France is famous for its vast and varied ski terrain, but did you know it’s also home to some of the longest continuous ski runs in the Alps? Whether you love carving long, flowing turns or just want to soak in those alpine views for as long as possible, these top 10 longest runs in France promise exhilarating days on the slopes.
From blue cruisers to challenging reds, these pistes offer something for everyone - all with impressive vertical drops and unforgettable mountain scenery. Ready to test your stamina and skill? Let’s dive into the longest runs that France has to offer.
1. La Sarenne, Alpe d’Huez
Length: 16 km (the longest in Europe!)
Vertical drop: 1,850 m
Difficulty: Red (Advanced Intermediate)
Location: Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski Area
La Sarenne is legendary - a marathon piste that drops nearly two kilometers vertically! This red run is perfect for confident skiers who love a challenge and want to soak up stunning panoramic views of the Alps as they descend. It’s a bit of a cardio workout, but the satisfaction of completing it is unbeatable.
2. La Rosière to Bourg Saint Maurice
Length: 12 km
Vertical drop: 1,200 m
Difficulty: Blue (Intermediate)
Location: Espace San Bernardo
If you want a long, gentle cruise, this blue run is the perfect choice. Starting from the French resort of La Rosière, this route takes you all the way down to Bourg Saint Maurice. It’s ideal for intermediate skiers who want a scenic, relaxing descent after a day exploring the Espace San Bernardo area.
3. Bellecôte, Les Arcs
Length: 11 km
Vertical drop: 1,400 m
Difficulty: Red (Advanced Intermediate)
Location: Paradiski
This long red run delivers a thrilling descent from the Bellecôte glacier to the village of Les Arcs. The high altitude guarantees great snow, and the run is varied enough to keep you entertained, with some steeper sections to test your skills alongside wider cruising parts.
4. Le Fornet, Val d’Isère
Length: 11 km
Vertical drop: 1,350 m
Difficulty: Blue (Intermediate)
Location: Espace Killy
Le Fornet is a long, scenic blue run perfect for intermediate skiers who want to enjoy the beautiful surroundings of Val d’Isère without too much technical difficulty. It takes you from the upper reaches of the mountain back down to the village, with sweeping views of the iconic Vanoise massif.
5. Combe de la Saulire, Courchevel
Length: 10 km
Vertical drop: 1,400 m
Difficulty: Blue (Intermediate)
Location: 3 Valleys
This piste offers a long, flowing descent from the summit of Saulire down to Courchevel village. It’s a smooth blue run, making it perfect for confident intermediates who want to enjoy cruising through the heart of the 3 Valleys - the world’s largest linked ski area.
6. Mont Joly, Megève
Length: 10 km
Vertical drop: 1,100 m
Difficulty: Red (Advanced Intermediate)
Location: Evasion Mont Blanc
The Mont Joly run provides a wonderful mix of alpine scenery and skiing variety. Starting from the summit, it’s a challenging red run that winds its way through pine forests and open terrain. It’s a favourite for those looking to combine a scenic tour with some technical skiing.
7. Grand Montets, Chamonix
Length: 10 km
Vertical drop: 1,500 m
Difficulty: Red (Advanced Intermediate)
Location: Chamonix Mont Blanc
Grand Montets is famous for its steep, exhilarating skiing, but the long descent back to the village includes a rewarding 10 km run that tests your stamina and technique. Expect breathtaking views of Mont Blanc and some serious adrenaline along the way.
8. La Plagne’s La Roche de Mio
Length: 9.5 km
Vertical drop: 1,200 m
Difficulty: Blue (Intermediate)
Location: Paradiski
A great choice for intermediates looking for a long, cruisy descent. The La Roche de Mio piste offers wide-open spaces and great snow conditions, ending down in the sunny village of La Plagne, perfect for refueling after a long run.
9. Les Grandes Vans, Les Deux Alpes
Length: 9 km
Vertical drop: 1,150 m
Difficulty: Red (Advanced Intermediate)
Location: Les Deux Alpes
Les Grandes Vans offers a long, varied run that’s great for advanced intermediates. The route is a fantastic way to experience Les Deux Alpes’ glacier terrain and mix some steeper pitches with more relaxed sections.
10. Montchavin-Les Coches to Bourg Saint Maurice
Length: 8.5 km
Vertical drop: 1,200 m
Difficulty: Blue (Intermediate)
Location: Paradiski
This blue run is a peaceful and scenic route that takes you from the Montchavin-Les Coches area down to Bourg Saint Maurice. It’s a lovely way to end your day with some gentle cruising through beautiful alpine forested landscapes.
If you’re planning a ski trip to France, these runs are definitely worth adding to your itinerary - whether you want to conquer the longest descent in Europe in Alpe d’Huez or enjoy a long blue cruise through the Paradiski or 3 Valleys areas. Each run offers something special, whether it’s the thrill, the views, or just that perfect, long glide on your skis.
So wax those skis, don't go too heavy at the apres the night before, and get ready to experience some of the best and longest pistes France has to offer!
