The 5 Best Ski Resorts For Beginners
Whilst the prospect of getting out on the slopes can be daunting when it’s your first time, once you’re out on the mountain, you won’t regret it. The fresh air, the feel of the snow beneath your skis and buzzing resort atmosphere is like nothing else.
We all had to start somewhere and it can feel like a minefield of information trying to decide what ski jacket to get, let alone which resort is best for you. We’re always here to help with any advice and suggestions - even if you just need us to decode the ski slang (a snowplough is actually a beginners skiing technique, not a tool for farming snow!) but to get you started, we’ve put together our top recommended resorts for a beginners ski holiday:
Courchevel, France
A ski holiday in Courchevel is a very popular choice for beginners, intermediate and experts so it’s great if you’re on a group ski break of mixed abilities as everyone can get something out of it. The Three Valleys (the ski area in which it sits) is the largest linked ski area in the world and joins the resorts of Courchevel, Meribel and Val Thorens.
Courchevel is split up into different villages and are there are lots of green runs (the easiest slopes) as well as dedicated, quiet ‘ZEN zones’ with magic carpets (an easy lift, similar to a conveyor belt) to take you to the top of the slope, where you can practice your newly acquired skills. There are also lots of blues for when you’re ready to take it to the next level.
Cervinia, Italy
Long, gentle runs are what Cervinia is known for, perfect for beginners and intermediates. You’ll start out on the fantastic village nursery slope, graduating to the Plan Maison area and the blues that surround it.
Cervinia sits under the iconic Matterhorn Mountain (the one on the Toblerone bar) so the scenery is beautiful and, as it’s only an hour and a half away from Turin airport, it’s a great place for a short break or ski weekend to see if skiing is for you.
Trysil, Norway
The skiing in Trysil is geared towards beginners and intermediates with plenty of green runs located around the bottom of the mountain and there are some lovely blues to progress to nearer the top. It doesn’t get as crowded like the rest of Europe and you may even find you have a slope to yourself – ideal when you’re learning.
You’re also not restricted to the usual 9am – 4pm lift times here as some of the slopes are open until 8pm on certain days so you can experience night skiing.
Obergurgl, Austria
Known as ‘The Diamond of the Alps’, the skiing in Obergurgl is great for beginners and intermediates. The nursery slopes have a good reputation and if you’re in a ski school, you get special access to two lifts, not available to general lift pass holders.
The beginner lifts are located at either end of the village or you can venture up to Hochgurgl and as the resort sits at high altitude, Obergurgl has some of the most reliable snow conditions in Austria.
Breckenridge, USA
How about venturing to the States for your first ski trip? Skiing in the USA is very different from Europe – everything is bigger! The slopes are wide, open and you can see for miles around. A Breckenridge ski holiday is no different - Peaks 8 and 9 provide a selection of brilliant green runs and bunny hills (nursery slopes – the ski lingo is different over there). It’s also good for groups of mixed abilities with slopes for every level.
Our very own Brand & Digital Manager, Madelyn, went here on her second ever ski trip and cannot praise it enough “The slopes are wide and empty, the signposts are clear – no accidentally ending up on a black run, and if you’re unsure of where you’re going or what you’re doing, the people of Breckenridge can’t do enough to help you!”
The small town has a distinct western charm, with a friendly atmosphere so you’ll feel right at home.
Once you’ve spent a few days on the slopes, we know you’ll be hooked on the mountains forever.
Interested in a beginners ski holiday? Enquire online or speak to one of our Ski Specialists on 01962 587777.