11 of the longest ski runs in the world

Okay, when someone says 'long run’ you might immediately think of thigh burn on near-endless terrain. But don’t sweat it! Some lengthy trails are mellow and laid-back, and you can always stop to the side for a break. 

Of course, some slopes are prolific in distance and gnarliness, so it’s all about choosing wisely… or simply having a go at the challenge. Keen to get started? Check out our quick guide to the 11 longest trails this planet has to offer.

Lengthy trails to test the thighs

1. Vallée Blanche – Chamonix, France

Up your mileage alongside your heart rate on the Vallée Blanche, Chamonix’s notorious off-piste glacier route. Depending on the route, it’s typically over 14 miles long (23 kilometers), with incredible panoramic views of Mont Blanc and an insane 2,700 vertical meters (8,858 feet)! 

You’ll start the descent at the Aiguille du Midi, with an ear-popping altitude of 3,842 meters (12,605 feet). We also recommend having a guide with you on your first attempt, thanks to the crevasses and seracs that turn the glacier into an obstacle course.

2. Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche – Zermatt/Cervinia, Switzerland/Italy

The route from the Klein Matterhorn to Valtournenche is one of the world’s longest reds at a dizzying 13.6 miles (22 kilometers). It also takes you across the Swiss-Italian border, so, you can begin the day with a Swiss hot chocolate in Zermatt and end with a pizza in Cervinia. 

This red run is also pretty darn scenic at the summit of the Klein Matterhorn Glacier, one of Europe’s highest skiable points. You can then soak up the views of the Matterhorn peak pretty much non-stop as you drop a total of 2,359 meters (7,739.5 feet).

3. La Sarenne – Alpe d'Huez, France

At 9.9 miles (16 kilometers) and with a vertical drop of over 2,000 meters (6,561 feet), La Sarenne is a legendary challenge. Plus, after you’ve ripped La Sarenne, you can say you’ve claimed one of the world’s longest trails and the longest single descent in Alpe d’Huez.

La Sarenne is floodlit on select evenings in high season so that you can tackle it after last lift. During the day is also pretty dreamy, though, especially for the mind-boggling views of the Parc National des Écrins. 

4. The Last Spike – Revelstoke, Canada 

Over in Canada, you can hit The Last Spike, Revelstoke’s impressive 9.5-mile (15-kilometer) run. It’s not just the distance that’s pretty mind-blowing: the vertical drop is also massive, clocking in at over 1,500 meters (5,000 feet). 

Although it’s long, Last Spike is totally doable for beginners and intermediates, as it’s marked green. More of a powder hound? No sweat! Revelstoke is famous for its combo of deep pow and lengthy runs.

5. Schwarze Schneid – Sölden, Austria

Nestled in the high peaks of the Austrian Alps, this 9.3-mile (15-kilometer) route links multiple slopes, including mellow blues, trickier reds, and, if you feel up to it, even the FIS Alpine World Cup slalom slope.

Starting at 3,250 meters (10,662 feet) at the top of the Rettenbach Glacier, you’ll descend over 1,900 meters (6,000 feet) of vertical, and on a clear day, you can see all the way to the Ötztal Valley and Italian Dolomites!

6. Les Cascades – Flaine, France 

Beginners and intermediates can test their endurance on Les Cascades, one of the world’s longest blues. It’s 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) long and begins at 2,480 meters, offering wow views of Mont Blanc. From there, you’ll experience a 1,800-meter (5,900 feet) vertical descent. 

Les Cascades winds to a halt in Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, where we thoroughly recommend refuelling at the aptly named Les Cascades bar before heading back up on the next lift for another lap.

7. Panorama – Saas-Fee, Switzerland 

Known as ‘the pearl of the Alps’, Saas-Fee hosts one of Europe’s highest elevations and one of the world’s longest runs. Yep, the 8.7-mile (14-kilometer) Panorama trail starts at 3,500 meters (11,400 feet) at Saas-Fee’s highest point, and descends about 1,800 meters (nearly 6,000 feet)!

While those stats might make Panorama seem intimidating, it’s actually marked as a red. This makes it perfect for intermediates wanting to up their skill level or advanced riders looking for some cruisey action. 

8. Peak to Creek – Whistler Blackcomb, Canada 

Peak to Creek is a must-ride and descends over 1,500 meters (5,000 feet) of vertical in one hit. This 7-mile (11-kilometer) blue run also has insane 360-degree views of both Whistler and Blackcomb.

Stop at Dusty’s Bar & BBQ at the base. This bar serves the Classic Dusty’s Burger alongside legendary après – an ultimate reward for completing one of the world’s windiest trails. 

9. Rendezvous Mountain – Jackson Hole, USA 

Jackson Hole has a reputation for being gnarly, and the Rendezvous Mountain is no exception. A full top-to-bottom descent covers roughly 6.8 miles (11 kilometers) of vert-heavy terrain. One of the longest continuous runs in the US. 

Starting at 3,185 meters (10,450 feet) at the top of the Aerial Tram, you’ll cover around 1,262 meters (4,139 feet) from the top to the valley floor. We recommend taking the East Ridge Traverse into Dick’s Ditch (an awesome natural gully).

10. Eleven – Ischgl, Austria 

The name ‘Eleven’ gives away how long this trail is (11 kilometers). It sure is a beauty, though, kicking off at Greitspitze at 2,872 meters (9,000+ feet), Ischgl’s highest skiable point. Eleven also hosts a cruisey vertical drop of 1,000 meters (3,280 feet).

Intermediates will particularly love Eleven, thanks to its sequence of red and blue slopes. And it ends right in the center of Ischgl – the perfect place for après (especially the Fire & Ice Lounge). 

11. La Longia – Val Gardena, Italy

La Longia is one of the longest continuous groomed runs in the Dolomites, stretching from the top of Seceda down to Ortisei. This scenic descent covers roughly 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers) of rolling terrain, natural rock formations, and long carving sections.

Starting at around 2,500 meters (8,200 feet), you’ll drop roughly 1,200 meters (3,900 feet) down to the valley. It’s a dream for riders who love flowing turns, wide-open sections, and a run that just keeps going. Take your time on this one – it’s all about soaking in the views while clocking serious vertical.

Wrapping up 

What a list! Some trails will test your stamina while others give you the chance to soak up the scenery (or use that as an excuse if you need to rest). Reckon we’re missing a key piece of info? Reach out to our friendly team at crew@dopesnow.com. They’re always ready and raring to help! 

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