The longest ski run in the United States is a whopping seven miles long. Located in Wyoming at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, the run begins at the top of Rendezvous Mountain at a thrilling 10,927-foot elevation. As impressive as this is, it’s not the longest ski run in the world. In fact, it’s not even close. Read on to discover the top six longest ski runs in the world.
1. Vallee Blanche — France
The Vallee Blanch in Chamonix, France, is a staggering 14-mile-long ski run in the French Alps.
©iStock.com/Michael Kulmar
Not for the inexperienced, the Vallee Blanche in Chamonix, France is not only an iconic backcountry ski route but also the longest in the world. However, this 14-mile (23-kilometer) glaciated run in the French Alps can be perilous. Sadly, skiers have fallen to their death down crevasses (deep, open cracks in the glacier.) That is why hiring a guide is highly recommended. A guide can help avoid triggering avalanches or falling into a crevasse. If you are an experienced skier with a guide, the Vallee Blanche offers an unforgettable experience with spectacular views.
2. Klein Matterhorn (Switzerland) to Valtournenche (Italy)
The spectacular ski run beginning on the top of the Klein Matterhorn takes skiers from Switzerland to Italy.
©Michal Sarauer/Shutterstock.com
Ski from Switzerland to Italy on the second longest ski run on our list. This 13-mile (22-kilometer) run is the longest red ski run in the world and the longest on-piste run. (On-piste is a marked run on a groomed snow path.) The run begins at the top of the Klein Matterhorn Glacier in Switzerland. From there, skiers are taken down 6,500 feet from the top as they eventually cross the border from Zermatt, Switzerland, to Cervinia, Italy. The path is challenging but groomed, and the views are spectacular. Other than a stop for one chairlift to complete the distance, the route is non-stop.Â
3. La Sarenne, Alpe d’Huez Ski Resort — France
The Sarenne in the Alpe d’Huez ski resort is one of the longest black runs in the world.
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The 10-mile (16-kilometer) Sarenne ski run is in the Alpe d’Huez ski resort located in southeastern France in the community of Huez. This challenging black run starts at the top of Pic Blanc and takes skiers through the Gorges de Sarenne. It’s said you are able to see half of the country from the top of the summit. Altogether, the total vertical drop is 6,560 vertical feet from top to bottom. And finally, skiers can enjoy this run at night since the resort has installed lights along the route.Â
4. Bansko — Bulgaria
The Bansko Ski Resort in Bulgaria is home to the impressively long 10-mile, family-friendly ski run.
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Unlike the previous runs on this list, the Bansko ski run in the Blagoevgrad Province of Bulgaria is a great route for beginners. The 10-mile (16-kilometer) run is uninterrupted all the way to the bottom. It starts at Todorka Peak and takes skiers all the way down to the base station of the Gondola lift just outside of town. Artificial snow machines keep things going even when the weather gets a bit warmer.
5. The Last Spike in Revelstoke — Canada
The Last Spike ski run in the picturesque ski resort of Revelstoke is an easy trek to the bottom, suitable for all levels of skiers.
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Another family-friendly run, and the only one on our list located in North America, this 9.5-mile (15.2-kilometer) ski run is in British Columbia, Canada. The Revelstoke Mountain Resort is home to the Last Spike ski run, which is suitable for all levels of skiers. The picturesque run takes skiers down the mountain past the beautiful snow-topped forests.
6. Schwarze Schneid — Solden, Austria
The longest ski run in Austria begins at the top of the Rettenbach glacier.
©Krzysztof Nahlik/iStock via Getty Images
The longest ski run in Austria begins at the top of the Rettenbach glacier in Solden, the highest point a gondola will take you in the Oztal Valley. This 9.3-mile (15-kilometer) run is made up of linked slopes that will take skiers all the way from the top to the bottom. The total descent is over one mile (or about 1,970 meters) in altitude. Skiers have several choices of routes as they head down the mountain, including sticking to blues and reds or taking on the challenge of a tree-lined, winding black run.
Summary of the Top 6 Longest Ski Runs in the World
| Rank | Ski Run | Location | Ski Run Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vallee Blanche | Chamonix, France | 14 miles (23 km) |
| 2 | Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche | Zermatt, Switzerland to Cervinia, Italy | 13 miles (22 km) |
| 3 | La Sarenne at Alpe d’Huez | Huez, France | 10 miles (16 km) |
| 4 | Ski Run at Bansko Ski Resort | Bansko, Bulgaria | 10 miles (16 km) |
| 5 | The Last Spike in Revelstoke | British Columbia, Canada | 9.5 miles (15.2 km) |
| 6 | Schwarze Schneid | Solden, Austria | 9.3 miles (15 km) |
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