10 of the best big vertical drops and longest ski runs in the Alps for your 2025/26 ski holiday

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of spraying snow under your skis, turn after turn, knowing you’ve got miles of descent still ahead. For those who love long, sustained runs, the Alps are full of bucket-list pistes. Here are ten of the longest ski runs (on-pistes) in the Alps, ranging from pistes that test endurance, reward with scenery, and give you that real sense of alpine adventure. I’ve tried to include a mix of difficulty levels, so there’s something for intermediates as well as experts.

1. Klein Matterhorn → Valtournenche / Cervinia (Italy/Switzerland) – ~22 km

This is arguably the longest red run in Europe, starting high up on the Klein Matterhorn (≈ 3,883 m), weaving across glacier slopes, over ridges, and ending down in the Italian village of Valtournenche (or Breuil-Cervinia).

• Vertical drop: ~2,300-2,400 m.
• Why go: It’s long enough to really soak up the views — the Matterhorn looms, glaciers stretch; you’ll go from nearly 3,900 m down to ~1,524 m.
• Watch out for: Some lifts or traverses to connect sections, plus changing snow/glacier conditions near the top. Early in the day helps.

2. Klein Matterhorn → Zermatt (Switzerland) – ~16 km

If you prefer staying on the Swiss side, this descent from the same high-altitude station largely following the glacier then dropping through forests to Zermatt is an epic run.

• Vertical drop: Around 2,279 m.
• Why go: It’s one of the longest groomed valley connections you’ll find in the Alps. Early morning gives firm snow before it softens.

3. La Sarenne, Alpe d’Huez, France – ~16 km

This is the world-famous black run (or challenging red/black mixture, depending on version) that drops from Pic Blanc (~3,330 m) to Alpe d’Huez (~1,860 m).

• Vertical drop: ~1,800-2,000 m.
• Why go: It combines serious challenge with long cruising — after the steep upper part, the lower sections open into wide, sweeping terrain. Views back toward the Grandes Rousses are superb.

4. Schwarze Schneid, Sölden, Austria – ~15 km

• From the BIG-3 Platform (Rettenbach/Schwarze Schneid) down toward the valley. A long descent with varied terrain.
• Vertical drop: Approaching ~1,900 m.
• Suitability: Red/advanced intermediate skiers will love this. Be ready for glacier snow up top.

5. Panorama, Saas-Fee, Switzerland – ~14-15 km

Starting high above the Saas-Fee ski area (Mittelallalin / Felskinn) down toward the village; it’s long, scenic, and usually quite reliable snow.

6. Les Cascades, Flaine, France – ~14 km

A beautiful blue run — especially great if you want length without extreme steepness. Starts high and ends near forested terrain. Views are lush; surroundings dramatic.

7. “The Eleven” Ischgl, Austria – ~11 km

A long run (red/black mix) from the Greitspitz (≈ 2,871 m) down toward the resort. Not the longest on the list, but its length combined with vertical makes it rewarding.

8. Vallée Blanche, Chamonix, France – ~20 km (off-piste)

If you include off-piste, the Vallée Blanche from the Aiguille du Midi (~3,720-3,842 m) down toward Chamonix (~1,035 m) is one of the most famous long descents. Note: it’s a route, not always a maintained piste, glacier travel involved. Guide strongly recommended.

9. Hochjoch Totale, Silvretta Montafon, Austria – ~12 km

This one is known more for its valley run — it drops from high up at Grasjoch / Alpinagrat toward the valley in Montafon. Long and satisfying.

10. Parsenn slope / Weissfluhjoch → Küblis, Davos, Switzerland – ~12 km

A classic. The Parsenn descent from near Weissfluhjoch/Weissfluhgipfel (≈ 2,840-2,850 m) down to Küblis (≈ 814 m) gives you a long run with a big vertical drop. Tough on legs, great for confidence and vistas.

Tips to Tackle Long Ski Runs Like a Pro

• Start early: Snow is firmer higher up in the morning; first tracks if possible.
• Fitness matters: Long runs test endurance. Make sure your legs, quads especially, are up for the job.
• Equipment: Good skis (edge grip + stability), well-waxed; poles to help rhythm on flatter traverses.
• Weather & visibility: Particularly on glacier sections or high ridges, conditions change fast. Always check forecast.
• Hydration & breaks: Even if you want to ski continuously, stopping for a rest, food, drink makes the descent more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts

If you had to pick one run to shine above the rest, the 22 km Klein Matterhorn → Valtournenche/Cervinia is hard to beat for length + scenery + sheer alpine drama. But honestly, the best pick depends on what kind of thrill you want: steep, technical challenge, or slow, scenic sweeps.