Ski Resorts for the Expert Skier

Skiing is one of my favorite activities; most ski resorts can accommodate all skiers from novice to expert. However, there are some ski resorts around the world that only accommodate the expert skier, you must have the ability and knowledge to ski this difficult terrain. Here are the top five ski resorts that are open only to the expert skier.

Top 5 Ski Resorts for experts

Jackson Hole (Wyoming, USA)

Here at Jackson Hole, there is a 3-day steep and deep camp that is world-renowned and is highly recommended for the expert skier. At this resort every day is a powder day, the snow rarely has any tacks in it as it is constantly snowing here. This ski resort is so popular that the ski instructors fight to work here, all of the instructors go through a rigorous screening process and only the best will make it. If you want serious bragging rights, then come to Jackson Hole and take the 20-foot plunge off the side of the cliff face. Many have come and gazed over the edge, only to walk away. Jackson Hole welcomes and challenges any expert skier to come to Corbett's Coulior and see if you will walk away. Jackson Hole has a peak elevation of 6,300 feet, 112 total runs all ski terrain with 56 of those dedicated to expert skiers only.

While you are here at Jackson Hole, it is highly recommended to stay at the Trenton Village rather than Jackson Hole, which is a 25-minute drive from the skiing. Trenton Village is right at the slopes for your skiing pleasure.

Chamonix (France)

This ski resort houses the most ski guides in the world, there is no other resort that requires this many guides and ski patrol. Chamonix has avalanches, cliffs and deep crevasse that claim many lives each year and this is the reason that there are so many ski guides and patrols here in Chamonix, France. The skiing here in Chamonix on the French or Italian side you will encounter severe drop-offs, crevasses that will need to be jumped to reach the top where you will see both France and Italy, chose a side to ski and be careful, the avalanches in this area are vast. Chamonix has a total of 262 runs on ski terrain, 21 advanced runs and 230 lifts to accommodate everyone.

The place to stay while you are here is Chamonix Town so you will have a direct access to Vallee Blanche.

Squaw Valley (USA)

Squaw Valley is the birthplace for extreme skiing. At this ski resort in the 1980's Scott Schmidt, the grandfather of extreme skiing, pulled off the first 100 foot cliff jump while skiing and Squaw Valley has been famous for it's extreme skiing ever since. If you are an extreme skier, I suggest the Granite Chief run, this run sees less traffic due to it's extreme nature. There you will find mind-blowing drops and exceptionally fresh powder. Squaw Valley has 177 runs with 22 dedicated to the expert, 33 lifts on 4,000 acres of ski terrain. The base elevation at Squaw Valley is 6,200 feet with a peak elevation of 9,050 and a vertical rise of 2,850 feet.

Heavenly Valley, (Lake Tahoe, CA)

Here at Heavenly Valley is home to some of the most extreme skiers. Heavenly is so popular that people come from all over the world to ski here. Heavenly Valley has a base elevation of 6,200 feet, peak elevation of 10,067 feet on 4,800 acres of ski terrain with 177 runs. The steep chutes of Mott and Killebrew canyons, on the Nevada side are prime expert ski terrain and will give you the ride of your life. Otherwise, expert skiers can seek out the moguls of the east face and gunbarrell run, which are designated for the expert skier. As you ski here not only will you get the thrill of a lifetime, but also you will experience the most wonderful and peaceful place on earth.

Verbier (Switzerland)

Verbier is home to some of the most extreme ski terrain in the world, those who ski here, consider themselves the best of the best. Verbier also hosts great extreme skiing competitions each year that bring in the big mountain skiers of Europe. From the top of Mont Fort, you can see the Matterhorn and Mont Blanc, so bring a camera to capture this majestic mountain resort. Verbier has a base elevation of 4,500 feet; peak elevation of 9,990 feet with 100 runs on over 4,000 acres of ski terrain. Verbier welcomes only the advanced skier to experience this amazing mountain.