Top 5 Most Dangerous Ski Slopes
Even though there are many ski slopes that can accommodate skiers of different skill levels, there are quite a few slopes that are only for daredevils and experienced skiers. These slopes have many obstacles including rocks, jumps, steep inclines, and narrow paths. These obstacles in addition to fast speeds make these slopes high risk, but high reward.
- Harakiri, Austria
This ski slope is no easy feat as it has drops of around 375 meters and an incline of 78%. This is the steepest groomed run in the world. If a skier falls on an incline this steep, they most likely fall down the rest of the mountain. This is believed to be the reason that it was named Harakiri which means the Japanese ritual of suicide performed by samurai.
- Corbet’s Couloir, Wyoming
Corbet’s Couloir starts off with a 10 to 20 foot free fall drop in order to get to the slope. In addition to the drop, this part of the slope is very narrow and is surrounded by rock walls on both sides. Because of the drop and the rock walls surrounding it, Corbet’s Couloir is internationally renowned.
- Grand Couloir, France
The Grand Couloir is unlike the other slopes, as it is ungroomed. This adds a whole new level of difficulty to the run. It only has an incline of 35%, but the rocks and bumps on the run make up for the more gradual slope. This run is also narrow and icy which makes it difficult to control speeds.
- La Chavanette, France
La Chavanette is on the border of France and Switzerland and is known as the Swiss wall because of how steep it is. The slope is so steep that from the top, the rest of the run is not visible. In addition to being steep, this slope includes many moguls as well as being narrow.
- Delirium Dive, Canada
Not only is Delirium Dive a slope for advanced skiers, but there is a requirement to bring avalanche gear on the run. While the ski patrol tries to minimize avalanches, every skier must bring a beacon, shovel, probe, and another skier with them. This risk of avalanches as well as rocks and narrow paths make this run a challenge for even the most experienced skiers.
