With most ski resorts claiming their signature run to be head and shoulders above the rest, selecting the best slopes to strut your stuff on the season can be a veritable mogul field.
Thankfully, we at HedgeBrunch have put together a list of our favourite runs and resorts for you to conquer. Whether it’s spectacular scenery, purring cruisers or monstrous moguls you’re after, these lodges and runs offer something for everyone.
Grand Couloir
Courchevel, France
Level: Advanced/ Expert.
The Run: Even getting to the Alps’ most famous on-piste couloir requires some serious nerves of steel. Once off the cable car, you’ll need to navigate a narrow, icy 200-metre ridge, which boasts steep, rocky drop-offs on either side, and this is just the beginning. After this expect a pitched chute that even pros have been known to snowplow down. Definitely not for the faint-hearted!
Après Ski: Ku De Ta 1850 is the place to go to get the party started from 4pm onwards, and with its only vodka bar it’s certainly able to do that.
Where to Stay: Portetta, Situated in prime position at the foot of the slopes of Courchevel Moriond (1650), Portetta Hotel, Portetta Lofts and the Portetta Mountain Lodges are the perfect base for the ultimate ski experience.
The Cut
Vancouver, Canada
Level: Beginner.
The Run: 1,231 metres up and with breathtaking views over Vancouver, there is truly no better place to start your skiing adventure. With the run being open until 10pm you have the unique chance to see Vancouver sparkle as you tackle the slopes.
Après Ski: We advise heading back into Vancouver to enjoy the night life, but the Peak Chalet is a great place to unwind.
Where To Stay: Rosewood Hotel Georgia is only 20minutes away from Grouse Mountain and with it being located in the Downtown District it provides the opportunity to enjoy both skiing and the buzz of Vancouver.
La Sarenne
Alpe D’Huez, France
Level: Advanced.
The Run: At 10 miles, this is one of the longest runs in Europe, and is rightly considered to be one of the most iconic. You’ll encounter a steep mogul field before you dive into the picturesque Sarenne gorge. Be sure to check out our HedgeBrunch Ski Trip to Alpe D’Huez video here.
Après Ski: With La Folie Douche opening up in Alpe D’Huez it has quickly become the place to be to celebrate are hard day of skiing! Certainly a party not to be missed!
Where To Stay: Chamois d’Or is a spacious chalet right at the foot of the slopes. Open your eyes and enjoy the superb views of the majestic snow-covered Grandes Rousses mountain from your room, on the terrace or anywhere else in the chalet. More importantly, just open the door and put on your skis!
Triftji
Zermatt, Switzerland
Level: Advanced.
The Run: A mogul run that is truly infamous, and with it being 3,000m you’ll be out of breath before you start! This run is renowned for being extremely long, so you’ll need consistent technique to get to the bottom without exhausting yourself. If you are up to the challenge, it’s certainly worth giving this a shot!
Après Ski: Hennu Stall is our pick to enjoy your tipple of choice. With it being located near the bottom of the Furi-Zermatt slope, it is the most atmospheric après-ski destination in town.
Where To Stay: Backstage Hotel Vernissage, which was built by the designer, Mr Heinz Julen, is a Boutique masterpiece and our choice when visiting Zermatt.
CORBET’S COULIOR
Jackson Hole, Wyoming, USA
Level: Expert.
The Run: “Someone will ski that one day,” Said mountaineer Barry Corbet in 1960 while surveying what was to become Jackson Hole Resort. He was specifically pointing out the vicious narrow chute shaped like an inverted funnel. Turns out, he was right. Today, it is one of the world’s most celebrated and challenging ski runs: known to some as the leap of craziness. Depending on the snow fall you could be dropping in from anything between 2m to 9m!
Après Ski: The Million Dollar Cowboy Bar is a landmark watering hole packed with cowboy memorabilia, including Billy the Kid’s silver revolver. The venue is nearly as deep in celebrity patrons as Corbet’s Couloir is in powder – Messrs Justin Timberlake, Ryan Reynolds and Quetin Tarantino have all perched on these legendary bar stools.
Where To Stay: Hotel Terra, located in bustling Teton Village, is an “eco-boutique” property complete with slope-side location and rooftop hot tub!
