MINT Snowboarding since 2006. Award winning snowboard school

MINT20 – 20 Years of Snowboarding Progression

This winter marks something huge for us — MINT Snowboarding turns 20.
Two decades of turns, progression, and passion. From shaking up the French snowsports scene to becoming a trusted name worldwide, it’s been quite a ride.

How It All Began

Back in 2006, when snowboarding still played second fiddle to skiing in France, MINT Snowboarding was born from one clear idea: to create a school where snowboarding wasn’t an afterthought but the main event.

Setting up MINT meant going against the grain. At the time in France, there were no snowboard-only schools; snowboarders were often taught by ski instructors who “also” snowboarded. France didn’t recognise snowboard-specific instructor qualifications, and that never sat right with us.

With a small crew of passionate riders and a lot of determination, we took the leap. MINT became one of France’s first snowboard-only schools, and today stands as the oldest snowboard school in France still dedicated solely to snowboarding. We helped revolutionise snowboard tuition and show that snowboarding should be taught by dedicated snowboarders — people who live and breathe it. That shift helped open the door for more specialist snowboard operations to emerge and thrive.

 

instructors on chairlift

 

20 Winters Later

Fast-forward twenty winters, and that small idea has grown into something much bigger.

We’ve expanded year after year — from local lessons in Morzine to snowboard camps and backcountry adventures that take riders to some of the world’s most incredible terrain, from the French Alps to Norway and beyond

Our uniforms have run through every imaginable shade of green, but one thing hasn’t changed: our commitment to delivering the best possible snowboard-coaching experience — whether it’s your first turn or your first cliff drop.

Along the way, we’ve picked up a few trophies too — including Best Snowsports School (two years in a row) and The Reason Magazine’s 2025 ‘Snowboarder of the Year’ for our founder Tammy Esten. The award recognised Tammy’s contribution to snowboarding and the ongoing impact of MINT within the snowboard community.

But more than the accolades, it’s the people who ride with us that matter most — a crew of riders, instructors, and guests who share one simple passion: snowboarding.

A Reputation Built on Stoke

Over 20 years, MINT has built a reputation for professionalism, innovation, and community. Our instructors are all fully qualified snowboarders (no skiers in disguise here), and our teaching methods keep progression at the heart of every session.

From beginners discovering the magic of sliding sideways to advanced riders chasing backcountry lines, our mission has always been the same: help every rider progress, have fun, and feel part of the snowboarding family.

We’ve grown, but that same grassroots energy — the belief that snowboarding should be inclusive, exciting, and endlessly progressive — still drives everything we do.

 

Group With Instructor

 

Celebrating 20 Years of MINT

Twenty years deserves a proper celebration — and we’re doing it in true snowboard style. Here’s how we’re marking #MINT20 this winter:

• Artist Collaborations — limited-run MINT20 merchandise created with a hand-picked crew of artists.
• On-Snow MINT20 Bingo — season-long challenges packed with prizes, laughs, and the odd cheeky surprise.
• Community Events — meet-ups and gatherings throughout the winter, bringing riders old and new together.
MINT20 Anniversary Camp — next-level coaching with a fresh twist and a proper party at the heart of it. Everyone’s welcome — come ride, celebrate, and be part of the story.

The Next Chapter

Twenty years in, we’re proud of what MINT stands for — and even more excited about what’s next. Expect more progression-driven coaching, expanded backcountry programs, and new rider experiences in the years ahead — all rooted in our love for snowboarding and our home in the French Alps.

As we look forward, our adventures continue to reach further afield — from the Alps to worldwide backcountry destinations such as Japan, Norway, and beyond — carrying MINT’s spirit of progression and community to mountain ranges across the globe.

Whether you’ve been with us since day one or you’re planning your first trip to Morzine, thank you for being part of the journey. Come ride with us in Morzine this winter and be part of the story.

Here’s to the next 20 years of turns, progression, and keeping snowboarding the way it should be — fun, free, and full of stoke.

#MINT20 #RideWithMINT

 

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