European ski trips are a dream for many Americans, with bountiful stunning carving/groomer runs, wide and long valley trails, and gorgeous huts filling the resorts of the Alps. If you’re looking to take on some of the most incredible runs in the Alps, including those in Austria, Italy, France, Switzerland, and Germany, this list of the top 10 from Marlene’s Life will help you plan out your trip.
- Schwarze Schneid – Sölden
- A colossal 15 km glacier-to-valley run with an impressive 1,970 meter vertical drop, combining wide carving slopes, a momentum-testing flat section, and a steep black finish.
- Marmolada – Arabba
- The most breathtaking high-mountain descent in the Dolomites, reached by three cable cars to over 3,200 meters on Punta Rocca for a thrilling ride into the valley.
- Velilabfahrt – Ischgl
- A remote-feeling 10+ km trail that drops all the way to the valley from Pardatschgrat, with almost no lifts in sight and a demanding black lower section.
- Sarenne – Alpe d’Huez
- The longest black piste in the Alps at 13 km and 958 meter vertical. A true challenge from Pic Blanc with no huts or alternative routes and a long flat at the end.
- Choralpe – SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental
- One of Austria’s most scenic panoramic runs, starting at 1,820 meters and offering nonstop postcard views of the dramatic Wilden Kaiser massif.
- Gardenissima – Gröden/Val Gardena
- A 6 km ultra-wide carving paradise on Seceda with sensational views of the Langkofel and Sella massifs the entire way down. It’s perfect for big sweeping turns.
- Kandahar – Garmisch-Partenkirchen
- Germany’s steepest groomed slope (up to 92% in the “Free Fall” section), an icy, shaded World Cup classic that demands razor-sharp edges and iron nerves.
- Klein Matterhorn – Zermatt
- The world’s longest piste. 21 km and 2,200 meter vertical drop from Europe’s highest cable car station (3,883 m), weaving past glaciers and through blue, red, and black terrain.
- Lagazuoi – Dolomiti Superski
- The Dolomites’ ultimate adventure run. A near-vertical cable car ascent followed by a spectacular 7.5 km descent through wild rock faces and untouched nature.
- Harakiri – Mayrhofen
- Austria’s steepest groomed piste with a terrifying 78% gradient over 400 meters.
