United Kingdom

Your choice for riding in Britain is simple; you can choose one of the five real snow areas in Scotland, or the man made indoor snow slopes that are sprouting up everywhere across the UK. If you like carpet burns, there is also the alternative of riding on one of the numerous and pointless artificial ski slopes dotted around the country.

Scotland's conditions can be poor, sometimes the wind can blow so hard that it hurts as it hits you at 70 miles an hour, but every once in a while you'll get a blue bird day with some good drifted powder. All the resorts are similar: low level hills, with uneven trails that get stupidly crowded whenever there's decent snow. Halfpipes are a dream but most of the resorts do have small terrain parks. But the most notable point about Scotland, is the costs: lift tickets are a total rip off and offer very bad value for money. However getting to any of the areas should pose no problems with good air, rail and road links.

In short, Scotland is a great country for its scenery, natural beauty and history, but not a destination for boarding or skiing when compared to what you get in the Alps.

Season riders will find employment and lodging easily. If you want to teach snowboarding, you can do it legally without an instructor's certificate. However, it may help you get work.