Top 5 Snowboarding Destinations and Resorts

I'm pleased to announce that The Pursuit of Life has a guest post this week from fellow travel blogger, Megan Gates. Here's some excellent destinations for a snowboarding vacation!

Megan Gates is an active blogger who provides written work to the blogosphere pertaining to NYC Rentals, Hamptons Real Estate Listings, home improvement and the latest architecture, design, fashion and travel.  Follow her on twitter @MEGatesDesign.

Looking for the best snowboarding terrain around the world? It can hard, browsing ski resorts, to know which are truly board-friendly and not just throwing in "free snowboarding lessons" to attract tourists. Here are five resorts around the world that are REALLY worth your money.

5: Vail (Colorado, United States)

One of the largest ski resorts in the United States, Vail is known for both its insane quads (in a good way!) and its sheer size - it offers over 5300 acres of snowy, picture-perfect terrain. It's also a prime spot for playing the tourist, filled with shops, museums, hiking and other outdoor opportunities. If you're serious about making the most of your snowboarding trip, Vail should be on your shortlist.

4: Dragon Lodge (Tignes, France)

Located in the picturesque Tignes mountains, the Dragon Lodge offers a snowboarding experience unlike any other. For one, they're a popular resort - and they know it - so they're experts at catering to their guests. They also provide ample entertainment once the sun goes down, offering clubs, concerts and other goodies right at the bottom of the slopes. Best of all, the Dragon Lodge won't break the bank. Book with a group and you can save 10% off per person!

3: St. Anton (Tyrol, Austria)

You may recognize St. Anton from the movies, because it's so beautiful that more than one director has seen it and claimed it for filming. But what if you're a snowboarder and not a cinema student? St. Anton is a freerider's paradise, stuffed with 5-10km runs and elevated to almost 3000m. It's also nestled right between other resorts, so you can keep your options open - not that you'd need to!

2: Verbier (Verbier, Switzerland)

When just one mountain isn't enough, consider Verbier, which has FOUR interconnecting slopes and over 200 pistes and runs in all. With takings like that, it's no wonder Verbier is a favorite of the rich and powerful - everyone from James Blunt to Princess Beatrice has crunched on its snow. But don't let the thought intimidate you! Verbier stays fun and affordable by welcoming thousands of visitors each year, young and old, skilled and just beginning. If you're eying the Alps, Verbier is the place to be.

1: Whistler/Blackcomb (British Columbia, Canada)

With blue skies, towering cliffs and endless amounts of fresh snow each day, there's a reason this resort has been voted #1 in North America... more than once.

Are you an experienced pro looking for a challenge? Whistler/Blackcomb has some of the highest-rated peaks and pikes in the country. Or maybe you're just an eager beginner? They have slopes for you too, as well as trained teachers on staff to help guide and motivate you. And if you ever get tired of snowboarding - unlikely, but possible - you can always ski, snowmobile, ice skate, take a sleigh ride, or fly along the mountain on a zip trek.

For quality snowboarding AND lots of extras, Whistler/Blackcomb is our #1 choice for best resort in the world.
Thank you, Megan!

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