For first time skiers and snowboarders, the thrill of exploring a winter wonderland with fresh eyes, is a once in a lifetime experience. When it comes to booking that first holiday there are lots of components to bring together including ski hire, lift passes and where to ski. With just under 4000 ski resorts in Europe the choice can be a bit overwhelming.
Here we’ll look at some tips to make your decision easier. This includes some tips on what to check a ski resort contains and a summary of good beginner ski resorts in Europe. Whether you’re a family with young learners, joining your experienced partner or a group of friends trying something new this should give you some tips to find the right resort for you.
How to choose a good beginner ski resort
For novice skiers planning their European winter getaway, several key factors contribute to a successful and enjoyable experience on the slopes.
1. Availability of green and blue runs
Specifically designed for beginners, these gentler slopes provide a less intimidating environment for learners to build confidence and practice their skiing skills. Resorts with a variety of beginner-friendly terrain allow novices to progress at their own pace, making the learning process enjoyable and less daunting.
2. Ski School Choices
Choosing a ski resort that offers a variety of ski school packages is a good move for beginners. Professional instruction is invaluable for acquiring fundamental skills and boosting confidence on the slopes. Some resorts bundle lessons with lift passes for beginner packages, making it more convenient and cost effective for first time skiers.
3. Proximity to the lifts
Staying in close proximity to the slopes eliminates the need for an awkward walk to ski lifts or navigating a busy bus. In some cases, you can simply pop your skis on outside your accommodation and gently glide down to the nearest lift.
4. Other Activities in the resort
Beyond skiing, a well-rounded resort should offer a variety of alternative activities. Engaging in non-skiing pursuits, such as spa facilities, ice skating, sledging or cultural experiences, can enhance the overall trip.
Beginners, especially, may appreciate the opportunity to take a break from skiing to explore other aspects of a ski resort, creating a more diverse and fulfilling winter holiday experience.
5. Time of year to travel
Weather and snow conditions are something that more experienced skiers can bore with over the winter season. Picking the best time to go can be a bit of luck but there are definitely better times to hedge your bets.
Beginners benefit from the softer, fresher snow conditions, however finding your feet in a blizzard can be scary if you’ve not experienced this before. Springtime often has a good mix of both, lighter days with regular snowfalls providing a better balance to enjoy the slopes. Here’s some more information on the best ski resorts for Easter snow.
Best ski resorts in Europe for beginners
Les Menuires (France)
A high-altitude snow haven for new learners, looking for convenience on a first-time ski holiday.
Situated in the Three Valleys ski area, Les Menuires offers plenty of picturesque blue and green runs, providing beginners with ample space to practice turns and refine skiing skills, whilst taking in the mountain scenery.
Family-orientated tour operators have selected Les Menuires as a safe and accessible location for younger learners. Accommodation is practically situated so short walks or even a short ski gets you to the ski lifts. Les Menuires allows beginners to learn comfortably close by but with access to a wider ski area for those who progress quickly.
La Rosiere (France)
A popular choice for family groups with young learners, with multiple ski school choices.
La Rosiere ski resort, twinned with the Italian gem La Thuile, boasts a range of gentle green and blue runs perfect for practising your technique. Two free lifts, the Manessier ski lift at La Rosière Centre and the Lutins carpet lift at Les Eucherts, ensure beginners have convenient access to practice areas before investing in a lift pass to wider areas.
Situated at high-altitude, La Rosiere guarantees more reliable snow conditions, providing a smoother learning experience without the challenges of excessively icy or slushy snow. This family-oriented resort creates an ideal setting for a positive first-time skiing experience.
Champoluc (Italy)
Best suited for mixed ability group with beginners, looking for a traditional Italian ski experience.
As the largest of the three resorts in the Monterosa ski area, Champoluc is well suited to family groups. The resort offers a perfect combination of accessibility, gentle slopes, with beginners’ slopes at Antagnod, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable introduction to skiing.
Champoluc boasts reputable ski schools, staffed with experienced instructors dedicated to guiding beginners, fostering a supportive and confidence-building learning environment.
You’ll find the village maintains a traditional mountain charm without the influx of commercial style hotels. Enjoy an authentic Italian aperitivo, usually served with a selection of appetisers to recharge after your day learning to ski.
Avoriaz (France)
A car-free ski resort suitable for all with easy access to slopes, après ski and other amenities.
Avoriaz, a central resort in the renowned Portes du Soleil and bordering Switzerland, is a fantastic choice for beginner skiers. The resort’s accessibility is a highlight, with largely ski-in, ski-out accommodations and a car-free environment. The shorter transfer time, under 2 hours from Geneva, adds to the convenience.
You’ll find a wide variety of green and blue runs, allowing beginner skiers and snowboarders to build confidence at their own pace. Beyond the slopes, the resort offers a plethora of mountain amenities, including sleigh rides, indoor leisure pool, spa facilities, an ice rink, and a diverse selection of restaurants and lively bars.
Alpe d’Huez (France)
An accessible ski resort for beginners with a wide choice of other activities if a break from ski lessons if required.
Alpe d’Huez in the southern French Alps is conveniently located under 2 hours from Grenoble Airport.
The resort offers easily accessible nursery slopes and for those pinching the pennies, there are 2 free ski lifts dedicated to beginners, along with a special beginner pass priced at 29€ per day.
Additionally, Alpe d’Huez provides a wide range of amenities beyond the slopes, including a sports centre, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a gym, an ice-skating rink, and a climbing wall for diverse recreational activities.
Mayrhofen (Austria)
Great for adult beginners also seeking a bit of traditional Austrian après ski.
Mayrhofen, nestled in the picturesque Zillertal Valley of Austria is an excellent resort for adult beginners seeking a perfect blend of skiing and lively après-ski experiences.
With four prominent ski schools, beginners can choose from group or private lessons, ensuring personalised instruction to boost confidence on the slopes.
Beyond the skiing experience, Mayrhofen offers a vibrant après-ski scene, providing the perfect atmosphere for rest and relaxation after a day on the slopes. The lively bars and charming atmosphere make it an ideal place to unwind, socialise, and share skiing stories.
La Thuile (Italy)
Best suited for beginner skiers looking for picturesque pistes and a more traditional mountain village.
La Thuile, neighbouring the French resort La Rosiere, offers a delightful Italian skiing experience. The nursery slopes at Les Suches provide an accessible and gentle introduction to skiing, complemented by nearby rolling blue runs that are perfect for building confidence.
The affordability of restaurants in La Thuile adds to the appeal, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious beginners looking for a well-rounded experience on and off the slopes.
The resort boasts a traditional mountain atmosphere with a village-like feel, contributing to a charming and welcoming environment for first time skiers.
Saas Fee (Switzerland)
For first timers looking for high-end and high altitude.
As a higher-end choice this traditional swiss ski resort offers high altitude skiing for beginners for a better chance of better snow conditions.
Saas Fee in Switzerland emerges as an ideal ski resort for beginners, boasting a car-free village that enhances the tranquil mountain experience.
With a high-altitude reaching up to 3600m and glacier skiing, the resort ensures snow security, providing forgiving snow conditions for learners.
The proximity of beginner slopes to the resort centre offers convenience, allowing newcomers easy access to skiing without navigating through advanced areas. This separation from more bustling and challenging terrain creates a focused and comfortable environment for beginners to hone their skills against the breathtaking backdrop of the Swiss Alps.
Lech (Austria)
Best suited to new skiers seeking the luxurious side of skiing, alongside the traditions of Austria.
Lech and Oberlech in the Alberg region of the Austrian Alps is charming traditional ski village with several upmarket places to stay.
The gentler beginner slopes are found in Oberlech with wide blues to assist progression and grow confidence.
Although you’ll find some authentic après ski, it’s a quieter ski resort than more famous, lively resorts nearby like St Anton.
There’s plenty of other activities to keep you entertained off the slopes if you fancy snowshoeing, indoor skating and tobogganing.
Best value ski resorts for beginners
Pas de la Casa (Andorra)
Best suited to families looking for a better value option.
Pas de la Casa in Andorra is one of the cheapest ski resorts for beginner skiers, Part of the Pyrenees, Andorra is known for its affordability, and Pas de la Casa stands out as one of the most cost-effective destinations.
The resort offers reasonably priced accommodations, lift passes, and ski lessons, making it an attractive choice for those on a budget, but is Andorra good for skiing? For beginners, there are gentle slopes conducive to learning, and ski schools provide affordable instruction to help novices gain confidence on the snow.
Additionally, the duty-free status of Andorra allows for tax-free shopping, contributing to overall cost savings. With a lively après-ski scene and a range of amenities, Pas de la Casa ensures a wallet-friendly yet enjoyable skiing experience, making it an excellent choice for those looking to balance cost and quality in their winter getaway.
Borovets (Bulgaria)
Best for those looking to experience a traditional mountain experience for a small price.
Best for those looking to experience a traditional mountain experience for a small price.
Borovets in Bulgaria is an excellent budget ski resort, offering an ideal combination of affordability and quality for beginner skiers. Known for its reasonable prices across all ski trip essentials, Borovets stands out as one of the more cost-effective options in Europe.
For beginners, Borovets provides gentle slopes and well-priced ski schools, allowing newcomers to learn and progress without breaking the bank. The resort’s commitment to offering a variety of amenities and activities, coupled with its picturesque mountain scenery, ensures that budget-conscious skiers can still enjoy a fulfilling and memorable winter holiday in Bulgaria’s beautiful Rila Mountains.
Find out more about: How to book a cheap skiing holiday.
Get Skiing Insurance with SportsCover Direct:
As a first-time skier you may not know that not all travel insurance policies cover Winter Sports Insurance, so it is important to check you are fully protected before you embark on your first ski run.
SportsCover Direct’s skiing insurance offers the essential cover to ensure you’re properly protected for your skiing premier. It offers cover for incidents such as cancellations, personal accidents, search and rescue, medical expenses, lost or stolen baggage and more.
Read more and get a quote online.
Bee Ingram
Content Writer for SportsCover Direct
This blog has been created as general information and should not be taken as advice. Make sure you have the correct level of insurance for your requirements and always review policy documentation.