If you’re still coming to grips with the snowplough, stop reading now. The following five runs, are the biggest and baddest in Europe. You have been warned…
Mont-Fort, Verbier, Switzerland
Cables cars are capable of swooshing 150 people at a time up the 3330metre high glacier slopes of Mont-Ford in the ski resort of Verbier, but few actually transport that many owing to the slopes notoriously difficult to navigate terrain and long, steep run of icy moguls. Even the fittest finish off shattered. Fly to Geneva, followed by two-hour train ride to La Chable. Read more.
West Wall, Cairngorm, Scotland
Beginners and pros alike mingle on the Cairngorm mountain, but the latter has best beware of the West Wall, a shocking black run beginning at the top edge of a narrow rocky gully before plunging down the gully wall. Heather, boulders and fences tend to poke through the snow so you need to be a fast worker. Fly to Inverness and continue the 30miles to Aviemore by road or rail. Read more.
Face De Bellevarde, Val d'Isère, France
The location for the 1992 Olympic men’s downhill ski, this black run is a variety of pitch and terrain from 2,900metres to 1,550metres, right in the centre of the village. It’s a blood-curdling run, and survivors will be glad to retreat to the resort’s celebrated nightlife hotspots. Fly to Chambèry and transfer by bus. Read more.
Pan De Rideau, La Grave, France
Once described by the editor of Ski and Board magazine as ‘absolutely terrifying’, Arnie Wilson’s counsel, drawn on experience, is that ‘you must have a guide, or you may as well jump under a bus’. Utter exhilaration, on the other hand, would seem to be the plus point for anyone taking up his advice. Fly to Chambèry and transfer by bus. Read more.
Grandes Montets, Chamonix, France
If you’re experienced enough to be able to take your eyes off your skis while daring this black run, you’ll get unrivalled views of the Argentière Glacier. The cliff drops away to the side of the run, and you’ll have to cling onto a rope for dear life as you navigate the narrow ridge leading to the start of the run. Fly to Geneva and transfer by rail or road. Read more.
Channel 4 is not responsible for the content of third party sites. Image courtesy of Office de Tourisme de Chamonix Mont-Blanc.
