Snowboarding Stag Do

A snowboarding stag do is a few days on the slopes with the lads, a lot of falling over and some of the best après-ski going. Skiing is fun. Snowboarding is skiing’s cooler younger brother, and it knows it.

You can do it two ways. A quick taster session at a UK indoor snow centre, or a proper trip to the mountains. Both work. One involves considerably more cheese fondue.

For a UK stag, indoor snow centres are a great shout. There are real-snow slopes at places like Hemel Hempstead, Castleford and Manchester, with lessons for complete beginners. A couple of hours on the snow, then back into town for the evening. The Manchester option pairs nicely with a night out in Manchester.

For the full experience, head abroad. The Alps, Andorra and Bulgaria are all popular, with Andorra and Bulgaria often kinder on the wallet. Expect lessons in the morning, a lot of time on your backside, and the après-ski bar from mid-afternoon.

Day one on a snowboard is humbling. Everyone falls, constantly, usually on the same bit of their body. That’s prime entertainment for a group of mates, and nobody gets to be smug for long.

By day two or three most people are linking turns and feeling very pleased with themselves. Which is exactly when they catch an edge and land on their face.

Got a mixed group of skiers and boarders? No problem. Everyone meets at the same lift and, more importantly, the same bar.

And the après-ski is a stag do in its own right. Heavy boots, loud music, someone dancing on a table in salopettes. Put the stag in something ridiculous on the last day of lessons and he’ll fit right in.

• Lessons. Book them for the beginners. Trying to teach yourself to snowboard on a stag is how wrists get broken.
• Insurance. Make sure everyone’s travel insurance covers winter sports. Standard policies often don’t.
• Kit hire. Boards, boots and helmets can be hired at the resort or snow centre. Bring waterproofs, gloves, thermals and goggles.
• Booze rule. Après-ski is half the point, but keep it for after. Snowboarding hungover is grim. Snowboarding drunk is dangerous.
• Timing. The season usually runs from winter to early spring. Book early for the popular weeks.
• Group spread. Some lads will be off the bunny slope by lunch, others won’t. Agree a meeting point and time so nobody gets left halfway up a mountain.

If some of the lads would rather stick to two planks, see our ski stag do guide. On a mountain trip, add a snowmobile safari for an afternoon off the slopes, or book a bob sleigh run if anyone still has nerves left. More ideas on our stag do ideas page.