Best ski resorts for experts
If you’re in search of thrills, you’ve come to the right place. Expert skiers and snowboarders, get your adrenaline pumping with some of the best black runs, off-piste and freestyle terrain around!
Val Thorens, endless high-quality skiing
Val Thorens is linked to the Three Valleys, a vast ski area which boasts world-class off-piste skiing in addition to the many challenging black pistes. Freestylers will appreciate the excellent snowparks.
- High-altitude, snow-sure ski area
- Animated nightlife
- Over 600km of slopes in the Three Valleys ski area
Chamonix, formidable steeps and off-piste
Chamonix is an expert’s mecca, with access to the enormous Evasion Mont Blanc ski area and glacier skiing at nearby Argentière. The renowned off-piste route through the Vallée Blanche is a must-do for any skier worth their salt.
- At the foot of Mont Blanc
- Snowpark and boardercross
- Large selection of extreme outdoor activities
St. Anton, freestyler’s dream
St. Anton am Arlberg will fulfill the wildest expectations of any diehard skier looking for steep black pistes, moguls and fresh off-piste tracks. Guaranteed snow, breathtaking scenery and modern lifts round out the experience.
- Famous freestyle arena for snowboarders
- High percentage of red and black pistes
- Popular with the jetset
Verbier, challenging skiing with a view
The classy ski resort of Verbier is home to some of Switzerland’s best off-piste skiing, as well as a top-notch snowpark for freestylers. Skiers will enjoy views of the Matterhorn and the Mont Blanc from the top of Mont Fort.
- 410km of slopes in the Quatre Vallées
- Heli-skiing
- Elegant resort centre
Whistler-Blackcomb, powder paradise
Off-piste is a lifestyle at Whistler-Blackcomb, with deep powder, steep couloirs and towering moguls. As if that weren’t enough, the resort gives access to heliskiing and expansive backcountry terrain in the Garibaldi Provincial Park.
- Bustling and dynamic ski-in, ski-out resort
- Several snowparks
- Annual snowfall averages over 10m
Andermatt, don’t underestimate it!
Andermatt is serious about its skiing, with even the Swiss Army using the off-piste terrain surrounding the resort as a training ground. Snow cover is always guaranteed, with the glacier offering some steep black runs of its own.
- Rapidly developing ski area
- Focus on high-level skiing
- Lively village centre
Avoriaz, some of Europe’s best black pistes
Just because Avoriaz is charming doesn’t mean the skiing is tame. 600km of pistes await you, including the infamous “Wall,” said to be among the world’s toughest black pistes. Heli-skiing is possible on the Swiss side.
- Pedestrianized ski-in, ski-out village
- One of the largest ski areas in Europe
- Fantastic freestyle facilities
La Grave-La Meije, at your own risk
Beginners be warned – this ski area is not for you! Anyone attempting to tackle the rugged wilderness that is La Grave-La Meije should be well-versed in avalanche safety. But the risk is worth it for the deep powder thrills.
- Ski area almost entirely off-piste
- Beautiful scenery and terrain
- Part of ski area lies in protected national park
Les Arcs, “home of the snowboard”
The huge ski area that is Paradiski is home to several glaciers, an Olympic piste and a plethora of black runs to choose from. Five unique villages cater to skiers and boarders of all shapes and sizes.
- Something for every budget
- Paradiski area has 425km of slopes
- 27 black pistes
Val d’Isère, boundless off-piste skiing
Along with Tignes, Val d’Isère makes up the Espace Killy ski area, known to experts for its endless off-piste terrain, mogul runs and legendary Olympic piste, La Face de Bellevarde. The snow-sure ski area reaches almost 3500m.
- Over 10 000 hectares of off-piste terrain
- Ski-in, ski-out resort
- Slalom courses, moguls race run and snowparks