11 of the Longest Ski Runs in the World

For those looking to challenge themselves on vast descents that stretch for miles, the world’s longest ski runs are a dream come true. These remarkable routes allow skiers and snowboarders to experience some of Earth’s most thrilling and scenic landscapes, often with vertical drops that push both endurance and skill to the limit. Not to mention how rewarding it is to finish a full day of skiing with the longest ski run on the mountain.

But while North America has its fair share of long ski runs, you’ll really have to go to Europe to experience the world’s longest ski runs. Whether you’re looking for a challenge, bragging rights, or simply a scenic ride, you’ll find a lot to love in our list of the longest ski runs in the world. Note that we use the term “ski run” rather loosely in this article—some of these are official pistes, while others, like Whistler’s Peak to Creek, are long linked descents rather than a single continuous piste.

The Longest Ski Runs In The World

La Sarenne, Alpe d’Huez, France 

La Sarenne is the longest on-piste black ski run in the world, stretching for an impressive 9.9 miles (16 kilometers), and boasting a staggering vertical drop of 5,900-plus feet (1,800 meters). As one of the longest ski runs in the world and the longest single descent in Alpe d’Huez, it offers skiers a breathtaking combination of wide, open slopes, challenging bumped-out sections, and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. This is a must-ski run for advanced skiers who crave a long, exhilarating ride. While it’s bumpy at times, La Sarenne leads to smooth terrain toward the bottom.

If you’re still got some juice in your legs after skiing La Sarenne, then stick around for night skiing, which takes place a couple weekday nights during the heart of the season.

The Vallée Blanche, Chamonix, France 

The world-renowned Vallée Blanche, located in the Chamonix Valley, is an extraordinary off-piste route that spans 12.4 miles (20 kilometers) along glaciers and past stunning panoramic views of Mont Blanc. The descent starts at the Aiguille du Midi, at an altitude of 12,605 feet (3,842 meters), and drops over 9,186 feet (2,800 meters) to the Montenvers train station. The Vallée Blanche is an expert-level run with particularly challenging terrain, including crevasses and exposed areas. Therefore, first-timers may want to consider hiring a guide. The Vallée Blanche can be accessed via the Aiguille du Midi cable car during the season.

Schwarze Schneid, Sölden, Austria

Known as the longest ski run in Austria, the Schwarze Schneid is for those adventurous skiers who want a challenge. At 9.3 miles (15 kilometers), this varied run offers blue and red level terrain in addition to over 6,000 feet (1,900 meters) of vertical on the Rettenbach Glacier. On the way down, experience breathtaking views of the Ötztal Valley and the distant Italian Dolomites. You can even take some breaks along the way. The mid-mountain Austrian-style lodge is the perfect place to fuel up before continuing down.

Les Cascades, Flaine, France

The Cascades trail at Flaine Resort holds the title of the longest blue run in Europe, stretching roughly 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) from the top of Les Grandes Platières down to the village of Sixt. This scenic run offers about a 5,900-foot (1,800-meter) vertical descent, taking skiers through stunning landscapes that feature views of Mont Blanc, frozen waterfalls, and the Sixt-Passy nature reserve. It’s perfect for intermediates looking for a long route that will give themselves a little bit of a challenge. Take in the scenery along the run and then end with a cold bevvy or hot chocolate in Sixt.

Eleven, Ischgl, Austria

The Eleven piste in Ischgl, Austria, is a 6.8 mile (11-kilometer) long ski run that starts at the Greitspitze, the highest skiable point in the Tyrol at over 9,000 feet (2,700 meters), and descends past Idalp  and into the heart of Ischgl at 4,500 feet (1,400 meters). Known for its challenging mix of red and black slopes, this run offers a 3,280-foot (1,000-meter) vertical drop, making it a thrilling experience for a wide range of skier and rider abilities. Access to the run is available via the resort’s lift system, including the Lange Wand C5 lift and the Greitspitz lifts.

Panorama, Saas Fee, Switzerland

Saas Fee is a popular Swiss ski 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 longest ski run at the resort, stretching 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) from the 11,400 feet (3,500-meter) high Mittelallalin Felskinn to Saas Fee at 5,900 feet (1,800 meters). It boasts an incredible vertical drop of roughly 5,800 feet (1,773 meters). While it’s nearly 9 miles, it’s a blue run, making it perfectly doable for many intermediate skiers.

L’Escargot, Val Cenis, France

L’Escargot is the longest green ski run in Europe, stretching 6.2 (10 kilometers) from 6,725 feet (2,050 meters) down to 4,586 (1,398 meters). Ideal for beginners looking to move a step beyond the bunny slopes, it offers a scenic journey through pine and larch forests, with views of the Dent Parachee, Pointe D’Andagne, and Grand Paradis. The run is accessible via the La Ramasse chairlift and is known for its winding, gentle path, though snowboarders may find it challenging due to some flat sections. Nevertheless it provides a great opportunity for beginner skiers to enjoy longer descents in a beautiful setting. This is unlike any green run you’ve skied before.

Aiguille Rouge, Les Arcs, France

Les Arcs is renowned for its exceptional off-piste terrain, offering a vast area beyond the groomed slopes. The north face of the Aiguille Rouge is particularly prized for its long ridge, providing a wealth of off-piste opportunities in one of the few remaining parts of the Tarentaise Valley that hasn’t been developed with ski lifts and pistes. Here, you’ll find the Aiguille Rouge run, a 4.5-mile (8-kilometers) descent starting from the Aiguille Rouge peak at 10,583 feet (3,226 meters) and ending in the hamlet of Villaroger at 3,937 feet (1,200 meters). With a vertical drop of over 6,500 feet (2,000 meters), it begins as a black run and transitions to red and blue further down, offering a variety of terrain. The upper half is above 9,000 feet (3,000 meters), while the lower half is north-facing, ensuring good conditions throughout most of the season. 

La Longia, Val Gardena, Italy 

La Longia, often called ‘the fairy tale ski slope,’ is a stunning 6.5-mile (10.5-kilometer) long blue and red piste in Val Gardena, Italy. Starting at 8,468 feet (2,518 meters), it offers breathtaking views of the Odles peaks and the surrounding Dolomites. With a gradual gradient, this run is perfect for skiers looking to build their confidence while working on their carving and turns. As the route descends, it curves through beautiful forests, making for a memorable and scenic experience.

Peak to Creek, Whistler, Canada

Whistler’s Peak to Creek run is a legendary descent that stretches almost 7 miles (11 kilometers) from the summit of Whistler Mountain down to the Creekside base. The run is a true thigh burner where you’ll rack up over 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) of vertical in one go, cementing it as one of North America’s longest and most thrilling ski routes. Starting at the summit, the run is split into upper and lower sections. Overall, Peak to Creek is considered an intermediate trail, but it has the option of more challenging, steeper sections. Skiers and riders will be rewarded with views of Black Tusk, Cheakamus Lake, and Whistler Village on the way down. The combination of length, varied terrain, and stunning scenery makes this run a favorite among Whistler’s visitors.

Last Spike, Revelstoke, Canada

Lastly, there’s Revelstoke’s Last Spike, a true gem and one of the longest runs in North America, stretching for an incredible 9.5 miles (15 kilometers). The vertical drop on this run is massive, measuring over 5,000 feet (1,500 meters) from top to bottom. Last Spike spans the length of two chairlifts and is ideal for beginners and intermediates who’ve found their ski legs and are looking for a long zig-zag down the mountain. Revelstoke is known for its deep powder and long runs, and Last Spike is a prime example of why it’s regarded as one of the top ski destinations in the world.

Read on for information about the longest ski runs in North America.