While considered the easiest of ski run ratings, skiers of all levels will never turn their nose up at a perfectly groomed, wide blue! Ideal for perfecting your turns, taking those first steps towards carving, or simply enjoying the mountains to the fullest, the best blue ski runs will have you heading back up the slopes for just one more run before last lifts.
If you’re keen to hunt out the very pièce de résistance (or should we say piste de résistance) of blue runs, check out our team’s top picks before planning your next trip to the Alps.
Updated: 17th February 2026
Best Blue Ski Runs in France
Once you graduate from green learning zones, you’ll unlock so much more of the mountain, even by just sticking to the blues.
1. Le Fornet – Val d’Isere
Length: 11km | Vertical drop: 1,350m | Location: Tignes-Val d’Isere
One of the longest blues to make our list. While Val d’Isere is often associated with some of the most impressive advanced pistes, Le Fornet is a must for any skier. Taking you from the top of the mountain back down to the village, skiers will enjoy gorgeous, sweeping views of the Vanoise massif without too technical a descent.
2. Combe de la Saulire – Courchevel
Length: 10km | Vertical drop: 1,400m | Location: Three Valleys
Another long, smooth, rolling blue that takes you right back into the village. Ideal for intermediates, it’s a great run to start testing your parallel turns with a bit more speed. Dom says, “It’ll get your legs going, making sinking into the hot tub all the more rewarding!”
3. Jerusalem – Meribel
Length: 3.6km | Vertical drop: 500m | Location: Three Valleys
Often voted one of the very best blues in Meribel and France, Jerusalem offers breathtaking panoramic views from the summit at 2,400 m. Skiers will cross the ridge between Meribel and the charming village of Saint-Martin-de-Belleville. Expect perfectly groomed corduroy pistes in the morning, ideal for racing down first thing.
4. Tunnel des Inversens – La Plagne
Length: 1.9km | Vertical drop: 300m | Location: Paradiski
A fun, wide blue ideal for families. As the name suggests, it features a tunnel halfway down the piste with multi-coloured lights – a hit with the kids. Miles always heads here after ski school has ended.
5. Chalets – Alpe d’Huez
Length: 3km | Vertical drop: 300m | Location: Alpe d’Huez
Taking you back toward Vaujany, this quieter area is ideal for practising your turns. At the bottom, you can link up with the Edelweiss run, another gentle blue. Once confident, Vaujainte offers a first red descent down the valley.
6. Lauze 2 – Les Deux Alpes
Length: 1.5km | Vertical drop: 300m | Location: Les Deux Alpes
Sitting at an impressive 3,600 m, Lauze 2 doesn’t attract the same crowds as the top Jandri Express blues. Best skied on a bluebird day, and only for those comfortable tackling T-bars!
Ski chalets in Les Deux Alpes >>
7. Les Cascades – Flaine
Length: 14km | Vertical drop: 1,800m | Location: Grand Massif
The longest blue you’ll find across the Alps! Take a picnic to enjoy mid-run and refuel. A great descent through alpine forests, the piste connects Flaine and Sixt Fer-à-Cheval. At the bottom, you’ll need a bus back to Samoëns for another lap.
Best Blue Ski Runs in Austria
*Please note that length and vertical drop are estimated with less statistics readily available in Austrian resorts.
8. Piste 200 – Lech
Length: 4km | Vertical drop: 600m | Location: Arlberg
Running from Oberlech down into the village, Piste 200 is a relaxed, gently rolling run. Perfect for testing out your carving technique while enjoying the views.
9. Piste 64 – St Anton
Length: 3km | Vertical drop: 500m | Location: Arlberg
An iconic blue linking St Anton with St Christoph. Sun-drenched and fun, it’s the ideal way to start your day. Don’t miss the infamous Hospiz Alm for a Stroh hot chocolate or a coffee.
10. Piste 1 – Sonnenkopf
Legnth: 2km | Vertical drop: 500m | Location: Arlberg
Part of the Arlberg lift pass, Sonnenkopf is quieter and slightly harder to access. A winding slope through trees makes it a perfect way to wrap up your day before an Aperol Spritz at the bottom.
Best Blue Ski Runs: Overview
| # | Run Name | Country | Length | Vertical Drop | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Le Fornet | France | 11 km | 1,350 m | Tignes–Val d’Isère | Long, sweeping blue from top to village with gorgeous Vanoise views. |
| 2 | Combe de la Saulire | France | 10 km | 1,400 m | Three Valleys | Rolling run back to the village; ideal for testing parallel turns. |
| 3 | Jerusalem | France | 3.6 km | 500 m | Three Valleys (Méribel – Saint-Martin) | Flowing, sun-drenched blue with panoramic views; perfect for holiday photos. |
| 4 | Tunnel des Inversens | France | 1.9 km | 300 m | La Plagne (Paradiski) | Family-friendly blue with tunnel section and colourful lights. |
| 5 | Chalets | France | 3 km | 300 m | Alpe d’Huez | Quieter area ideal for practicing turns; links to Edelweiss and Vaujainte. |
| 6 | Lauze 2 | France | 1.5 km | 300 m | Les Deux Alpes | High-altitude blue; quiet and panoramic; ideal for confident intermediates. |
| 7 | Les Cascades | France | 14 km | 1,800 m | Grand Massif | Longest blue in the Alps; alpine forest descent; great for a full-day run. |
| 8 | Piste 200 | Austria | 4 km | 600 m | Arlberg (Lech) | Relaxed, gently rolling run; perfect for carving practice. |
| 9 | Piste 64 | Austria | 3 km | 500 m | Arlberg (St. Anton – St. Christoph) | Sun-drenched intermediate blue; great for starting the day; stop at Hospiz Alm for a hot drink. |
| 10 | Piste 1 | Austria | 2 km | 500 m | Arlberg (Sonnenkopf) | Winding, quieter slope through trees; perfect way to end your day. |
A winter lover, Annie first hit the slopes in her early teens before going on to complete her ski instructor qualification and two seasons in St Anton. While she’s now most often spotted on a snowboard, Annie still thrives on the thrill of chasing fresh powder and capping off her day with a little boogie – preferably at the Krazy Kanguruh!
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Top 5 Best Ski Resorts for Beginners