Snowboard
Sensations and Freedom on the Summits
Le snowboard, since its appearance in the 1960s, has become a board sport emblematic of the mountains. A symbol of freedom, style and adrenaline, it attracts enthusiasts of all levels to the slopes around the world every year. Glide over the snow, link turns or fly in a snowpark provides unique sensations. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, snowboarding offers an incredible playground, especially in the biggest areas of the French alps : The 3 Valleys et Paradiski.
The History of Snowboarding: From a Surfboard to an Olympic Sport
Le snowboard was born in the United States in the 1960s. The idea: to adapt surfing and skateboarding to snow. The first prototype, the "Snurfer", was a simple board without bindings. In the 1980s, the sport became more structured, bindings appeared, boards evolved and snowboarding became a discipline in its own right. Initially marginalized by ski resorts, it eventually became established. In 1998, snowboarding made its debut in Nagano Winter Olympics, consecrating its international status.
The Two Largest Ski Areas in the World: Les 3 Vallées and Paradiski
For snowboarders, the choice of terrain is essential: varied slopes, suitable ski lifts, freestyle areas, etc. In France, The 3 Valleys et Paradiski offer ideal conditions. Located in Savoie in the Northern Alps, Les 3 Vallées and Paradiski are the two most beautiful ski areas in the world.
The 3 Valleys
With 600 km of connected trails, it is the largest ski area in the world. Courchevel, Méribel, Les Menuires, and Val Thorens form an impressive ensemble for riders. The diversity of slopes, the high altitude, and the well-maintained snow parks make Les 3 Vallées a dream destination for snowboarding.
Un stay at Courchevel et Meribel offers you not only an exceptional ski area, but also resorts with unique charm. Courchevel, renowned for its refinement, combines luxury and tradition with its elegant wooden chalets, 5-star hotels, and gourmet restaurants. A few valleys away, Méribel charms with its typically Savoyard architecture: stone and wood chalets, slate roofs, and urban planning perfectly integrated into the Alpine landscape. These two resorts offer a chic and warm atmosphere, ideal for combining quality skiing and the art of mountain living.
Paradiski
Made of La Plagne et Les Arcs, Paradiski offers 425 km of slopes and a varied terrain perfect for snowboarding. From larch forests to high-altitude glaciers, including snow parks and boardercross, the area guarantees thrills and great freedom of movement.
The domain of Paradiski offers much more than miles of varied trails: La Plagne et Les Arcs, architecture also tells the story of the mountain. La Plagne is distinguished by its many villages, each with its own identity, ranging from modern high-altitude resorts to more traditional hamlets, with stone and wood chalets.
On the side of Les Arcs, the architecture is bold and visionary: designed in the 60s by Charlotte Perriand, the resort blends modernism and landscape integration, with buildings with clean lines perfectly oriented towards the mountains. Skiing here also means living a unique aesthetic experience, between grandiose nature and architectural heritage.
The Different Types of Snowboard Slopes
In snowboarding, the slopes are identical to those in skiing, but they are experienced differently due to the sliding technique. They are classified by color:
- Green : ideal for learning to manage the board, especially leaf turns.
- blue : perfect for starting the first series of turns.
- red : steeper, they require good technical bases.
- black : reserved for experienced snowboarders, with steep slopes and sometimes bumps.
Added to this are the snowparks, freeride areas, and boardercross for fans of tricks and speed.
The Best Slopes for Beginners in Snowboarding in Les 3 Vallées and Paradiski
In the 3 Valleys:
- Verdons slope in Courchevel : wide, not very steep, ideal for learning to glide smoothly.
- Altiport in Méribel : green, very accessible, perfect for progressing without stress.
- The Masse 2 track in Les Menuires : nice regular blue for linking turns.
In Paradiski:
- The Mont Blanc slope at Les Arcs 1600 : wide, regular, excellent for beginners in snowboarding.
- The Montalbert slope in La Plagne : green and safe, perfect for first descents.
The Most Difficult Trails for Experienced Riders
In the 3 Valleys:
- Grand Corridor in Courchevel : one of the steepest marked trails in Europe, a challenge even for professionals.
- Combe de Caron in Val Thorens : long, technical, with sections that require skillful negotiation.
- West Face of La Masse (off-piste) : popular spot for freeriding.
In Paradiski:
- Red Needle in Les Arcs : a descent of more than 7 km from 3 m, with red and black sections.
- The Friolin Black Run in La Plagne : wild and technical, in a magnificent setting.
- Off-piste of the North Face of Bellecôte : reserved for experienced snowboarders, accompanied by a guide.
The Best Times to Snowboard
Snowboarding is practiced during the same season as skiing, but certain times are particularly appreciated by riders:
- January : abundant powder, calm slopes, ideal for freeriding.
- Mars : good sunshine, milder temperatures, still good quality snow, relaxed atmosphere.
- April : perfect for slush (spring snow), excellent for tricks in the snowpark.
Periods outside of school holidays also offer more space to develop freely.
An Anecdote about Snowboarding
Did you know that in the early 80s, many ski resorts refused access to snowboarders They were considered too rebellious, even dangerous! Some resorts even had "no snowboarding" signs. Today, the situation has completely reversed: snowboarders are welcome everywhere, and many resorts have adapted their ski lifts (especially detachable chairlifts) to facilitate their access. Snowboarding is now a mainstay of winter sports.
Snowboard Glossary: Terms to Know
- Regular : riding position where the foot left is at the front of the board. This is the most common position.
- Goofy : reverse ride position, with the right foot in the front. The choice between goofy or regular depends on your natural balance.
- Switch : riding in the opposite position to one's natural position. A regular switch ride with the right foot in front, and vice versa.
- Flat : flat area between two descents, often feared by snowboarders because it is difficult to cross without poles.
- Edge (square) : metal edge of the board. We are talking about frontside square (before) or back side (back), depending on the direction of the turn.
- Butter : freestyle figure on the flat or the slopes, consisting of pressing on the front or the back of the board to make fluid and creative movements.
- Jib : sliding on features such as rails, boxes or walls. Very popular in snow parks.
- Pow (or Powder) : fresh and light snow, ideal for freeriding.
- Freestyle : discipline focused on figures, jumps, modules and creativity in the snowpark.
- Freeride : snowboarding off marked slopes, in powder snow, often more technical.
- boardercross : timed course with banked turns, bumps and jumps. Thrills guaranteed!
- Backflip / Frontflip : aerial figures with backward or forward rotation.
Why Rent a Chalet for a Snowboarding Holiday?
After an intense day on the snow, what could be better than a warm chalet to recharge your batteries? Rent a chalet has many advantages for snowboarders:
- Comfort after exercise : a nice hot bath or sauna after freeride sessions is a real pleasure.
- Space for equipment : boards, boots, helmets… everything easily finds its place.
- Authentic atmosphere : fireplace, wood, conviviality between friends or family.
- Proximity to the slopes : many chalets are located on the snow front, at the foot of the slopes and sometimes “snowboard at your feet”.
- Tailor-made services : delivery of equipment, meals, massages… everything is possible in our high-end chalets with our range of tailor-made premium services.
It's the ideal option to fully enjoy your stay, combining skiing, relaxation and nature.
In conclusion
Le snowboard is much more than a sport: it is an art of living, a unique way of experiencing the mountains. In exceptional areas such as The 3 Valleys ou Paradiski, riders of all levels will find unforgettable experiences. Whether on groomed slopes, in the snow park, or off-piste, snowboarding offers total freedom. And to prolong the fun, nothing beats a comfortable chalet in the heart of the mountains. So, ready to ride?
We offer our stays with self-guided or half-day supervised options, in group or private lessons.
Discover gently with our instructors this very special way of sliding, or perfect your curves with the pros. The most seasoned can even try jumps in the snowpark and boardercross, we want videos! For your next winter sports holiday, take advantage of our exceptional areas in Paradiski at La Plagne and Les Arcs, or in the 3 Valleys at Méribel et Courchevel.
Contact us for your winter chalet holidays in the Alps.
