Top 5 Ski Resorts For The Advanced Solo Skier

Whether you’re bored of your regular ski haunts, or you just want an excuse to leave your beginner friends behind, here are 5 of the best ski resorts that only an expert will truly appreciate.

Chamonix (France)

As one of Europe’s oldest and most popular ski resorts, Chamonix is an absolute must ski for anyone that considers themselves an expert. This was where the very first Winter Olympics were held in 1924, and is a resort that is steeped in history and tradition.

The Glaciers on Mont Blanc and on Les Grand-Montets are as spectacular as they are deadly. With a total of 163km of piste, it’s not the biggest of Europe’s many resorts but it certainly is one of the most challenging. But beware that due to its reputation it’s one of the top resorts to be “seen in” so the throngs of skiers heading for the slopes can be quite a chore.

Tip – Take the Vallée Blanche tour for some spectacular views and ask the locals about the many off piste areas for a serious challenge.

Whistler (Canada)

If you’re looking for a resort that has it all from the moment you step off the lift, then Whistler is the resort for you. The immaculately maintained pistes and many miles of tree runs are easily accessible, meaning no need for hiking to get your thrills.

Whistler boasts some of the steepest inbounds terrain in North America with 30% of its total runs for advanced and expert skiers. That’s 50 runs and countless miles of off piste action.

Tip – Take a guide and head for the gladed areas named Doom & Gloom, and try out the couloir known as “the coffin”. One way in and straight down with a few air drops, an experts dream!

Verbier (Switzerland)

The number one destination for Europe’s best big mountain skiers, Verbier is often considered the home of extreme skiing. This is another resort that boasts some pretty challenging skiing conditions very close to the resort’s 89 lifts. But if you’re prepared to make a short hike the off piste runs of “Stairway to Heaven” and “Highway” are well worth the effort.  

410km of pistes offer some serious runs for the advanced skier and add to that the many off piste opportunities and you’ve got yourself the perfect destination for experts.

Tip – Head for the backside of Mount Fort for the many couloirs, steep faces and cliffs. But be warned this for the most elite of expert skiers.

Revelstoke (Canada)

In the not too distant past Whistler was considered North America’s best resort for experts. But with the arrival of Revelstoke as the new kid on the block, it’s a toss-up between the two. With 48% of the runs designated as expert level, you’ll be spoiled for choice here.

Revelstoke’s many heli-skiing and cat skiing opportunities are not to be missed and are the experience of a lifetime. But if you’re just sticking to the skiing, then the runs Pitch Black, Critical Path, Snow Rodeo and Devil’s Club, can sort out your thrill quota for the day.

Tip – Head for the North bowl where there’s plenty of challenging cliffs and steeps sure to get the blood pumping.

Zermatt (Switzerland)

Often touted as the best resort for thrill seekers, Zermatt is one of Europe’s most popular ski destinations. It has Europe’s highest tree line and provides all year round skiing on one the largest glaciers on the continent.

For advanced skiers Zermatt’s biggest attraction is the off piste action. The very best of which is known only to those in the know. Ask around or better still hire a guide and after a short trek, get started on the serious skiing on seldom touched fields of snow.

Tip – Try your luck on the Trifti which is one of Europe’s longest and most challenging mogul slopes.

So the next time you plan a ski holiday, leave your beginner friends at home head for one of these top resorts for advanced skiers and let the adrenaline flow.