For thrill-seekers and adventurous skiers, you’ll be able to take your snowboarding and boarding to a complete new stage by happening the slopes of an lively volcano. Whereas recognized for his or her harmful energy, these fiery giants supply a few of the most original ski locations on Earth.
Listed below are 9 lively volcanoes all over the world the place you’ll be able to carve turns whereas driving the sting of nature’s uncooked power:
Mount Etna, Italy
- Altitude: 10,991 toes (3,329 meters)
- Final Eruption: August 2023
Situated on the island of Sicily, Mount Etna is among the most lively volcanoes on the planet and a UNESCO World Heritage Web site. Riders can get pleasure from panoramic views of the Mediterranean whereas snowboarding this volcano’s north and south slopes. Its frequent eruptions actually add a component of unpredictability to any go to.
Mount Ruapehu, New Zealand
- Altitude: 9,177 toes (2,797 meters)
- Final Eruption: September 2007
Mount Ruapehu, the biggest lively volcano in New Zealand, provides two important ski resorts: Whakapapa and Turoa. Each sit on the volcano’s slopes, providing diversified terrain for skiers. With its volcanic crater lake and geothermal exercise, Ruapehu’s slopes include the added mystique of a possible eruption. Mount Ruapehu is positioned in Mount Tongariro Nationwide Park, which has a variety of lively volcanos, together with Ngāuruhoe, which was used as Mount Doom in The Lord of the Rings Trilogy.
Villarrica, Chile
- Altitude: 9,341 toes (2,847 meters)
- Final Eruption: March 2015
Villarrica is considered one of Chile’s most lively volcanoes, and snowboarding right here combines adrenaline and breathtaking surroundings. The volcano’s proximity to the city of Pucón makes it simply accessible for guests, and night time snowboarding is even potential. Nevertheless, skiers needs to be aware of the volcano’s alert system, which displays exercise ranges. The newest exercise was this July and August, when it was emitting large plumes of smoke and Yellow Stage (Stage 2 out of 4) was declared.
Mount Hood, OR
- Altitude: 11,239 toes (3,425 meters)
- Final Eruption: ~1865 (minor occasions)
Oregon’s Mount Hood, a dormant but technically lively volcano, is dwelling to the one constant year-round snowboarding in North America. The glacier snowboarding at Timberline Lodge gives wonderful situations even in the summertime months. Mount Hood has a historical past of eruptions, although it’s been comparatively quiet for over a century.
Mount Fuji, Japan
- Altitude: 12,388 toes (3,776 meters)
- Final Eruption: December 1707
Mount Fuji is a bucket-list vacation spot for a lot of vacationers, and whereas its final eruption was three centuries in the past, it’s nonetheless labeled as lively. Though Fuji is healthier often called a climbing vacation spot, there are two ski resorts at Mount Fuji, Snow Time Yeti and Fujiten Snow Resort. As well as, Mount Fuji provides gorgeous backcountry snowboarding and driving.
Nevados de Chillán, Chile
- Altitude: 10,538 toes (3,212 meters)
- Final Eruption: Might 2023
A part of the Andes volcanic belt, Nevados de Chillán provides a few of the finest snowboarding in Chile. Its thermal springs and geothermal vents make it a particular vacation spot. Current eruptions have solely enhanced the sense of journey, with skiers carving down its slopes amidst plumes of steam.
Mount Shasta, CA
- Altitude: 14,179 toes (4,322 meters)
- Final Eruption: ~1786
California’s Mount Shasta provides backcountry snowboarding on one of many highest volcanoes within the Cascade Vary. Whereas its final eruption was over two centuries in the past, Mount Shasta continues to be thought of lively. The mountain’s broad, snowy slopes present wonderful situations for knowledgeable skiers prepared to trek as much as entry its runs.
Mount Yotei, Japan
- Altitude: 6,227 toes (1,898 meters)
- Final Eruption: ~1050 BC
Mount Yotei, usually known as “Ezo Fuji” for its resemblance to Mount Fuji, is a dormant however lively volcano positioned on Japan’s northern island of Hokkaido close to Niseko Ski Resort. It’s a backcountry snowboarding paradise, providing deep powder and off-piste terrain. Whereas the volcano hasn’t erupted in millennia, its towering presence gives a dramatic backdrop to a few of Japan’s finest snowboarding situations.
Mount Baker, WA
- Altitude: 10,786 toes (3,288 meters)
- Final Eruption: 1880
Mount Baker in Washington state boasts a few of the heaviest snowfall on the planet, making it a dream for powder lovers. Regardless of its final eruption in 1880, Baker stays an lively volcano, and its large glaciers contribute to year-round snow situations. The ski resort on Mount Baker provides difficult terrain, and its backcountry is favored by skilled skiers and snowboarders seeking to discover past the marked trails.
These volcanoes supply the uncommon probability to ski on dwelling mountains—locations that proceed to form the Earth’s floor. For the courageous, snowboarding on an lively volcano is an expertise that blends magnificence, threat, and awe, reminding us of the highly effective forces beneath our toes.
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