If you are a freeride ski enthusiast, there are some exceptional places that you must visit at least once to fully experience your passion for off-piste skating. These destinations have the particularity of being atypical in every way, whether it is the vastness of the ski areas, the variability of the slopes, or the quality of the snow. Here is a top 10.
La Grave, the Mecca of freeride skiing and Europe
This spot located is considered the reference in freeride in Europe. A harsh environment, raw terrain offering endless challenges, and several ways to scare you, this is what this place is, renowned for providing the most thrilling freeride skiing experiences in Europe.
The 7 Laux
This resort is the perfect example of a mid-altitude spot with easy-access slopes and terrain conducive to freeriding. The Vallons du Pras is a vast, unpacked piste that turns into a real off-piste highway on powder days.
Avoriaz
With its many marked, ungroomed runs dedicated entirely to off-piste skiing, Avoriaz is also one of the best freeride spots in the world. If you must go there, don’t forget to experience freeride skiing in Les Crozats, a large valley that offers a very long descent to the Prodains cable car in Morzine.
Val d’Allos
The Val d’Allos has great freeride potential and very long slopes. On days with fresh snow, you will find plenty to ski towards the Observatory and in the Agneliers sector. The Vallon du Pouret is the best off-piste in the area when conditions allow access.
Chamonix
World-renowned for its high mountains, the Chamonix resort rhymes with freeride.
The Dolomites in Italy
This site is also a perfect destination for freeride skiing. From a base located near Corvara or Cortina, you can ski in corridors surrounded by immense cliffs, and go and find the best freeride routes depending on the conditions with seal skins!
Innsbruck Nordkette in Austria
This resort is one of the steepest in Europe. Epic lines appear when the snow falls, giving you slaloms between the trees or fabulous lines from Hafelekar. Add to that spectacular views of the nearby town and a very short commute from the airport and you can see why this is a safe choice for freeride skiing.
Stuben in Austria
This spot can boast of having the highest snowfall rate of all the resorts in the Alps and also has the advantage of being less crowded. It’s ideal for freeriding without being disturbed!
Niseko in Japan
This is the Holy Grail of Powder in Asia. From December to January, storms from Siberia come one after another, depositing snow in quantity on the island of Hokkaido. A trip to this spot will allow you to enjoy deserted forests drowned in the deepest and lightest powder on the planet.
Hakuba in Japan
This freeride ski spot is none other than the equivalent of Niseko in Honshu. The mountains are higher, and steeper, with quite a few bumps. Are you looking for thrills? You will be served in Hakuba!
