About
Experience the Ride - was spawned by a passion for snowboarding and skiing and a desire to help others discover and enjoy snow sports to the fullest!
Are you:
seeking a new and exciting outdoor endeavor in your life?
wondering about how to get started in the snow sports?
already a snowboarding and/or skiing zealot?
someone who starts Jonesing for snow in late summer?
interested in safely exploring awesome out of bounds and backcountry terrain?
wanting to connect with a cool community of like-minded people?
This site is for you!
I will also feature some content on Mountain Biking, since it taps into some of the same sublime elements as snow sports and is a great way to experience the ride in late spring, summer and fall!
A little bit of my story…
Snowboarding has been epic and life-changing for me! Not only did I discover a thrilling, satisfying, multi-faceted sport and associated lifestyle, but it helped strengthen my identity and self-confidence and provide some key direction in my life. My journey on the snow began in 1993 when I moved to the mountains of Colorado - but the inspiration for it started many years earlier!
Growing up in the flat lands and hot climate of New Orleans, Louisiana - I had always dreamed of taking a fun ski vacation to Colorado or Utah. Sadly, it never happened! As a teen in the late 1980’s, I was into skateboarding for a bit. One of my skate mags had an article about snowboarding and a cool picture of a guy (maybe Craig Kelly, RIP or Shaun Palmer) hucking off a big cliff out West - it really captivated me! Snowboarding looked amazing and I knew I wanted to do it!
Soon after moving to Colorado, I tried boarding for the first time at Arapahoe Basin and confirmed it was definitely for me. From 1993-1997, I was a full-time snowboard bum in Vail - I rode over 100 days every winter, in and out of bounds. In the offseasons, I mountain biked and whitewater kayaked and became a true mountain junkie.
I’ve skied several times over the years, and if I didn’t snowboard, I’d definitely ski—it’s just as awesome!
Since 2002, I’ve lived in the Seattle, WA area. More recently, I was a part-time snowboard instructor at Summit Central - which helped to further deepen my perspective and love for the snow sports.
These days, I enjoy boarding with my 12-year-old son and just getting up on the snow to Experience the Ride for all it offers!
My real hope is that you can also get some thrill and meaning out of snowboarding and skiing and can create your own cherished memories!
Chris Domico
Me, circa 1995 in Vail, CO…
Best places to snowboard and ski in the U.S.
Worldwide, there are a staggering number of ski areas and resorts! The United States has 486 ski areas and resorts operating in 37 states - Colorado alone has over 30! So, just in the US, the range of choices is vast!
Let me help you narrow things down and find some of the best places to snowboard and ski in the United States! For that objective, I will only focus on select areas in the western U.S. that offer high-quality experiences for all skill levels and are relatively easy for the masses to get to!
The Rocky Mountains (Colorado, Idaho and Montana) and Wasatch Mountains (Utah) have insane light dry powder snow and awesome terrain; the Cascade Mountains (Washington and Oregon) and the Sierra Nevada Mountains (Northern/Central California) get tons of snowfall (in most years) and have incredible terrain; and the mountains of Southern California have nice terrain, excellent freestyle parks, and respectable amounts of snow in close proximity to a major metro area.
Additionally, here is a short list of other states, provinces and countries that have some phenomenal areas for snowboarding and skiing:
Wyoming, New Mexico, Alaska, Maine, Vermont, New York, British Columbia and Alberta, Canada
New Zealand, Japan, Australia, Chile, Argentina, France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and several other European/Asian countries
If I do not mention a particular ski area, state, or country it is in no way meant as a slight! I just can’t cover them all.
Now get out there and do some exploring and enjoy the snow!
***Information & wording throughout this site that is enclosed in “quotation” marks show that it is borrowed from the official websites of ski areas, resorts, organizations & sources.
Arapahoe Basin (aka A-Basin) - Legendary mountain that has some of the highest lift-served terrain in North America and usually one of the longest seasons in the U.S.
Breckenridge Ski Resort - “Five Peaks. One Incredible Mountain. This is Breck. You in?” The slopes rise above a fun and genuine ski town.
Copper Mountain Resort - “Copper’s world-class naturally divided terrain provides skiers and riders access to over 2,500 acres of high alpine adventure.”
Steamboat Ski Resort - Famous for amazing gladed tree runs & Champagne Powder® “Steamboat is not just a resort, it’s Ski Town, U.S.A®”
Crested Butte Mountain Resort - Well regarded as a steep, deep, and adventurous mountain rising above a cool and authentic ski town.
Winter Park Resort - “Closest major mountain destination to Denver. Home to an unparalleled and unfiltered Colorado experience.”
Eldora Mountain - “21 miles west of Boulder, has terrain that leaves no adventurer behind, from laid-back learning areas to advanced lines where you can push the limits.”
Wolf Creek Ski Area - Down to earth, rugged, and intrepid spot that consistently gets the most snow in Colorado!
Purgatory Resort - Sweet terrain, quality snow, and lots of sunshine - has one of the coolest names IMO!
Vail - Largest ski resort in Colorado, “Is Like Nothing on Earth.” It draws the crowds but everyone from beginners to experts will enjoy!
Colorado
Snowbird - Is the closest big ski area to Salt Lake City - only about 30 miles away. Epic snow & terrain make this a must-experience spot!
Alta Ski Area - “One of the spiritual homes of skiing” - beloved for incredible snow & terrain. One of only 3 resorts in the U.S. to not allow snowboarding.
Brighton Resort - “The early and ongoing embrace of snowboarding culture helps make Brighton a renowned refuge for riders of all abilities. It is a powder hound’s paradise.”
Sundance Mountain Resort - “Is a rare enclave that seamlessly blends mountain living with art, adventure, and stunning natural splendor. ”
Solitude Mountain Resort - “The varied and rugged terrain of this resort gem contains countless stashes of powder and a gratifying mix of challenging and mellow terrain.”
Powder Mountain - “This enormous resort limits daily ticket sales and strives to maintain the lowest skier density of any resort in North America within its 5,000 acres of terrain.”
Snowbasin Resort - A large resort, “Composed of three unique areas, Snowbasin offers unparalleled terrain for every skier, backed by the most advanced lift-system in Utah.”
Utah
Palisades Tahoe - has 2 unique but connected areas: Palisades & Alpine
“Palisades Tahoe is known for its 6,000 acres of uninterrupted legendary terrain. There is the high-octane energy and legacy of Palisades and the laid-back but adventurous vibe at Alpine.”
Kirkwood Mountain Resort - “Whether you’re looking for progression or steep and deep, Kirkwood has it all - including some of the best learning terrain and snowfall in the region.”
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area - “California’s best skiing and snowboarding.” Huge, high-altitude mountain with fun, diverse, and challenging terrain and tons of snow.
Northstar California - “Is a welcoming, family friendly mountain resort and top winter destination.”
Big Bear Mountain Resort - includes 3 different ski areas: Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain Ski Resort
“Snow Valley, Snow Summit, and Bear Mountain - offer the best snow conditions, longest season and most rideable terrain in Southern California.” Bear Mtn and Snow Summit have SoCal’s only halfpipes.
Mt Baldy Resort - Is the closest to Los Angeles “SoCal’s Real Mountain, Real Close.”
California
The Summit at Snoqualmie - Is the closest to Seattle and has 4 distinct areas (3 of which are connected): Summit West, Summit Central, Summit East and Alpental.
Summit West - Great spot for beginners and intermediates with lots of learning terrain.
Summit Central - Terrific mountain for all skill levels with 2 high-quality terrain/freestyle parks.
Summit East - Laid back area good for all levels and a dedicated Nordic (cross-country) ski center.
Alpental - Legendary mountain for the steep and deep with access to serious backcountry terrain!
Mission Ridge Ski & Board Resort - Central Washington gem known for great terrain, low crowds, and lots of dry powder snow.
Crystal Mountain Resort - Large and exciting mountain with stunning views of Mt. Rainier from the top.
Stevens Pass - Superb all-around mountain with options for steeps, powder and freestyle.
Mount Baker Ski Area - Awesome big mountain experience with huge snowstorms!
Washington
Mount Hood Meadows - “The variety of terrain at Meadows is what makes it so unique and popular; It has introduced skiing & boarding to more Oregonians than any other resort.”
Timberline Lodge - Besides being a great winter recreation location, it has natural snow all summer long on the upper slopes, making it ideal for summer freestyle & race camps!
Mount Hood Skibowl - Is the closest to Portland, “Offers some of the best terrain on Mt. Hood and known as America’s Largest Night Ski Area, with 37 lighted runs.”
Mount Bachelor Ski Resort - Great snow and terrain in sunny Central Oregon, near the adventurous town of Bend.
Anthony Lakes Mountain Resort - A non-profit ski area, “Still simple. Always Friendly.” Has the highest base elevation in Oregon at 7,100 feet.
Hoodoo Ski Area - “Central Oregon’s original ski area and your destination for family-friendly fun in your backyard!”
Oregon
Brundage Mountain Resort - This independently owned mountain “is a classic Idaho Ski Resort with amazing terrain and a friendly vibe and has earned an undisputed reputation for the Best Snow in Idaho™”
Tamarack Resort - “Mountains As They Should Be” “Top-tier ski resort, with trails suitable for beginners and seasoned pros alike.”
Bogus Basin - Is the closest to Boise. “Bogus Basin stands tall because of the culture of recreating in nature and proudly provides year-round, non-profit mountain recreation, education and fun to the Treasure Valley.”
Sun Valley Resort - Founded in 1936, was America’s first destination ski resort. Its a world-class spot for boarders and skiers!
Lookout Pass - “Experience the thrill of perfectly groomed trails and an average of more than 450 inches of light, dry powder snow annually at Idaho’s oldest and favorite family-friendly mountain.”
Silver Mountain Resort -30 minutes east of Coeur d’Alene, offering a variety of winter snowsports with a focus on family fun.
Schweitzer Mountain - “With 2 distinct ski and ride areas delivering on-mountain excitement for all levels, Schweitzer is quite simply the hub of winter adventure in Idaho.”
Idaho
Bridger Bowl Ski Area - “Ski the Cold Smoke” powder snow! “As a nonprofit ski area, Bridger Bowl is proud to offer a genuine community-driven experience.”
Big Sky Resort - Has over 5,800 acres of skiable terrain, a 4,350 vertical drop, and 400 inches of snow annually! A nice balance of beginner-advanced terrain & 6 freestyle parks to explore.
Montana Snowbowl - “The Whole Point of Winter” Located just 18 miles North of Missoula.
Whitefish Mountain Resort - Lots of skiable terrain on the Big Mountain with the charming town of Whitefish about 15 minutes away. “Lift tickets are a fraction of the price of tickets at the more crowded Rocky Mountain resorts!”
Great Divide Ski Area - “Montana's most afforadable skiing and riding; A welcoming, family-first mountain; Friendly staff and a relaxed atmosphere; Terrain for every level.”
Red Lodge Mountain - “A pure Montana destination - attracts people in search of all-seasons face-to-the-sky adventure because of its’ rugged, unspoiled mountain & landscape.”
Montana
For Beginners
Things to think about if you are new to snowsports:
*What gear and clothing do you need? (outlined in detail in this section)
*Which ski areas/resorts should you go to as a beginner/novice? (Visit the Best Places to go section for more info)
*How will you learn? (Visit Recommendations part of this section for more info)
*What can you expect when learning and getting in snowboarding/skiing shape?
Some stiffness and soreness (even in muscles and body parts you wouldn’t think) - if you stretch before and during riding/skiing it will help to minimize this.
Individuals (of all ages) learn and progress at different paces - it truly depends on you, your motivation level, and your physical abilities!
Generally speaking, more athletic people with better balance have an easier time learning and progressing.
But even people in average physical shape without the best balance can still learn, progress, and have fun early on.
So do not be discouraged!
What is the risk of injury with snowsports? There is an inherent risk of injury with snowsports, (and serious injury or death can occur) but you can minimize that risk by:
Wearing a helmet
Riding/skiing within your ability level on appropriate slopes & terrain
Knowing how to turn, slow, and stop effectively
Stopping or resting when you are tired or need a break
Using proper mountain etiquette & being aware of/respectful of others around you
***Disclaimer - I am not a medical doctor and none of the above is to be considered professional medical, health or safety advice!
Gear & clothing needed:
This is a list of the main and essential items - can vary depending on personal needs and preferences
Gear
the obvious - snowboard or skis (*shorter flexible boards with more rocker profile & shorter skis with more sidecut are easier to turn & control when learning)
ski poles
bindings
boots
snowboard stomp pad (for traction and de-icing when back foot is out of the bindings)
snowboard leash (optional) - to prevent a runaway board
helmet
goggles and cloth to wipe them with
Clothing
base layers that wick moisture away from the skin (thermal top and bottoms or long johns)
secondary layers that hold body heat (long sleeve performance tops, fleece pullovers or sweatshirts)
secondary layer pants (athletic or fleece) for colder days if your snow pants are not lined
socks that are warm and moisture-wicking
outer layers that are water/wind-resistant and breathable (parka/jacket and pants/bibs) - bibs keep snow out better
balaclava or warm hat for underneath helmet
gloves or mits (with inner liners for very cold days)
Recommendations:
Take 1-3 lessons from a qualified instructor to learn proper techniques & good habits to progress faster vs. being taught by friends or family
Rent gear the first few times you go vs. buying right away- will save you $ and allow you to try some different brands/styles of gear
Do some research to find ski areas/resorts that have good learning areas and beginner-friendly (green) terrain
Prepare your car for winter driving conditions and pack tire chains (even for all wheel drive) - practice installing them ahead of time
Layer your clothing - I usually go with 2-4 layers depending on temperature & conditions (2-3 on warmer days and 4 on colder days)
Do some exercising to strengthen your muscles and regularly stretch them - it helps you ride/ski longer and keep soreness to a minimum
Hydration and snacks - take with you while riding to stay nourished and energized
Sunscreen - can keep exposed face/skin from getting fried and minimize the goofy looking goggle tan
The sun is more intense at higher altitudes & when reflecting off snow!
Moleskin - provides protection for feet/ankles against hotspots & blisters
For enthusiasts
You have a passion for snowboarding and/or skiing & spend lots of time doing it!
You are frequently on the hunt for new and gnarly locations to ride, ski, and explore!
You start Jonesing for snow in late summer!
The mantra “live to ride & ride to live” resonates with you!
Some prime and unique snowboard and ski experiences in the U.S. -
Snowbird, Utah - “Averages around 500 inches of snowfall annually, and has a higher percentage of steeper intermediate, advanced and expert runs, making it a popular destination for experienced skiers and snowboarders.”
The Powderbird Helicopter Skiing operation is located at the Snowbird resort base and offers incredible backcountry trips in the surrounding Wasatch Mountains.
Mammoth Mtn, California - Situated in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas, this “premier winter destination is known for its exceptional skiing and snowboarding opportunities, featuring over 3,500 acres of skiable terrain, a vertical drop of over 3,000 feet and an average of 400 inches of snow each season.”
“It’s also known for its stunning landscapes and diverse activities.” The beauty and unique geology of Mono Lake is nearby and worth visiting!
Alpental, Washington - part of the Summit at Snoqualmie, has some of the steepest runs in Washington State. If you need something beyond the superb inbound slopes, there are access gates to serious backcountry terrain (only for advanced and experts with avalanche skills)! About an hour drive from downtown Seattle!
Silverton Mountain, Colorado -“It’s the highest (base elevation 10,400’) and steepest ski area in North America and with no easy way down. Advanced and expert only skiing/riding, no groomers, no clearcut runs and a real mountain experience with plenty of adventure on tap.”
“There is only 1 lift and you typically hike along ridgelines to get to where you want to go. There are loads of bowls, chutes, cliffs and wonderful natural terrain features to be discovered everywhere you look.” Offers guided, unguided, and heliskiing options. Avalanche beacon, shovel, and probe are required!
Timberline Lodge, Oregon - Besides being a great winter recreation spot, it has year-round snow on the Palmer Snowfield and hosts outstanding summer freestyle and racing camps for all ages!
“Palmer Snowfield is the heart of Timberline’s summer scene. Under sunny skies, it’s the only lift-accessed summer snow experience of its kind in North America.”
A few areas in the U.S. with great terrain/freestyle parks -
Summit Central, Washington -
Central Park is an express lift-served, nearly summit to base park with a variety of rails, boxes, jumps & cool obstacles of all sizes. For intermediate, advanced and pro-level! Greenhorn Acres is a shorter, fun park with cool but smaller features that are perfect for beginners and intermediates!
Bear Mountain, California - “Southern California's epicenter for freestyle progression. 195 acres with 150+ jumps, 80+ jib features, and one of SoCal's only halfpipes.There are terrain parks off every chairlift that cater to all skill levels.”
Snow Summit, California - “Has a reputation as one of Cali’s top spots for snowboarders. Has multiple terrain parks designed for boarders and skiers of all skill levels, including natural and man-made features like jumps, rails, and boxes.” Features SoCal’s only other halfpipe!
Steamboat, Colorado -“Explore some of the best terrain parks in Colorado!”
Lil' Rodeo - “Is our entry-level park, offering features for all riders and abilities. Small boxes, jumps, and a mini half-pipe, are waiting day and night.” Rabbit Ears - “A local favorite with over 20 assorted jumps, bonks, jibs and rails. A great all-around park for beginner to intermediate riders.”
Mavericks - “Steamboat's largest terrain park. With jumps ranging from 50 to 70 feet, this park is no joke. Mavericks Superpipe is a freerider's dream. Mavericks is 450 feet long, 56-feet wide and has 18-foot walls, and a 22-foot transition.”
Brighton, Utah - “Six world-class terrain parks with an ever-changing assortment and arrangement of features.” “Brighton rides more like a skate park than a typical terrain park — there’s more flow,” says Mouse, the terrain park designer and head digger. “The parks have roughly 200 skiable acres and are designed to keep things fresh and exciting, making it a popular destination for terrain park enthusiasts.”
Park City, Utah - “One of North America's most progressive park and pipe set-ups includes six terrain parks serving the total spectrum of ability levels and 1 halfpipe + a mini pipe.”
Backcountry Safety
Snowboarding or skiing out of bounds and in the backcountry can be very alluring, adventurous, thrilling and liberating (insert your preferred adjective here) but it can also be dangerous, unforgiving and deadly!
Backcountry snow conditions are usually safe about 80% of the time, but it is the other 20% that can lead to tragedy and unnecessary fatalities. Those numbers may be disputable, but it’s the principle that you are playing the odds when you venture into the backcountry, so you need to know what you are doing, how to access the risk, and when it is safe to go out if you want to stay alive!
It can be wildly tempting to go for the huge gratification of pristine and untracked snow on incredible terrain! But in a potentially dangerous situation it is way better to err on the side of caution and swallow your pride by not going, so you can live to ride or ski another day!
Avalanches, also known as the White Death, are very powerful forces - the largest ones can obliterate anything in their path! Besides entombing victims and causing death by asphyxia (lack of oxygen to the body), their associated violence can also break bones and damage internal organs.
Because of the physics, an avalanche can move with speed (making them difficult to outrun even on a snowmobile in some situations) and quickly sets up like concrete as it stops. Digging a person out of an avalanche burial can be very hard work and their life could well depend on you, so a rapid response is paramount! If you are buried deeply enough, it may be impossible to unbury yourself, so you will need to rely on others!
Suffice it to say, avalanches are serious business!!!
A few stats:
*About 100,000 avalanches are reported annually in the US
*On average there are about 27 avalanche deaths per year in the US (some years are lower due to specific snow/weather conditions)
*As of the end of April 2026, there have been 23 reported deaths in the US, which includes the 9 fatalities from the big avalanche in the Lake Tahoe area in mid-February
*Since 1980 there have been 593 avalanche deaths in the US
*The vast majority of avalanche victims are snowboarders, skiers, snowshoers, snowmobilers and mountain climbers
*In an avalanche burial, you have the highest chance of survival if you are unburied and rescued within 0-10 minutes!!!
*If you are buried for 10-40 minutes, the chances of survival drop sharply due to the risk of asphyxia!
*After burial for 40 minutes or longer there is little chance of being rescued alive due to asphyxiation!
In a burial situation time is of the essence!!!
Backcountry snowboarding and skiing safety tips - ***(Not a complete list)
*Take a rigorous backcountry/avalanche safety course (this is crucial)!
*Learn how to properly dig a snowpit & how to do a rutschblock test to analyze the snowpack
*Never go into the backcountry alone - only go with experienced people you trust with your life
*Always have and know how to properly use an avalanche beacon, probe, shovel, etc.
*Get avalanche reports from the Pros - do not rely just on info from friends or 3rd parties
*Wait at least 2-3 days after a sizable storm before going out - gives the snowpack time to bond and stabilize. Then get the avvy report and dig a snowpit, etc. to assess the risk for yourself
*Read books like “Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain” by Bruce Tremper - a renowned avalanche and snow safety expert
*Limit your risk of getting caught in an avalanche by traveling in small groups and dropping in 1 person at a time
*Do not try to beat the weather or go out in a storm - can lead to poor decisions and put you in danger
*Hike your backcounty areas in summer to get familiar with underlying terrain. Identify risky slopes/features & look for likely avvy paths & signs of prior activity - avoid those areas in winter
***Disclaimer - I am not an avalanche or backcountry safety professional and none of the above is to be considered professional advice!
Gear + Shopping
Disclaimer!
Please note: Experience the Ride may earn an affiliate marketing commission, with no extra cost to you, if you buy gear or products through a link on this page.
Check out some high-quality gear and products below to help get you outfitted and enhance your snowboarding, skiing and mountain biking endeavors:
*Available item options are being established - stay tuned!
Community
The snow sports community….. a group of people who share a common interest and love for boarding and skiing and where snow sports are an important part of their lifestyle.
A strong community is one with cool/friendly vibes and is a fun, thriving, supportive and dynamic environment!
Some ways to strengthen the community and give back to it:
*Help organize fun and engaging events on the mountain - ex. grommet, youth and teen freestyle competitions or constituent appreciation days
*Become an instructor- help others learn to board/ski
*Become a ski area ambassador- share your knowledge and excitement about the mountain with others
*Volunteer your time and energy - ex. do trash cleanup at ski area parking lots and nearby roadways; get involved in orgs/programs that serve youths and differently-abled athletes
*Become a volunteer (or paid) ski or snowboard patroller to help make the ski area/resort safer
Resources + Links
***Disclaimer - Links to external websites are provided strictly for your convenience. If you use these links you will leave this website!
I am not associating my website/content with any linked external website/content of any entity and I am not endorsing any linked external website/content of any entity!
Any linked websites/content have been created by entities not affiliated with me!
There is no endorsement (explicit or implied) of my website/content by any of the linked websites or organizations!
Community and snowsports organizations
Chill chill.org/ Provides snowboarding and boardsports programs for youths
Outdoors for All Foundation outdoorsforall.org/ Provides outdoor recreation opportunities for children and youths with disabilities
High Fives Foundation highfivesfoundation.org/ Provides supports for adaptive sports programs for individuals with life-changing injuries
SOS Outreach sosoutreach.org/ Outdoor mentorship program for youths
Professional Ski Instructors of America - American Association of Snowboard Instructors (PSIA-AASI) thesnowpros.org/
National Ski Patrol nsp.org/
Avalanche and backcountry safety
Organizations, information and sites for avalanche forecasts, weather, event observations, education/courses and more:
American Avalanche Association americanavalancheassociation.org/
“The American Avalanche Association (A3) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to professional excellence in avalanche safety, education and research in the United States.”
National Avalanche Center (in Bozeman, MT) avalanche.org/national-avalanche-center/
“As the nation's subject matter experts in avalanche safety, the National Avalanche Center serves the public by supporting avalanche centers and programs on Forest Service lands.”
***Their website has info/links to all of the U.S Avalanche Centers in different states.
Avalanche.org has same website as the National Avalanche Center
“Avalanche.org connects the public to formal avalanche information and education in the United States. Avalanche.org is a partnership between the American Avalanche Association (A3) and the US Forest Service National Avalanche Center (NAC).”
“Staying Alive in Avalanche Terrain” 3rd Edition, published 2018 - book by: Bruce Tremper- renowned avalanche and snow safety expert who served as the Director of the Utah Avalanche Center from 1986-2015.