The longest downhill runs & ski slopes

The snappiest piste in or near Gstaad is located on the Wasserngrat. Marked in black, the Tiger Run is the region’s steepest slope and has a huge average gradient of 45 degrees. When reaching the end of the run, skiers are in no doubt as to where their thighs are located.

The Allalin area in Saas-Fee is a place of superlatives – one of the longest ski runs in the Alps leads directly into the village from the world’s highest revolving restaurant at 3,500m. The ski area is suitable for pleasure skiers and connoisseurs alike.

The glacial descent from the Titlis through the steep Rotegg is a dream for good skiers. It’s high alpine character and views as far as and beyond the Swiss border give this slope a real majestic touch.

One of the most popular of the World Cup races is staged at Chuenisbärgli in Adelboden each winter. The slope is universally regarded as the most difficult giant slalom course. It is also open to demanding amateurs throughout the ski season.

This run certainly merits its name: in 1987, the "Piste Nationale” saw three Swiss athletes on the world championship medals podium.

Visit Stoos any time during winter and soak up the competitive atmosphere. The Franz Heinzer Piste on the northern slope of the Klingenstock is a FIS-approved training and racing location. Apart from the racing it is also open to serious amateurs.

Families get as much a run for their money on the Horneggli as do skilled skiers. The Mike von Grünigen Run is the pride of this piste network. Here, as they go through their entire repertoire, passionate carvers can follow in the footsteps of this native-born giant slalom world champion.

The Videmanette Piste is the longest run in the Gstaad ski region – the descent to Rougemont is a whopping 10 km long. The piste has several great carving areas with some more level sections in between.

Views at the start of this sunny piste extend over ten Swiss lakes and vertically down to the Rütli meadow; spectacular to say the least, with the majority of wide and easy slopes also offering a glimpse of the Mythen mountain range as you make your way down.

The Val d'Anniviers is home to a diverse selection of pistes. One of the most beautiful and also most challenging descents in the entire valley is the Piste du Chamois. It runs from the highest point in the ski area of Zinal and down to the village of Grimentz.

The piste from the Schilthorn to Lauterbrunnen is almost 15 km long, making it one of the longest in Switzerland. At the end of January each year, a hellish racing spectacle is enacted here. The descent is open to experienced skiers all winter.

The downhill run on this highest slope in the Thyon ski area is a special treat for seasoned skiers who are looking for a real challenge. The views down to the Rhone Valley, the Dent Blanche and the Grande Dixence, Europe’s greatest dam, are quite stunning.

Located on the slopes of Moléson, this is the largest ski area in the Fribourg Alps. It offers a wide variety of slopes. The lower part is also suitable for beginners. This icontrasts with the descent from the summit, which is considered to be very difficult and demanding.

There is a little paradise in Melchsee-Frutt just waiting for demanding skiers – the "Paradiesli " is the black-marked downhill run from the Bonistock to the Bettenalp. There is plenty of room on this wonderfully wide piste for carvers and snowboarders to enjoy.

The pleasure-packed Gifthittli to Furi piste consists of sun-spoilt carving slopes with fantastic views of the Matterhorn and plenty of mountain restaurants to top it!

The Lenzerheide winter sports area’s most challenging piste hugs the steep slopes above Parpan. It is named in honour of local skiing expert Silvano Beltrametti. This route is the steepest women's World Cup downhill anywhere in the world.

This delightfully long downhill run in the Saas-Grund area is set against a backdrop of high-Alpine scenery. Starting at the Hohsaas cableway top station, it first crosses spacious slopes before taking you down to the village in the valley.

The legendary Parsenn Downhill Run is one of the classics of Switzerland. There is virtually unlimited fun in store for seasoned skiers. The track starts at the top of the Weissfluh and runs a full 12 kilometres before ending 2,000 metres lower in Kublis.

The descent from the Titlis to Engelberg is one of the longest in the Alps – a full twelve kilometres. In its upper part especially, there are some exceptionally difficult sections. From time to time, however, it runs along gentle terrain.

The Dream Piste downhill run is everything you could wish for. The incomparably beautiful piste takes you through the heart of the Lower Engadin mountains, far away from the annoying drone of the ski lifts.

A steep and challenging start, but one that leaves you craving for more. Following the first few swings you then find yourself on broad slopes with a liberating mountain feel on a lengthy descent to Lavadinas.

The Hahnensee ski piste in the Corvatsch-Furtschellas ski region is regarded as one of the Engadin’s most beautiful downhill runs. It is noted for its peaceful setting and stunning panorama as well as for the high demands it will place on your skiing skills.

Even today, the Olympia Piste reminds one of the 1948 Olympic Winter Games in St. Moritz. Back then the Corviglia Chantarella downhill run placed extreme demands on skiers. Connoisseurs still regard the original route as an insider tip.

Of all the pistes in the versatile Val d'Anniviers network, the Lona Piste is considered to be one of the most challenging. It offers an exciting mix of leisurely and rapid passages. You start out at the foot of the Becs de Bosson and end up near the village of Grimentz.

The ski pistes at the two car-free villages of Bettmeralp and Riederalp afford unobstructed views of the highest mountains in Switzerland. The Aletsch Arena also enjoys a sun-drenched setting. This area’s most striking downhill run takes you from the Bettmerhorn to the Riederalp.

Experienced skiers really come into their own on the Gemsstock above Andermatt with its high-Alpine terrain, magnificent panorama and challenging slopes. The highlight is the descent on the Bernhard Russi Run to Gurschen.

The Lötschental valley offers convenient skiing fun far from the hustle and bustle. However, do not underestimate the great variety of pistes here. Lower down, the terrain is moderately steep while higher up, in the area around Gandegg, there are some quite demanding slopes.

Mont-Lachaux world-champion piste - and a magical ski run that not only excites the Olympic gold medalist and world champion Pirmin Zurbriggen.

The Obersaxon winter sports area above the Vorderrhein Valley includes four beautiful skiing mountains. For the most part, the wide slopes range from easy to intermediate. The Carlo Janka Piste from Stein to Kartitscha is a real treat for ambitious skiers.

Grächen is a winter paradise for families. Here the services and infrastructure have been tailored to meet the needs of children. But adults also get their fair share - for example, on the stunning downhill run from the Hannigalp to Bärgji.

Weglosen downhill descent. A classic favorite for ski cracks in search of a challenge.

Seasoned skiers can really play their talent with flying colours here. The Piste de l'Ours (bear’s track) in Veysonnaz is regarded by experts as being one of the finest ski slopes in the world. Numerous World Cup races have been held there.

The descent from the Eggishorn to the Heimatt combines spectacular views with a varied range of pistes covering wide slopes and short steep sections. The highlight is the valley run to Fiesch.

Steep slopes and crisp curves with gentle passages in between – this is the Warmtobel, a steep little valley on the north flank of the Gamserrugg. This difficult, extremely varied piste is enough to set every seasoned skier’s pulse racing.

Weissfluhjoch to Wolfgang and guaranteed adrenalin kicks. The Weissfluhjoch piste on Parsenn as far as Wolfgang Pass is your best bet for pure winter fun with a special kick! A piste-start at 2844 meters above sea level, leading over roughly 7 kilometers down to the Wolfgang Pass at 1631 meters.