The best European resorts for snowboarding. Review of current freeride trails in the Russian Federation Hochfugen, Austria - one of the friendliest off-piste resorts in the Alps

- Which resorts are best suited for families with children?
The best resorts for families with children in Switzerland are awarded the “Families Welcome” certificate of quality. These are not just advertising “tricks” of the resorts, this is a strict certification system for a number of parameters, and resorts with these certificates regularly undergo strict inspections.

What to look for when choosing a family resort:
- abundance of blue trails;
- availability of training trails near hotels/apartments;
- availability and location of children's playgrounds;
- availability of kindergartens and ski schools near your residence;
- climate (high mountain resorts are not very suitable for holidays with babies);
- duration of the transfer;
- availability of apartments or kitchen (if this is necessary due to diet or allergies);
- the ability to walk with a stroller (look at the map of walking paths, do not choose resorts located only along the main road, in the gorge).

In the central part of the canton of Graubünden there is a small resort called Arosa, offering good conditions for families with children. It is considered one of the sunniest in Switzerland and is located at an altitude of 1800 meters. The resort offers a variety of events and activities each week, especially for families (free for all holidaymakers). Many hotels are equipped with their own wellness centers with swimming pools and spacious spas, there are children's playgrounds next to the slopes, the resort has a special children's club, and there are toboggan runs and walking paths around the resort. Arosa's ski area is small (about 70 km of slopes), but with an optimal balance of slopes and modern lifts.

Another child-friendly resort is located in the Jungfrau region, which is considered one of the most beautiful in the country and in the Alps. The largest resort in the region is located at an altitude of 1034 meters. Together with , Grindelwald is a member of the elite Best of the Alps club. This resort is highly valued by sledging enthusiasts: around Grindelwald there are very long and picturesque sledding runs of varying difficulty (more than 50 km). There are not many top-class hotels in this resort; it offers a good selection of chalets and apartments. The ski area around Grindelwald mainly offers blue and red slopes, which are comfortable and very picturesque. In addition to all the possibilities for active recreation, Grindelwald offers a new service for thrill-seekers. Those who wish can fly 800 m down at a speed of 80 km/h on a special attraction - First Flyer. This unique, absolutely safe analogue of the bungee will appeal to those who love speed.

Small resorts in Portes du Soleil are also great for families with children, but don’t look for luxury accommodation and five-star hotels there.

- I want to spend my skiing holiday, but my wife doesn’t ski and wants to go to a spa resort. Where is the best place to go?
- One of the best resorts for those who want to ride and swim is Leukerbad, located in the canton of Valais. The resort in the full sense of the word corresponds to the saying “just what the doctor ordered.” Alpine skiing and other winter activities in Leukerbad are rather an addition to the local thermal springs, known since Roman times. Skiing in Leukerbad is going well, although experts, accustomed to hundreds of kilometers of pistes, may wince with disgust - there are only 50 km of pistes. However, the resort's ski area is very beautiful and perfect for intermediate skiers. Recently, the “Welsh Bath Village” was added to the thermal waters of the Lindner Alpentherme complex. Small traditional huts built from old wood house baths and saunas with different temperatures, a hammam, a waterfall and an ice-cold plunge pool. The Burgerbad thermal complex will appeal to families with children: water slides, swimming pools and various attractions are open to them. A visit to the resort's thermal complexes is included in the Snow and Spa ski pass, and after skiing, most guests head to the pools and saunas. Many hotels in Leukerbad have their own thermal springs, and in addition to the standard set for any wellness center, guests are offered a variety of exotic treatments. The 6-day Leukerbad ski pass includes 1 day of skiing in the neighboring resort of Crans-Montana, without spending too much on the road to other resorts in Valais.

The longing of a freerider for the snow is like the longing of a maiden in love imprisoned in a monastery. And just as she embroiders a shirt for her lover in satin stitch, in the hope of a quick release and meeting, so the backcountry worker buys another ski or board, paints a helmet in bright colors, looks at photographs of snowy peaks, in the hope that the snow will come after all!

How do we choose a place for off-piste skiing? Of course, beautiful mountains are a must, this is not even discussed; for the sake of their fantastic energy, freeriders patiently overcome all difficulties and dangers. We look, firstly, at the presence of a sufficient amount of natural snow. Artificial snow is unacceptable for freeride; the snow must be real.

Secondly, on air temperature. And it’s not even that our stern noses are afraid of freezing. No, it’s just that at temperatures below -30°C no paraffin can help, skis and snowboards go very slowly on frozen snow, and without speed, you know, the desired descent in deep snow turns into torture.

Thirdly, the possibility of being transported by ski lifts, snowmobiles, snowcats, cars, horses, helicopters and other vehicles. Of course, this is not so important for ski touring riders, but it’s also nice for them to get to the bottom along a winter road, and not do multi-kilometer runs along a flat valley, eating up energy and precious daylight hours.

Fourthly, due to the small number of competitors. For it is the first footprint on the virgin snow that we dream of in sweet dreams. And not sad dives along a minced slope.

Meanwhile, the snow continues to fall, marveling at our sorrows. Only every month in a different place. As you know, the mountain does not go to Mohammed. He has to pack his gear in a case and fly to the mountains himself!

October is a wonderful time. There is still snow in the southern countries, the spring sun and long days guarantee us the possibility of any travel. And - in the north and east of our homeland the season is already in full swing, the first, softest snow, the first joys and delights await us in the vast expanses. Freeride in autumn is the sweetest because it is the first.

Russia

From the beginning of October and even earlier, snowfalls begin in Siberia and the valleys of the Baikal region. As a rule, by the middle of the month the ski touring valley - Ulzykha - is already ready for skiing. In the Sayan Mountains - Ergaki, equipped with a lift, and by the end of the month - Luzhba. At the beginning of October, Priiskovy begins working in Khakassia. Climbing on snowcats, very snowy place. In mid-late October, everyone's favorite Sheregesh opens for skiing, where there is a lot of fun skiing from the ski lifts, and you can get to the distant hills - Komsomolka, Utuya, Telbes, Mustag - on snowmobiles or snowcats.

Europe

In Europe in October there is, frankly, not a lot of freeride. The glaciers have not yet been filled up and are hard, and the snowfields have been trampled by climbers over the summer. But whoever seeks will find! In a good year, it is quite possible to ski in Chamonix, Courmayeur, or Tignes, on the Grand Motte, where there are many long walking ski touring routes.

South America

Even when the resorts officially close, which happens by mid-October, snow remains on the peaks. Therefore, choose those ski resorts where the mountains are higher - and you will be happy and have a lot of sweet spring skiing, walks to the lakes and rides on horseback. At this time there are many tempting heli programs, the weather is good and helicopters fly smoothly.

It's more Chile than Argentina. Portillo, Valle Nevado, El Colorado and others are covered with a large layer of snow. In Argentina - Las Leñas, Cerro Castor - in addition to ski lifts, they abound in long and beautiful slopes in the surrounding area.

Small resorts, where there are only one, two or three ski lifts, but a sea of ​​snowy expanses around, will also bring great joy to the inquisitive rider. They are not so famous, but no less beautiful for that!

CIS countries

In Kyrgyzstan, the highlands are beginning to be covered with snow. From the middle of the month, snowmobile drop-offs and ski touring trips are possible in Ala-Archa, not far from Bishkek, and in Jyrgalan, a high-mountain base in the Tien Shan, in the region of seven-thousanders. In Kazakhstan, during the same period, ski touring begins on Tuyuksu, where you can stay at a mountain camp. In Ridder the main slopes are filled in and the freeride base East Pole begins its work; you can arrange snowmobile drop-offs in the city.

The ski area is finally moving to the Northern Hemisphere. The European part is still poorly covered, but in the north and east the snow is already falling with all its might and the joy does not leave the faces of the riders who have been waiting for these days for so long.

Russia

In Siberia, November snowfalls are a holiday for everyone. They are doing freeride skiing from the ski lifts in Sheregesh and Ergaki. Snowcats constantly lift up skiers in Priiskovoe. The ski tourers flock in single file to Mamai, Ulzykha, Luzhba, and Kazyr. The Northern Urals are covered, there are many interesting routes around the low but very snowy Gubakha ski resort. Kukisvumchorr, popular among free skaters, opens in the Khibiny Mountains. A little dark and windy - but snowy! From time to time the Elbrus region falls asleep. Cheget is still rocky, but on Elbrus, especially if you go up on a snowcat to the Pastukhov Rocks or the Shelter of the Eleven, you will find a very good slide on fresh snow!

Europe

Ski centers in Norway are opening - Lillehammer, Trysil, Narvik. There is a lot of freeride everywhere, accessible from the ski lifts. The glacial zones are well covered - in the second half of November there is excellent skiing on Stubai, Pitztal, and Chamonix.

CIS countries

There are freeride bases in Kyrgyzstan: Suusamyr, Jyrgalan - this is snowcat and snowmobiling, ski touring routes. Snowmobile transfers begin from the Too-Ashuu pass. In Kazakhstan, there are ski touring routes above Chimbulak, and its ski lifts are already in operation, which greatly facilitates the transfer. Already full-fledged skiing in the mountains of Rudny Altai - in the vicinity of Ridder and Ust-Kamenogorsk, there is a freeride base with cat skiing, and ski lifts are included on weekends.

North America

Canada opens off-piste season. Popular freeride resorts are starting to operate in Whistler and Kimberley; everywhere there is skiing available from ski lifts. The season begins in the Mecca of freeriding - Alaska. Heli programs are still rare at this time, but ski touring and snowmobiling are possible.

The choice is already much wider; in many places where in November you have to closely monitor the weather reports, deep, good snow for freeride in winter is already guaranteed. You can safely go to Europe - the main freeride regions are open. The Caucasus begins to fall asleep en masse. Sunny Asia also opens all its doors and sculpts hundreds of manta rays. In general, if you haven’t decided to open the season earlier, now is the time! However, be careful and remember that one of the most dangerous periods for avalanches is the period after the first snowfalls. And if the snowfalls were torrential and produced a layer of a meter or more, snow drifts can affect even traditionally safe ski areas.

Russia

All of Siberia is working at full capacity. Sheregesh, Ergaki, the resorts of Kamchatka and Sakhalin - a sea of ​​off-piste accessible from the ski lifts. Among the ski touring valleys, Mamai becomes a hit; quite a lot of people gather here. And in Luzhba and Kazyr all the shelters are occupied. Kamchatka also opens its season in early December. Ascent by snowmobiles, transfer by boats, ski touring routes. Sakhalin has the same joys in store for us.

The Caucasus is ready for skiing: there is enough snow on Cheget and Elbrus, although it can be a bit harsh on the slopes. Heavy snowfalls begin in Krasnaya Polyana, Arkhyz, and Dombay. In addition to skiing from the ski lifts, there are many ski touring routes everywhere, and there are snowmobile rides.

There is a lot of snow in Kirovsk, but daylight, or rather the lack thereof, greatly limits the variety of ski touring and snowmobile routes. But you can ride under the northern lights.

Europe

A good month for skiing in Europe. There are still a few people, everything is inexpensive, no one will eat your snow early in the morning - but this snow itself is already enough. Preferable for off-piste skiing, of course, are high mountain areas and soft valleys. Sölden, Stubai, Pitztal, Tignes, Chamonix, Serre Chevalier, Les Arcs, Zermatt, St. Anton.

CIS countries

Central Asia enjoys December snowfalls - at this time there is an active increase in snow cover. The Karakol base opens in Kyrgyzstan, with many fun routes accessible from the ski lift. Suusamyr and Jyrgalan are working, snowmobilers are bringing people from Ala-Archa and Too-Ashuu. It’s still quite warm and ski touring trips are limited only during daylight hours.

Above Chimbulak in Kazakhstan it is already a little cold, but snowy. In Ridder, the rivers freeze and all the surrounding ridges are accessible for snowcat riding. In Georgia, Gudauri, Goderdzi and Tetnuldi are opening - a lot of off-piste on the territory of the resorts, short visits along the ridges to freeride routes. A freeride base with cat skiing in Bakhmaro opens its doors to guests. Armenia awaits guests in mid-December. In Tsakhkadzor, freeride is easily accessible, although the slopes are small - but the avalanche danger is low, a good place for those who would like to go from piste to off-piste.

North America

Everything that can work works. Heli programs begin. Traditionally, the best places for freeriders are the resorts of the West Coast of the USA, where there is more snow. And, of course, the famous valleys of Canada - Whistler and Blackcomb.

Asia

Iran and its popular ski resort among off-piste skiers - Dizin - are well covered with snow. After snowfalls, the mountains of Japan evoke a storm of emotions. Freeride accessible from the ski lifts in Niseko, or Tateyama, Happouane or Taeba - it's worth experiencing!

Most of the mountains are already just bathed in snow. A good time for skiing in Europe, Central and Central Asia. The northern regions and continental mountains are experiencing a pause in snowfall, but severe frosts are coming.

In Russia, the first weeks of January are the time for traditional holidays. Therefore, if you choose crowded ski resorts for skiing, be prepared to get up earlier than everyone else or stand in line, patiently letting enthusiastic and intoxicated people touch your wide skis and splitboards.

Russia

In Siberia, as a rule, snowfalls stop and frosts come. Not the best month for freeriding, and going out with tents is only for especially cold-resistant fanatics. However, it doesn’t change from year to year and it is quite possible to catch good days for skiing even during the week of Epiphany cold.

Krasnaya Polyana in January is a very good place if you take into account the weather and infrastructure. There is a lot of freeride, accessible from ski lifts or nearby walking distances. There is snowmobiling, heli programs begin. But all the disadvantages of New Year's Eve in this popular region are squared. If you want to ride calmly, without racing and fuss, it is better to choose ski touring.

The Elbrus region and Dombay are also very popular places; the cable cars work at full capacity in January. However, the snow is usually good. And in the second half of January, when vacationers leave, the golden time begins. It’s not so windy yet, quite warm, and the stones are already well covered, the desired powder awaits the first traces every week. In addition to the ski lift area, in the Elbrus region there are good ski touring routes in Adyl-Su, the Terskol Gorge, and the southern valleys. Be careful, beyond the “Yugas” of Cheget the border zone begins. If you haven't taken care of the border pass in advance, you may get into trouble with the border guards. You won’t go to jail, but you will have to write explanatory notes for two days, wasting valuable riding time.

Arkhyz has beautiful mountains, but the height is lower, so the season is just beginning here. Skiing from the ski lifts is not particularly interesting, but if you take a ride on a snowmobile or go ski touring to the side, the variety of routes increases significantly. In the Khibiny - polar night, cold. There is freeride from the ski lifts, but it is extremely dangerous, because the wind-driven snow boards traditional for the Khibiny are hard to see, and there is also ice. Very pleasant backcountry in the Urals. The most beautiful, easy and medium difficulty routes are in Gubakha and Minyar. But look at the weather forecast, frosts are the rule rather than the exception here.

Europe

It's high season in Europe. Not the most expensive time, but it’s already very snowy. Chamonix and Les Arcs, Tignes and Val D'Isere, La Plagne and Les Deux Alpes in France, Verbier and Zermatt in Switzerland, St. Anton, Pitztal and Stubai in Austria, smaller resorts - all abound in off-piste, i.e. . freeride accessible from the ski lifts, as well as walking routes not far from the ski area. The Alps are very inhabited mountains, it’s difficult to get lost there. Although it is possible! At the end of December, off-piste skiing begins in the iconic La Grave valley for freeriders.

Be careful when planning a trip to Italy. For all the beauty of the Dolomites, in many resorts off-piste skiing is strictly prohibited, or is only possible with local guides. Violators are caught by the police, fined and deprived of their ski passes. However, this does not prevent Livigno, for example, from being known as one of the best freeride resorts.

In Norway during this period it is a little cold, but very snowy.

CIS countries

A good region for off-piste skiing in the first half of January. In the second period, as a rule, there is a lull in snowfalls; you need to carefully watch the forecasts.

In Kazakhstan the situation is the same - skiing is possible above Chimbulak. The Altai Alps and Ridder bases are working at full capacity, although the continental climate in Altai makes its own adjustments to freeride programs. In Uzbekistan, very good snow falls on Kumbel and Chimgan. If you are careful and monitor the avalanche situation, then there are many wonderful, snow-covered slopes in this region within walking distance. Despite the abundance of snowmobiles and buggies below, you shouldn’t count on them; they are intended only for driving vacationers along the slopes. The weather in Kyrgyzstan is wonderful, there is no severe cold, there is a lot of snow everywhere. Karakol operates - freeride from the ski lifts, Too-Ashuu operates, bases with drop-offs on snowmobiles and snowcats operate: Jyrgalan in the Tien Shan, Suusamyr in the Pamirs. In the Tien Shan, in addition, there are many routes with transportation by car - Chon-Ashuu, Suek, etc. And also with horseback riding.

There are countless ski touring routes. In Georgia, Gudauri flourishes, where there is a lot of off-piste accessible from the ski lifts; the valleys along the Georgian Military Road are popular among ski touring groups: Lomisi, Kobi, Dedaena, Sioni, Truso. There is a snow festival in Goderdzi and Tetnuldi. The low, forest skiing base near Mestia - Hatsvali is perfectly covered.

North America

The heli-skiing season begins in Whistler and the California mountains. There are many ski touring programs in Canada. It’s still a little dark in Alaska, but the snow is excellent and freeriders make the most of the daylight hours.

Asia

In Iran, Dizin is beautifully covered, there is a lot of freeride accessible from the ski lifts, but there are also many ski touring routes in the highlands. Shemshak, also quite an interesting resort for off-piste skiing, is open and accessible.

In India, Gulmarg (Kashmir state) and the small but picturesque resort of Manali open. Skiing from ski lifts, skiing with walking along the ridge, but most importantly - very powerful, heavy snowfalls, brought well-deserved fame to skiing in the Himalayas.

In Japan, the situation is similar - heavy snowfalls begin and those who arrive at the end of them are guaranteed an unforgettable riding experience.

High season throughout the northern hemisphere. There is a lot of snow, the sun already provides full daylight in most places. The most significant problems are wind, frost and avalanche danger. A large amount of snow increases it, and greatly.

Russia

It's not the best time for skiing in Sheregesh. There is little snowfall, and the wind blows strongly, the hard and cold snow is not very similar to the fluff of November-December. It’s warmer in the Baikal region; ski tourers on Mamaia happily run single file to the peaks in the morning. In the second half of the month, the season begins in Davan, snowmobiles roar, delivering skiers to the snow-white soft ridge. It's a little cold in Ergaki, but snowy. The mine is covered with snow up to the tops of the spruce trees, sometimes the snow is too cold, but strong winds are rare. The Elbrus region is filled with people. Although it is windy at the top, February snowstorms constantly add fresh snow. Cheget at this time attracts with an abundance of snow, but the avalanche danger is growing and growing, you need to monitor the weather very carefully, wind shifts create snow boards that sometimes bring down hundreds of tons of snow.

The height of heliskiing in Arkhyz, Krasnaya Polyana. In these regions the situation is similar, the avalanche danger is slightly less than in the Elbrus region, but also very high. The Urals, even the Southern ones, are usually well covered. In the second half of February, the frosts weaken and the Ural Mountains become a pleasant place for ski touring. Daylight hours are increasing in Kirovsk. By the end of February, the number of skiers on the slopes also increases. It’s still a little cold, but the beauty of the northern mountains is already opening up to the eye.

Europe

During student holidays, the cable cars and parks are filled with people. But what do we care about that? Freeride is not a student's hobby, and the freshly filled slopes await your skis and boards calmly. Frequent snowfalls and comfortable temperatures make February the best month for skiing in the freeride regions of the Alps. During this period, competitions, FWT stages, local cups, and sponsor competitions take place. Some of them are open and, if you hurry up in advance, it is quite possible to register and participate, try your hand.

CIS countries

In Central Asia the sun is shining, snowfalls are infrequent but heavy. In the Tien Shan and Pamir mountains, the climate is mild, severe frosts are rare and winds blow snow only on passes above 4,000. In Karakol, Too-Ashuu and at the freeride bases: Suusamyr, Jyrgalan - the height of the season. However, the sun often creates avalanche situations, at which time skiing requires caution. Heliski programs delight freeriders with an abundance of deserted mountains - there are few roads in this region and many slopes simply cannot be reached otherwise.

In the mountains above Chimbulak it is windy, but sunny and snowy. Luxurious freeride in the vicinity of Ridder, soft, deep snow, picturesque flat peaks.

Heliskiing season is also in full swing in Uzbekistan. But the skiing from the ski lifts is also excellent. In Tajikistan, freeride from ski lifts is of little interest. But in February the northern Fan Mountains fall asleep, a good place for ski touring. In Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan there is a lot of snow and sunny weather. All types of skiing: freeride from ski lifts, hiking, ski touring and heliskiing - the sun allows you to enjoy every day. The avalanche danger is quite high, insolation avalanches are not uncommon - typical avalanche activity in the southern Caucasus.

North America

Heliskiing is in full swing in Alaska. The famous Wild Snow, bright days, meters of snow underfoot - pure pleasure. All resorts that allow off-piste skiing are open. There are many competitions, some open.

Asia

It is peak season in Gulmarg. It snows every week, a meter of snow per day is common. But there are also a lot of people skating.

Japan also experiences heavy snowfall, although not as often.

It is very sunny in Dizin, the peaks of the surrounding mountains are waiting for your skis and boards, the local population practically does not ski off-piste and you can take your time in the morning. Clean slopes will wait for their riders.

Africa

In the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, Ouaikamedden is famous for its freeride routes. And after a week of skiing, you can go down to the warm sea and the most beautiful beaches, where there is an abundance of surf camps. Two in one!

The beginning and middle of the month is the ideal time for skiing in most countries in Europe and Asia. Towards the end of March, the warming up and melting of snow layers begins, first in Asia and the Caucasus, then in Europe. Siberia holds its position; this is a wonderful season for the Trans-Urals. And in Kamchatka, in the Khibiny Mountains, everything is just beginning. Freeride in the spring is a special pleasure!

Russia

Everywhere in Siberia is beautiful. Sheregesh is experiencing a period of spring snowfalls. It’s already sunny and warm, but still very soft and snowy, a wonderful month. Davan and Mamaia also have a great season, there is several meters of snow, and the longer daylight hours lengthen the skiing time - you can have time to climb further into the valleys. Ergaki, Kazyr and Luzhba also attract ski tourers with huge caps of snow on large stones and comfortable temperatures. In Priiskovoe, snowcats do not rest at all. Snowstorms happen, but they rarely last long, and there are a lot of sunny days.

The best time for skiing in the Caucasus. In the Elbrus region, by the middle of the month, blizzards and snowfalls stop, even if avalanches thunder - after they disappear, the slopes become safer. Although it doesn’t happen from year to year.

It is very warm in Arkhyz, the best time is until mid-March.

Krasnaya Polyana becomes a place of pilgrimage. Frequent, thick snowfalls, comfortable temperatures, an abundance of freeride routes accessible almost from the ski lift, and excellent company are the key to the popularity of this beautiful and well-groomed region.

The season of long ski trips begins in the Urals, tourist clubs go on hikes, and freeriders selflessly explore the well-covered snow surroundings of the resorts. The high season begins in Khibiny. At the end of March, the famous Khibiny OpenCup tournament is held in Kirovsk. The polar day begins.

Europe

Beautiful, sunny skiing everywhere. The surroundings of Chamonix, Tignes, Zermatt, St. Anton, Pitztal and many other high-altitude places are filled with chains of people on wide skis and splitboards. At the end of the month, snow begins to melt below 2,000 m, but in high places it holds well and is added regularly.

Best time to ski in Norway. The winds weaken, the sun comes out, meters of snow accumulated by the mountains over the winter fill the hearts of off-piste skiers with trepidation and passion.

Exotic skiing in Iceland begins: Blafjol, Skállafjol and smaller resorts are already very good, daylight allows you to enjoy skiing from volcanoes overlooking the ocean and valleys of geysers. At the same time, heli programs flourish.

CIS countries

In Central Asia there is excellent skiing until mid-March. Later, the sun begins to warm up, the snow becomes heavier, and the danger of wet avalanches increases. Karakol, a favorite place for fans of freeride fun, closes the lifts in the last days of the month. Freeride bases are open longer, but by the end of the month the ski area is greatly narrowed to the northern, unheated slopes and shady valleys. On the surrounding wild slopes the situation is the same: the northern slopes are good, but warmed by the sun they either have little snow or are very dangerous.

Chimbulak is also open until the end of March; the Tuyuksu routes are excellent. The East Pole in Ridder is concerned only with the performance of snowcats, snowfalls and slopes in abundance. On Chimgan and Beldersay the skiing is soft, there is a lot of snow. But it is already actively melting, at the end of the month you can only come during snowfalls.

In Georgia, skiing in spring depends only on the temperatures. There is a lot of snow, and in the highlands it is quite cold. In a good year you can ride all March and even longer. Goderdzi begins to melt first, as the southernmost resort, but there is still snow throughout March. If strong heat comes, then the rollouts will melt. There are a lot of avalanches, almost all caused by insolation, from stones - or on grassy heated slopes. The second ones are more dangerous. Although avalanches from a point can be very large. Backcountry camps begin. Armenia and Azerbaijan have excellent skiing at the beginning of the month. Shahdag and Tufandag maintain snow cover longer. But in Armenia, by the end of the month everything usually melts.

North America

Alaska is waiting for freeriders until the end of March. And snow is also waiting. And helicopters. And snowmobiles. In general, it’s gorgeous there, what can you say?

Canada's freeride valleys - Whistler and Blackcomb - are experiencing a period of spring snowfall. It can be a little foggy, but very soft, wonderful forest skiing. In the USA, during this period, not only the western mountains, but also the eastern ones - Telluride, Wade, etc. - are covered with deep soft snow.

Asia

There is nothing to do in Gulmarg by mid-March. But at the beginning of the month it is still quite snowy and the famous “Heavy Snow” does not stop falling.

In Japan, the whole month of March is still season. In Niseko, snowfalls are frequent and heavy.

In Dizin, the season closes in the last days of March, in the first half the skiing is excellent, ski touring to Devamend Peak, to the top of Mount Toshal, etc. is possible.

The North is our everything. Although in recent years spring in most regions has been very late, so lovers of the southern mountains should not despair. And for those who are not afraid to sleep in a tent, the time has come for backcountry camps.

Russia

In Sheregesh, almost the whole of April is still season. Warm, sunny, snowy, fun, energetic. In Priiskovoe, too, there are programs throughout April, there is a lot of snow and the temperature is about zero - quite comfortable for skiing. Davan has good skiing until mid-April, then the sun melts the southern slopes. A great time to start overnight ski touring trips. The nights are getting warmer. The region of the Celestial Teeth, Aradan attracts those who like to wake up in the morning with a view from the tent of the mountains in any direction of the world.

Mamai, Ulzykha - covered with snow up to the top, it’s already a little warm, but the skiing is still very good.

Backcountry camps, catamaran rides and unique programs begin in Kamchatka. The nights are warm, you can live in tents or in catamaran cabins. More expensive, but more varied, heli tours are also in full swing.

Traditional freeride party at the end of April - Kirovsk. The polar day allows you to wander around the Khibiny circuses as much as you like. Of course, hurricane winds still happen, but the Khibiny Mountains are famous for their winds. Be careful, avalanche danger is often high at this time.

Resorts in the Caucasus, as a rule, close the season at this time. But for those who are not lazy, Elbrus will give the joy of skiing on glaciers. Of course, this is a dangerous activity and it is better to take a local guide; the cracks are practically invisible to an inexperienced person, and the smooth, snow-covered surface of the glacier beckons.

In Krasnaya Polyana, skiing is only possible in the snow.

Europe

Skiing in Norway is possible until the very end of April. Light, warm, a lot of snow, beautiful lines.

Freeride programs run in Iceland throughout April. Its snow remains cold and stable for a long time.

In more southern European countries, the ski area is slowly creeping onto the glaciers. But in glacial zones in April it is still quite possible to find unrolled snow; snowfalls are not uncommon.

CIS countries

It's time for the high mountain backcountry in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan. Camps are organized in Ala-Archa, in the valley of the Barskaun River, in the Too-Ashuu region. The Tuyuksu alpine camp comes into play. There are also snowfalls at ski resorts, but this is not guaranteed.

If you feel that the speed on a hard, polished track no longer pleases you as before. Or after a good descent you doubt what exactly will happen to you first - hitting the lift pylon or crossing the sound barrier. Maybe you should try freeriding. New off-piste skills and new equipment will be required, but it will be a fresh delight and a new sensation, without betraying your favorite hobby.

TIGNES, FRANCE – Correct terrain and may have the best instructors in the world.

This place in the Alpine wilderness offers 33,000 beds and you can imagine that the fresh snow that falls will be trampled in the blink of an eye. But that never happens. Anyone who hires a guide or instructor for off-piste skiing is sure to find untouched snow, even days after the snowfall. Especially on the western side of the resort, the side opposite the adjacent resort of Val d'Isere.

The resort has a wide variety of terrain. There is a lot of hard black tin. But you'll also find a lot of short nicks between tracks, mid-sized chutes and half-bowls. The resort maintains its off-piste "NatuRide" atmosphere. There are many specially groomed and marked trails and, most importantly, protected from avalanches. These slopes roll out faster than other off-piste routes, but if you have time, you can ride them without a guide and avalanche equipment.

VAIL, COLORADO - The ultimate off-piste playground.

For beginners to freeride, North American resorts have one significant advantage over European resorts: they provide avalanche safety throughout their entire territory, on or off piste. And you don't need to take a guide or special equipment to enjoy freeride.

Vail has excellent opportunities for this ski de-stress thanks to its famous Back Bowls. They face south and west, which means conditions are better in the middle of the season; in spring they become limp from the sun. But on a cold, quiet day in the middle of the week, after a snowfall, there is no better playground to nurture your off-piste skills: not too steep a slope, not too long and almost free of trees and rocks. Each slope ends with a lift, no forced backcountry required. Ride as long as your legs can hold you.

HOCHFUGEN, AUSTRIA – One of the friendliest off-piste resorts in the Alps.

The Austrians call Hochfügen Schneeloch - “snow hole”. Located in a small mountain valley in the west of Zillertal, it does not miss a single snowfall and shakes every last crumb out of the snow clouds. Skiing above and below the tree line is varied and interesting. But the best thing is that there is a friendly freerider atmosphere. At the very top of the key off-pist descents there are boards telling you what the conditions of the descent are and what awaits you ahead.

Alas and ah! These slopes are not avalanche-proof like the slopes in Tignes or North American resorts. And this is good again, if you are just learning freeride, you will find yourself in the tender arms of local guides. Under their careful guidance, in a few days you will see how your technique has grown. You will feel impenetrably confident on the slopes of the alpine bowl located above and on the roller coaster below, through the forest. .

VAL THORENS, FRANCE – powder, sun, rock and roll.

Val Thorens is located in a high and large mountain bowl in the western part of the Three Valleys. The very top of the bowl, where there is usually a golden rim, is complex, but just below are gentle and treeless snow fields. When the clouds descend, visibility here in diffuse light is poor, but in sunny weather this is a real Valhalla for freeriders.

ÅRE, SWEDEN—Smooth turns and inexpensive lessons.

Ore stands at the foot of the convex round mountains called Orescutan. Their upper slopes are a blissful place to practice off-piste turns. No trees or rocks, the fields are ideal for confident progress in technology. Heavy snowfalls do not occur here; there is no need to wait for fresh fluff up to your knees. Usually up to 10 cm of fresh snow falls, which is generally satisfactory. There is enough snow on these slopes to be soft and airy, but not enough to make you run out of steam after 20 turns.

Good news for those who want to learn off-piste skiing, the cost of an instructor is almost two times lower than in the Alps.

LECH, AUSTRIA – very snowy, very chic.

If you want to practice in deep snow, take note of Lech and Zurs. Two old upscale resorts sit on the northern side of the Arlberg Pass. The level of snowfall here is the highest in the Alps. In Lech the average precipitation per season is 7.3 meters, and in Zurs more than 10 meters. The slopes here are not as steep as in neighboring St. Anton, which is important for a learning freerider. A big plus is the lack of competition in virgin lands. Regular visitors to these resorts prefer to spend time on the well-groomed slopes or while away their time in five-star hotels and expensive restaurants.

GRAND TARGHEE, WYOMING – Deep fluff for selfish freeriders.

This is a small place at the end of the world. Almost no one goes there. But on the right day, Grand Targhee is a true paradise on earth for freeriders of all genders and all generations.

There are three answers to the question “why?” First, the resort has a western exposure and harvests a rich harvest of snow from the Idaho plains. Targhee claims an average of 12.7 meters of snow falls here each year, which puts the small resort straight into the global snow super league.

Secondly, there are no big cities nearby, and those who could come are distracted by a larger resort - Jackson Hole. And the resort is deserted, you may even think that this is your personal ski resort.

Thirdly, the height of the slopes is ideal for off-piste skiing for skiers and snowboarders without much experience. Not too flat as to be boring. Not too steep to be scary. Rare trees will add flavor if you like slalom. Your experience and confidence are guaranteed to grow.