9 of the Most Challenging Ski Runs That'll Test Your Skills

There’s more than one way to approach skiing. Some are in it for the lifestyle—apres, fur coats, that whole deal—others enjoy the sport itself. In that latter camp are individuals who don’t just ski for fun—they like to push themselves, potentially securing bragging rights in the process. If that’s you, you’re in the right place.

As you’re reading, you might notice that you aren't seeing any serious big mountain zones like McConkey’s and Corbet’s Couloir. Why? We already did that , and wanted to cover on-piste, cut runs. Second, this list doesn't just cover the usual suspects.

Damnation at Mt. La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a regional standout, even if it's tame compared to truly gnarly skiing out West or East. Finally, what's challenging to one skier might be easy to another, but these trails all share one thing in common—they're dang fun.

1. Rambo—Crested Butte, Colorado

Rambo, an infamous trail at Crested Butte, Colorado, is tough to beat. It’s been called the steepest cut run in North America, which makes sense given its 55-degree pitch. All told, the plunge is over pretty quickly, but along the way, you’ll tangle with shrubs, moguls, and rocks. There are leg burners, and then there’s Rambo.

2. The Streif—Kitzbühel, Austria

The Streif is so nutty the World Cup uses it as a premier race course. Part of the yearly Hahnenkamm races in Kitzbühel, Austria , the iced-up run is considered one of the World Cup’s most challenging. However, that hasn’t stopped race organizers from opening it up to the public after the racers are done.

One video, which has garnered thousands of views, shows regular skiers trying to survive the first pitch of The Streif. How does it go? For the most part, not well.

3. Freefall—Smuggler's Notch, Vermont

Located skier’s right of the Madonna Lift, Freefall is a Smuggler’s Notch, Vermont, test piece. Its upper section is proper sketchy with protruding rocks and regular gusts of wind.

Welcome wind protection is available lower down, but, as is East Coast tradition, the ice often remains. Smuggler’s Notch has other runs with mandatory airs that ratchet up the gnarly factor, but Freefall is the place to start notching your belt.

4. Harakiri—Mayrhofen Ski Area, Austria

Harakiri is wicked steep. Found on Mount Penken in Austria’s Mayrhofen Ski Area, the run is groomed with a special snowcat setup that uses a winch, and a blurb on the ski area’s website notes that “Preparing the slope with artificial snow is very complicated because the snow tends to slide down the slope.”

That means one thing—if you slip on Harakiri, you’re going for a ride . Make sure those edges are tuned before taking this one on.

5. Blazing Elk—Crystal Mountain, Washington

Blazing Elk, at Crystal Mountain, Washington, feels purpose-built for straight lines (follow applicable rules of conduct, people!). It’s a quick pitch followed by a long, nearly flat slope that’ll require some skating if you don’t keep your speed up.

While that flat portion means you’ll have time to get your speed back in check, it adds another challenging element to Blazing Elk: there’s a mean compression to contend with. For straight-line-minded skiers, Crystal Mountain offers up another run with a similar format—Little Portillo.

6. White Heat—Sunday River, Maine

White Heat is a Sunday River, Maine, classic. In 2024, it played host to the triumphant return of Bust N’ Burn, a freestyle competition hosted by none other than Donny Pelletier , Maine's Finest Athlete. Outside of the competition, White Heat serves up that rush we’re all looking for. Click in and let 'em run.

7. Damnation—Mt. La Crosse, Wisconsin

With a name like Damnation, it’s reasonable to expect fire, brimstone, and unrelenting steeps, but bear in mind, this is Mt. La Crosse, Wisconsin, we’re talking about. That isn’t to say Damnation is a slouch, though.

For the midwest, it is challenging and wouldn’t be the place to take a beginner skier. For the more advanced crowd, Damnation offers a chance to really crank the speedometer.

8. Regulator Johnson—Snowbird, Utah

Snowbird, Utah, might be known as a freeride mecca, but it has plenty of options for skiers looking to take the racing whips for a spin, including Regulator Johnson. The trail’s steep, wide, and easily accessed from the Little Cloud chair or the Aerial Tram.

9. Birds of Prey—Beaver Creek, Colorado

Famed downhill race courses aren't just a European thing. At Beaver Creek, Colorado, the Birds of Prey event pushes racers to their limit—and offers skiers hoping to test their mettle an opportunity.

The downhill course, which starts at the top of the Cinch Express Lift, hits a maximum steepness of 32 degrees. Sure, that’s less than Rambo, but if you consider the courses’ vertical drop—2,470 feet—the equation looks a bit different. In the skiing world, it’s a marathon.

Related: Best Crossover Resort/Ski Touring Boots of 2025

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