Where is the Best Ski Resort for Beginners?
Whether you’re heading out on the epic adventure of your first ever ski holiday or ready to take the leap from beginners slopes on to greens and blues, finding the right ski resort for you and your group is essential in ensuring you can really make the most of your time both on and off the slopes. In this blog, we’ll explore the 9 best ski resorts for beginners, things to look out for when choosing a resort and extra things to consider to ensure no stone is left unturned on your quest of finding the perfect ski resort for your next holiday. So read on and get ready for the holiday of your life.
9 Best Beginner Ski Resorts to Visit in 2024/25
1. Meribel – The Three Valleys, The Alps, France
Meribel is the ultimate ski resort for beginners. With a huge range of slopes perfect for your first few weeks on the mountain, you’ll be hard pushed to find somewhere better to master your technique and progress onto more challenging terrain. From dedicated beginner areas to wide and picturesque tree lined favourites, in Meribel you’ll find:
- 2 beginners areas (both with free lift access)
- 8 green slopes
- 25 blue slopes
Meribel is also home to a number of specialist and well recommended ski schools like British Run Parallel Lines, group lesson specialist and English speaking Oxygene as well as, the renowned Ecole du Ski Français (ESF) and many more.
But that’s not all, what sets Meribel apart is its appeal to skiers of all levels. So whether you’re skiing with a mixed ability group or looking for somewhere you will want to return year after year, there really is nowhere better.
Nestled in the heart of the Three Valleys, Meribel benefits from favourable weather conditions all throughout the season and thanks to its snow sure reputation, you can rely on great conditions and consistent snowfall whether visiting in early December or late on in April.
Meribel also has an array of top slope side restaurants and apres ski spots, all within safe and easy reach for beginners, meaning unlike in many resorts, you won’t miss out on all the apres ski fun if you’re skiing with a group of mixed abilities.
If (understandably) tired legs need a day off the mountain, there’s also a vast array of non-skiing activities to be enjoyed both on and off the mountain. From snowmobile to horse riding and world class alpine spas to pedestrian lift passes. Not to mention family favourites like, Black Forest Mission, a 3.4 km sledge run descending 470m with heart racing 28 corners and so much more!
You will also find a vast array of chalets and other accommodation within close proximity to the slopes, meaning you can avoid lugging skis and equipment each morning and afternoon. Our catered or self-catered chalets, located exclusively in Meribel, are all ideally located within easy reach of the slopes and local amenities.
2. Obergurgl – Austria
For those looking to ski in Austria, Obergurgl is another great spot for beginners. The resort has two lifts that are free for anyone in ski school and another three beginner lifts that are accessible with the use of a special day pass. Via the beginner lifts you can access a good range of the slopes at each end of the resort.
3. Whistler – Canada
The great thing about skiing in Whistler as a beginner is that most of the time, all you have to do is follow the ‘Easiest Way Down’. Approximately 20% of the resort is considered ‘beginner’ and except for the Peak Lift and Creekside Lift, beginner skiers will find green circle terrain accessible from every lift in the resort.
4. Cervinia – Italy
Cervinia provides dedicated beginner areas like the Plan Maison and Cretaz slopes, which offer gentle terrain and breathtaking panoramic views. Most of the pistes around the resort are blue and red, making it ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers.
5. Levi – Finland
Levi in Finland is another ideal spot for beginners. Nearly the entire ski resort is accessible via easy slopes. The long, gentle, tree-lined runs are perfect for beginners or those returning to after a break. At Zero Point (Levi centre) and South Point, there are magic carpets and practice lifts. Advanced beginners should also be able to comfortably navigate the intermediate slopes to West Point and Draivi.
6. Courchevel – The Three Valleys, France
Courchevel always remains a top choice for beginners thanks to its expansive, gently sloping pistes and well regarded ski schools.
Each of the resort’s four villages offers complimentary magic carpets designed for children and novices. However, the premier spots for honing your skills are Moriond (formerly known as ‘1650’) and the central village of Courchevel, situated at 1850 metres.
With an extensive ski domain and close proximity to the neighbouring resorts of Val Thorens and Meribel within the Three Valleys, it’s easy to escape congestion and discover even more areas to perfect your technique.
7. Val Thorens – The Three Valleys, France
Also located within the much loved Three Valleys and accessible from Meribel, Val Thorens has long been favoured by beginners due to its high altitude, ensuring great snow conditions throughout the season.
In recent years, the resort significantly enhanced its offerings for beginners by investing €1.5 million in a designated 40-hectare area tailored to new skiers and snowboarders. In this newly renovated area known as the “cocoon”, conveyors facilitate easier access to the Cascades chairlift, granting beginners swift access to their first green and blue slopes.
Val Thorens offers a selection of après-ski activities, including Europe’s longest toboggan run and the renowned 360 bar, conveniently located at an altitude of 2,368 metres, making it easily accessible for beginners.
8. Saas-Fee – Switzerland
In Saas-Fee, beginner skiers are well catered to with dedicated nursery slopes and several easy but enjoyable longer runs from the higher peaks. With an extensive range of easy to intermediate slopes, it’s also a great resort for those looking to progress their skills or looking to return year after year as they do so.
9. Cortina d’Ampezzo – Italy
Cortina boasts some of the finest beginner slopes in the Dolomites, making it a popular spot for those wanting to learn to ski in Italy. The resort also offers a selection of progression slopes for skiers looking to gain confidence. Most slopes are pretty easy, with plenty of beginner-friendly terrain between Pocol, Socrepes, and Col Drusciè, accessible via chairlifts and a gondola lift.
How to choose the perfect Beginner Ski Resort for You
Choosing the right resort for you and your group is one of, if not, the most important part of planning your ski holiday. There are of course considerations to be made no matter what your ski ability but this is particularly important when you’re a beginner looking to learn the ropes.
You want to be sure that there will be suitable slopes for you to learn the basics and build your confidence, as well as a wide selection of ski areas to explore and plenty of activities to enjoy off the slopes and around the resort.
Here’s a few things to consider when choosing the perfect beginner resort:
- A selection of ski schools with good reviews
- Good beginner slopes and ski areas – look out for green and blues and at atleast one dedicated beginner area that’s accessible without being part of an organised ski lesson
- A variety of slopes to allow for progression
- Non-skiing activities available
- Chalets or other accommodation within close proximity to the slopes
- A selection of restaurants and apres ski bars with beginner access
Other things for Beginner Skiers to Consider
Once you’ve got the resort nailed down, there can be a few other things to consider. For example, when to go on your ski holiday (if not already decided), what to pack, top tips for skiing with kids, getting yourself physically primed and prepped or maybe just some skiing tips to help you get ahead of the curve before you hit the slopes. Whatever you need, we’ve got you covered with our extensive blog full of helpful tips and guides.
Here’s a few you may find helpful:
A Complete Guide to Ski Holidays for Beginners
How to Plan a Ski Holiday: A Complete Step-by-Step Guide
8 Tips for Planning a Group Ski Holiday
17 Tips for a More Affordable Ski Holiday
Skiing with Kids: Ultimate Guide to Family Ski Holidays
Skiing vs Snowboarding: Which is better?
Should You Rent or Buy Your Ski Equipment?
Exercises to Help You Prepare for Your Ski Holiday
Essential Skiing Tips for Beginners
Conclusion: Finding the Perfect Ski Resort for Beginners
Choosing the right ski resort is key to making your first skiing holiday memorable. Resorts like Meribel in France, Obergurgl in Austria, and Whistler in Canada offer excellent beginner slopes, ski schools, and plenty of off-slope activities. As we’ve explored, be sure to look out for resorts with well-reviewed ski schools, a variety of beginner-friendly runs, and convenient accommodation. Consider timing, packing essentials, and some pre-ski physical prep to ensure a smooth experience. Most of all, prepare yourself for the holiday of a lifetime because there really are few better holidays than skiing.
Ready to hit the slopes? Why not check out our chalet availability for the upcoming season or learn more about our selection of services. From Self-Catered to our Plus+ Catered Experience, each of our three services have been carefully curated to help you to pick the perfect level of service for you. If you have any questions at all, don’t hesitate to get in touch and a member of the team would be pleased to help.
Beginner Skier FAQ
What colour runs are best for beginners?
It’s always best to start on the beginner slopes, sometimes known as nursery slopes. In most resorts, you will find that there are dedicated beginner areas to ensure you have the space to practise on gentle gradients without the distraction of more experienced skiers and other things going on around you. Once you’re feeling confident, it’s time to head for the greens. But be sure not to be put off by the blues once you’ve begun to build your skills and confidence. Just do you research and you’ll often find blues can be some of the most pleasant, wide and cruisey slopes around.
Do I need ski lessons?
Yes! We always recommend that first time skiers have at least a few days of lessons to get the basics covered. Spending a few hours with a professional instructor really can revolutionise your skiing experience and mean that you pick things up far more quickly after receiving some initial instruction and guidance to help build your skills and confidence.
What do I wear skiing?
What you wear will vary slightly depending on the time of year. However, as a rule of thumb, always follow the 3 layer rule. Base, Mid and Top (waterproof) layer. You can then build upon this as needed during the colder months. You should also always be sure to wear gloves, goggles and helmet when out on the slopes. Check out our guide on what to wear skiing to learn more.