The longest valley runs in the Alps

It is the crowning moment of a day on skis: the last slope that leads down into the valley. At best, you can take your skis or snowboard and go right down to the sun terrace where you end your day with a drink. SnowTrex shows where you can enjoy the longest valley runs in the Alps.

© Martin Fischer/aboutpixel.de

The 19 km long, mostly unprepared valley run in Chamonix is the longest valley run in the Alps.

An overview of the longest valley runs in the Alps

1. Chamonix (France)

• Length: 19 km
• Ski area: Chamonix

It is certainly not a classic downhill run, but the Vallée Blanche route is still worth mentioning here. The 19 km descent from the Aiguille du Midi (3,842 m) down to Chamonix (1,035 m) is one of the world’s most popular deep snow runs – and one of the longest runs in the Alps, albeit an unprepared one. Snow lovers who prefer to stay on the slopes have the opportunity to explore no less than 172 kilometres of slopes in the Chamonix ski area.

2. La Grave (France)

• Length: 17 km
• Ski area: La Grave

This legendary descent, right next to the Les 2 Alpes ski resort, is also unprepared – yet it leads down into the valley. You can enjoy around 17 km of the finest deep snow skiing on the route from Dôme de la Lauze (3,550 m) down to the small village of La Grave (1,500 m). There are no rules or regulations in the area, only the avalanche levels and reports should be strictly observed. Good skiing skills and avalanche equipment are essential. The mountain La Meije (3,984 m) is a freeride area with an international reputation and is the annual venue for the freeride race “Derby de la Meije”.

3. Alpe d’Huez (France)

• Length: 16 km
• Ski area: Alpe d’Huez

The French ski resort of Alpe d’Huez is home to La Sarenne, a real challenge for skilled and, above all, fit winter sports enthusiasts. La Sarenne is the longest black run in the Alps, starting at 3,330 m on the summit of Pic Blanc. From there, there is no turning back, but instead a dreamlike panorama and a 1,730 m descent into the valley. The run to La Villette starts at the same point, measuring an impressive 12 km and with an even greater altitude difference of 2,040 m.

4. Les 2 Alpes (France)

• Length: 17 km
• Ski area: Les 2 Alpes

The descent from Dome de la Lauze down to the small village of Mont de Lans has an altitude difference of 2,288 metres. The descent starts at 3,568 metres above sea level on the glacier and measures 17 km with ski trails; without ski trails, the varied ski run in the Les 2 Alpes ski area is 13.5 km long.

© TravelTrex

The Les 2 Alpes ski resort boasts one of the longest downhill runs in the Alps.

5. Sölden (Austria)

• Length: 15 km
• Ski area: Sölden

The longest slope in the entire Sölden ski area runs from the “BIG 3 Schwarze Schneid” platform (3,340 m) down to the valley (1,368 m): the “Schwarze Schneid” descent measures an incredible 15 km. Skiers and snowboarders conquer a total of 1,900 metres in altitude here. Stamina is definitely required! As a reward, a drink or two awaits in one of the numerous après-ski locations.

© Ötztal Tourismus/Philipp Horak

The plateau of the “Schwarze Schneid” in Sölden.

6. Zermatt (Switzerland)

• Length: 15 km
• Ski area: Matterhorn Ski Paradise

The downhill run from Klein Matterhorn to Zermatt in the Matterhorn Ski Paradise ski region is 15 km long, making it the world’s longest groomed ski run without any ski trails. The start is located on the Klein Matterhorn at 3,820 m, at the mountain station of the highest cable car station in Europe. On the way down to the valley, the descent first passes the impressive glacier world. The view of the Matterhorn is also unique.

© Kurt Müller

The descent to Zermatt offers a dream view of the Matterhorn.

7. Mürren (Switzerland)

• Length: 15 km
• Ski area: Mürren – Schilthorn

The valley run from Schilthorn near Mürren in the Mürren-Schilthorn ski area to Lauterbrunnen is also just under 15 km long and has an altitude difference of 2,170 metres. The ski slope is the venue for the annual Inferno Race. This traditional race was founded in 1928, making it one of the oldest ski races. Until 1968, participants had to climb up themselves using skins. Since the mountain railway started running to the summit, getting to the start line has become much less strenuous.

© Jungfrau Region

The Mürren-Schilthorn ski resort is considered a winter sports paradise.

8. Laax (Switzerland)

• Length: 14 km
• Ski area: Laax

The valley run to Flims in the Laax ski area in Graubünden is one of the longest runs in the Alps. The run starts on the Vorab glacier at an altitude of 3,018 metres and, with almost no ski trails on the way down to the valley, leads through the Siala area and past the halfpipe and freestyle park, among other things. It covers a difference in altitude of almost 2,000 metres.

© TravelTrex

The longest downhill run in the Laax ski area is 14 km long.

9. Davos (Switzerland)

• Length: 12 km
• Ski area: Davos-Klosters Mountains

A skiing classic: the Parsenn run from the Weissfluh summit (2,843 m) down to Küblis (814 m) is one of the longest downhill runs in the Davos region. The run is 12 km long. This makes Parsenn one of the legends of the Alpine region. It was discovered in 1895 when four English tourists strayed to the summit and found themselves in Küblis at the end of their descent.

© mezzotint/shutterstock.de

The Parsenn is one of the most popular valley runs in the Alps, in no small part due to its sensational mountain panorama.

10. Schruns/Montafon (Austria)

• Length: 12 km
• Ski area: Silvretta Montafon Hochjoch

At 12 km, the Hochjoch-Totale on the Grasjoch is the longest downhill run in Vorarlberg. It leads from the highest point of the Silvretta Montafon Hochjoch ski area, the Alpinagrat (2,430 m), down to Schruns (690 m). The tourist information office also organises sunrise trips on the Hochjoch-Totale: at around 07:00 in the morning, you can hit the fresh slopes.

© TravelTrex

The family-friendly Silvretta Montafon Hochjoch ski resort awaits snow lovers with a total of 46 kilometres of slopes.

11. Reit im Winkl (Germany)

• Length: 12 km
• Ski area: Winklmoosalm-Steinplatte

In the local ski area of Reit im Winkl, the Winklmoosalm-Steinplatte ski area, the 12 km long run descends from the Steinplatte (1,869 m) down to the Seegatterl (750 m). An absolute highlight for any skiing holiday in Upper Bavaria! In addition to the popular valley run, the Winklmoos-Steinplatte ski area boasts an impressive 110 kilometres of slopes and a 740-metre-long snow park.

12. Crans-Montana (Switzerland)

• Length: 12 km
• Ski area: Crans-Montana

The valley run in the Crans-Montana ski area leads from the Plaine Morte glacier (2,927 m) down the famous “Piste Nationale” to Barzettes-Violettes (1,515 m). At 12 km long, this run is one of the longest in the entire region. Not least because of its fantastic mountain panorama, the Crans-Montana ski area is one of the most popular ski areas in Switzerland.

13. Sankt Anton am Arlberg (Austria)

• Length: 11 km
• Ski area: Sankt Anton am Arlberg

The longest downhill run in the Ski Arlberg ski area leads from the summit of the famous Valluga down to St. Anton am Arlberg. The slope is well groomed and can be conquered not only by experienced skiers. However, a certain level of fitness is required for the 11 km and 1,500 metres of altitude difference. The infamous Weißer Rausch (White Rush) takes place on this descent every year.

14. Krippenstein – Obertraun (Austria)

• Length: 11 km
• Ski area: Krippenstein – Obertraun

The valley run in the Krippenstein ski resort in Upper Austria’s Salzkammergut region is one of the longest valley runs in Austria at 11 km in length, of which 2 km are marked blue and 9 km red. The ski resort offers numerous freeriding opportunities and is also known as the “Dachstein-Krippenstein” freesports arena.

15. Aschau (Austria)

• Length: 11 km
• Ski area: Hochfügen-Hochzillertal

According to the lift operators, it is the longest snow-covered valley run in the Zillertal: from the Öfelerjoch (2,162 m) or the elegant Kristallhütte, it leads down through the Hochfügen-Hochzillertal ski area to Aschau (615 m). The last section of the 11 km long route is marked as a ski route. Good technique and stamina are an advantage here.

16. Matrei (Austria)

• Length: 11 km
• Ski area: Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei

An approximately 11 km long valley run leads down to Matrei (975 m). It starts at 2,621 m in the Großglockner Resort and is the longest valley run in East Tyrol. In addition to the popular valley run, the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei ski area has a lot to offer for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The merger of the Matrei and Kals ski areas has created the largest ski area in East Tyrol, boasting a total of 41 kilometres of slopes and 14 lifts.

© Ulrich Willmunder/shutterstock.de

The Großglockner in the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei ski area.

17. Klösterle (Austria)

• Length: 11 km
• Ski area: Sonnenkopf

It is considered a real challenge: the Vermalen descent from Glattingrat (2,300 m) to the valley station at Klösterle (1,075 m) is 11 km long. The descent is located in the Sonnenkopf ski area, which belongs to the “Ski Arlberg” association. Winter sports enthusiasts who tackle the 11 km long descent should have trained thighs, sufficient stamina and good technique. The descent is long and quite demanding in places.

© TravelTrex

The Vermalen descent starts at Glattingrat (2,300 m) and ends at the valley station near Klösterle (1,075 m).

18. Ischgl (Austria)

• Length: 11 km
• Ski area: Silvretta Arena

“Eleven” – the name says it all in Ischgl. The well-signposted route from the highest point of the ski area, the Greitspitz (2,871 m), down to the centre of Ischgl (1,377 m) measures 11 km. Black and red slopes combine to form one of the longest descents in Austria. The Silvretta Arena ski area is one of the most popular ski areas in the Alps, and for good reason. With an incredible 239 kilometres of slopes, every snow lover will find what they are looking for. And, of course, après-ski fans will also get their money’s worth in the party stronghold of Ischgl.

© skiresort.de

Austria’s longest downhill run: the “Eleven” in Ischgl.

19. Val Gardena (Italy)

• Length: 10.5 km
• Ski area: Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi

The 10 km long “La Longia” ski slope is located in the Val Gardena/Alpe di Siusi ski area in the municipalities of Ortisei and Santa Cristina in Val Gardena and, at 10.5 km, is the longest downhill run in the Dolomites. From Seceda at 2,518 m to Ortisei, there is a difference in altitude of 1,283 metres. The view over the whole of South Tyrol and the Dolomites at the start of the descent is particularly spectacular. If you can’t manage the long descent in one go, there are numerous huts and places to stop for refreshments along the slope.

20. Zell am Ziller (Austria)

• Length: 10 km
• Ski area: Zillertal Arena

From the Übergangsjoch at 2,500 metres down to Zell am Ziller: this valley run in the Zillertal Arena truly lives up to its name! The “Höhen Fresser Tour” covers a distance of 10 kilometres and 1,930 metres of altitude difference down into the valley. This altitude difference makes it one of the longest runs in Austria.

© Zillertal Arena

The “Höhen Fresser Tour” in the Zillertal Arena leads down to Zell am Ziller.

21. Fiss (Austria)

• Length: 10 km
• Ski area: Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis

With an altitude difference of over 1,073 metres and a length of 10 km, the Frommes run, which starts at Schönjoch at 2,509 metres and leads down into the valley to Fiss, is one of the longest runs in Austria. The slope in the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis family ski area mostly runs over wide ski slopes and offers a fantastic panorama.

© Julia Kuznetsova/shutterstock.de

The Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis ski resort is not only extremely popular with families.

22. Au (Austria)

• Length: 10 km
• Ski area: Diedamskopf

The Unterdiedams valley run is also 10 km long. The run leads from the summit of the Diedamskopf to the valley station and is one of the most beautiful runs in Vorarlberg. Natural snow and a fantastic panoramic view characterise the slopes in the Diedamskopf ski area. On the way down to the valley, winter sports enthusiasts cover 1,200 metres in altitude.

© skiresort.de

The highlight of the Diedamskopf ski area is the 10 km natural snow run.

23. Neustift (Austria)

• Length: 10 km
• Ski area: Stubai Glacier

The valley run in the Stubai Glacier ski area is a full 10 km long, leading from the Stubai Glacier at the top station of the Wildspitz chairlift (3,210 m) down to the Mutterberg valley station (1,695 m). Part of the descent in Neustift is on a groomed slope. However, the lower part is the ‘Wilde Grub’n’ ski route.

24. Bramberg (Austria)

• Length: 9 km
• Ski area: Bramberg am Wildkogel

The downhill run to Bramberg is around 9 km long. The fully snow-covered route in the Wildkogel Arena ski area leads from 2,101 m down to the valley station of the Smaragdbahn (819 m). This downhill run is particularly suitable for beginners and families with children. The descent is “only” just under 300 m, so most sections of the route are flat and easy to ski, even for winter sports novices.

25. Bressanone (Italy)

• Length: 9 km
• Ski area: Gitschberg Jochtal-Brixen

The Trametsch on the Plose in Bressanone is not only the longest valley run, but also the longest downhill run in South Tyrol – at 9 km in length. The Trametsch starts at the Plose refuge at an altitude of 2,466 m. However, it is not only the length of the slope that is appealing, but also the view in the upper part. Before entering the forest, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy views of one of the most beautiful Dolomite groups, the Geislerspitzen. Incidentally, there are a total of almost 100 kilometres of slopes to explore in the Gitschberg Jochtal-Brixen ski area.

© TravelTrex

When the weather is good, you have a fantastic view of the beautiful Brixental valley.

26. Spittal an der Drau (Austria)

• Length: 8.5 km
• Ski area: Goldeck Sportberg

This downhill run is quite something: the route on Goldeck is considered the longest black downhill run in the Alps. The slope measures 8.5 km and there is a vertical drop of around 1,600 metres to conquer on the “Sportberg”. Only advanced winter sports enthusiasts should venture here! The starting point is at an altitude of 2,142 m and the valley station is at 547 m. Freestylers can look forward to the versatile QParks Snowpark Goldeck in the Goldeck Sportberg ski area.

27. Oberstdorf (Germany)

• Length: 7.5 km
• Ski area: Ski Oberstdorf

The highest ski resort in the Allgäu region, Ski Oberstdorf Klein Walsertal, is also home to what the lift operators claim is Germany’s longest snow-covered valley run: from the Nebelhorn, you can ski down a 7.5 km long, completely snow-covered slope. The start is at the Höfatsblick station at an altitude of 1,932 m.

Are you keen to discover unknown ski resorts and legendary downhill runs? Here you will find numerous offers for your next ski holiday.