Since the dawn of time, the romance of railways has seduced poets, spellbound novelists, and dealt directors the perfect hand for capturing fleeting friendships, illicit affairs, and all manner of crimes and capers. A ticket is not just a permit to ride, it’s permission to trespass on the intimacies of other people’s lives. Trains bring us up close and personal—both inside and outside the carriage. On board, passengers chat politics in Finnish dining cars, clamber into couchettes above strangers on the Trans-Siberian, and share samosas on India’s many raucous mail trains. Outside, the world flashes by, a slideshow of rivers growing into oceans, deserts rising into mountains and cities sprawling then receding into darkness as the train thunders on through the night.
The 7 best places in the world for snowboarding
23.09.2024 - 19:31 / lonelyplanet.com / Val Thorens
Sep 23, 2024 • 6 min read
First things first – whittling down the best places in the world to snowboard is a difficult task. The fantastic interconnectivity of France’s Les Trois Vallées, for example, will always go down a storm with snowboarders keen to max out their mileage, while the ridiculously stunning tree runs you’ll find in places like Whistler Blackcomb will never fail to leave other resorts for dust when it comes to the fun factor. This is precisely why, as a former snowboard instructor who taught in Canada and spent winters working in ski hotels in Italy and France, I considered a range of factors, rooting out the resorts that have gone all-out to create snowboarder-friendly terrain, while offering a great range of accommodation. These spots also rank highly for having dedicated infrastructure that allows snowboarders to max out their time on the slopes, which might include squadrons of snow cannons to ensure an abundance of the white stuff or high-speed lifts that will whisk snowboarders to the top of the mountain for their next adrenaline fix.
With that in mind, if you're looking for the best places in the world for snowboarding, here are the ski areas worthy of your winter radar.
Best for beautiful backdrops
Japan has an almost mythical status amongst both snowboarders and skiers. Not just because of its legendary 'Japow' (fine, dry powder snow that doesn’t clump or stick) but because of its aesthetic appeal. Hokkaidō, Japan’s second-largest island is where you’ll find some of its top resorts – places like Niseko, with its pristine, powder-covered slopes and snow-dusted pine trees. The resorts are a cut above when it comes to aesthetics too, whether it’s the recently opened Ritz-Carlton Higashiyama Niseko Village with its in-room onsens and views of Mt Niseko-Annupuri, or the temple-like Kasara Niseko Village Townhouses, filled with Japanese artwork. Take a tactical approach to timing when snowboarding in Japan, and consider avoiding later February, when the slopes fill with visitors celebrating the Lunar New Year. I recommend visiting in March when slopes are generally crowd-free and flights, lift passes and accommodations cost slightly less.
Best for freestyle fun
Les Trois Vallées, the world’s largest skiing and snowboarding area, is a high-altitude French paradise with a seriously high fun factor. It’s got seven resorts – the most famous of which are Méribel, Val Thorens and Courchevel. This spot is a magnet for snowboarders with a love of freestyle, thanks to the presence of a knee-jarring six snowparks and 37 fun zones. It’s also one of Europe’s most snow-sure resorts, which is a major advantage when flinging yourself off rails, kickers and tabletops (for the uninitiated, these
The Best Hiking Boots For Every Type of Hike
Your boots are your loyal companions on the trail, carrying you through sunshine, rain, and everything in between. But with so many options on the shelf, choosing the right pair can feel daunting. Do you prioritize ankle support for rugged hikes or lightweight agility for speedy ascents? Waterproof protection for surprise downpours or breathability for hot summer treks? This guide will help you navigate the world of hiking boots, ensuring you select the perfect partner for every adventure, whether it’s a leisurely stroll through a local park or an ambitious trek to a mountain peak.
15 Reasons Wilmington, NC is the Best of the Carolina Coast
Not all oceanside vacations are created equal, and one trip to Wilmington and our island beaches will show you why we’re the crown jewel of coastal getaways in the Carolinas. With the city’s historic River District and Riverwalk, along with three island beaches just minutes away, there’s plenty to explore. Expect to encounter turquoise waters, exceptional sand, one-of-a-kind nature escapes, and award-winning chefs and breweries — just a few of the many attractions you’ll fall in love with on this slice of the North Carolina coast.
Experience Liverpool's Music History With a Stay at the Club Where the Beatles Played Some of Their First Gigs
The Casbah Coffee Club, a cultural landmark for Beatles fans in Liverpool, England, has recently opened its doors to Airbnb guests. It’s here, in this basement of this home, where The Beatles played some of their earliest gigs.
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7 Best Places to See Wildlife in Latin America, According to a Travel Expert
Latin America is a wildlife enthusiast's dream, home to many diverse ecosystems teeming with unique flora and fauna. Here are some of the best places to go wildlife spotting in the region.
13 Best Places to Stay in and Near Big Bend National Park
A haven of high desert peaks set amid otherwise flat West Texas, Big Bend has been a draw for curious travelers for over a century, but given its recent boom in popularity, finding that elusive perfect accommodation can prove challenging.
These are 10 of the most haunted hotels in the world — and you can actually sleep in them
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Fall is the best time to visit Disney World. As a former employee, here are 9 of my favorite things to do in the parks.
I had the pleasure of working at Disney World, and fall is my absolute favorite time of year to be in the parks.
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In Paris, a Riverboat Sojourn on the Banks of the Seine
There’s something about sleeping on a boat. It’s the rocking, of course, and the sound of the water. It’s also the cocoon effect of containment in a small space tucked away from the world. I’m not talking about cruise ships and luxury yachts here. I’m talking about a vessel that gently rocks, just enough to let a person know she’s not on dry land. If you suffer from seasickness, this could be an issue. As for me, I never sleep better than I do on a boat.