For avid skiers seeking the ultimate adrenaline rush, the Alps offer some of the most challenging and exhilarating black runs in the world. From steep moguls to narrow descents, these pistes test your skills and provide unforgettable experiences.
Our team has curated a list of the top seven black runs that every advanced skier should add to their bucket list. Whether you’re aiming to conquer the challenging Streif or carve your way down the legendary "Swiss Wall", these slopes promise thrills and breathtaking alpine scenery.
La Chavanette (The Swiss Wall), Avoriaz, France
This famous run straddling the France-Switzerland border is renowned for its unforgiving two-metre high moguls and steep drops, especially in icy conditions. The Swiss Wall is a must-try for advanced skiers seeking a heart-pounding descent. Ranked one of the world’s toughest ski runs, with a formidable 37° slope and 76% decline, it’s no wonder it’s been given the nickname - the Swiss Wall!
Where to stay in Avoriaz
Hotel Mil8 |
Chalet Kakisa |
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Sleeps 8+2 | Catered |
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The Hotel Mil8 offers an ideal ski-in, ski-out location in the centre of Avoriaz, with a stylish and understated contemporary mountain decor, appealing to families, couples and friends. The Hotel Mil8, which takes its name from the resorts altitude, provides everything you expect and more of a luxury ski hotel in the mountains. |
Chalet Kakisa is a fine example of standalone chalet in Avoriaz with its very close proximity to the ski slopes and a short walkable distance to town, make it a near perfect chalet at the heart of an incredible ski area, with over 600km of pistes to explore across the Portes du Soleil. |
La Face de Bellevarde, Val d'Isère, France
A classic Olympic run, La Face de Bellevarde combines steep sections with sharp turns and varied terrain, making it as technical as it is thrilling. It’s a popular choice for expert skiers looking to push their limits.
Where to stay in Val d'Isère
Les Barmes de L'Ours |
Chalet Ottawa |
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Sleeps 10+4 | Self-Catered |
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Situated at the foot of La Face ski-run, Les Barmes de L′Ours is a fantastic family friendly property with superb access to the central lift station and Val d′Isère village centre. The hotel includes three restaurants, kid's club and teenage games area, two-lane bowling alley, a ProShop and newly decorated bed rooms. |
Chalet Ottawa is a luxurious six bedroom ski chalet, with ski-in / ski-out access, on to the Bellevarde Olympic slope, overlooking the sought after resort of Val d'Isere. This elegant ski retreat is spread over five floors and has a chic alpine style. |
Streif, Kitzbühel, Austria
Although technically a red run, Streif is home to the Hahnenkamm race and is legendary for its extreme pitch and intense gradients, including the infamous Mousetrap section. If this run’s steep drops and tricky turns don't make your heart race, the ice sheets sure will.
Where to stay in Kitzbühel
Hotel Kitzhof |
Hahnenkamm Lodge |
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Sleeps 8+4 | Catered |
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| The Kitzhof is a modern Alpine hotel, ideally located in a peaceful spot just a short walk away from the centre of the picturesque resort of Kitzbuhel. A handy driver service is available in the mornings to take you the short distance to the slopes. | Staying at Hahnenkamm Lodge is a truly special, luxury ski holiday experience. Nestled on the Kitzbühel mountains with a ski-in, ski-out location it brings holidaying in the mountains to a new level. |
Grand Couloir, Courchevel 1850, France
Courchevel’s steepest black run, the Grand Couloir offers a thrilling descent with narrow sections that demand skill and control. It’s ideal for skiers who crave a direct, intense line down the mountain.
Where to stay in Courchevel 1850
Hotel Barriere Les Neiges |
Chalet L' Arctique
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Sleeps 10+2 | Catered |
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| An excellent hotel which holds its own among Courchevel’s impressive collection of 5* hotels, the Barriere Les Neiges, hails from the established French brand of luxurious hotels ‘Barriere’. Boasting an ideal location, you will find Barriere Les Neiges is ski in, ski out right on the Bellecote piste and within the main village of Courchevel 1850. | Right in the heart of Courchevel 1850, this immaculately presented chalet offers guests the opportunity to be either on the slopes or in the shops in an instant - a unique find for such luxurious accommodation. The dedicated in-resort driver service enables you to be taken directly to the ski lifts, and the complimentary ski instructor is handy to brush up on your skills. |
Black Wall, Glacier 3000, Gstaad, Switzerland
With an extraordinary maximum gradient of 46° (104%), the Black Wall ranks among the steepest groomed slopes in the world. This new 3km descent connects the summit to the Col du Pillon and boasts a unique 265m tunnel carved through the mountain, making it an intense ride even for seasoned experts.
Where to stay in Gstaad
Ultima Gstaad |
Ultima Gstaad Royal Residence |
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Sleeps 6 | Catered |
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| The Ultima Gstaad is a luxury boutique hotel that oozes style and sophistication and combines traditional and modern influences, located in the heart of the very prestigious village of Gstaad. Private butlers are available 24/7 to take care of your every need. |
The Ultima Gstaad Royal Residence is one of six luxury Residences belonging to the Ultima Gstaad Luxury Hotel, located in the desirable village of Gstaad. Breakfast can be served in the Residence or stroll over to the restaurant in the connecting hotel to enjoy an a la carte option in a more lively setting. |
Schindlerkar-Steilhang, St. Anton, Austria
A legendary black run tailing off from the red Schindlerkar that offers lots of natural moguls. This is one of the toughest and most exhilarating descents in The Arlberg. This run is perfect for advanced skiers who love the challenges of off-piste terrain.
Where to stay in St Anton
Raffl's St Antoner Hof |
Chalet Antoinette |
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Sleeps 10+2 | Catered or Self-Catered |
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| The Raffl's St Antoner Hof is the most centrally located five star hotel in this exceptional ski resort. The luxurious rooms and suites, as well as the hotel′s spa and restaurant, are traditional and cosy with the odd modern twist. Many of the rooms and suites contain fireplaces and open-plan bathrooms. | This is a penthouse apartment is the ultimate in alpine chic with vaulted ceilings and an extensive use of old woods and natural stones. The property has been beautifully furnished throughout to create one of St. Anton′s most outstanding properties. Take advantage of the driver service to take you to the lifts. |
Triftji, Zermatt, Switzerland
Known as one of the best mogul runs in Europe, Triftji offers a mix of challenging bumps and sharp drops. With stunning views of the Matterhorn, this run is as scenic as it is demanding.
Where to stay in Zermatt
Hotel Monte Rosa |
Chalet Tuftra Findelbach |
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Sleeps 14+3 | Catered |
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| Hotel Monte Rosa is steeped in Swiss tradition. It opened in 1839 and was the very first hotel in the picturesque Matterhorn village, with just three rooms. The Seiler family took over in 1853, and the hotel stayed within their family for many years to come. It has played host to some of the most respected mountaineers, including Edward Whymper, who was the first to successfully climb the Matterhorn. | Benefitting from its amazing location in the ski-in/out district of Winkelmatten, Chalet Tuftra Findelbach is one of the top choices for a luxury ski chalet in the historic resort of Zermatt. Walk just 100m and ski through the meadow and down to the Klein Matterhorn Express or take the ski-bus from outside the door. At the end of the day ski back to the door of the chalet down the Moosweg ski-run. |
These seven black runs promise an unforgettable experience for seasoned skiers ready to test their skills across Europe’s premier slopes. Let us help you plan your next adventure on these iconic pistes!
