15 Epic Destinations Where You Can Go From Surf To Snow In A Single Day

One moment you’re chasing waves under the morning sun, and just a few hours later, you’re gliding through fresh powder with mountain peaks all around. For thrill-seekers who crave both surfboards and snowboards, some destinations deliver the best of both worlds in a single day.

These rare places blur the line between beach and backcountry, letting you pack two epic adventures into one unforgettable trip.

1. Chile – Pacific Coast To Andes Mountains

The ultimate playground for extreme sports enthusiasts awaits in this South American paradise. From the warm Pacific waves to snow-capped peaks, the journey takes just a few hours.

Chile’s narrow geography means you can start your day surfing at Pichilemu, famous for its consistent left-hand breaks, then drive to Valle Nevado or Portillo ski resorts in the Andes. The best time for this dual adventure is during Chilean winter (June-August) when you’ll find decent swells along the coast and prime powder conditions in the mountains.

2. New Zealand – Beaches to Southern Alps

Kiwi adventures come in compact packages with extraordinary bang for your buck. Morning waves and afternoon powder await across this island nation where no point is more than 80 miles from the sea. New Zealand’s South Island offers the perfect setup for surf-to-snow days.

Begin at beaches near Christchurch like Sumner or New Brighton, then drive approximately 2 hours to Mount Hutt for alpine thrills. Winter months (June-September) provide ideal conditions for both activities, though you’ll need to layer appropriately for the dramatic temperature change between sea level and 2,000+ meter elevations.

3. Japan – Coastal Surfing And Hokkaido Slopes

Ancient traditions meet adrenaline-pumping adventures in the land of the rising sun. The winter months reveal a unique opportunity for water-to-snow transitions unlike anywhere else. Japan offers an extraordinary combination during winter when you can surf Chiba Prefecture’s waves in the morning before catching a quick flight to Hokkaido’s legendary powder.

Niseko and other Hokkaido resorts are renowned for having some of the world’s finest snow quality. The best time is January-February when Pacific swells coincide with peak powder conditions. With efficient transportation systems, this ambitious day trip becomes surprisingly manageable.

4. South Africa – Durban Waves To Drakensberg Snow

Sun-kissed mornings transition to crisp mountain air in this African adventure paradise. The contrast between tropical coastline and alpine heights creates an unforgettable day of extremes. Starting in Durban with its year-round surfable waves, you can drive approximately 3 hours to Tiffindell Ski Resort in the Drakensberg Mountains.

This adventure works best during South African winter (June-August) when the resort makes snow while Durban maintains pleasant water temperatures. Plan for an early start to maximize daylight hours and consider the 2,720-meter elevation gain in your clothing choices.

5. United States (California) – Malibu To Big Bear

Golden State adventures reach peak excitement when combining coastal vibes with mountain thrills. The iconic California lifestyle comes alive when embracing both worlds in a single day. Start your morning catching waves at Malibu’s Surfrider Beach, then drive approximately 2-3 hours to Big Bear Mountain Resort for afternoon skiing or snowboarding.

Winter months (December-March) offer the best opportunity, though spring can deliver the magical combination of good surfing conditions and late-season snow. The drive takes you through diverse ecosystems and climate zones, making the journey itself part of the adventure.

6. Australia – Coastal Queensland To Snowy Mountains

Down Under delivers unexpected contrasts for the ambitious adventure seeker. From tropical waters to alpine environments, the journey showcases Australia’s surprising diversity. Australia might be known for its beaches, but the southeastern corner offers both surf and snow opportunities. Begin your day riding waves at Gold Coast beaches like Snapper Rocks, then catch a flight to Albury and drive to Thredbo or Perisher in the Snowy Mountains.

This ambitious itinerary works during Australian winter (July-August) when you can enjoy Queensland’s mild ocean temperatures before hitting the slopes. Though requiring an early start and efficient transitions, the bragging rights of surfing and skiing Australia in one day make it worthwhile.

7. Spain – Mediterranean Surf To Sierra Nevada

European charm meets adventure sports in this Mediterranean marvel. Few places offer such dramatic transitions between coastal relaxation and mountain exhilaration. Morning surf sessions in Costa del Sol towns like Málaga or Nerja can be followed by an afternoon carving turns at Sierra Nevada Ski Station, Europe’s southernmost ski resort.

The drive takes approximately 2 hours, climbing from sea level to over 3,000 meters. This dual adventure works best from December to March when Sierra Nevada has reliable snow coverage while Mediterranean waters remain mild enough for comfortable surfing with a decent wetsuit.

8. Turkey – Aegean Sea To Uludağ Ski Resort

Ancient crossroads offer modern adventures where continents and cultures blend seamlessly. The journey from turquoise waters to powdery slopes reveals Turkey’s geographic diversity. Begin your day surfing at spots near Bodrum or Çeşme on the Aegean coast, then take a short flight to Bursa and drive to Uludağ Ski Center. The entire journey from sea to snow takes about 3-4 hours with efficient connections.

January and February provide the sweet spot when winter swells hit Turkish shores while Uludağ maintains excellent snow conditions. The cultural contrasts between coastal and mountain communities add another dimension to this adventure.

9. Lebanon – Mediterranean Coast To Faraya Mzaar

Compact geography creates outsized adventures in this Middle Eastern gem. The morning-to-afternoon transformation from coastal pleasures to mountain thrills happens in record time. Catching waves along Beirut’s Mediterranean coast in the morning leaves plenty of time to reach Faraya Mzaar ski resort, just 40 miles away, for afternoon runs.

The drive takes only 1-1.5 hours, making this one of the easiest transitions on our list. January through March provides optimal conditions for both activities. Local saying claims you can swim and ski on the same day while still having time for a traditional Lebanese lunch in between.

10. Italy – Ligurian Coast To The Alps

La dolce vita reaches new heights when combining seaside pleasures with alpine adventures. The Italian flair for living well extends from coastal villages to mountain chalets. Start your morning catching waves in the Ligurian Sea near Sanremo or Imperia, then drive approximately 2-3 hours to reach Alpine resorts like Limone Piemonte or those in the Aosta Valley.

Winter months (December-March) offer reliable snow in the mountains while the Mediterranean remains surfable with a good wetsuit. The journey takes you through stunning landscapes, transitioning from palm-lined promenades to charming mountain villages with dramatic peaks rising above.

11. Morocco – Taghazout To Oukaimeden Ski Slopes

African adventures reach surprising heights in this land of contrasts. Desert meets mountain in an unexpected journey that challenges preconceptions about what’s possible in a day. Begin your day riding world-class waves in Taghazout, a renowned surf spot with consistent breaks.

Afterward, drive approximately 3-4 hours through changing landscapes to reach Oukaimeden in the Atlas Mountains, Africa’s highest ski resort at 3,200 meters. January and February provide the best window when Atlantic swells coincide with reliable snowfall.

12. France – Biarritz Surf To Pyrenees Snow

French sophistication meets outdoor adventure in this Atlantic-to-mountain journey. France’s southwestern corner delivers an exceptional surf-to-snow experience. Starting in Biarritz, the historic European surfing capital with reliable Atlantic waves, you can drive just 2-3 hours to reach Pyrenees ski resorts like La Mongie or Gourette.

Winter and early spring (January-March) offer the best conditions for both activities. The journey takes you through Basque Country with its distinctive culture and cuisine, making culinary stops along the way part of the adventure.

13. Portugal – Atlantic Surfing And Serra Da Estrela

Iberian adventures reach new heights when combining legendary waves with surprising mountain escapes. The journey reveals Portugal’s hidden depths beyond its famous coastline. Portugal’s compact size makes it possible to surf world-class waves and hit the slopes in a single day.

Begin at renowned surf spots near Peniche or Ericeira, then drive approximately 3 hours to Serra da Estrela, Portugal’s highest mountain range and only ski area. January through March offers the best chance for good conditions at both locations. Though modest compared to major European resorts, Serra da Estrela’s unique granite landscape and cultural significance make it a fascinating destination.

14. Greece – Crete Beaches To Parnassus Mountains

Mediterranean magic meets mythological mountains in this Hellenic adventure. Ancient gods would approve of this ambitious journey connecting island waves to mainland peaks. Start your day catching waves along Crete’s northern coast near Heraklion, then take a quick morning flight to Athens and drive approximately 2 hours to Mount Parnassus ski center.

This ambitious itinerary works from January to March when both winter swells and snow conditions align. The cultural contrast between Cretan beach life and the ancient mountain region associated with Apollo and the Oracle of Delphi adds mythological significance to your sporting adventure.

15. Argentina – Atlantic Surf And Patagonian Peaks

South American extremes create unforgettable contrasts for the ambitious adventurer. The vast landscapes between coast and cordillera reveal Argentina’s breathtaking diversity. Begin your day riding waves at Mar del Plata, the country’s premier surf destination, then take a flight to Bariloche in northern Patagonia to ski at Cerro Catedral resort.

July and August (Argentine winter) provide optimal conditions for both activities. Though requiring efficient connections and an early start, the reward is experiencing Argentina’s diverse environments in a single day.