Our Top 10 Ski Runs

08 Oct Our Top 10 Ski Runs

Continuing our 10 years of Kaluma theme – we have for you our top 10 runs (in no particular order), on and off piste, that we have enjoyed skiing in the last 10 years. Maybe you have skied some of them, or maybe we have whetted the appetite for you to come and try them this year….

1. Bruson, Verbier – in a resort where the early bird has to be up bloody early to catch the worm (fresh tracks), Bruson is like bumping into the nerdy girl from school that grew up into a super model. You will ask, ‘why didn’t I go there before?!’. Head against the crowd on a fresh powder day and you’ll never forget the unbelievable skiing through the trees.

2. The tax free run, Ischgl (Austria) to Samnaun (Switzerland). A long, exciting run with twists and turns leads you almost into the wilderness and you feel like you’re on an adventure, even for the average skier. Great scenery and a lovely little town at the end of it for your duty free shopping. Warning…don’t get caught out if you’re staying in Ischgl, get the last lift or it’s a long and expensive taxi back!

3. Jerusalem (or Pramint), Trois Vallees – piste bashing heaven. A long, fast, undulating strip of snow that’s always in amazing condition (really!) and never too busy. Save the gym membership and try doing it without stopping all the way down to St Martin de Belleville. I sometimes dream about it in the Summer, is that weird?!

4. Valuga North – Zürs, St Anton – Zurs. The only way to link St Anton to Lech and Zurs is this great off piste route. You need a qualified mountain guide and the top is quite tricky. After that you have a great big bowl to ski, some traversing and always some fresh lines to find. A push out at the bottom, but the views looking back are more then worth it!

5. Marlenaz, Verbier. Accessed from the top of Savoleyres, this off piste run has the perfect pitch, jaw dropping views, rarely over-skied and with the most Swiss terrace in Switzerland to enjoy a well earned glass of Dole at the end of it (La Marlenaz). I can’t believe I’m even discussing it with non family members. In fact, don’t go. It’s rubbish. (?!)

6. The White Circle, St Anton, Zurs, Lech – traditionally the White Circle is Lech & Zurs and is the route between then both. A great ski which can be done in a few hours. Highlight being the long run from Zurs down into the small village of Zug. If in St Anton, then you can make a good day of it and ski hard, with a small bus trip in the middle to get to Zurs and back from Alpe Rauz, a great destination ski day!

7. Le Grand Couloir – Courchevel – the clue is in the name. Accessed from the top of La Saulire, take the narrow path to enter the couloir (take it easy and keep your eyes in front rather than looking at the scary drop either side of you). Its one of those get the T-shirt runs, but being Courchevel, make sure it’s Prada. Very steep and often sporting moguls the size of a Cap Horn lunch bill. Losing your GC virginity is a landmark moment for many a loyal Courchevel skier.

8. Malfontal (off piste) St Anton– a favourite as it brings together a mix of skiing and exercise and stunning views…as well as a good feeling of achievement. Into Hinter Rendl (a classic run on its own), short ski and then a boot up for about 30 – 45 mins. From here you are in the Malfont Valley. Fresh snow, peaceful and stunning. Pick a line from the huge face and then glide away down the valley. Once at the valley floor it’s a cruise (not so good on a board), for a while along a track, taking in the views. Always nice to stop along the way for a packed lunch or a hot flask of sweet tea. End up in the village of Pettneu where you get a ski bus or a cab back to St Anton.

9. The Hahnenkam in Kitzbuhel – The legendary race track from top to bottom in Kitzbuhel. Again a must when you visit this resort. Think of the adrenalin pumped racers as they let it all go down this really rather dangerous course. But when you ski it “at leisure” it is a lovely long run that will help you appreciate just how bonkers these professional racers are! Once you’ve done it yourself, you can go back up the lift, visit the museum and see how the racers do it in an excellent race simulator.

1. Pierre Lory, Val Thorens. From the top the Bouchet chair in the Orelle valley (3230m!), turn left (under the netting), then traverse right. Just a little bit intimidating initially, but once in, the valley opens to a wide open soft pitch with stunning views, safe and easy for non experts fancying a taste of off piste glory. For the more experienced, drop in earlier from the traverse and there are some fun routes through the short couloirs. Also, for the piste only skiers, they can head to the top of the Bouchet and opt to take the “Tyrolean” zip wire instead of the off piste route – a MUCH faster way to get back to the hotel, and at 100kph and 1500’ drop, it’s not for the faint hearted.