Some avid skiers may feel a need for speed and a rush of adrenaline, while others may enjoy a more a scenic, sedate run. Here, Beth Wilmot rounds up the five best ski runs in the world – selected by expert skiers and snowboarders. Time to hit the slopes!
Snowboarder mid-jump © Matt Biddulph
The Stash, Avoriaz, France
The Stash is an exciting part tree, part terrain park run. Avoriaz ski resort is the first giant ecological snow park in Europe. It’s designed by Jake Burton, who is also famous for his Burton Snowboards. This run is very advanced and suitable for senior riders only. It includes several wooden features and obstacles throughout. It’s basically a big playground for experienced skiers and snowboarders who love to freestyle.
Dave Murray Downhill, Whistler, British Columbia
The three words that best describe the Dave Murray downhill run would be speed, steep and spectacular! It’s one of ski runs used in the Winter Olympics in 2010, so most of us will have seen on it on the TV. This run is for experts only – beware ice patches and super steep sections on the run. If you want to go to Whistler, Canada with the family, don’t be put off – there are different runs for skiers and snowboarders of all levels to enjoy.
Ventina, Cervinia, Italy
Cervinia in Italy is suitable for families as it caters for beginners and adrenaline junkies. The resort’s ski school runs until the afternoon, so if you like to be a bit adventurous – and rapid – then the best time to ski is after the learners have finished for the day. The Ventina run has real universal appeal and spans an impressive 5 miles. It’s a red run, which caters for intermediate level, with some narrow and steep runs to keep things interesting.
This white-knuckle run has a black diamond rating. It’s steep and challenging and definitely not suitable for beginners, indeed, some of the steeper parts of the run have caught even experienced riders off guard. It offers a stunning panoramic view, as well as several trees dotted around to create obstacles for a spot of fun freestyling. Once of Snowbird resort‘s most popular runs, it’s named after Glen Doherty, a former employee who swapped the slopes to be navy SEAL. Sadly, he died in a terror attack in Benghazi in 2012.
Grand Solliet, Sainte Foy, France
Grand Solliet in Sainte Foy, France has a blue rating, which is more than suitable for beginners with welcoming wide-open slopes that seem to go on for miles. It’s also suitable for children, newbies and experienced little skiers alike. It’s a beautiful, peaceful ride, especially on a sunny day, and benefits from never being too crowded. There are also some great off-piste slopes just through the trees for more experienced riders. The best time to hit these slopes is later on in the day as you’ll avoid the ski schools and ski lessons.
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