How much vertical did you ski?

Worked example

You ski 18 runs a day on a lift that serves 900 ft of vertical. That is 18 x 900 = 16,200 ft (4,938 m) a day. Over a three-day trip it is 48,600 ft (14,813 m). If you ski for 6 hours that is 2,700 ft per hour, 3 runs per hour. To reach a 20,000 ft day at 900 ft a run you need 20,000 / 900 = 22.2, so 23 runs.

How it works

Vertical = runs x drop per run. The calculator multiplies your number of runs by the vertical drop of each run, then converts using 1 metre = 3.28084 feet. A trip total multiplies the day figure by the number of days. Hours on snow divides the day total by hours. A goal divides the goal by the drop per run and rounds up to whole runs.

Use the vertical drop of the lift or run you ski, from the resort’s trail map or lift information. If you ski several different lifts in a day, add each lap’s drop as separate calculations, or use an average drop.

Basis: plain arithmetic (runs x vertical drop, 1 m = 3.28084 ft). No published standard is involved. Checked 2026-10-08.

Planning guide only, not professional, medical or safety advice. Conditions, equipment and ability change real needs; use your own judgment and local guidance.

FAQ

How do you calculate vertical feet skied?

Multiply the number of runs by the vertical drop of each run. 18 runs of 900 ft is 16,200 ft. The calculator also converts to metres at 3.28084 feet per metre.

How many runs for 20,000 vertical feet?

Divide the goal by the drop per run and round up. At 900 ft a run it is 20,000 / 900 = 22.2, so 23 runs.

Where do I find the vertical drop of a run?

Check the resort’s trail map or lift information, or use an altimeter or GPS reading from the lap you actually ski.

How do I add up different lifts?

Multiply runs by drop for each lift separately and add the results, or use an average drop for the day.

Does this also work for snowboarding?

Yes. The arithmetic is the same for skiing, snowboarding or any lift-served descent.