If you feel it’s a while since you experienced anything new on the slopes, it’s time to get yourself a ski / snowboard bucket list. With a checklist that includes some of the most incredible and challenging ski and snowboard experiences available on the planet, you’ll never be bored on piste again. Here are just a few amazing options to choose from:
Take on the Hahnenkamm Downhill
The Hahnenkamm series of World Cup ski races is held at Kitzbühel resort every year. Here you can watch the men’s downhill race, which takes place on the devastatingly fast Streifpiste. Racers reach speeds of 150km/h on a challenging course of sharp turns and jumps. Spectators have the added thrill of skiing the Streif themselves a few days after the races have ended. It’s a challenge that every experienced skier will relish.
Image by Polybert49 via Flickr
World Ski & Snowboard Festival
Whistler-Blackcomb resort alone is worthy of a bucket list place. It’s one of the top winter sport resorts in North America, as well as the largest. Its 8,117 acres include over 200 trails, with plenty of challenging options for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. As if that wasn’t enough, the resort hosts the World Ski & Snowboard Festival each and every year. As a spectator or competitor, head to Whistler in the spring to experience the thrills and spills of this exciting winter sports event.
Image by Tyler Ingram via Flickr
Sail to the Piste
If you dream of pure white slopes free from hordes of skiers and boarders, Greenland should most certainly feature on your list. On board a yacht, you can travel around the coast of Greenland, catching a look at the wildlife and the incredible scenery, before being dropped at the foot of the mountains. After a strenuous skin up the piste, you can make your way down the slopes free from other skiers and snowboarders with just the beautiful panoramic view for company.
Image by Total Heliski via Flickr
Heli to the Piste
Italy offers some of the best heli skiing and snowboarding. Take to the skies, enjoy views of the Alps and find the remotest spots for some seriously excellent downslope action. The Zermatt Tour is one of the best options available. You fly from Gressoney in Italy, ascend to over 4,000 metres and the ski or snowboard down into Switzerland.
Image by Andreas Ebling via Flickr
Do a Black Run Marathon
Make a list of the most exciting black runs – take a look at this list of European runs for inspiration – and tick each and every one of them off your list. From the most scenic to the most challenging, you’ll hone your skills on each and every one of them. You’ll discover a host of amazing ski resorts in the process too.
Image by Richard Jones via Flickr
Après at Mooserwirt, St Anton
The world-famous Mooserwirt is the Austrian destination for après ski. Established back in the 1980s it has long been drawing in the crowds for nights of excess after days on the slopes. Endless beers and shots are on offer as skiers and snowboarders dance on the tables to DJ Gerhard’s cheesy pop classics.
Image by Balázs Suhajda via Flickr
Take A Hut Trip
For a more rustic and immersive ski or snowboard experience, take a hut trip. With a guide you can enjoy off-piste action, hiking and powder skiing during the days. You’ll spend your nights on the mountain, staying in a trail hut and waking up ready to take on another fantastic day’s skiing or snowboarding come the morning. There are hut experiences for various levels of ski and snowboard ability so don’t put this off until you’re pro!
Image by Juho Holmi via Flickr
Ticking off the items on your skiing and snowboarding bucket list is sure to be a whole ton of fun. The only tricky bit is deciding where to start.
Author Bio
Savannah is an experienced traveller who loves winter sports and mountains. Whenever not working, she’s at the slopes in the US, Asia or Europe. She’s also interested in photography and film-making.
