A classic ski couloir in a wild valley
After 14 winters based in the Alps, here are the best 50 trips I've had on my skis. Needless the say, the "to do" list is still much longer than this "done" list!
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Skiing every great line in Europe would require an endless budget and 10 lifetimes, so this list simply represents the best trips I've had in 14 years wandering around the continent in search of snowy adventures.
There's a reasonable geographical spread in this list but compiling it serves as a reminder of how much there is still be done - Central Switzerland, the Pyrenees and much of Italy have not had justice done to them. I will try to rectify this soon...
This guidebook might provoke some debate about what could/should be in it but great days are often measured by intangible factors so take it with a pinch of salt and enjoy creating your own list of favourites as the ski seasons come and go!
A classic ski couloir in a wild valley
The La Grave mega-classic
An accessible but highly rewarding Aravis classic
An easy ski tour to a perfectly positioned peak, followed by a steep and exciting descent. Ski touring doesn't get much better!
A truly brilliant ski descent which you are unlikely to share.
A large and very attractive couloir in plain view from Chamonix
A satisfyingly long descent from the Alps' highest summit.
This is a classic extreme skiing line, not only in Chamonix, but across the Alps. 900 meters of sustained and serious terrain between 40-50 degrees; enough to get anyones heart pumping.
Perhaps the most famous ski descent in the world? Technically moderate but very serious skiing in an absolutely breathtaking setting.
The classic ski-mountaineering trip of the area, taking in some mind-blowing scenery.
One of the classic tours of the Agiuille Rouge with a short section of exposed climbing
A beautiful and classic steep face with a hazardous entrance
A big adventure through some huge terrain
An excellent couloir on a prominent and quiet peak - what more can you ask for?!?!
THE Verbier classic taking a journey a long way from the ski area. Serious skiing in a serious environment.
One of the easier 4000m peaks in the Alps
A popular and long run. A classic St.Anton freeride route easily accessible via lifts.
A brilliant couloir which is best skied in spring snow.
A truly wild tour through a series of stunning valleys.
A truly epic ski descent through some huge terrain.
An awe inspiring journey around the Kalkogel range, home to some of Tirol's most dramatic peaks.
An exciting ski line which is visible from virtually all of Innsbruck city centre.
A stunning run with one of the best hike:fun ratios of any freeride line in Austria.
An aesthetic, atmospheric and exciting line off Innsbruck's most famous peak.
The Big Mountain Contest face and THE extreme line in Hochfügen
Long joyful route in a big area without any lifts and a kind of Alaska feeling.
A Stunning Journey Across the Sella Massif Followed By An Aesthetic Steep Descent
Lift access helps to make this a short tour with big rewards
An easily accessible hidden gem!
A fantastic route to an amazing summit with a bit of everything; a bowl, couloir, face and even some trees.
The Tatras are something of a hidden gem, and this classic route is a good example of why they should be better known!
A brilliant and atmospheric line through some big mountain terrain.
A beautiful tour through some immaculate ski terrain
A fun adventure across the Bucegi Plateau and down a spectacular valley
A staggeringly beautiful ski tour which also serves up some exciting, fast skiing.
A fun little tour which involves 2 excellent descents and some truly staggering views.
A truly brilliant line with perfect pedal-to-the-metal terrain.
A brilliant peak which dominates the view from the area to the south of it.
A long and wild journey in a stunning part of the Lyngen Peninsula.
A classic steep couloir which has the added draw of being visible from Innsbruck city centre!
A stunning tour and a fabulous ski descent through some of the finest terrain in Tirol.
Easy to access, steep couloir skiing. A La Grave classic.
A serious but truly exceptional, long and varied ski descent in breathtaking terrain.
A great run from an amazing summit. There's potential for plenty of powder on varied terrain but snowboarders should be prepared for a walk at the end.
A remote-feeling peak which provides huge views across Mont Blanc's South face and some fantastic tree skiing.
This run is fast, fun and steep. Not to far from the beaten track but an extremely interesting area of terrain. Taking advantage of Pila's secret spots
A low stress tour which can, conditions allowing, be possible anytime between November and June.
Amazing off-piste line. From the glacier to Cervinia town, enjoy this very long run for experienced riders.
A classic easy ski tour which has fabulous views
Just when you think ski season is over, and summer is here, you find a line like this!