Our guide for advanced skiers and snowboarders

If it is not the first time that you are going to ski and you are one of those who as soon as you arrive at a ski resort you start to warm up on a red slope, you have come to the right place.

Welcome to the ski guide you have been waiting for: The Guide for advanced skiers and snowboarders.

Surely you will need some advice and you probably know most ski resorts really well and you could even ski down them with your eyes closed! So, what we're going to share with you here are some secrets that you surely did not know and some advice about the ski and snowboard equipment. 

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How can you improve your skiing or snowboarding technique?

If you are reading this, it is very likely that you are an advanced skier or snowboarder and feel that there's nothing new to learn. You're wrong! There's always something new to learn.

Most skiers and snowboarders, when they reach a fairly high level, think that it is the highest level they can aspire to. And if you go on a ski holiday a few times throughout the ski season, you're surely partly right if you already enjoy skiing as an amateur.

But if you are a regular at the ski resorts, you are surely looking to go one step further because there is always room for improvement. Hitting the slopes frequently is also a good way to get ski fit and avoid future injuries.

For this reason, the best way to improve your technique is in the hands of a professional, that is, any qualified teacher who is in the many Ski Schools that are in the resorts.

In fact, with Esquiades.com you can book ski and snowboard lessons with qualified teachers and add this service during the booking process in most ski resorts. Whatever your ski destination, a teacher may be the best way to continue getting to know the ski resort as they will show you hidden corners and secrets of the ski area (don't forget that they spend more time on the slopes than you do).

In addition, the instructor will give you advice on the equipment and whether or not you should change or renew it. 

What are the best ski resorts for advanced skiers and snowboarders?

Here we are going to reveal the best ski resorts if what you are looking for are incredible slopes, off-piste tracks and the odd entertaining black slopes.

Best ski resorts for advanced skiers and snowboarders in Europe:

❄ Ordino Arcalís: The northernmost resort in Andorra and known as “the Andorran fridge” has the best slopes for advanced skiers and the most amazing freeride routes. If you've been there, you'll agree that it's a true freeride paradise. It even has a specific area to practice this form of skiing.

❄ Boí Taüll: This resort located in the Catalan Pyrenees has several red and black runs that take your breath away. In fact, most of the tracks here are red and black. In addition, it is located on the north face of the mountain so the snow is always in perfect condition. 

❄ Baqueira Beret: One of the most famous and exclusive ski resorts on the peninsula. There are plenty of red slopes and off-piste routes, so if you like adrenaline, this resort is what you are looking for.

❄ Candanchú: This ski resort located in the Spanish Pyrenees is known for its views and for the steepness of several slopes. The Tubo Tuca II track stands out with a 52% incline and the well-known off-piste slope called “La Zapatilla”, is widely considered the steepest track in Spain with points that reach 65% unevenness.

❄ Grand Tourmalet & La Mongie: Although almost all the slopes are blue (ideal for intermediates rather than advanced), it has an incredible freeride area. This is the Pic du Midi de Bigorre, from which you can do some amazing off-slopes to the town of La Mongie (we always recommend doing it with mountain guides).

❄ Val d'Isere : Almost all its slopes are red, so you can test your technique in the hundreds of skiable kilometers it has. In fact, it connects to Tignes so you can ski over 300 kilometers. On the other hand, in Val d'Isere you can feel like a true world champion when sliding down the track where the “Stade Olympique” World Cup is held.

❄ Chamonix: The cradle of modern mountaineering and one of the quintessential freeride areas in the world. It has numerous red and black runs. In addition, you can enjoy a unique experience if you do the crossing of “La Mer de Glace” ... We assure you that you will not regret it.

❄ Arosa Lenzerheide: This is one of the best rated ski resorts in the world and almost half of all its slopes are red. In addition, it also has an alpine skiing World Cup track, the black "Weltcup & Trainingsstrecke".

And what are the biggest ski resorts?

Now that you know the most difficult ski resorts for expert and advanced skiers and snowboarders, we are going to show you the largest ski resorts where you can ski for days without having the repeat a single slope!

The largest ski resorts in Europe:

❄ Grandvalira: The Andorran ski resort is known for being the largest in the south of Europe. Its 210 skiable km and 64 ski lifts make it one of the favourite ski destinations for many Europeans. It has ski areas for all tastes. From Pas de la Casa, for advanced skiers like Canillo for more beginner skiers.

❄ Formigal-Panticosa: With a single ski pass you can access the largest ski area in Aragon (north of Spain). The 2 ski resorts add a total of 180 skiable km, with slopes for all levels and even several off-piste areas. In addition, in the Portalet ski area you will find a free ratrack machine that will take you to several incredible freeride tracks such as Cueva, Losa or Infierno.

❄ Sierra Nevada: They say that it is the sunniest ski resort in Spain. Its usually open from the end of November to May as it's located in the south of Spain and reaches 3,300 meters. It has 110 skiable km in total.

❄ Les Les 3 Vallées: It is one of the largest ski areas in the world and is made up of several connected ski resorts. It has 172 lifts, 318 slopes and 600 skiable kilometers. Almost nothing! If you want to spend at least a week skiing and not repeat absolutely any slopes, this is your ski destination. Enjoy the incredible views from Val Thorens or pamper yourself in the luxurious shops of Courchevel.

❄ La Rosière: Ski in two different countries with the same pass. Improve your technique on the French side on the many blue slopes or go skiing in Italy on the steep red slopes. Discover all the emotions that this ski area offers you through the 152 skiable km.

❄Le Grand Massif: An unknown ski area for many but that stands up to other better-known ski resorts in the Alps. There are 5 connected ski resorts (Flaine, Les Carroz, Morillon, Samoens and Sixt) and that add up to a total of 265 skiable km. Discover its less crowded slopes and forget about the queues at the ski lifts.

❄ Les 4 Vallées: Another ski gem in Europe. This great ski area is located in Switzerland, very close to France, and is well known for the exclusivity of its slopes. There's a total of 400 skiable km thanks to the union of the Verbier, Nendaz, Veysonnaz, Thyon and La Tzoumaz resorts.

❄ St. Moritz: Switzerland's most luxurious ski resort is also one of the largest in the country. It has 163 skiable km and most of its slopes are red and blue.

What equipment should you bring if you're an expert on the slopes?

Surely, if you are already an advanced skier or snowboarder, you already have your own equipment and you will not need to rent in the shops of the resort.

However, sometimes there are times when you may not be travelling with your own ski and snowboard gear and need to rent it on location.

In most shops and ski resorts, there are 3 categories available: gold, silver and bronze. Your intuition will tell you that as you are an expert, you will need the gold range ... But that isn't necessarily true. 

In fact, even if you are an expert skier or if you have a very advanced level, some bronze skis or boots will work just as well as any other range of equipment. In fact, the different categories that exist are usually very similar and what really changes is how old it actually is. For example, a gold range equipment will be almost new, while a bronze range is more likely to be about 2-3 years old.

And now that you have all the information you need, it's time to start planning your next ski holiday with Esquiades.com!