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Top 10 Largest Ski Resorts in the World
The ski industry is one of the largest in the world, with resorts attracting visitors from all over the globe. The largest ski resorts offer a wide range of facilities and activities, as well as breathtaking scenery.
Is size truly important? Many would contend that it is of utmost importance in the case of ski resorts. Many might argue it’s not, but, if you want to feel like you’re truly travelling or just like ticking up large distances on Ski Tracks or Strava then size undoubtedly matters to you.
When calculating the size of a ski area, there are challenges. The most noticeable being how places are linked. Does the ski area have a continuous ski lift system, or do you need to occasionally take a bus to get to different areas of the piste map?
Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the world. Every year, millions of people hit the slopes to enjoy the fresh air and stunning scenery. If you’re looking for the ultimate skiing experience, then you need to check out the largest ski resorts in the world.
From the United States to Europe to Asia, there are many massive ski resorts that offer everything you could possibly want – and more. To help you plan your next trip, we’ve put together a list of the top 10 largest ski resorts in the world. So what are you waiting for? Start planning your next adventure today!
Top 10 Largest Ski Resorts in the World
The table below contains the list of the top 10 Largest Ski Resorts in the World.
Rank | Top 10 Largest Ski Resorts in the World |
1 | Les 3 Vallées, France |
2 | Sella Ronda, Italy |
3 | Paradiski, France |
4 | Les 4 Vallées, Switzerland |
5 | Via Lattea, or the Milky Way, Italy/ France |
6 | Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Switzerland/Italy |
7 | Arlberg Ski Area, Austria |
8 | Val d’Isere-Tignes, France |
9 | Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. |
10 | Park City, U.S.A. |
1. Les 3 Vallées, France
- 166 Lifts
- 328 Ski Runs
The Les 3 Vallées ski resort in France is the largest in the world, covering an area of 185,600 acres. It is located in the Tarentaise Valley in the southern part of the country, close to the Italian border. The resort comprises eight different villages, all of which are connected by a system of lifts and runs.
Les 3 Vallées is a haven for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, with trails and slopes to suit everyone. The resort also has a wealth of other activities on offer, such as ice-skating, dog-sledding, and snowmobiling.
The allure of the French Alps is consistent wherever you are in Les 3 Vallées. In 50 mountain communities, from your all-inclusive resorts to charming farming hamlets, you’ll be surrounded by chalet-style architecture. While dining in quaint cafés where you’ll be smothered in wine, cheese, and bread, you’ll probably feel underdressed in your baselayers. Additionally, there are a number of Michelin-starred restaurants in the region, so we might advise combing your helmet hair before dining.
If you’re looking for a truly world-class skiing experience, then look no further than Les 3 Vallées!
2. Sella Ronda, Italy
- 4 Ski Valleys
- 222 Lifts
Sella Ronda is a one of the top 10 largest ski resort in the world, and is located in the beautiful country of Italy. This resort is known for its long and beautiful runs, as well as its picturesque views. Tourists from all over the world come to Sella Ronda to ski and snowboard, and to enjoy the many other activities that the resort has to offer.
Some of the other attractions at Sella Ronda include the Sella Ronda Gondola, which takes skiers and snowboarders to the top of the mountain, and the Sella Ronda Ski School, which offers lessons for all levels of skiiers and snowboarders. There are also a number of restaurants and cafes at Sella Ronda, as well as a few bars and nightclubs.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced skier or snowboarder, Sella Ronda is sure to have something for you. So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Sella Ronda, Italy today!
3. Paradiski, France
- 264 Ski Runs
- 164 Lifts
When it comes to ski resorts, size does matter. The larger the resort, the more terrain it usually has to offer, which means more options for skiing and snowboarding. And if you’re looking for the largest ski resorts in the world, you’ll find them in France.
France is home to some of the biggest and best ski resorts in the world, including Paradiski, Les Trois Vallées, and Chamonix-Mont Blanc. These resorts offer an incredible variety of terrain, from beginner-friendly slopes to challenging black runs, and they’re all located in beautiful mountain regions.
As the third largest linked ski area in the world, Paradiski in France boasts an impressive 164 lifts and over 200 kilometers of skiable terrain. The resort is made up of the well-known Les Arcs and La Plagne ski areas, which are connected by the Vanoise Express – the world’s largest cable car.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s something for everyone at Paradiski. The resort is also home to the Olympic Bobsleigh and Skeleton track, which is open to the public during the summer months.
4. Les 4 Vallées, Switzerland
- 410 km (254.8 miles) of Slopes
- 93 Lifts
Les 4 Vallées, which includes the six ski resorts of Verbier, Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon, is the largest ski area in Switzerland. Starting at a height of 4,101 feet, the landscape rises to a maximum elevation of 10,925 feet at the lift-served Mont-Fort glacier.
Nendaz and Veysonnaz frequently draw family crowds because to their excellent value and beginner-friendly infrastructure. Enjoy the panorama of the Rhone Valley at Veysonnaz while soaking up the sunshine (an average of 300 days per year). Thyon includes a sizable beginner’s area as well.
But to fully appreciate Les 4 Vallées, one must venture onto the off-piste area. Riders on the Freeride World Tour stop at Verbier to ski the over 1,641-foot-tall steeps of Mont-Fort and Bec des Rosses. Even the most accomplished skiers are made to feel foolish by the torturous moguls on the Tortin wall, which only get scarier as the route progresses.
5. Via Lattea, or the Milky Way, Italy/ France
- 70 Lifts
- 249 Runs
The Milky Way, also known as Via Lattea in Italian, is one of the largest ski resorts in the world. It is located in the Province of Sondrio in Lombardy, Italy, close to the border with Switzerland. This area is renowned for its pristine snow conditions and boasts an impressive network of lifts and runs.
The Milky Way is made up of four main valleys – Val di Sole, Val di Non, Val Campbellan, and Valtellina – which are all interconnected. There are a total of 400 km of ski runs, serviced by 100 lifts. The resort is also home to a number of off-piste trails, making it a great choice for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
If you’re looking for a world-class skiing experience, the Milky Way is definitely worth a visit!
6. Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Switzerland/Italy
- 52 Lifts
- 145 Runs
Matterhorn Ski Paradise is a world-class ski resort located in the Swiss Alps. It is the largest ski resort in Switzerland and the second largest in Europe. The resort covers an area of 200 hectares and has a total of 60 km of pistes.
Matterhorn Ski Paradise is located in the municipality of Zermatt in the canton of Valais. It is situated at an altitude of 1,608 meters above sea level and offers a stunning view of the Matterhorn, one of the tallest mountains in the Alps.
The resort is a popular destination for both beginner and experienced skiers. It has a wide range of pistes for all levels, as well as a snowpark and a freeride area.
Matterhorn Ski Paradise is also home to the world’s largest outdoor ice rink, the Mountain of Dreams. This rink is available to skaters of all levels and is open from early December to late February.
7. Arlberg Ski Area, Austria
- 305km (189.5 miles) of Slopes
- 88 Lifts
The ski area consists of five towns, three major districts, and an effective lift system that connects them all. Numerous places for beginners and intermediate skiers may be found here, along with off-piste paths that are best explored with a guide. Due to its location in an area of Austria that receives the most snowfall, the Arlberg can occasionally experience large amounts of powder.
Many early morning leg burners and leisurely strudel afternoons take place against the backdrop of Austria’s greatest ski region, which is a winter wonderland.
The Weisse Ring (White Ring) circuit is the perfect option for anyone seeking a traditional ski day in Europe.
The 14-mile circuit follows the footprints left by some of the original ski pioneers at Arlberg. If you want to watch skiers compete in the annual White Ring Ski race, come in the spring and travel the route at your own leisure.
8. Val d’Isere-Tignes, France
- 159 Runs
- 75 Lifts
Val d’Isere-Tignes is one of the top 10 largest ski resorts in the world. Situated in the French Alps, this resort boasts some of the best skiing in Europe. With a total skiable area of over 3300 acres, there is something for everyone at Val d’Isere-Tignes.
Whether you are a beginner or an expert, you will find a variety of runs to suit your level. There are also a number of other activities on offer, such as snowboarding, dog sledding, and ice skating.
So, if you are looking for a winter wonderland to escape to, look no further than Val d’Isere-Tignes!
9. Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.
- 37 Lifts
- 200+ Runs
Whistler Blackcomb, located in the Coast Mountains of British Columbia, is the largest ski resort in North America and the continent’s busiest. In terms of skiable area, it is the nineth largest resort in the world.
The resort features two side-by-side mountains, Whistler and Blackcomb, which are connected by the world’s longest continuous lift system. It also has the largest snowmaking system in the world.
The resort is a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders from all over the world. It has world-class facilities and is home to a number of major events, such as the 2010 Winter Olympics.
If you’re looking for a truly world-class skiing experience, look no further than Whistler Blackcomb!
10. Park City, U.S.A.
- 341 Runs
- 41 Lifts
The largest ski resort in the US is now located in Park City. Park City is a good option for families thanks to its 17 peaks and comprehensive resort services.
Beginners and children can explore the easy-going groomed trails and trees in High Meadow Park, while thrill-seekers can ski Jupiter Peak’s bowls and chutes and McConkeys Bowl’s double black terrain. When the snow is fluffy, pow hunters should visit Murdock Bowl. Ski Home Run, the resort’s longest run at a whopping 3.5 miles, from the Silverlode Express to the base area to round off the day.
Skiers and non-skiers alike can benefit from the amenities of the thriving base area, which offers direct lift access to the main street and a free bus system that travels throughout the entire town. Naturally, there are several possibilities for après. Craft beer enthusiasts can unwind at the Wasatch Brew Pub while sipping a Polygamy Porter, or they can visit The Spur or O.P. Rockwell in the resort base area to catch live music. Pricey Park City is comparable to Whistler. The resort’s accessibility (it’s only 40 minutes from the Salt Lake City International Airport) and unlimited variety of terrain, however, more than make up for the higher asking price.
Top 10 Largest Ski Resorts in the World
The table below contains the list of the top 10 Largest Ski Resorts in the World.
Rank | Top 10 Largest Ski Resorts in the World |
1 | Les 3 Vallées, France |
2 | Sella Ronda, Italy |
3 | Paradiski, France |
4 | Les 4 Vallées, Switzerland |
5 | Via Lattea, or the Milky Way, Italy/ France |
6 | Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Switzerland/Italy |
7 | Arlberg Ski Area, Austria |
8 | Val d’Isere-Tignes, France |
9 | Whistler Blackcomb, B.C. |
10 | Park City, U.S.A. |
Conclusion
Skiing is one of the most popular winter sports in the world. Every year, millions of people hit the slopes in search of the perfect powder day. But with so many ski resorts to choose from, it can be hard to know where to go.
To help you out, we’ve compiled a list of the 10 largest ski resorts in the world, based on the size of their ski areas. So whether you’re looking for a huge resort with everything you need on-site or a smaller resort with quick access to the slopes, this list has you covered.
If you’re planning a trip, be sure to check out our list of the top 10 largest ski resorts in the world!
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