Around the world, there are some great long pistes to enjoy, with varied terrain. Whether you want a long cruise down the mountain or a real thigh burner there are some great on and off-piste routes to enjoy. Our ski experts have created a guide to the longest ski runs in Europe and the rest of the world.
The Vallee Blanche, Chamonix, France
The Vallee Blanche, in Chamonix, is for the thrill-seekers out there who love an off-piste challenge. The route is a whopping 22km and is easily one of the longest ski runs in Europe. There’s an incredible 2,700 vertical metres, which is almost double the amount of lift-served vertical in Whistler Blackcomb. This is definitely for advanced skiers with off-piste experience. You will also need a local mountain to assess the avalanche risks and crevasses on the terrain. Once you’re on the run though it truly is a fantastic skiing experience.
Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche, Zermatt-Cervina, Switzerland and Italy
The route from the Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche is the longest red ski run in the world. It is 22km long and goes across the Swiss-Italian border from Zermatt to Cervina. It starts from the top of the Klein Matterhorn Glacier where you can admire incredible views of the iconic Matterhorn mountain. There’s one chairlift you have to take to complete the distance but apart from that, it’s a non-stop ski experience with a drop of 2,359m from top to bottom. This is a good cruise with beautiful views to enjoy.
Les Cascades, Flaine, France
Les Cascades is a great run for intermediate to beginner skiers. It is one of the longest blue runs in Europe and has fantastic views. The run is 14km long and starts 2,480m high with an incredible view of Mont Blanc to soak in. There are plenty of places to stop for rest and you can get to know the Grand Massif ski area. You’ll ski through the Sixt-Passy nature reserve, past frozen waterfalls and through lovely, snow-topped trees. It is often a quiet run and you can easily feel safe to practise your technique on the way down. The run ends up finishing in the village of Sixt and there you can enjoy a well deserved hot chocolate.
Schwarze Schneid, Sölden, Austria
The Schwarze Schneid starts at a high altitude of 3,250m on the top of the Rettenbach Glacier in Sölden. From this vantage point you can admire the beautiful Ötztal Valley and even see the iconic Italian Dolomites, so save time for photographs at the top. This route is 15km of linked slopes where you can choose to reasonably easy blue or reds or level up on the FIS Alpine World Cup race piste. It is one of the longest ski runs in Austria and there’s so much terrain to pick and chose from, many skiers can enjoy the experience.
Sarenne, Alpe d’Huez, France
Sarenne is considered one of the longest black ski runs in the world. This 16km slope is all on piste but is a challenge with more than 2,000m of vertical drop to ski. The top is mostly smooth but it can get chopped up towards the middle of the slope. Alpe d’Huez has installed floodlights next to the slope so you can enjoy this run on night skiing evenings. This is definitely one of the most legendary ski runs in France you can try. One of the longest ski runs in Europe.
Peak to Creek, Whistler, Canada
The Peak to Creek blue run is best enjoyed in the morning when the terrain is not chopped up. It is 11km long and has stunning views of both Whistler and Blackcomb from the top of the descent. If you love moguls, however, then you can try this later in the day for a real leg-burning experience. Dusty’s Bar & BBQ is located at the bottom of the slope so you can enjoy a well-deserved drink or food after your long ski down the mountain.
The Last Spike, Revelstoke, Canada
Located in the hidden gem that is Revelstoke, the last spike is one of the longest ski runs in the world with 15km of terrain. It is one of the longest lift-served slopes in North America and is suitable for all levels of skier. It zig-zags down the mountain through the many snow-topped trees in the area. A great slope for those who aren’t keen on the extensive off-piste opportunities in the ski area. It is also relatively quiet throughout the season, so it’s easy to enjoy at your own pace.
Rendezvous Peak, Jackson Hole, USA
Jackson Hole has some of the most vertical drops in the USA, with a 11km route from Rendezvous Peak through the Rendezvous Bowl. It offers the most lift-served continuous vertical drop in the USA and is a fantastic run to enjoy if you love off-piste terrain. Get those freeride skis out when it’s a powder day and enjoy deep turns down to the bottom of the mountain.
To find out more about the longest ski runs in the world, please call our ski experts on 0207 471 7700.
