Largest ski resorts

There is some controversy as to what ski resort holds the title of being the largest in the world.  The one thing that is certain is that the largest ski resort is located in France.  The one that actually wins the title of being the biggest depends entirely on your definition of “largest”!  

   

Many people claim that the largest ski resort in the world is Portes du Soleil located in Alps in Northern France.  This enormous resort encompasses around 650km of trails which can be accessed from 230 lifts, all of which are accessible on the one liftpass!  These are spread over 14 valleys covering an area of around 400 square miles.     

As well as being one of the largest ski resorts in the world, Portes du Soleil is also one of the highest.  The lowest altitude of the area is 1,000m and the highest is 2,460m.  This altitude practically guarantees great snow conditions, reliable snowfall and long seasons.  In case of a lapse in snow conditions, there are over 600 snow cannons installed in Portes du Soleil to ensure that there is always great snow coverage.   

The controversy about Portes du Soleil arises due to the fact that the different valleys are not all linked by ski runs of lift passes and several of them can only be accessed by bus or walking.  Some people argue that this means that those areas cannot be included in the “linked” area of the resort and that there are other resorts that are larger within the one completely linked system. 

If you agree with this argument, then the largest ski resort in the world, by far, is Les 3 Vallées (The Three Valleys) also located in France.  This has around 600km of piste trails and 196 lifts. 

When it comes to the North American ski resorts, the largest is Whistler-Blackcomb which has 8,100 skiable acres.      

Some other large ski resorts

		Solden, Austria Solden is a huge resort in Ozlal. It has become the party place for the ski community. The slopes at Solden are varied and will keep all happy. The après ski activities begin around 4PM and can last until 4AM. Solden is definitely the party place.
		Saalbach Hinterglemm, Austria This is one of the biggest and most diverse ski areas in all of Austria. The trails will satisfy the most experienced skier and be safe enough for the new skier. The après ski amenities are incredible and endless.
		Saint-Lary-Soulan, France Saint-Lary-Soulan is in the French Pyrenees Mountains. With 55 trails of varied terrain, it is one of the biggest ski resorts in the area. Although the trails vary in experience level, there all also family slopes for those wishing to ski as a group.
		Cortina D’Ampezzo, Italy This is not only one of the biggest resorts but one with a varied terrain to please all levels of skiers. The Dolomite Mountains provide skiers with gentle slopes and challenging moguls. Choose your level of skiing ability and have fun at Cortina D’Ampezzo.
		Powder Mountain, Utah, USA Powder Mountain is one of the largest ski areas in the USA. It boasts 7,000 acres of various skiable terrain. Whether you are a new beginner to skiing or a seasoned expert, you will never tire of the trails at Powder Mountain.