Any bucket list set of experiences in regard to all things skiing would be incomplete without a list of the ultimate ski runs. Continuing on the Ultimate Bucket List Series, having last time looked at the Best Mountain Restaurants, the focus once again returns to skiing. This list features some of the best ski runs in the world. Featuring pistes across the Alps that stand out amongst the thousands of kilometres of others within the mountain playground.
When creating a list of the best ski runs in Europe, a number of different criteria can be considered. Some of these slopes have gained notoriety as being amongst the hardest ski runs in the world. With some pistes, it is more about enjoying the journey than overcoming the ultimate challenge. Many slopes on this list have become famous as Alpine World Cup pistes, while others remain entirely ungroomed, offering the toughest mogul fields within the Alps. Read on to learn about the ultimate slopes to experience on your next luxury ski holiday…
There are few better considerations to commence our list of best ski runs in Europe than with the Chavanette. The Chavanette is more famously known as the Swiss Wall. It’s an epic mogul field in the Portes du Soleil infamous around the world. On luxury ski holidays to Morzine, the run is accessible from the Morzine-Avoriaz ski area. It is on the other side of the French-Swiss border, hence its name. The Swiss Wall is a marked itinerary trail that is left unpisted, resulting in a vast bowl of moguls running for a length of 1.3km.
At an average slope of 37°, with a gradient up to 76%, the Swiss Wall is a run whose steepness alone is sure to get the adrenaline flowing. For reference, your average red intermediate piste in Europe is unlikely to exceed 40% gradient at maximum. Throw in the challenge of moguls that can grow to a size larger than your average skier, and there is no doubt why this is one of the ultimate ski runs to tick off your bucket list.
As arguably the hardest and most famous run on this bucket list, the challenge of taking it on may seem a daunting prospect. Thankfully, our top 10 expert tips for skiing the Swiss Wall covers all you could need to know. With tips and tricks for differing snow conditions, skiing bumps, and approaching it with the right mindset, you’ll be able to conquer one of the hardest ski runs in Europe.
The Three Valley’s 600km of slopes makes it the largest interconnected ski area in the world. You may then consider it a challenge to narrow all those slopes down to only the very best. However, for many, the choice is easy. The Jerusalem blue run represents the pinnacle of the best ski runs in the Three Valleys. The trail was originally a red run, until it was downgraded to a blue nearly 10 years ago. This blue run in France is accessible to almost every type of skier, and is one not to be missed.
Jerusalem runs from the top of the Tougnete lifts above Méribel, down towards the charming, authentic ski village, St Martin de Belleville. It is a meandering, windy, rolling run, over 3km in length. The popular run consistently makes people’s lists of the best ski runs in the Alps. And yet, it never feels very busy. Its length, wide slopes, and hidden away position in a quiet corner of the Three Valleys always makes it feel like you have the slope to yourself. Skiing down this top ski run in Europe is a peaceful experience. Jerusalem is a quiet piste with consistently great snow and magical scenery. And for luxury ski holidays in St Martin de Belleville, it’s the perfect slope to finish your ski day!
The Streif in Kitzbühel is one of the most famous ski runs in Europe. The Streif is the piste used for the Hahnenkamm Race, the men’s downhill in Kitzbühel. This race is one of the oldest, toughest, and most prestigious ski races in the world. It represents the ultimate goal for any men’s downhill racer, for its history, as well as the glory.
With all that said, it might surprise you to learn that the Streif is mostly a red run. From top to bottom, you can traverse entirely down red pistes, making it accessible for most skiers. However, the official race course occupies marked sections between the winding red run. When open to the public, these sections aren’t maintained and are considered “extreme ski routes” on the piste map. These steeper sections offer a maximum gradient of 85%, a challenge for any skier.
Naturally, one thing to consider when skiing the Streif is that it is a piste occupied by other skiers. You won’t be hitting the staggering 140+km/h speeds that the world’s most elite skiers manage to achieve on race day. Skiing this renowned run lets you experience the many famous sections and understand what it takes to become the very best in the world. The Streif is undoubtedly one of the best ski runs in Austria.
For the ultimate luxury ski holiday to Kitzbühel, stay at Hahnenkamm Lodge, situated at the top of the slope.
The highest peak in Verbier’s 4 Vallées ski area has already cropped up in the bucket list series a number of times. Mont Fort Backside ranked as one of the best off piste ski experiences, while the zipline from the peak is one of our best non-skiing mountain activities. Similarly, the frontside Mont Fort black run more than earns its place within the pantheon of best ski slopes in the world.
Of course, starting at the top of the Mont Fort, you have the best vantage point within the 4 Vallées. Verbier is already famous for its incredible panoramas, and this ski slope at 3,300m is no exception to that. Admire famous peaks including the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc from the summit. It’s a beautiful mountain tapestry in all directions.
However, once skiing you won’t have any more time to appreciate them. After a short traverse along the ridge line, the slope opens up to a tricky, technical mogul field. The Mont Fort is steep, and famous for large bumps. You are unlikely to find any forgiving lines for the less experienced skier. The toughest section is at the top, with the steepness easing off the further you go down. Culminating at the Col des Gentianes, Mont Fort is a devilish ski run. It will challenge even the most hardened of skiers when on a Verbier luxury ski holiday.
La Face de Bellevarde, or simply, La Face, is one of the best ski runs in the Alps. As probably the most iconic run in Val d’Isère, it assuredly deserves a place on the ultimate ski bucket list. The Face runs from the top of the Rocher de Bellevarde to the snow front in the centre of resort. The World Cup black run demands technical ability and ultimate respect.
The Face is best skied first thing in the morning, with freshly pisted snow conditions and sharply edged skis. This will allow you to best enjoy its varying terrain, from narrow sections with tight turns, to steep pitches that require utmost concentration. However, with its popularity, and as one of the main routes into resort, the Face is unique in that it offers varying challenges over the course of the day. The best portion of the run is its lower half, which can be accessed by just taking the Bellevarde Express chairlift. A straight, steep section with rolling terrain, it’s the perfect spot to practice your slalom turns.
Additionally, when skiing down the Face, you are treated to a stunning bird’s eye view of Val d’Isère and up the valley towards Le Fornet. As one of Val d’Isère’s best ski runs, the Face leaves its impression on the ski resort. The legendary piste gives its name to many chalets and apartments in resort. In fact, in our ultimate luxury collection in Val d’Isère, Chalet Face à Face takes its name for the fantastic view towards the piste.
With iconic runs all across the Alps, it can be hard choosing the best place to ski. Thankfully, our team of Ski Specialists are on hand to help. If you want to tick off any of these best ski runs off your bucket list, then we can assist in finding the best property in the right resort for you. Simply give us a call on +44 1202 203653, or send us an email.
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Blue Skies Lifestyle Ltd, established in 2005, is an online luxury ski holiday agent that specialises in finding clients the perfect luxury ski chalet in France, Switzerland, Austria and Italy. We feature an extensive portfolio of luxury chalet accommodation and luxury ski hotels that are ideal for group and family luxury ski holidays.
