There is no shortage of lists for the best overall ski resorts. These lists tend to be general and are based on a number of common factors. This list is different as it will cover the best resorts specifically for snowboarders.

But what makes a resort great for snowboarders? First and foremost, plentiful amounts of powder. Of course, that is a coveted criterion for any snow rider, but the width of snowboards makes the abundance of powder even more beneficial. Snowboarders also love terrain parks as well as natural flowy features. The more features like jibs, jumps, and halfpipes, the better. Steep terrain is a plus to not get stuck on the flats and many find it easier to navigate steep terrain on a snowboard than on skis. Also, expansive open runs are a plus to allow for wide turns down the mountain. Finally, a strong snowboarding culture would be desired, so you don’t feel like the only rider on a single plank.

There are not any snowboarders-only resorts like skiers have with Alta, Deer Valley, and Mad River Glen, but the resorts below can still give them a quality experience. 

#9 Palisades Tahoe, CA

One of the most well-known ski resorts for its terrain and stunning views, Palisades Tahoe also has a vibrant snowboarding community and a culture that embraces the sport. It receives 400 inches of annual snowfall a year and has 29 lifts, five terrain parks, and a halfpipe. Add in 4,000 acres of bowls, steeps, and natural features, and snowboarders will feel right at home.

#8 Crystal Mountain, WA

Crystal Mountain is the largest ski resort in Washington State, with 2,600 acres and 85 named runs. It also receives some of the best snow in the Pacific Northwest. Four well-designed terrain parks cater to freestyle riders of all levels. The mountain’s layout provides plenty of opportunities for progression and adventure, including backcountry access.

#7 Brighton Resort, UT

Brighton has the perfect combination of terrain parks, natural terrain, and cliffs. You might say it is the epicenter of snowboarding. Add in the deep snow conditions of 500 inches of annual snowfall, along with an impeccable vibe, and Brighton will not disappoint.

#6 Mt. Baker, WA

In 1985, Mt. Baker was one of the first—if not the first—ski area to allow snowboarders. The terrain at Baker is like a giant skateboard park with rollers, gullies, banks, hips, cliffs, and tons of other natural features. The massive snowfall is also well-known. Every year it hosts the Legendary Banked Slalom, a snowboarder-only race event.

#5 Mt. Bachelor, OR

Although not the steepest mountain out there, Mt. Bachelor makes up for it with an abundance of snowfall and flowy natural terrain. Strong winds will often create “waves” to ride similar to surfing. It also hosts a one-of-a-kind snowboard event called the Big Wave Challenge, where surf and snow collide. Add in quality terrain parks, including Woodward Mt. Bachelor, and this stratovolcano is a snowboarders’ haven.

#4 Breckenridge, CO

Breckenridge is one of the most popular resorts in the entire country and while it has something for everyone, snowboarders will thrive here. It is the birthplace of competitive freestyle riding and is renowned for its multiple award-winning terrain parks and an 18-foot halfpipe. The vibrant, charming town with varied nightlife is an added bonus.

#3 Aspen Snowmass, CO

Aspen Snowmass offers vast and diverse terrain suitable for snowboarders of all levels ranging from groomed runs to challenging steeps, glades, and extensive powder-filled bowls spread across the four mountains of Snowmass, Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, and Buttermilk. The resort boasts multiple terrain parks designed specifically for snowboarders. These parks cater to different skill levels, featuring various jumps, rails, halfpipes, and innovative features. Buttermilk, in particular, is famous for hosting the Winter X Games and its world-class terrain park facilities.

#2 Park City Mountain Resort, UT

With one of North America’s most progressive park and pipe set-ups, including six terrain parks and a 22-foot Olympic-sized halfpipe, Park City Mountain Resort (PCMR) is a top option for snowboarders. Part of the fun might be that snowboarders are banned at nearby Deer Valley, making PCMR the next logical destination. The resort is huge with 7,300 acres, 330 trails, and 14 bowls, but doesn’t require a ton of traversing, making it easy for boarders to get around the mountain.

#1 Mammoth Mountain, CA

Taking the number one spot is Mammoth Mountain with 10 award-winning terrain parks with over 100 jibs, 50 jumps, and two halfpipes. The resort also boasts 300 days of sun a year and 400 inches of average annual snowfall so you can see why it is a snowboarder’s dream. Add in 28 lifts, advanced terrain, and backcountry access it all makes sense why this is the biggest boarding scene in the US.

Snowboarding only really started taking off in the U.S. in the 1980s and has only progressed since then. Although you can snowboard at almost any resort, these are the ones that cultivate the discipline the best. They have not just embraced the realm of snowboarding, but they are fostering the culture for the permanent fixture that the sport represents in the industry.