There are plenty of incredibly difficult ski runs around the world, some steeper than others and some bumpier than others. It’s near impossible to say for certain what the most difficult ski run in any given region really is, as everyone struggles with different aspects and there’s always someone who will find a way to push the boundaries of what’s possible, but the Grand Couloir in Courchevel is often considered among the most difficult in Europe.
Ski instructor and YouTuber Marius Quast took on this difficult run, featuring between around 2,067-2,297 feet of terrain with a vertical drop of 1,115 feet and an average gradient of around 55%. The steepest parts reach a gradient of up to 80-85%, making it one of the steepest lines in all of Les 3 Vallées.
If you want to take on this run for yourself, you can access it via the Saulire cable car. It starts at an altitude of around 8,858 feet and required crossing a narrow ridge to access. There is no groomed entrance and no alternative routes, just down, and it tends to fill with deep moguls, churned-up tracks, and hard/icy sections throughout the day. Only attempt if you really know what you’re doing.
