In 2025, skiing continues to fascinate millions of enthusiasts every winter. Many ski areas compete in size, variety of slopes, and modern facilities. Here are some of the largest or most remarkable ones in the world.
1. Les Trois Vallées, France
Located in the French Alps, it is one of the largest interconnected ski areas, with over 600 km of slopes. The Trois Vallées area includes Courchevel, Méribel, Val Thorens, Les Menuires… The high altitudes, variety of slopes (from green to black) as well as modern equipment make it a prime destination.
2. Les Portes du Soleil, France / Switzerland
Partially in Haute-Savoie, Les Portes du Soleil is a cross-border ski area combining high mountains and alpine charm. With over 600 km of slopes as well, it offers exceptional variety: gentle slopes for beginners, freeride sections, steep spires or peaceful forests. It is an emblematic area of Haute-Savoie, appreciated both for its unique layout and its proximity to major urban centers.
3. Paradiski, France
Paradiski includes La Plagne, Les Arcs, Peisey-Vallandry, for more than 425 km of slopes. Thanks to fast cable cars and efficient connections, this area allows you to move from one massif to another in minimal time.
4. Sella Ronda & Dolomiti Superski, Italy
In the Dolomites, the Dolomiti Superski area includes 12 different resorts for more than 1,200 km of slopes. The Sella Ronda loop is very famous: it offers total immersion in the Italian mountains with stunning panoramas.
5. Zermatt-Cervinia-Vally, Switzerland / Italy
Connected via the Cervin-Matterhorn glacier, this cross-border link offers skiing almost all year round. The high altitude (over 3,800 meters) guarantees good snow, even at the end or beginning of the season.
6. Whistler Blackcomb, Canada
On another continent, Whistler Blackcomb counts more than 200 slopes and over 160 km skiable terrain. It is one of the largest ski areas in North America, with heavy snowfalls, vast off-piste areas, numerous high-end facilities, and a huge resort atmosphere.
7. The Swiss Alps – Verbier / Les 4 Vallées
The 4 Vallées area includes Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon… with approximately 412 km of slopes. Highly appreciated for its freeride side, panoramas, and altitude.
8. Japan: Niseko United
In Japan, on the island of Hokkaido, the Niseko United ski area attracts for its abundant snowfalls (often powder), unique atmosphere, onsens, and ski culture focused on mountain and nature.
Focus on Haute-Savoie resorts: Les Portes du Soleil and Le Grand Massif
While the world counts these vast areas, Haute-Savoie holds its own. It combines spectacular mountain massifs, views of Mont Blanc, and many resorts. Two areas stand out in particular: Les Portes du Soleil and Le Grand Massif.
Les Portes du Soleil
- Located straddling France and Switzerland, this area is one of the largest interconnected ski areas in the western Alps.
- It includes about twenty resorts, such as Avoriaz, Morzine, Les Gets, Champéry (Switzerland), Abondance…
- You can ski on nearly 650 km of slopes, depending on open connections, making it a destination where you can explore very different sectors day after day.
- Nature lovers find their account here: fir forests, lake panoramas, freeride, varied snowparks.
- Moreover, its proximity to Geneva or Switzerland makes it easily accessible for many ski enthusiasts.
Le Grand Massif
- Also located in Haute-Savoie, this area includes the resorts of Flaine, Les Carroz, Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval, Morillon, Samoëns…
- It offers about 265 km of slopes (or more depending on the opening of sectors).
- You can enjoy varied slopes, wooded areas, and majestic panoramas of the Mont Blanc massif.
- Less extensive than Les Portes du Soleil or Paradiski, but often considered quieter, perfect for families or skiers looking to avoid the crowds of large centers.
Comparative ranking and size criteria
When we talk about the “largest ski area,” several criteria come into play:
- Length of skiable slopes: the more varied kilometers the area offers, the more attractive it is.
- Interconnection of resorts: the ability to move from one resort to another without taking the car adds a lot of value.
- Altitude and snow reliability: glaciers, very high peaks, north-facing slopes, all help to have a longer ski season.
- Facilities, lifts, modernization: fast cable cars, snowmaking installations, infrastructures for comfort (accommodation, catering).
- Diversity of activities: off-piste, snowparks, ski touring, Nordic skiing, etc.
According to these criteria, areas like Dolomiti Superski, Les Portes du Soleil, Trois Vallées, or Whistler Blackcomb top the list.
Quick comparison of the largest ski areas (2025)
| Area | Country | Km of slopes | Max altitude | Special feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolomiti Superski | Italy | 1,200 km | 3,269 m | UNESCO, panoramas |
| Trois Vallées | France | 600 km | 3,230 m | Luxury, variety |
| Portes du Soleil | FR / CH | 600 km | 2,466 m | Franco-Swiss, forests |
| Paradiski | France | 425 km | 3,250 m | Vanoise Cable Car |
| 4 Vallées | Switzerland | 412 km | 3,330 m | Verbier Freeride |
| Grand Massif | France | 265 km | 2,500 m | Mont-Blanc view |
| Whistler Blackcomb | Canada | 200 km | 2,284 m | North America |
| Zermatt-Cervinia | CH / IT | 360 km | 3,883 m | Ski 365 days/year |
| Ski Arlberg | Austria | 305 km | 2,811 m | Skiing history |
| Niseko United | Japan | 90 km | 1,200 m | Unique powder snow |
Equipment advice: used skis, cheap men’s or women’s skis
Skiing in a large area does not mean you have to invest in brand-new, expensive equipment. Here’s how to save money while having good gear:
- There are specialized platforms for used and second-hand skis, which makes it possible to get skis in good condition at a fraction of the new price.
- If you are looking especially for men’s equipment, check out offers for cheap men’s skis, where you will find models suited to the male morphology, often robust and with good bindings.
- For women, specific models are also offered: boots, lighter or adaptive skis according to the style of skiing. You can browse used women’s skis offers to find boots, skis, or suitable accessories.
- If you are lucky enough to live in Haute-Savoie, don’t forget the ski exchanges at the start of the season.
Buying second-hand or taking advantage of promotions allows you to ski in large areas without breaking the bank, while renewing your equipment regularly for more safety and comfort.
In 2025, the largest ski areas in the world continue to fascinate with their size, variety, and grand landscapes. Les Portes du Soleil and Le Grand Massif perfectly illustrate how Haute-Savoie combines beauty, accessibility, and quality: on one side a very large and varied area, on the other a more compact massif, but rich in charm and authenticity.
Whatever your level, your preferences (groomed slopes, freeride, atmosphere, calm or buzz), or your budget, the choice of a ski area will depend as much on your desire for a change of scenery as on how you experience skiing.
