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Ready to Ski the hardest Ski Runs in Europe?

Annabel | June 28, 2022

Some of the hardest ski runs are found in Europe and are the ultimate challenge for even the most experienced of skiers. 
If you have mastered cruising down a blue run and are a pro at taking on a steep red run, then you’re probably looking for a new challenge – enter the black run or un-pisted itinerary run.
Conditions can make a huge difference, but this aside, these runs carry weighty reputations and should only be attempted by those with the skills to match their confidence.
We have picked 5 of the ultimate ski runs for you in Europe, now all you need to do is tick them off on your next luxury ski chalet holiday. Are you brave enough?
La Chavanette, Avoriaz – Also known as the Swiss Wall, this infamous piste is 1km long with a vertical drop of 331m. This hard ski run starts with 50m of a narrow 40-degree pass, in which you’ll encounter huge moguls due to skiers taking heavy turns. After this tight start, most skiers will escape off to the wider area, but the bravest can continue between two rocky outcrops, 10m apart at their narrowest, usually filled with moguels.
Grand Couloir, Courchevel – The Grand Coulior has become something of a status symbol thanks to the signs saying ‘Vertical Experience’ when you get off from the legendary La Saulire cable car. This iconic black run is 630 meters long, with the maximum gradient reaching up to 80%. Undeniably the hardest part is the path to get to it. You have to follow a narrow ridge carved by other skiers and has big drops on either side into more testing couloirs. The positive is when you reach the run you get views overlooking the village of Courchevel 1850.
La Face, Val d’Isere – A mighty cliff face, Val d’Isere’s La Face black run is one of the most infamous pistes that so many want to tackle. Running for an impressive 3km, with a vertical descent of 959m, this piste was chosen for the flagship Winter Olympics event – the Men’s downhill – in 1992 and has been popular ever since. The best time of day to attempt this run is between 12pm – 2pm when it’s quiet and the ice has melted. Plus you can stop for lunch at La Peau de Vache restaurant, which happens to be halfway down La Face.
Tortin, Verbier – Torin is one of the most dangerous and hardest ski runs in the world. It is 1.3km long and the difficulty rises the more you go down. Tortin has surpassed its ranking as a black run and is marked on the piste map as an itinerary route. This means that is not piste-ed. This in turn means that, depending on conditions, you might have to negotiate moguls as deep as you are tall. But like with will all pistes, its unpleasantness is dependent on weather. When Tortin is so blessed by a full blanket of powder, this run is practically angelic.
Lange Zug, Lech – With an 80% gradient in the upper third, the Langer Zug is one of the steepest ski runs in the world that is groomed. Starting on Ski route no. 215, you will then branch off towards the Schafalp surface lift, which transports skiers to the entry point of the steep gully in the Langer Zug. Running for 4.7km, you will be certain to feel your legs burning by the end of this run.

Think you are up for the challenge of tackling one of these runs? Let us find you the perfect luxury ski chalet for you to soothe your aching muscles in after. Get in touch with our knowledgeable team. 

Contact us via e-mail on [email protected] or give our team a call, we love to chat on +44 (0) 208 133 1130.

Written by Annabel Hunter – Marketing & Sales Manager

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