If this is the first time you are clipping in your boots to brave the green runs, do not let it deter you from learning the skiing process. Thanks to the technological advancement in equipment, gone are the days when it took three long weeks only to come to grips with the basics.
Moreover, finding ski holidays for beginners was once daunting, but there are so many dedicated ski learning destinations that are cherry picked for first timers, that finding a quality resort that offers tuition and confidence building slopes is a piece of cake. Here is a list of some of the top skiing destinations that go above and beyond for those starting out.
Best Skiing Destinations for Beginners
Les Arcs, France
For beginners and intermediates in Europe, Les Arcs is our leading choice as it is popular with both snowboarders and skiers alike of every ability. That said, Les Arcs has a free beginner lift, as well as nursery slopes above every village in the region.
Additionally, the prime location of Les Arcs in the Savoie region makes it a prime place to enjoy local specialties like raclette cheese and blueberry tarts. For apres ski options, look no further than the L’Arpette restaurant, not only for traditional food but breathtaking views over the Alps.
You should book with reputed sites like Alpine Elements to enjoy apres ski optionsas well in splendid locations.
Tignes, France
Tignes is another recommended ski resort for beginners as it has a varied selection of nursery slopes to improve your gliding and as soon as you are confident enough you can switch over to the long blue runs. Due to its high elevation, the ski season in Tignes is longer than most other resorts in the area.
Tignes is also a part of the famous Espace Killy Ski area, where there are an excellent selection of ski schools, catering to all abilities. Moreover, it has easy access to the Val D’Isere ski resort, which is equally good for beginners, intermediates and nearly everyone else.
Arinsal, Andorra
Located in the Vallnord ski area, Arinsal is not only a good resort for first time skiers, but offers good value for money as well.The wide beginner slopes are located at La Cappella 1950 and in Comellemple 1950, but as you grow in confidence, the neighbouring Pal and Vallnord areas, which are accessible by gondola, are excellent for skiing.
In addition, the ski schools in Arinsal enjoy a wonderful reputation and the resorts are warm and welcoming with a fantastic family atmosphere. Once you have gained enough confidence, you can venture out further to the interlinked areas of Pal and Arcalis to further improve your skills. By the way, Andorra is a duty-free country, so grab some gifts while you are there.
Westendorf, Austria
The ski schools of Westendorf have a reputation of teaching the most number of British people to ski, much more than any other ski destination in the world.This outstanding beginner centre has everything what a first time skier could ask for,from a huge choice of blue and green runs, to some surreal scenery and warm ambience.
Once isolated, Westendorf today enjoys a connection with Skiwelt:s 90 lifts and 70 of Kitzbuhel. The three ski schools here are good for competition, plus the Landhotel Schermer Hotel is conveniently located close to the lifts and comes with an excellent spa and a swimming pool in a spacious setting.
Obergurgl, Austria
The village of Oberguil, close to the Italian border at the end of Otztal has been a long time favorite for British families wishing to learn skiing. While the village is located at an altitude of 1950m, the top of the lift is at a lofty elevation of 3080m, which means one can be gauranteed of reliable snow all through the season.
This is an important aspect, especially for those who are hitting the slopes for the first time and who otherwise may have to go in a lift to access the snowline. The standard of teaching in the ski schools is of high class, and the lessons are conducted both in the morning and evening. The hotels in Obergurgl are conveniently located for both apres ski as well as the slopes.
Lake Louise, Canada
The beautiful Lake Louise and the resort of the same name, enjoy a stunning location among some of the most spectacular scenery in Canada. The huge areas of open pistes give beginners and intermediates plenty of opportunities to hone their skills on the wide open ski slopes. Since the green runs descend from every chair lift, first timers get a chance to explore everything the Lake Louise ski region has to offer.
While the adults can enjoy a ride with the huskies on the outback nature trails, the tiny beginners can practise their new found sport at the Minute Maid Wilderness Adventure Park. There is plenty of accommodation with views over the frozen lake, indoor pools, hot tub, spa facilities for you and your family to relax in comfort after a hard day on the slopes.
Whistler, Canada
Widely considered as the best ski resort destination in North America, especially brilliant for those who have never skied before. It is a great place to start because of the 50 or so easy and gentle slopes around the resort area to practise on. Beginners would love to head to the Whistler Village Gondola, which is the easiest part of the mountain, made up entirely of green runs and go slow zones.
Once you have gained your confidence, you can move on to the over 100 blue runs, spread across Whistler and Blackcomb. Other activities here include zip lining on one of the world’s most enthralling adventures through snow covered woods. You can also have a great day out at the Whistler Blackcomb Tube park for over a thousand feet of sliding fun.
Avoriaz, France
Nestled conveniently in the heart of the Portes du Soleil ski area, Avoriaz is a traffic free resort which makes it very easy for first timers to learn the sport. Moreover, all the nursery slopes are close to the centre of the town and the plethora of ski schools around the resort could not be more convenient for beginners.
The runs are gentle and wide, and no matter where you decide to ski, you will come across a blue run. You can take the gondola back up rather than continuing to Morzine. Since Avoriaz is a no car zone, one can move around in horse-drawn sleighs which is great fun. Additionally, there is an ice rink at the town centre, a two lane bowling alley and an arcade on Place des Dromonts, which offers a wonderful way to pass the evening.