Advertisement
Beauty is often seen as subjective, similar to how opinions about the best ski runs vary among individuals. What one person views as the perfect ski run may be very different from someone else’s opinion. Ski enthusiasts typically have a few favorite runs, but preferences can vary significantly between someone from the USA and someone from Asia. With this variety in mind, we’ve compiled a list of 45 remarkable ski runs from around the world. While European and North American resorts dominate the list, there are also some hidden gems to be found. Be sure to add your favorites to your travel list!
1. Paradise, Mad River Glen, Vermont
According to Ski Magazine, this ski resort is famous for its challenging terrain on the East Coast. Intended solely for expert skiers, Paradise features numerous obstacles. Skiers must face a five-meter cliff drop at the start, followed by a narrow, winding path through trees and rocks.
Although Mad River Glen is not huge, it features a 2,000-foot vertical descent. The cliff drop is especially remarkable, earning Paradise a black diamond rating because of its steepness and difficulty level.
2. Grand Couloir, Courchevel, France
The Grand Couloir is regarded as one of the toughest ski slopes in the French Alps. Reaching this path itself is an adventure. Skiers start with a cable car journey and then make their way along a narrow, icy ridge extending 200 meters.
The steep chute challenges skiers, demanding that they remain focused on the ice. Because of its steepness and difficulty, the Grand Couloir has been given a black rating, offering excitement for the adventurous.
3. Rambo, Crested Butte, Colorado
Rambo is known for its challenging terrain and is regarded as one of the steepest ski slopes in the United States. Despite being only 300 yards long, it maintains a 55-degree angle throughout its entire length.
If you enjoy steep slopes, Rambo stands out in North America. However, it can frequently get crowded, so be careful. It’s rated for experienced skiers and holds a Double Black Diamond designation.
4. Ridge Runner, Whistler, British Columbia
Ridge Runner is a scenic 2 km singletrack trail. This downhill-only path offers an intermediate challenge and showcases lovely tree-lined views.
The area usually isn’t busy, providing a peaceful skiing environment. Nevertheless, skiers should be cautious of bears, particularly in March when they emerge from hibernation. Ridge Runner is classified as a blue trail.
5. The Hahnenkamm, Kitzbühel, Austria
Familiarly called the Streif, this path is famous for its challenging downhill course. With unseen drops, steep hills, and daring jumps, it tests even the most expert skiers.
The slope extends for more than three kilometers and isn’t too intimidating, but it is artificially iced before races to increase the thrill. The Hahnenkamm is rated black due to its level of difficulty.
6. Casserousse, Chamrousse, France
This trail, nestled in the remote French Alps at an altitude of 1,700 meters, provides a tranquil retreat with minimal visitors.
Casserousse, featuring its northward slope, regularly has fresh snow and offers a mix of steep sections, bumps, and tree-lined runs. It is classified as a black run, and skiers should be on the lookout for powder pockets along the edges.
7. Bernadein, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Germany
Ideal for a morning warm-up, this run begins at 2,050 meters and offers breathtaking mountain views. The snow conditions are consistently excellent.
Bernadein is a well-loved German ski resort famous for its charm and ambiance. However, the icy patches that form in the late afternoon can be difficult. This ski trail is rated red in terms of difficulty.
8. Hobacks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
The Hobacks offer an extensive area that rivals the vertical drop available at many ski resorts. It features three unique runs that combine mild slopes with deep powder sections.
Featuring consistently steep and challenging terrain, the Hobacks offers the sensation of a backcountry adventure. Skiers should be cautious of powder pockets. This run is rated black diamond.
9. Four o’clock, Breckenridge, Colorado
This wide, fast trail is the longest in Breckenridge, extending 3.5 miles. Skiers can pair it with the nearby Snowflake lift for a full-day experience.
The slope is peaceful and not crowded, offering a soothing skiing experience. The Four o’clock trail is rated blue for difficulty.
10. Hemlocks, Mammoth, California
The Hemlocks, accessible only after a lengthy hike, offer steep inclines and untouched paths. This secluded trail is perfect for those seeking solitude.
The Hemlocks provide an exciting challenge with their well-groomed north-facing slope. Classified as a Double Black Diamond, they are not for the faint-hearted.
11. Zig Zag, Blackcomb Mountain, Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Zig Zag is renowned for its thrilling speed and is a popular holiday destination for skiers worldwide.
Whistler Blackcomb, the site of the 2010 Winter Olympics, provides excellent snow cover for 200 days each season. Skiers should be aware of unexpected obstacles. Zig Zag is classified as a blue run.
12. Ciampac, Canazei, Italy
Ciampac, frequently chosen for international events like the Super G, is a challenging track demanding both skill and focus.
This course features a vertical drop of 660 meters and a slope gradient of 34%, requiring technical skill. Exercise caution since professional skiers frequently train on this run. It is classified as a black difficulty level.
13. Cosmiques Couloir, Chamonix, France
This place is well-known for its frequent daytime descents. It offers a challenging skiing experience with excellent winter conditions, making February to May the ideal time to visit. The Couloir extends 800 meters, beginning with a 50-degree incline that gradually reduces to 45 degrees.
Skiers need to be cautious of families wearing fur who may move together in a line, resembling a crocodile, as they could pose a potential hazard. The Cosmiques Couloir, known for its unique features, is classified as a black run due to its level of difficulty.
14. Keyhole, Snowbird, Utah
Keyhole in Snowbird, Utah, is a popular location for professional skiers. The area boasts an average annual snowfall of 500 inches, offering superb skiing conditions. This short run down from the tram features several turns that take skiers to the Alta-Snowbird boundary rope.
Heading to the left takes you to some of the deepest tree-skiing powder lines. Featuring a vertical drop of 3,240 feet, skiers should be aware of the narrow paths that branch off from the main route. The Keyhole trail is designated as a black diamond.
15. Sache, Tignes, France
Tignes offers several challenging ski slopes, with Sache being the longest at 10 kilometers. It starts close to Aiguille Percee, descends steeply, and then gradually slopes into a valley that guides you to Tignes Les Brévières, the resort’s lowest area.
The initial section is steep and has large moguls, requiring careful navigation, while the latter part offers a more relaxed experience. Sache is rated as a black due to its difficult features.
16. Barry Barry Steep, Snowbird, Utah
Barry Barry Steep is renowned for its outstanding tree runs, perfect for intermediate-level skiers. The northwest-facing tree line is steep, thrilling, and impressively lengthy.
The trail is classified as Double Black Diamond. Skiers should watch out for the many tree stumps lining the route. The tree spacing, along with the curves and challenging terrain, makes it a favorite among enthusiasts.
17. Gran Pista, Trentino, Italy
Gran Pista is renowned for its combination of steep sections and wide, flat stretches that offer opportunities for relaxation. The final portion winds through one of the area’s most picturesque forests.
Spanning 4 kilometers, it is a popular choice for regular skiers. Be mindful of its steep sections. Gran Pista is rated as a red difficulty level.
18. Harakiri, Mayrhofen, Austria
Harakiri is the steepest ski slope in Austria, featuring a 78% gradient, a vertical drop of 375 meters, and a total length of 1.5 kilometers. Its steepness is greater than the take-off point of a ski jump.
Skiers should be cautious of hidden bumps along the course. The steepest section is near the end, providing ample space to slow down beforehand. Harakiri is considered a black run.
19. Couloirs des Fréaux, La Grave, France
This challenging path at La Grave is perfect for seasoned skiers. Beginning from the top station at the peak, it narrows into an 800-meter-long couloir that is prone to avalanches.
Because of its dangerous nature, utmost caution is necessary. It is best suited for experienced skiers in February and March. This trail has not been rated.
20. Cornice Bowl, Mammoth, California
Cornice Bowl is a renowned black diamond ski trail at Mammoth, offering breathtaking views from the top. It is designed for downhill skiing.
Skiers must carefully maneuver through the narrow channels that require precision. This course also includes an impressive park and exceptional backcountry terrain. It is rated as a black diamond.
21. Gransangarner, Riksgränsen, Sweden
Gransangarner offers an exceptional skiing experience in Sweden’s underrated ski region. It runs from February to May and includes a brief trip into Norway before heading back.
Known as Sweden’s premier touring destination, its varied terrain and snow conditions set it apart. Gransangarner is rated as red.
22. Stairway to Heaven, Niseko, Japan
Stairway to Heaven is a scenic 1-kilometer trail designed for intermediate skiers. Located west of the Hirafu ski area, it features beautiful silver birch trees and provides views that extend to the Youtei sunset run.
Niseko is famous for its exceptional powder snow and is considered Japan’s top ski resort. However, skiers should take note of equipment used by others. This slope is designated as a red one.
23. Sparks Lake, Mount Bachelor, Oregon
Sparks Lake provides an exhilarating experience for those who love speed and is a highlight of Oregon’s largest ski resort by area. It features numerous twists, jumps, and turns that ensure an exciting adventure.
With a designation as a black diamond, this course features a vertical descent of 398 meters and stretches for 1 kilometer, offering thrill while requiring caution on the curved sections.
24. High Boy, Alta, Utah
High Boy offers breathtaking views of a canyon that extends down to the valley floor, beginning with a sharp descent that gradually continues to the bottom.
Alta is included in the USA’s oldest ski resort, with a base elevation of 2,600 meters and significant snowfall. High Boy is categorized as a black diamond run.
25. The Wall, Kirkwood, California
Kirkwood’s The Wall is renowned for its steep channels and heavy snowfall. Featuring difficult ravines and cliff drops, it provides a thrilling experience for seasoned skiers.
Skiers need to prepare for challenging cliffs because of the double black diamond classification. The Wall impressively receives 472 inches of snow every season.
26. Inspiration, Whitefish, Montana
Inspiration, affectionately known as “Inspo” by locals, is a mid-level trail that provides stunning vistas. It runs from the top of Whitefish Mountain down to the base lodge.
The uninterrupted views enhance the experience. The final section is a slower stretch that leads to the lodge. This trail is rated as blue.
27. Either one of two, Tiffindell, South Africa
Tiffindell is South Africa’s sole ski resort and one of just two in southern Africa. It features two slopes that are not rated, and it is primarily noted on this list due to its unique location.
Prepare for frigid temperatures that can plummet to a bone-numbing -21°C. Situated at an elevation of 3001 meters, the resort is located at 2720 meters on the southern side of Ben Macdhui mountain.
28. Rotegg, Titlis, Engelberg, Switzerland
Rotegg is a paradise for experienced skiers, offering breathtaking views that extend beyond Switzerland’s borders. The steep glacier descent from Titlis through Rotegg is an outstanding feature.
This thrilling path connects the glacier with the main ski area, presenting difficult moguls and a lot of swift skiers to navigate around.
29. Exchange Drop, Coronet Peak, Otago, New Zealand
Coronet Peak’s Exchange Drop is famous for its undulating rollercoaster-like slopes. During its extended snow season, it typically gets about 2 meters of snowfall annually. The resort attracts visitors due to its diverse terrain, excellent facilities, and exceptional skiing conditions.
As New Zealand’s oldest ski area, it serves as the training site for the national ski team and is classified as black due to its challenging trails.
30. Poma slopes, Gulmarg, Jammu, and Kashmir, India
This place ranks as one of India’s premier ski destinations and is viewed as the seventh-best in Asia. Located in the Pir Panjal range of the Himalayas, it offers breathtaking views and skiing experiences suitable for beginners.
The “Poma slopes,” named after their ski lift, are ideal for beginners. Additionally, the forested trails around the resort provide a scenic experience. Skiers should be cautious of nearby military zones.
31. Delirium Dive, Sunshine Village, Banff, Alberta
Locals often refer to this area as “the dive,” and it’s a haven for thrill-seeking skiers. Delirium Dive offers a mix of chutes, bowls, and steep slopes, along with some of the finest snow in Canada.
This challenging terrain is perfect for seasoned skiers. Due to the high risk of avalanches, wearing an avalanche transceiver is essential. The trail is rated as a double black diamond.
32. Corbet’s Couloir, Jackson Hole, Wyoming
Despite being just 150 meters in length, Corbet’s Couloir is renowned for its steep and challenging characteristics. The first 15-foot drop gives way to thrilling powder runs on a 40-degree incline.
This stunning slope is perfect for expert skiers with nerves of steel. It is designated as a double black diamond due to its extreme difficulty.
33. Vallée Blanche, Chamonix, France
The Vallée Blanche, a famous ski descent in Europe, offers various routes including the Valley, Petit Envers du Plan, and Grand Envers du Plan. It is strongly recommended to have a guide for the Grand Envers du Plan.
While not particularly challenging, skiers should stay alert for icy patches. Expert off-piste skiers who can keep up their speed and manage steep slopes with assurance will find this run exciting.
34. Piste No 6, Parsenn, Switzerland
Recognized as the origin of alpine skiing in Switzerland, Piste No. 6 offers a picturesque path descending from Davos’ treeline to the base of the valley.
Your journey begins on the Parsennbahn, Switzerland’s first funicular railway built for skiing, in operation since 1931. Its breathtaking views and demanding black-rated runs make it a favored option.
35. Blackcomb Glacier, Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Blackcomb Glacier, which is part of the largest ski resort in North America, spans 13 kilometers and descends a vertical mile.
This place, known for its breathtaking scenery and extensive trails, has been rated with black and double black diamonds. It’s a must-visit for experienced skiers.
36. Olympia, Cortina, Italy
Olympia is perfect for seasoned skiers and speed enthusiasts. It takes you along the famous Tofana Shute, offering an exciting experience. Keep in mind the possibility of crowds, as this path can get quite busy. Olympia is marked as a red run.
Cortina will host the women’s alpine skiing events at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Known for its luxurious ski resorts, it is also one of the most stylish and exclusive locations globally. The views of the Dolomites from here are breathtaking.
37. The Palisades, Squaw Valley, California
The Palisades is an incredible location where observing expert skiers is exciting. Situated beneath the KT-22 lift, it offers plentiful opportunities for jumps, steep descents, and striking cliff routes.
Often referred to as “Squallywood” due to its renowned setting and challenging slopes, this ski run is rated as a black diamond. Be cautious of snowboarders, as the valley is a popular spot for them.
38. Cenidor, Marte, and Mercurio, Las Leñas, Argentina
Cenidor, Marte, and Mercurio are among the world’s longest ski runs, tailored for intermediate skiers. Extending over 15 miles, they are highly regarded in South America, making them a destination not to be missed.
Skiers should be cautious of abrupt steep slopes. Cenidor, assigned a black rating, is improved by the dependable powder snow and ideal conditions at Las Leñas, catering to both extreme skiing and off-piste adventures.
39. Skyward, Whiteface Mountain, New York
Skyward offers a steep, fast, and extended skiing experience with a concealed drop. It’s regularly maintained, and the wide views of the snow-laden forests of the Adirondacks are stunning. Be mindful of the large crowds, which consist of seasoned skiers.
Skyward, rated with a black diamond, is part of New York’s premier ski resort. Whiteface Mountain provides an array of excellent trails suitable for all skill levels. Its outstanding snow conditions and varied terrain make it an extraordinary location.
40. Adrenalina, Valle Nevado, Chile
As indicated by its name, Adrenalina is perfect for experienced skiers seeking thrills. Located on the Cima Ancia peak, this black-rated slope offers an exhilarating experience. Take note of the alpine architecture that characterizes this area.
Valle Nevado, the premier ski resort in Chile, provides access to Adrenalina with the advanced Valle del Inca lift. Additionally, more exciting slopes on Tres Punta peak can be accessed from the base of Adrenalina.
41. Grand Solliet, Sainte Foy, France
Grand Solliet is a family-friendly ski chalet conveniently situated close to the lifts. Although it might not be visually striking at first, it offers access to fantastic off-piste areas through tranquil forests.
With its bright, sunny slopes, skiing here can feel boundless. Sainte Foy is rarely crowded, offering a peaceful experience. The late afternoon is the best time to enjoy this blue-rated run.
42. Glen’s, Snowbird, Utah
Glen’s is a challenging black diamond trail featuring steep slopes and consistent snow conditions. Skiers should be cautious of sudden steep sections.
This ski run is 216 meters long and has a vertical drop of 136 meters. It is named to honor Glen Doherty, a committed community member and passionate skier who tragically passed away in Benghazi in 2012.
43. Ventina, Cervinia, Italy
Ventina has a vertical drop of 1,430 meters and extends for five miles, making it perfect for both beginners and those who love speed. Its scenic snowy peaks have earned it a reputation as one of the most beautiful slopes in the world.
The Ventina, the area’s most popular slope, offers breathtaking views of Mount Cervino. Families should exercise caution with children on the slopes, particularly after school hours. This slope is graded red.
44. Dave Murray Downhill, Whistler, British Columbia
Dave Murray Downhill is a black-rated trail that spans 3 kilometers and can be traveled in both directions, known for its steep incline and high speeds. Named in honor of a renowned Canadian skier, this run is both challenging and legendary.
The 2010 Winter Olympics featured this incredible course. Skiers need to be wary of icy patches and steep slopes. It has a vertical drop of 3,300 feet over just 1.5 miles, providing one of the most exciting downhill experiences globally.
45. The Stash, Avoriaz, France
The Stash provides a unique and natural skiing experience through wooded and diverse terrain. Its appealing wooden features attract many skiers. Be cautious of the trees spread out along the trail.
The Stash trail, which is not rated, includes Lil’ Stash, a snow park designed for kids. This area is surrounded by untouched snow and includes hidden wooden obstacles, offering a distinctive adventure.
Advertisement