Our favourite snowboard and ski resorts in the European Alps

Before you leave, make sure your setup is ready. A good board, proper boots and the right outerwear make a huge difference in the Alps. Explore our snowboards, snowboard boots, snowboard bindings and snowboard outerwear before your next trip.

LAAX, Switzerland

First up, LAAX. It’s nice yo.

LAAX is a world-renowned snowboard and ski resort in the Swiss Alps. The resort offers a huge variety of terrain for all levels, including some seriously challenging terrain and one of the most famous snow parks in Europe. If you are a freestyle enthusiast, LAAX should definitely be on your list.

For park riding, you want a setup that feels playful but still stable enough for bigger features. A freestyle-focused snowboard, supportive bindings and comfortable boots will make your days in LAAX a lot better.

Things to do in LAAX

• Ride the park
• Break your bank account
• Have cheese fondue
• Switch method in the super-pipe
• Stay and party at the Riders Hotel

Disentis, LAAX’s hidden gem

Disentis is a small Swiss village just a short drive from LAAX. There is really one main reason to go there: powder. If LAAX has been tracked out after a big dump, Disentis can still feel like paradise.

Disentis is also connected to Andermatt, another great Swiss resort for freeride and touring. Later in the season, the area has plenty of routes for riders who know what they are doing. For days like this, proper technical clothing is key. Read our complete guide to layering outerwear if you want to dial in your mountain setup.

Why we love LAAX and Disentis

LAAX and Disentis work so well together because they offer two different sides of Swiss snowboarding. LAAX gives you parks, pistes, lift access and a high-end resort feel. Disentis gives you quiet freeride lines, powder and a more raw mountain experience.

The only downside is the price. LAAX is sehr teuer, but definitely worth it in our opinion. Disentis is cheaper, but smaller and more dependent on good snow.

The famous LAAX gondola and a great day in Disentis a while ago.

Avoriaz, Portes du Soleil

Avoriaz is a car-free magical village located directly on the mountain in the French Alps. It has a family-friendly atmosphere, great terrain variety and access to the massive Portes du Soleil area.

Avoriaz works well for mixed groups because there is something for everyone. Beginner slopes, park laps, freeride possibilities, restaurants, bowling, a cinema and plenty of French mountain food. For long days here, comfort matters. Good snowboard socks and smart layering make a bigger difference than people think.

Things to do in Avoriaz

• Ski and snowboard French and Swiss terrain
• Visit one of the many snow parks
• Watch a French dubbed movie, not recommended
• Drink red wine and Genepy after riding, recommended

When you go, make sure you order some Genepy. It is one of our favourite drinks when we are in France and soon will be yours too.

Avoriaz in all its glory and shredder @wallgroot sending it in Avoriaz at the Volcom Spot2Spot battle.

Montafon, Austria

Montafon is a valley deep in the Austrian Alps. It is close to St Anton, but less obvious, which is one of the reasons we like it. You get authentic Austrian energy, good terrain and plenty of freeride potential when conditions line up.

Montafon is a strong choice if you want powder, pistes, park laps and schnitzel in the same trip. If you are planning to ride in changing weather, proper outerwear becomes essential. Technical shells from brands like Arc'teryx and Patagonia are exactly the type of pieces that make sense in places like Montafon.

Why we love Montafon

We love Montafon because it feels like a classic Austrian snowboard trip without being as over-exploited as some of the bigger names. The terrain is varied, the food is heavy in the best way and the après-ski options still feel pretty authentic.

• Become Austrian
• Eat great schnitzels
• Ride powder, pistes and park
• Schnaps

If you are comparing outerwear for trips like this, check our Patagonia vs Arc'teryx jacket comparison.

Montgenevre, The Milky Way

Montgenevre, part of La Via Lattea, sits on the border between France and Italy. That means French breakfast, Italian lunch and a lot of underrated snowboard terrain in between.

Montgenevre and Sestriere are not-so-well-known freeride heavens. The terrain is mostly not too steep, which makes it really fun when there is fresh snow. If you find a guide who knows the area, you can ride some epic lines.

For a trip like this, an all-mountain snowboard makes the most sense. Not too park-specific, not too directional, just something that can handle everything you find during the week.

Things to do in La Via Lattea

• Explore the resort and off-piste options
• Have French breakfast and Italian lunch
• Book a big chalet with a group

@Matthijs making turns in Montgenevre.

Flachauwinkl and Zauchensee, Austria

Flachauwinkl is a family-friendly resort, but we mainly love it for Absolut Park. It is probably one of the best snow parks in the Alps, with an insane amount of features for freestyle snowboarders and skiers.

Across the street you will find Zauchensee, which is more challenging and better for freeride. That combination makes the area really strong. Park when it is sunny, powder when it dumps.

If you are riding park, your boots matter a lot. A comfortable and responsive pair of snowboard boots helps with landings, control and long days lapping features.

Why we love Flachauwinkl and Zauchensee

Flachauwinkl is awesome for Absolut Park. Zauchensee adds some of the best powder tree runs nearby. Together, they make a great combo for experienced snowboarders who want both freestyle and freeride options in one trip.

• Shred park
• Shred pow
• Party in Flachau, optional

One of our best powder days in Zauchensee, 2022.

Final thoughts

All right, so in short, these are all great options to have a good time in the European Alps, on or off your snowboard or skis.

We hope our intel and personal views give you the insight you need to select the perfect resort for your next winter sports adventure in the Alps. Want more advice? Visit us in the store in Amsterdam or give us a call.

xoxo
Behind The Pines