Canada

orah Bright needs no introduction with her sunny smile and impressive record speaking for itself. Torah grew up around Cooma so was on skis at the age of two, on a snowboard at 11, and then moved to Utah with her family at 14. Torah won Gold in Half Pipe at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and snared silver in Sochi, where she became the first person to qualify to compete in Half Pipe, Slopestyle and Snowboard Cross. Here, she shares her favourite places for families to go in the snow.

USA

Snowbird, Utah, is world class! Salt Lake City and the surrounding mountains have been my home for all my adult life and I called it base camp between my travels. Snowbird is my favourite, about 30 minutes out of Salt Lake City. The international airport is close so it is easy to get to. You can stay in the city and drive up or stay at the famous Cliff Hotel. When conditions are good - it is on! “The Greatest Snow on Earth” - as it says on the state number plates. This is quite true - I have never ridden such good quality snow!

Jackson Hole, Wyoming is home to some of the world’s best snowboarders, including Travis Rice. I have not spent nearly enough time in this resort but I need to get back as what I’ve seen and ridden, I need more of! The town is cute and amazing, with plenty to do, with my personal favourites being the Jackson Hole Hat Company shop and the Million Dollar Cowboy Bar, where you sit at the bar on a saddle! Whistler, British Columbia, was one the first resorts I went to in North America. It was like Disneyland to me… a winter wonderland! The village has all you could want and plenty onand off-snow activities. The back country is a particular favourite.

Japan

Niseko. Japanese resorts are some of my favourites. Even in Niseko where there are a billion Aussies, you are immersed in the culture. It’s a different type of riding, but rarely disappoints with snow conditions if you are there at the right time of year! Rhythm Snowboard Shop is there in the town so you can rent or buy everything you need for your holiday. It’s made easy for you!

Hakuba is one of my top picks in Japan. The terrain in the valley offers something for everyone and there is so much to do with traditional Japanese bathhouses for after riding, snowmobiling and touring. Again, when conditions are good, you will see the snow accumulate like never before.