As the only snowboarder here at Ski In Luxury, I often get ridiculed and I have to talk about skiing…. a lot. Don’t get me wrong, I like skiing, I used to ski… but in 2010, in beautiful Canada, I turned to the dark side and I have never looked back! So it goes without saying that I am utterly delighted to have been given free reign to talk about my favourite snow parks… not just for boarders, many freestyle skiers take to the kickers, rails, half pipes and big airs of Europe’s best snow parks…
It’s rather rare nowadays to visit a resort that does not have some area or slope designated as a ‘park’. Tourist offices have recognised the need to provide parks to boarders, free style skiiers and spectators alike. Parks help all riders push their skills to the next level, and it is spectacular to watch!
Sponsored by legendary skate brand Vans, the Vans Penken Park in Mayrhofen covers an entire slope over the sunny side of Action Mountain Penken. With 6 different areas, the park offers something for everyone, from complete beginners to seasoned professionals. Every year the park is mixed up a bit as a team of International Shapers are bought in to keep the park in top shape and exciting for all its visitors. One of my favourite obstacles has to be the rainbow box located in the Advanced Jib Area.
Freestyle Land/ Snow Park 3200, Les Deux Alpes
Les Deux Alpes is home to possibly one of the most renowned snow parks in the world, Freestyle Land, better known as Snow Park 3200. Located at an altitude of 3200m (funnily enough) and on the largest glacier in Europe. With a large half pipe, Big Air, Slope Style and a park designated just for rails, all riders can be entertained for hours. The best thing about this park is you can ride all year round! Even during July and August. The summer months see a lot of snowboard a ski camps take place.
Val Thorens has a fantastic 70,000m² snow park on the Plateaux Pistes.The snow park is made up of tables, rails and boxes in all different sizes. It also has a jump air which means its nice and safe to learn big new tricks. This snow park hosts the slopestyle European and French Cup and offers fantastic watching for any spectator.
Another park with big brand sponsorship is DC area 43 located in Meribel. This snow park is a park for riders of all levels, everyone can find their line with rail, big air, kickers, and a jib area. You can also ride a beautiful pipe! It is also one of the largest in the Alps at over 20000 square meters. The park is new and extremely well looked after so is in great condition and can be fun for a visit and play around. It is 1200m long with 2 lifts allowing you to get access to the park. It has great shaped kickers, 1 mini skate ramp, an airbag for beginners, 220m of rails and 3 street lines.
Saving my favourite to last! The Stash in Avoriaz/Morzine. This park is truly unique and is not like any other snow park in the Alps. Sponsored by leading snowboard brand Burton, this tree lined park offers varied obstacles made from wood. It is officially the first giant ecological snow park in Europe. As far as snow parks go, it is on the smaller side with 1.3KM of run, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in sheer awesomeness. The atmosphere is great here too and often boarders and skiers will hang out all day to watch others hit the obstacles. If you do get to ride this amazing park, keep your eyes peeled for Shreddie!!
It’s not just skiing holidays that we offer here at Ski In Luxury. We also offer luxury snowboarding holidays. Let us help you with your next boarding trip by calling +44 (0) 1202 203650 or drop us an enquiry over email.
