Best ski resorts for beginner skiers
As a beginner skier or snowboarder, the most important thing is to feel confident on the slopes. It's hard to do that when you're surrounded by steep dropoffs and crazy skiers and snowboarders whizzing past you on all sides! Luckily, these resorts are nicely laid out with tame nursery slopes and enough terrain to let you develop your skills in a stress-free environment.
Breuil-Cervinia, the ideal ski resort for learning how to ski
Breuil-Cervinia is known for its gentle wide pistes. There are over 70 kilometers of blue runs here and you’ll rarely come across a black run! Once you reach the next level, the red runs go on forever so you can practise all day.
- At the foot of the Matterhorn
- Well-prepared pistes
- Good selection of blue and red runs
Les Saisies, learning to ski is affordable and easy
Multiple blue and green runs are one reason to learn to ski at Les Saisies, but budding freestylers will be particularly delighted with the easy “green” line through the snowpark. Learning to jump has never been so easy!
- 2 free beginner’s lifts
- Separated beginner’s zones
- Panoramic views of Mont Blanc
Ehrwald, beginner’s heaven
Ehrwald has long been popular with beginner skiers, with plenty of spacious blue slopes where beginners can practise their first turns. The ski area has a whopping 73km of blue and only 8km of black runs, perfect for beginners.
- High proportion of blue and red slopes vs. black
- Good value for money
- Quiet, family-friendly resort
La Plagne, build your confidence
La Plagne is part of the Paradiski area, which has 425km of ski slopes. Aside from the nursery slopes, Paradiski has separated many pistes into an “easy” and a “difficult” half, so groups with mixed abilities can ski together.
- One of the largest ski areas in the world
- Over 170km of slopes for beginners
- Lively resort centre
Gently does it in Adelboden
Adelboden is a good place to work your way up through the levels, with a plethora of well-groomed blue and red runs as well as several beginner’s lifts. There are hardly ever queues and the snow is virtually guaranteed.
- Experienced ski and snowboard teachers
- Peaceful village atmosphere
- Wide selection of restaurants and accommodation
Risoul, scenic way to learn skiing
Risoul features several beginner’s slopes at higher altitudes, which is great in terms of snow cover – and lets you enjoy an even better view while you practise! The snowpark caters to every level, beginners included.
- Pistes easily accessible from the resort
- Attractive village built in wood and stone
- Reliable snow conditions
Les Gets, easy slopes for beginners
- Easily accessible from Geneva airport
- Family-friendly
- Range of alternate wintersport activities
Soldeu (Andorra), snow capital of the Pyrenees
Part of the fast-growing GrandValira, largest ski area in Andorra, Solden has access to nearly 200km of pistes. It is usually possible to ski back to the village, so no need to take a gondola down after a long day of skiing!
- High-altitude slopes
- Native English-speaking instructors
- Reasonably priced town
Saint-Gervais, skiing in a traditional spa resort
Saint-Gervais has a long history as a wellness retreat and is still popular today as one of the best places in France to spend a relaxed ski holiday. 200km of green and blue slopes next to the village accommodate beginner skiers.
- Incredible views of Mont Blanc
- Cosy spa town with boutique hotels and restaurants
- Scenic location
Les Menuires, ski-in, ski-out
Over 50km of green and blue pistes make Les Menuires a wonderful ski area for beginners. The family-friendly resort also has a dedicated beginner’s zone with a selection of routes that are ideal for starting to explore the sport.
- Part of 3 Valleys ski area
- Centrally located nursery slopes
- Ski-in, ski-out accommodation available