out for its reliable conditions, with straight sunshine 80% of the time and excellent powder that stays fresh thanks to the resort's unique geological orientation. For experienced riders, Valle Nevado is a playground filled with fantastic chutes, bowls, and gullies. Portillo Resort is constantly regarded as one of the best ski destinations in the world by several media outlets and offers killer steeps, wide-open alpine terrain, famed dry powder, plus views of Aconcagua and the glowing glacial Laguna del Inca. What makes Portillo special is that the resort famously only accommodates 450 people at a time, lift lines are virtually unheard of. 2. New Zealand - Queenstown & WanakaBest Time: June to September (peak season July-August) New Zealand's South Island transforms into a snowboarding paradise during the Northern Hemisphere's summer. The Queenstown snowboard season runs from mid June to mid October, offering access to four world-class ski fields. The Remarkables provides seven terrain parks, including a Bruton Stash Park (one of only six in the world) and hosts the annual Freeride World Tour. Cardrona Alpine Resort is perfect for progression, featuring the southern hemisphere's only Olympic-standard superpipe and reliable snow conditions. Treble Cone, the largest ski area in New Zealand's South Island, offers the longest vertical rise in the Queenstown region and is ideal for experienced riders seeking challenging terrain and stunning alpine views. The beauty of New Zealand skiing lies in its variety – flexible lift passes mean you can ski at a different resort if one of the ski fields isn't open when you visit. 3. Whistler Blackcomb Glacier, CanadaBest Time: June to August While most of Whistler closes for summer, the glacier remains open for die-hard snowboarders. It takes about 45 minutes, three lifts, and bus up to get to Blackcomb Glacier, but the combo of summer weather and soft glacier riding is nothing short of brilliant. Whistler's summer glacier skiing offers a unique experience where you can snowboard in the morning and enjoy mountain biking, hiking, or the resort's extensive summer activities in the afternoon. The glacier provides consistent conditions and serves as a training ground for many professional athletes during the off-season. 4. Zermatt, SwitzerlandBest Time: Year-round Zermatt's Theodul glacier, just under the shadow of the Matterhorn, stays open for die-hard snowboarders (and Olympic national snowboard team training) all summer. The Swiss resort is so confident in their high-altitude conditions that they offer an "absolute snow guarantee". Snowboarding at 3,800 meters with views of the iconic Matterhorn creates an unforgettable experience. The glacier offers well-maintained pistes and the opportunity to ride alongside professional athletes who use Zermatt as their summer training base. 5. Nevados de Chillán, ChileBest Time: July to September For those seeking the deepest powder in South America, Nevados de Chillan is where you should plan to ski or snowboard this summer. This hidden gem sits on an active volcano and offers incredible backcountry access. What sets Chillán apart is its unique terrain – you can snowboard in an Araucaria forest (Monkey Puzzle trees) and summit a volcano the same day. The resort also features natural hot springs situated all over. Great for muscle recovery after a big powder day. The backcountry opportunities are exceptional, with volcano descents and full lines down from the peak of Los Nevados available for experienced riders with proper guidance. 6. Mt. Hood Palmer Snowfield, OregonBest Time: June to early September Mt. Hood's Palmer Snowfield offers the only year-round lift-served skiing and snowboarding in North America. Timberline offers the longest shred season in North America, with the Palmer Express operating from June 1st through beginning of September (snow dependent). Located at 8,540 feet on the southeast flank of Mt. Hood, providing 2,500 vertical feet of descent back to the Timberline Lodge base, Palmer Snowfield has been the official training site for pro snowboarders and the U.S. Snowboard Teams since the 1980s. What makes Mt. Hood special is its combination of accessibility and reliable conditions. Mount Hood averages over 500 inches of snowfall annually, and up on the Palmer Snowfield, it's not uncommon to reach snow depths of 30-50 feet. The resort uses 100% natural snowfall, meaning you can shred REAL SNOW all year long. The terrain includes Timberline's Freestyle Training Center with carefully designed and maintained features and terrain, as well as public lanes for intermediate and advanced riders. Unlike winter snow, summer snow is predictable with firm conditions in the morning—ideal for carving turns, then as the morning progresses, the snow softens—ideal for learning jumps and riding park. Palmer Snowfield is recommended for intermediate to advanced riders due to the challenging glacial terrain and variable conditions. Planning Your Summer Snowboard AdventureTiming is Key: Southern Hemisphere destinations offer the most authentic winter experience during June through September, with July and August typically providing the best conditions and deepest snowpack. Consider the Crowds: July is by far the most popular month of the Queenstown snowboard season, because this is when both New Zealand and Australia's school holidays fall. For fewer crowds, consider June or September. Glacier vs. Traditional Skiing: Glacier skiing offers year-round snow but typically shorter runs and variable conditions. Southern Hemisphere destinations provide full-mountain experiences with complete resort amenities. Budget Considerations: June is the tail end of New Zealand's only off season, which means rock-bottom accommodation prices, making it an excellent time for budget-conscious travelers. Whether you're looking to maintain your skills during the off-season, escape summer heat, or simply experience snowboarding in spectacular new locations, these six destinations offer world-class terrain and unforgettable experiences during summer 2025. From the powder fields of Chile to the iconic peaks of Switzerland and the reliable glacial conditions of Mt. Hood, summer snowboarding opens up a world of possibilities for dedicated riders. You're currently a free subscriber to the snowboard blog. For the full experience, upgrade your subscription.
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Sabtu, 19 Juli 2025
Top 6 Places to Snowboard in Summer 2025
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