Top 10 Largest Ski Resorts In The World

In the realm of skiing, the allure of endless powder is an addiction. In ski towns across the world, when the people say "a storm is coming" it's not time to find shelter but time for the entire town to come down with a cold and play hooky on school, work, our wedding.....no really it's that serious!

We can get married any day! The powder god's wouldn't have given us this day if we weren't all meant to cancel everything and get 1st tracks, besides the entire wedding party and all the guest would of all had family emergencies either way 😂.

Those who know, know this isn't travel blog comedy but the actual life of every citizen of every ski resort town in every country on earth! Fresh powder puts something in your blood you just can't resist.

It doesn't matter if they are 9 or 90, they will be on the mountain surfing frozen waves that day!

If you don't live in a ski town, we need to plan our trip and can only pray the powder gods are on our side. However, going to resorts with the largest number of acres and runs, gives us much better chances for good conditions with the runs not as beat down as small resorts can get.

The task of ranking the largest ski resorts encounters ambiguity. The U.S. and Canada gauge resorts by skiable acreage, while Europe adheres to the measurement of ski run length from end to end. The parameters defining skiable acreage and the methods for measuring runs remain nebulous.

To maintain a way to list the 10 largest ski resorts in the world, we counted lifts and ski runs, with the entire ski area accessible to the public via a regular ski pass.

Without further ado, let's get into it!

#10 Park City Utah

• Skiable Terrain: 7,300+ acres
• 341 Runs
• 41 Lifts

Amazing 3D Map

Established in 1884 as a silver mining town, Park City has burgeoned into the largest ski area in the United States. Boasting 17 peaks and comprehensive resort amenities, it caters effortlessly to families. Beginners and children can explore gentle groomed trails in High Meadow Park, while thrill-seekers can navigate the bowls and chutes of Jupiter Peak and the double black terrain of McConkeys Bowl. For powder enthusiasts, Murdock Bowl is a must in optimal conditions. Conclude the day by skiing Home Run from the Silverlode Express to the base area, savoring the longest run at the resort spanning an impressive 3.5 miles.

#9 Whistler Blackcomb, B.C.

• Skiable Terrain: 8,171 acres
• 37 Lifts
• 200+ Runs
• Website

Descending into steep couloirs, gliding through knee-deep powder, and weaving amidst a fairyland of Douglas Firs characterize the experience at the largest resort in North America. Whistler Blackcomb, linking Blackcomb and Whistler Mountain through the Peak 2 Peak Gondola, encompasses 16 alpine bowls and 3 glaciers. The sheer size and diverse terrain consistently position Whistler at the pinnacle of SKI's Reader Resort rankings.

#8 Val d’Isere-Tignes, France

• 300 km (186.4 miles) of Slopes
• 159 Runs
• 75 Lifts
• Website

Formerly named L’Espace Killy after the Olympic gold medalist Jean Claude Killy, this ski area seamlessly connects the villages of Val d’Isere and Tignes through lifts and ski runs. Sixty percent of the slopes lie above 7,218 feet, ensuring exceptional snow coverage year-round. In summer, the Grande Motte Glacier in Tignes offers over 12 miles of groomed runs.

Intermediate skiers can relish high-altitude glacial skiing on the blue cruisers of Génépy and Rabotch on the Grande Motte Glacier, while advanced skiers tackle the 1992 Olympic downhill run, La Face. Off-piste gems like Col Pers, a smooth and scenic North-facing run starting at the Col d’Iseran glacier, add to the allure.

For an authentic French ambiance, accommodations in the village of Val d’Isere are recommended. With its storied architecture, original chalets, and a clock tower dating back to the 11th century, the village offers a genuine experience. End the day with a bowl of bubbling cheese, as Val d’Isere serves up 300,000 fondues every winter.

#7 Arlberg Ski Area, Austria

• 305km (189.5 miles) of Slopes
• 88 Lifts
• Website

Arlberg, the largest ski area in Austria, provides a picturesque backdrop for early morning adventures and leisurely afternoons with strudel. Encompassing three main regions and five interconnected towns through an efficient lift system, Arlberg caters to beginners, intermediates, and off-piste enthusiasts guided by an expert.

The Weisse Ring (White Ring) route, spanning approximately 14 miles, retraces the tracks of early ski pioneers. For the classic European ski experience, this route is a must, offering a leisurely journey or the opportunity to witness the annual White Ring Ski race in spring. After a day on the slopes, indulge in the ultimate après scene in St. Anton or retreat to the quieter, family-friendly ambiance of Stuben.

#6 Matterhorn Ski Paradise, Switzerland/Italy

• 360km (223.6 miles) of Slopes
• 52 Lifts
• 145 Runs
• Website

Against the backdrop of the iconic Matterhorn, the Matterhorn Ski Paradise offers an idyllic setting with perfectly groomed slopes. Head to Zermatt for the quintessential European ski experience, spanning the Swiss border into the Italian Aosta Valley.

Embark on the Matterhorn Ski Safari, traversing 29 lifts and cable cars without repeating a run, extending into the Cervinia-Valtournenche ski area in Italy. Explore the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise, Europe's highest mountain station at 12,740 feet, and relish high alpine glacial skiing on the Theodul glacier, extending skiing well into summer.

Intermediate skiers and above can thrive in the abundant wide and steep slopes, reminiscent of a ski racing experience. The longest downhill run in the world, spanning 15.5 miles, allows skiers to descend from the Klein Matterhorn back to Zermatt.

#5 Via Lattea, Italy/France

• 400km (248.548 miles) of Slopes
• 70 Lifts
• 249 Runs
• Website

Indulge in a dual-cultural experience at Via Lattea, traversing eight villages in the Italian and French Alps. Spanning Pragelato, Sansicario, Cesana, Clavière, Sauze d’Oulx, Oulx on the Italian side and Montegenévre on the French side, this expansive resort requires strategic planning to maximize the ski day.

Sportina's mid-station provides a convenient spot for beginners, while Sauze d’Oulx offers thrilling tree skiing. Carve enthusiasts can tackle the Olympic Women’s Downhill run in Sansicario, used for the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics. To access both sides, the International Ski Pass is essential. Alternatively, the Via Lattea ski pass grants access to the Italian side, ideal for shorter trips.

#4 Les 4 Vallées, Switzerland

• 410 km (254.8 miles) of Slopes
• 93 Lifts
• Website

Included on the Epic Pass with special conditions

The largest ski area in Switzerland, Les 4 Vallées, encompasses six resorts: Verbier, Bruson, La Tzoumaz, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, and Thyon. Starting at an elevation of 4,101 feet and reaching the lift-serviced Mont-Fort glacier at 10,925 feet, the terrain caters to beginners, families, and off-piste enthusiasts.

Nendaz and Veysonnaz offer family-friendly infrastructure, and the panoramic views from Veysonnaz showcase the Rhone Valley bathed in sunshine on an average of 300 days per year. Adventurous skiers must explore the off-piste terrain, with the Freeride World Tour showcasing the steep Mont-Fort and Bec des Rosses. The Tortin wall challenges even the most skilled skiers with daunting moguls.

#3 Paradiski, France

• 425km (264 miles) of Slopes
• 264 Ski Runs
• 164 Lifts
• Website

Les Arcs, Peisey Vallandry, and La Plagne unite through the world's largest cable car, the double-decker Vanoise Express, forming Paradiski. This interconnected network spans 20 villages, offering an expansive array of terrain.

As you travel on the Vanoise Express, marvel at the diverse terrain, with 70% of the slopes positioned above 6,562 feet, ensuring optimal snow coverage. Les Arcs beckons adrenaline junkies, while the Aiguille Rouge cable car ascends to the highest peak at 10,584 feet, providing an option to descend 4.3 miles to Villaroger. Explore challenging runs on the Chiapue glacier or the Varet gondola in La Plagne for off-piste adventures.

#2 Sella Ronda, Italy

• 500 km (310.6 miles) of Slopes
• 4 Ski Valleys
• 222 Lifts
• Website

Situated in the heart of the Dolomites, Sella Ronda is a carousel of ski slopes encircling the Sella mountain, an angular plateau massif. Embark on a day-long journey to complete the loop, guided by orange clockwise and green counterclockwise route signs.

The intermediate route spans 40km (24 miles), traversing four ski resorts and mountain passes accessible through the Dolomiti Superski pass. Explore offshoots extending to Ortesi, Val Gardena, Corvara, and Arabba. For those inclined towards steeper slopes, detour to Gran Risa, the area's steepest slope, hosting two World Cup races annually.

The allure of Sella Ronda lies in the journey itself, passing through charming Italian towns, rather than off-piste exploration or challenging advanced terrain. Commence early, complete the loop, and relish the scenic peaks with ample time for lunch and additional runs.

#1 Les 3 Vallées, France

• 600 km (372.8 miles) of Slopes
• 166 Lifts
• 328 Ski Runs
• Website

At Les 3 Vallées, delve into alpine glaciers and descend down steep, meticulously groomed trails. Comprising three resorts in the Northern French Alps—Val Thorens (Europe's highest resort at 7,546 feet), Courchevel, and Méribel-Mottaret—this interconnected ski area offers a plethora of terrain.

Exploring Val Thorens, ascend the Bouchet chair in Orelle to reach the highest lift-serviced point at 10,597 feet. Expert skiers can venture into the off-piste route of Pierre Lory, navigating couloirs that open into a soft pitch. In remote off-resort areas, hiring a guide is advisable. Cap off the day with a ride on the Cime Caron, resting ski-weary legs while enjoying a panoramic view of Mont-Blanc.

Whether in Val Thorens or elsewhere in Les 3 Vallées, the enchantment of the French Alps envelops you. Surrounded by chalet-style architecture in 50 mountain villages, ranging from all-inclusive resorts to quaint farming hamlets, you'll find yourself underdressed in baselayers while indulging in wine, cheese, and bread at charming cafés. Several Michelin-starred restaurants add a touch of culinary sophistication to the region. In Les 3 Vallées, the magic of the French Alps is an ever-present companion.

And there you have it, so pick your poison and go shred some pow pow!