5 Southern Hemisphere Terrain Parks That Rival Anything in the World

Southern Hemisphere skiing can feel disappointing to Northern Hemisphere visitors because snow is less consistent and resort sizes are smaller, often requiring travel to reach the mountains. Despite lower snowfall averages, terrain parks in the Southern Hemisphere frequently outperform expectations and rank among the best globally. Even small resorts can contain world-class park features, making the region a strong destination for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. Many pros travel south to train throughout the year, increasing the level of competition and atmosphere. In Australia, Thredbo in the Snowy Mountains has gained attention for inventive events and an advanced park called Antons, along with a beginner-medium Cruiser Park designed for frequent hot laps. Perisher is described as the original major terrain park destination in Australia.

"That's not to say there aren't incredible turns to be found, but the snow is generally less consistent and of varying quality. Resorts tend to be smaller, usually with only a handful of lifts, and typically require some drive to reach the mountain. As resorts don't have huge snowfall averages to draw tourists in, Southern Hemisphere terrain parks tend to punch well above their weight - and several rank among the best on the planet."

"This means that even a small, inconspicuous resort might have a terrain park of world-class caliber. So if you're a park rat, the southern hemisphere can be a treasure trove of hidden jibs and innovative features. Plus, you'll likely find yourself rubbing shoulders with the pros, as many freestyle skiers and snowboarders from all over the world head down south to train all year long."

"In the Snowy Mountains of southeastern Australia lies Thredbo, a well-known resort that lately has been catching everyone's attention as one of the top spots for park riding. Hosting numerous events, including the Transfer Banked Slalom, Thredbo's own Snow Series, and park and slopestyle events. The park's crew has already shown they can step up to the plate and deliver highly inventive events that push the progression of terrain parks."

"There are many things to love about Thredbo: the advanced-level park, Antons, is a relatively long lap considering how short the runs usually are in Australia with plenty of hits and big jumps to keep your adrenaline firing. The Cruiser Park (beginner-medium level) is always full of progression features, plus it's accessed by a short T-bar, so you can hot lap all day long."

Read at SnowBrains