Brynn's Adventures

I know it’s only August, but Halloween decorations are already creeping into store aisles, and to me that means we’re basically in winter’s waiting room. My mind is drifting towards fresh snow, the soft whump of a perfect powder turn, and the screaming barfies in my fingers as my reynauds defrosts in the lodge (lol).

I’ve explored a lot of my home mountains here in British Columbia and I’ve ventured further (looking at you Zermatt and St. Moritz) but there’s something irresistible about dreaming about the next big winter adventure. So here’s my updated snowboard trip bucket list.

1. Japan (aka JAPOW)

If you ski or snowboard, you knew this was coming. Japan’s deep, dry powder, couresty of relenteless Siberian storms, is the stuff of legend. There’s a reason so many snowboard movies are filmed there! Resorts like Niseko, Hakuba Valley, and Furano are playgrounds for anyone who loves trees and off-piste terrain.

And then there’s the other side of a Japow trip: slipping into an onsen after a long day before tucking into ramen or sushi at a cozy izakaya. Honestly just writing this has me ready to click ‘book flight’ and figure out the rest later.

2. France

Europe’s ski map is glittering with choices, but my heart is set on France at the moment…or maybe it’s my stomach? Resorts like Chamonix, Les 3 Vallées, and Tignes offer some of the largest interconnected ski areas in the world, with endless terrain and alpine views that make you want to stop and pull our your phone to take a pic, like every five minutes.

And après? Let’s just say I fully envision myself spraying champagne from a tabletop before swapping my boots for slippers and diving head-first into a bucket of molten cheese fondue.

3. Chile

I’ve never been to South America, but the idea of chasing winter into the Southern Hemisphere always sounds real good come April/May when the resorts shut down at home. While my friends are sweating through July, I could be carving down Valle Nevado, La Parva, or Portillo, surrounded by the jagged peaks of the Andes.

The snow here is dry, high-altitude perfection and yes I absolutely will work my itinerary around the food. (if you haven’t caught on yet, food is half the reason I travel…)

4. Finland

Ok picture this: riding under a sky streaked with the Northern Lights and snow ghosts lining the trails like silent sentinels. Finland has been on my mind thanks to those viral clips of night riding in the surreal Arctic landscapes.

Levi and Ruka are the big names here, serving up well-groomed runs, hushed forests, and the kind of quiet you won’t find at North American resorts. Add in the sauna culture, Finnish winter traditions, and the possibility of catching the aurora? I’m SOLD.

5. Austria

Closing out the list with another European gem, Austria feels like the best of both worlds: modern lifts and challenging slopes paired with that traditional Alpine town charm. St. Anton, Kitzbühel, Ischgl, all resorts that promise leg-burning runs and après that could rival the riding. Plus the thought of warming up with schnitzel, strudel, and dancing through the evening at a mountain lodge? Yes pleaaaseee!

That’s my current dream line up. Each of these destinations sounds (and looks) so magical in its own right. Whether it’s bottomless powder, jaw-dropping views, crazy après-ski parties, or the chance to ride under the Northern Lights. For me, snowboarding isn’t just about shredding the gnar, but also about the culture, food, and friends you ake through the sport!

While of course I love my home mountains in British Columbia, there’s something so special about chasing snow around the world that ignites the fire in my heart. Hopefully one day I’ll check all of these places off my list, though knowing me, I’ll just keep adding more.

Until then, I’ll be here counting down the days until my local mountain opens (ninety-three if anyone’s keeping track).

XO,

Brynn