For those looking to rack up mileage and challenge themselves on vast descents that stretch for miles, look no further than this list of the world’s longest ski runs. These remarkable runs let skiers and snowboarders experience some of the world’s most thrilling and scenic descents, often with vertical drops and distances that will challenge even the most serious skiers and riders. The reward of après-ski, and the bragging rights, is worth it. Note that while North America has its fair share of long ski runs, you’ll have to head to Europe to experience most of the world’s longest runs on this list.
Whether you’re looking for a challenge, bragging rights, or simply a scenic ride, you’ll find a lot to love on our list of the longest ski runs in the world. Note that we use the term “ski run” loosely here. Some of these are official pistes, while others, like Whistler’s Peak to Creek, are long linked descents rather than a single continuous piste. Lengths and vertical drops are approximate and vary by source.
The Longest Ski Runs in the World
La Sarenne, Alpe d’Huez, France
La Sarenne is billed as the longest black run in the world, stretching an impressive 16 kilometers (nearly 10 miles) with roughly 2,000 meters (more than 6,000 feet) of vertical drop from the Pic Blanc. As the longest single descent at Alpe d’Huez, it offers a breathtaking mix of wide-open slopes, challenging mogul sections, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. It’s a must-ski for advanced skiers who crave a long, exhilarating ride, and while it’s bumpy in places, it mellows into smoother terrain toward the bottom.
If you’ve still got some juice in your legs after La Sarenne, stick around for night skiing, which Alpe d’Huez typically offers on select weekday evenings in the heart of the season.
The Vallée Blanche, Chamonix, France
The world-renowned Vallée Blanche, in the Chamonix Valley, is an extraordinary off-piste route that runs about 20 kilometers (more than 12 miles) across glaciers, with stunning views of Mont Blanc. The descent starts at the Aiguille du Midi, at 3,842 meters (12,605 feet), reached by the Aiguille du Midi cable car, and drops roughly 2,000 to 2,800 meters (6,500 to 9,000 feet), depending on whether there’s enough snow to ski back toward Chamonix or you finish near Montenvers. The Vallée Blanche is unmarked, unpatrolled glacier terrain with crevasses and exposed sections, so hiring a mountain guide is strongly recommended, especially for first-timers.
Schwarze Schneid, Sölden, Austria
Known as one of the longest ski runs in Austria, the descent from the Schwarze Schneid is for seasoned skiers who want to test their endurance. At about 15 kilometers (more than 9 miles), this varied route mixes blue and red terrain (red runs are more advanced than blue) with nearly 2,000 meters (about 6,400 feet) of vertical, starting high on Sölden’s glaciers. On the way down, take in breathtaking views of the Ötztal Valley and the surrounding Alps. You can even break up the run with a stop at a mountain hut along the way to refuel.
Les Cascades, Flaine, France
The Cascades run at Flaine is often called one of the longest blue runs in Europe, stretching roughly 14 kilometers (about 8.7 miles) from the top of the Grandes Platières down to the village of Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval. This scenic run drops about 1,800 meters (5,900 feet) through stunning landscapes, with views of Mont Blanc, frozen waterfalls, and the Sixt-Passy nature reserve. It’s perfect for intermediates looking for a long route with a little bit of a challenge. Take in the scenery along the way, then end with a cold drink or hot chocolate in Sixt before catching the shuttle back.
Eleven, Ischgl, Austria
The Eleven piste at Ischgl is an 11-kilometer (6.8-mile) run that starts at the Greitspitze, the highest point of the Ischgl ski area at nearly 2,900 meters (about 9,500 feet), and descends past Idalp into the heart of Ischgl. Mostly red terrain with roughly 1,000 meters (3,280 feet) of vertical, Eleven is a thrilling ride for a wide range of confident skiers and riders.
Panorama, Saas-Fee, Switzerland
Saas-Fee is a popular Swiss resort renowned for its high-altitude skiing and dramatic scenery, and it doesn’t get much more dramatic than the aptly named Panorama run. The resort’s longest run stretches about 14 kilometers (8.7 miles) from the Mittelallalin, at around 3,500 meters (11,400 feet), down to Saas-Fee village at about 1,800 meters (5,900 feet). Despite its length and roughly 1,700 meters (5,600 feet) of vertical, it’s rated blue, making it doable for many intermediate skiers.
L’Escargot, Val Cenis, France
L’Escargot is known as the longest green run in Europe, stretching about 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) from 2,050 meters (6,725 feet) down to roughly 1,400 meters (4,600 feet). Ideal for beginners ready to move a step beyond the usual bunny slopes, L’Escargot winds through pine and larch forests with views of the surrounding Vanoise peaks. Snowboarders may find some of the flat sections challenging, but it’s a great chance for newer skiers to enjoy a long, scenic descent at a beautiful European resort. It’s unlike any green run you’ve skied before.
Aiguille Rouge, Les Arcs, France
Les Arcs is renowned for its exceptional off-piste terrain, and the north face of the Aiguille Rouge is especially prized. It’s also home to the Aiguille Rouge run, a roughly 7-kilometer (4.5-mile) descent from the Aiguille Rouge peak at 3,226 meters (10,583 feet) to the hamlet of Villaroger at about 1,200 meters (3,937 feet). With more than 2,000 meters (6,500 feet) of vertical, one of the biggest on-piste vertical drops in the Alps, it starts as a black run and eases into red and blue terrain lower down.
La Longia, Val Gardena, Italy
La Longia, a stunning 10.5-kilometer (6.5-mile) blue and red piste in Val Gardena, starts at Seceda, at about 2,500 meters (8,250 feet), with breathtaking views of the Odle peaks and the surrounding Dolomites. With a gentle gradient, it’s perfect for skiers looking to build confidence and work on their turns, and as it descends, it winds through forests and a quiet valley for an extraordinary, scenic experience.
Peak to Creek, Whistler, Canada
Whistler’s Peak to Creek is a legendary descent of roughly 11 kilometers (about 7 miles) from near the top of Whistler Mountain down to the Creekside base, making it one of North America’s longest ski routes. It’s a true thigh burner, with about 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) of vertical in one go. Peak to Creek is mostly intermediate terrain, with options for steeper, more challenging sections, and rewards skiers and riders with views of Black Tusk, Cheakamus Lake, and the valley below. Its combination of length, varied terrain, and scenery makes it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
Last Spike, Revelstoke, Canada
Finally, there’s Revelstoke’s Last Spike, the longest ski run in North America, at roughly 15 kilometers (about 9.5 miles). It drops more than 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) from top to bottom and runs the length of two lifts, making it ideal for beginners and intermediates who have found their ski legs and want a long zigzag down the mountain. Revelstoke is known for deep powder and big vertical, and Last Spike is a prime example of why it’s regarded as one of the top ski destinations in the world.
Hungry for more long ski runs? Discover the longest ski runs in North America.
