Saying we are spoilt for choice when it comes to European snowboarding destinations is an understatement. There are so many opportunities for people who want to get their gear together, get a budget flight and get out there. So why book snowboarding holidays in France, and why choose Chamonix?
It's certainly not the only option in the French Alps: Les Arcs, for example, is a gigantic snowboard theme park, with just about every ride you could imagine, and Tignes has in the region of 80 beginner slopes.
Still, Chamonix has an undeniable appeal. Perhaps it’s the four villages in one valley, each with its own charm? Or is it the tree runs and off-piste offerings? And in terms of backdrop, Chamonix is second to none - looming ever large is Mont Blanc, Western Europe's tallest mountain.
There's three airports within easy transfer time: Geneva International, Haute-Savoie and Lyon International at 88 km, 90 km and 220 km respectively. Trains also serve the Chamonix Valley well, as do road routes via the Mont Blanc Tunnel.
If Chamonix has one drawback it's that it's too good - by that we mean too good for some riders. It's clearly not the best choice for a beginner, but for advanced and expert riders into all-mountain action and wild mountainsides, it's perfect.
The stats tell the whole story: Of the 69 pistes, 10 are black, 20 are red, 28 are blue and just 8 are green. So, there are still options if you're new to snowboarding - just keep on the right routes.
Current weather reports show that the resort has yet to get its first dump of snow - but really it's only a matter of time before the Les Grands Montets opens its doors and delivers the kicks that snowboarders have waited all year for.
Mark Pawlak is the editor at Travel-copywriting.com
