Here in the UK we love our winter sports, and snowboarding is no exception. Despite our choice of resorts being somewhat more limited than the range of possibilities available to our friends on the continent, we aren't dissuaded from getting involved, and our professional snowboarders have achieved great results internationally - take Billy Morgan's recent bronze medal at Pyeongchang, for example.

But for as much as we try, there are some drawbacks of living in the UK that always try and throw us off our enthusiasm. Here are some of the problems that we encounter on a frequent basis as British snowboarders.

Lift Passes That Don't Lift Our Bank Balance

It is tragically the case that a two-hour dome pass and a half-day pass usually costs roughly the same. Keeping the hard fact aside that the lift pass prices can make us go literally bankrupt, we appreciate the hard work of the indoor-snow generating teams and dry slope fighters. However, it is difficult not to long for a situation where you live close to the mountains and don't have to pay for accommodation.

Mountain Fitness

For as much as we can train and keep fit, 99 percent of us will never be as fit or as comfortable at high-altitudes as those who live in those kinds of areas. All you can do is accept this fact and resolve to just deal with it. The only thing that can help is preparing yourself a few days prior to heading to the mountains, so you do not end up with crippling muscle sores.

Dusty Gear

Many of us spend our lives swimming in guilt as we desperately try to avoid looking, never mind mentioning, the dusty board in the corner of the room, or whatever piece of kit we purchased only to never find a real use for. Don't blame yourself for feeling bad - everyone changes their mind, some more than others. But rather than ignoring it, maybe it's time to decide to either commit to giving your neglected gear some time in the sun, or selling it on to a new home.

Failed Trips

You've been planning your big trip all year, and you're looking forward to it more than anything. Then you arrive, and find that the heavens have opened - and not with snow. Dry boarding down a soaking wet mountain range might not be the type of getaway that you had in mind, and you'll probably become convinced that the gods are against you enjoying a snowboarding trip with your friends. Well, if it makes you feel any better, you are alone.

Thanks to the fluctuating British weather conditions, we are mentally prepared for the uncertainty, and we are usually pretty aware when we book that things might not go entirely to plan. However, that doesn't make any less disappointing.

Confused People

While snowboarding, it is guaranteed that you will be confronted by some bemused people with a million questions to ask. He/she will keep asking about your snowboard or your trip or about the snow, and you will have to literally make up an excuse to leave.

Keeping up with the Pros

Self-confidence drops immediately, as you spot your friends getting lucky with the snow and zooming through the mountains like a blue hedgehog. And you are desperately making efforts to keep up with their pace, so you are not left out. That's no good! The obvious solution to this situation is to gather your sticks and join the party.

Inappropriate Skating Conditions

Many of us may have switched to the skating alternative when our Plan A failed, but the UK is the worst place to opt for this option; as most of the places are cold and water clogged despite of the season.

Public Transport

You experience some really awkward moments when you are travelling in the public transport with your powder gear. You may have to face some uneasiness if you are travelling in the peak period of the day with a packed and sweaty crowd, who will constantly glare you with questioning eyes, as if demanding to know why you have to travel with such a large board.

Living in the UK has made us fighters and we know how to deal with such abrupt climate changes. Whenever there is a lack of snow, keep calm and hope for the better snow days.