Where To Snowboard In The Off Season
Snowboarding in the summer isn't often considered by a lot of people, however, with the 2020/2021 winter season being wiped out by the pandemic, the snowboard itch is higher than ever for many.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can get your boarding fix. There are some mega indoor slopes that run year round here in the UK, world-class cross-training facilities and the potential of European glacier resorts should restrictions ease to allow travel.
UK Indoor Slopes
The UK indoor scene has been the platform that has launched many of the country's top snowboard talents. If you’ve never ventured to an indoor slope, then this summer offers a great opportunity to experience what’s on offer. Here are some of our favourite destinations.
Snozone - Milton Keynes & Castleford
With slopes in both Milton Keynes and Castleford, Snozone is a great option for getting your turns in. The 170-metre slope at Milton Keynes and 150-metre slope at Castleford are both open 7 days a week. Each offers 1500 tonnes of fresh snow so you know conditions are going to be good. Both slopes hold weekly freestyle sessions with course changes each week offering plenty of variation.
Find out more at Snozone and pick up the latest gear from TSA Milton Keynes and Castleford.
SnowDome - Tamworth
The main focus of Tamworth’s SnowDome is its 180-metre main slope. Whether you are wanting to blast some carves or spend some time on park features, the SnowDome has you covered. Weekly Tuesday freestyle sessions offer a mix of mellow boxes, rails and kickers, making it a great introduction to those new to freestyle riding. If you're looking for something a little more testing, then the Tamlands Laboratory night on the last Tuesday of each month provides an experimental advanced park set up, offering a challenge for experienced riders.
Find out more at SnowDome and pick up the latest gear from TSA Tamworth.
Snow Factor - Braehead
Snow Factor’s 200-metre long slope measures up as the longest in the UK. With four ski lifts and a snow depth of 1.5 metres, you’ll feel like you’re back in the Alps. Freestyle sessions run twice a week, with a range of courses that cater for beginners through to advanced riders. The courses change each week with a poll on Facebook that allows you to vote for your favourite proposed layout.
Find out more at Snow Factor and pick up the latest gear from TSA Braehead.
Chill Factore - Manchester
Manchester’s Chill Factore comes in at 180 metres in length and 100 metres wide, making it the widest indoor slope in the UK. With different events throughout the week, there is a session suitable for all abilities. The slope has ‘Terrain Challenges’ set up most days, offering some park features to test your skills on, with snowboard specific freestyle sessions as well.
Find out more at Chill Factore.
The Snow Centre - Hemel Hempstead
Located as the nearest indoor slope to London, The Snow Centre offers a 160-metre long main piste. Weekly freestyle sessions take place every Thursday with a range of features to help you improve your riding.
Find out more at The Snow Centre.
European Glacier Resorts
"Hintertux" by Alexander Lindquist, licensed under CC BY 2.0
In previous years, the glacier resorts that are scattered around Europe have been the go-to destination for snowboarders looking to get their fix through the summer months. Whilst it’s still uncertain what the situation on travel will be this summer, it’s worth keeping your eye on the news and resorts, as there may still be a chance to get some snow at altitude later in the year.
Here’s a handful of some of our favourite Euro Glacier resorts.
Fonna - Norway
Fonna is one of the best options for summer snow in Europe. With plenty of alpine-style slopes and an excellent freestyle park, the resort has secure snow year-round.
Les 2 Alpes - France
Les 2 Alpes’ snow-sure glacier is the largest in Europe, making it a great destination for summer snow. You can expect spectacular views, long runs and an extensive snowpark to quench your snowboarding thirst.
Hintertux - Austria
Hintertux offers up snow-sure runs for 365 days a year. For those looking for freestyle riding, Betterpark Hintertux is an internationally respected snowpark, and considered by many to be the best park in the Alps. At 3200m, you can be confident of finding snow.
Other Options
Don’t forget that the summer offers a great opportunity to take some time off snow, try new activities and work on some other sports that will help take your boarding to the next level. Skateboarding is perhaps one of the most impactful, helping with trick development, balance and strength.
Graystone Action Sports - Salford
Graystone is a world-class facility for athletes across a range of disciplines but offers an excellent base for snowboarders looking to push their progression. With facilities for skateboarding, trampolining, gymnastics, yoga and more, Graystone is a one-stop shop to becoming a better boarder. The gem in Grayston's crown is the Big Air foam pit, complete with bespoke snowboards on roller wheels that allow you to get comfortable in the air, work on tricks, and get ready to take your riding to the next level.
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