Have you ever wondered what the biggest ski resort in the world is? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we will explore some of the largest ski resorts on the planet and determine which one deserves the title of “biggest”.
What Makes a Ski Resort “Big”?
Before we dive into the list, let’s define what makes a ski resort “big”. Is it the number of runs? The amount of vertical feet?
The size of the resort itself? The answer is all of the above. A big ski resort should have a large number of runs catering to all levels of skiers and snowboarders, a high vertical drop for thrilling descents, and a vast area for skiing and snowboarding.
Top 3 Biggest Ski Resorts in the World
- Les 3 Vallees: Located in France’s Savoie region, Les 3 Vallees is considered by many to be the biggest ski resort in the world. It boasts over 370 miles of ski runs spread over eight interconnected resorts, including Courchevel, Meribel, Val Thorens, and more. With over 180 lifts and an altitude range from 4,920 to 10,562 feet, Les 3 Vallees offers endless terrain for skiers and snowboarders.
- Sella Ronda: Located in Italy’s Dolomite Mountains, Sella Ronda is another massive ski resort with over 500 miles of interconnected runs. The resort circles around a massif called Sella Ronda and includes four major passes that skiers can cross.
It offers breathtaking views as well as challenging terrain for advanced skiers.
- Paradiski: Located in France’s Tarentaise Valley, Paradiski is a combination of two resorts, Les Arcs and La Plagne. Together, they offer over 260 miles of ski runs connected by the Vanoise Express cable car. With an altitude range from 3,375 to 10,663 feet and a variety of terrain for all levels, Paradiski is definitely one of the biggest ski resorts in the world.
Honorable Mentions
While Les 3 Vallees, Sella Ronda, and Paradiski are undoubtedly some of the biggest ski resorts in the world, there are a few other notable mentions worth exploring.
- Whistler Blackcomb: Located in British Columbia, Canada, Whistler Blackcomb is not only one of the largest ski resorts in North America but also in the world. It features over 8,100 acres of skiable terrain with 16 alpine bowls and three glaciers.
- Vail Ski Resort: Located in Colorado’s Rocky Mountains, Vail Ski Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in North America with over 5,000 acres of skiable terrain.
It has over 190 runs and multiple terrain parks for all skill levels.
- St. Anton am Arlberg: Located in Austria’s Tyrolean Alps region, St. Anton am Arlberg is one of Europe’s largest ski resorts with over 190 miles of runs. It offers challenging terrain for advanced skiers as well as plenty of beginner-friendly slopes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several massive ski resorts around the world that cater to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. Whether you’re looking for breathtaking views or challenging terrain, these resorts have it all. So, which one will you visit next?