The 6 ski resorts with best snow parks according to our pro skiers and snowboarders

Snow parks, also known as terrain parks or fun parks, are actually an American invention which first came to Europe at Avoriaz, France. These parks were first based on skate parks but have since established their own identity. Features like kickers, jibs, halfpipes and rails give snowboarders and skiers alike the chance to get air and pull grabs. We’ve asked the Protest team riders Andri Ragettli, Camille Armand, Veroniqi and Isabelle Hanssen which were their best and favourite snow parks. We have some overlap so we have a winner. Read on to see where you should be working on your tricks this winter.

Discover the best snow parks now!

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LAAX

A special favourite of the freestylers, this is also Protest skier, Andri Ragettli’s number 1. He says “My home-resort Laax in Switzerland has the best Park in my opinion. I always love to ski at home”. Protest halfpipe skier Isabelle Hanssen says “In Europe I’d say Laax is one of the best ones, they have a small park, medium park and a pro-line. They also have the best superpipe in Europe”. LAAX does indeed have the longest continuous halfpipe in the world, an Olympic-size kicker pro-line and a total of over 90 obstacles, all spread across four snow parks. For the first-timer as well as the pro, this snow park with get your freestyle heart racing.

More info: live.laax.com

STUBAI ZOO

In the middle of Austria’s largest ski resort, the Stubai Glacier in Tyrol, the snowpark Stubai Zoo has its home. Although he wouldn’t necessaritly call himself a freestyler, this is Protest rider, Camille Armand’s favourite snow park. At 3100 meters, this park is open for business as early as October. Thanks to its south-facing location and the massive exposure to sunshine that goes with it, soft landings are guaranteed from dawn till dusk. The Stubai Zoo is also the location for the FIS Freesi World Cup which will be held on the 23rd November 2019. Don’t miss the chance to see how the experts take on those obstacles.

More info: stubaier-gletscher.com

AVORIAZ

Seen by many as the snowboard capital of the world, it was the first European resort to build a snow park back in 1993. It was also the first resort to introduce a snowboarder-only area. Avoriaz is part of the huge Portes du Soleil ski area with 30 snow parks in this area alone. Avoriaz has 7 of it’s own snow parks, including the Burton Stash. This one-of-a-kind terrain park is created with trees, natural terriain and extra features that are made out of wood. There’s also a superslide and the Burton Kids Parkway, a perfect place for the kids and absolute beginners.

More info: snowparkavoriaz.com

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WHISTLER en BLACKCOMB

These are two linked mountains in Canada that together make up the largest ski area in all of North America. A personal favourite of Protest rider Veroniqi Hanssen, this is a world-class location with a total of 5 snow parks covering a huge area. There is a halfpipe with 5.5m walls, a snow cross course and more than 150 features. Parks are rated S, M, L and XL according to their difficulty. There’s just as much action going on around this ski area from snow tubing and dog sledding.

More info: whistlerblackcomb.com

BRECKENRIDGE

This much-loved series of snow parks is found at the foothills of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado, USA. This is a favourite of Protest rider, Isabelle Hanssen. Breckenridge boasts four snow parks and two pipes. The parks can de divided up according to difficuly so there’s something for everyone. Freestylers should be completely at home here with a variety of natural and man made features.

More info: breckenridge.com

CARDRONA

This is where Protest rider Isabelle Hanssen heads off to in the summer. This awesome snow park is the only park on our list that is in the Southern Hemisphere. This means that when Europe’s snow has all melted away, there’s still a place you can go. Cardrona is in New Zealand and has extensive park & pipe facilities with options for all levels of park riders, there’s even an Olympic Halfpipe. The FIS Snowboard World Cup has already taken place here in August 2019.

More info: cardrona.com

So there’s our list of Protest team riders’ favourite and best snow parks. There are many more amazing snow parks out there from Vars to Zermatt, so have a look around. Whether you’re just a beginner or a pro, you’ll be needing clothing that keeps you warm, dry and ready for action. For that, we’ve got your covered. Check out our men’s trousers and jackets, check out women’s trousers and jackets and click on these links for boys and girls snowwear. It’s time to chase the powder.