It's the perfect time of the year to pack up your gear and head out for fun and excitement on the slopes. Excitement abounds with snowboarding and there's a wide variety of places to go for the perfect experience.

Here are some ideas that will make planning your trip easier, depending on your budget and how far you are willing to travel.

Some of the United States very best snowboarding locations are in Montana and Utah. If you decide on Montana, check out Big Sky. It offers 3500 pristine acres of well maintained trails, chutes and numerous other perks for snowboarders. Even with the thousands upon thousands of visitors that visit every year, there is still ample space for you to enjoy your snowboarding experience in peace and quiet. One of the favorites in Utah for snowboarding is Snowbird. Beautiful and welcoming, this is one of Utah's best. You'll love Snowbird's "The Zuagg", a monstrous pipeline which will quench any snowboarder's desire for action.

Squaw Valley in California was the site for the Winter Olympics in the 60's and still attracts ski pros, but they also cater to snowboarders these days. The half pipes here are legend makers and a must for the snowboarder with skill. Not to worry though, there are fun times to be had here for everyone, no matter what skill set. Squaw Valley is big enough to keep you going without impatiently waiting for your turn. No long lines for you. Being located in California means this awesome spot brings you sunshine 300 days a year.

Oh Canada, what a beautiful place! Canada has some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the world. Visit Whistler Blackcomb for a top of the line experience. It is a favorite for snowboarders. You have two mountains to hit - Blackcomb and Whistlers. Top playgrounds are surrounded by world class resort experiences. When you're not snowboarding on all the intricate trails, you can relax, eat, drink and party until morning. There's also tons of things to do with the kids.

On the east coast, Vermont has a couple of top resorts. Stratton Mountain is said to be the birth place of snowboarding and is still one of the top rated snowboarding mountains to hit. Then you have Stowe mountain, which hails as the "Best of the East". It is said to have some of the hardest slopes for any snowboarder that likes a challenge.

Sun Valley in Idaho is the perfect place for professional snowboarders and newbie's. There is something here for everyone. For the experienced boarder, a super pipe is a 425 foot long fun ride with walls that are easily 18 feet high. It creates the perfect experience for all your freestyle fun.

Lake Tahoe offers a slice of heaven for snowboarders. Located on the California and Nevada border, you have beautiful, sunny weather and millions of dollars worth of snowboarding parks, half pipes and everything any snowboarder could possibly desire.

It's the perfect time of year to plan for your next snowboarding experience. Pristine, sparkling snow covered mountains await you with excitement and challenge.