9th June 2023
We’ve said it before, we’ll say it again. Skiing and snowboarding is a passport to worldwide adventure with so many incredible ski resorts, pistes and more and more … zipline rides to discover!
Since our last round up of the best ski runs in the world, you can no longer do The Flying Kilometre (or Kilomètre Lancé) in Les Arcs, France, unsupervised. But you can zipline it instead! It opened in 2021 and costs around €55 a go but one ride is included in the Premium ski pass and there is a 50% discount with the Essential pass.
You can also watch the professional speed skiers 'flying' down the run in their aerodynamic space suits on training missiong. The latest speed record for hurtling down ‘flying’ down this piste is held by Ivan Orgone achieving 158.42 miles an hour. Mindboggling.
Ivan is the younger of two Italian super ski racing brothers. Ivan replaced his brother as world record speed skier in 2016. Read more about these extraordinary brothers here.
Flying Kilometre
Les Arcs, France
Here it is. Supervised and top athletes only now. But you can take the new zipwire ride built over the old speed skiing course. Nearby 4 official ungroomed (natural) black runs are Lanches, Robert Blanc, Dou de L'Homme and Cretes will test your skills and give you thrills though. Why not try Robert Blanc, named after the intrepid founder of Les Arcs.
Another run we rate in the three valleys is
Combe de La Saulire
Courchevel, France
This red run is good fun for families, unless the crowds make it a stop-start affair. It’s not too difficult, but watch out for the steep start - after you’ve negotiated that, the rest of the run is open and wide, with spectacular views that make it so special. If you fancy pushing yourself, head straight into the bowl - younger and less confident skiers may want to take the gentler path on the right hand side.
Look up to your left as you descend, as you’ll see daredevils tackling Sous Pylons, Emile Allais and the Grand Couloir.
While this is a run you shouldn’t miss, too many people will reduce your enjoyment. Our advice? If you’re staying in Courchevel, tackle it straight after breakfast, before your fellow skiers arrive from Méribel.
Corbet's Couloir
Jackson Hole, USA
Spoken of in reverent tones as one of North America’s most notorious runs, Corbet’s Couloir is first glimpsed from the cable car ride you’ll need to access the run. Things don’t get off to a slow start - you leap from a cornice and enjoy a free-fall of about 12 feet. Prepare yourself for a difficult landing and turn quickly, otherwise you’ll crash into the wall of the couloir, which will be painful and unpleasant at best.
Despite the slight tricky start, this isn’t a run to be feared. It’s hardly the most challenging in the continent, it’s just the toughest one with a name. The reason to tackle this bad boy, along with the intense adrenaline surge you’ll experience, is the bragging rights you’ll have access to. Many a skier has been spotted in one of the bars of Jackson, down in the valley, regaling the locals and other skiers with the story of their descent.
South Face
Lake Louise, Canada
Let’s get one thing straight - if you’re after stunning views coupled with a challenging, exciting run, you’re in the right place. The frozen lake itself draws many admiring glances - it’s surrounded by pines and high cliffs, and skiers often take some time out to slow down and appreciate the natural beauty all around them. However, don’t just take our word for it - reviews for the area righteously concur and praise the ‘long, wide open runs’, and the ‘phenomenal view at the top’.
If you’d like to give an intermediate run a go, head out from the Top of the World Express quad chair down Sunset Terrace. The run then becomes a thrilling descent down the black-diamond Men's Downhill, which is a rewarding yet tricky run when it's groomed. Want a gentler alternative? Give nearby Juniper a go.
Ventina
Cervinia, Italy
If this run was magically transformed into a person, it would be a people-pleaser; ready to adapt at a moment’s notice and comfortable in anyone’s company. Ventina is equally enjoyable for new skiers and winter sports fans seeking powdery thrills; it’s not the speed which draws the crowds, but its wide open space and length. From the top of the cable car at Testa Griglia to the bottom lift station in Cervinia, you’ll travel for 8km.
Novices - this is where to head at the end of your first holiday as a treat, and to show yourself that you’re improving. You’ll have the opportunity to explore the whole mountain, and you’ll discover just what makes skiing so addictive. More advanced skiers - this is racing terrain. Be warned, though - bombing down it in one will leave you with fairly wobbly legs.
This article was written in collaboration with Columbus Direct, who specialise in winter sports travel insurance to keep skiers safe on ski slopes like these.
Related
For further inspiration we think On The Snow’s top 10 European Ski Runs are worth a look.