Planning your first mountain getaway and eager to hit the slopes? These ski resorts are perfect for beginners.
Throughout the history of skiing, there has never been a better time to learn, thanks to the beginner-friendly equipment and facilities at these ski resorts. In the past, when skis were thin and difficult to handle, it could take weeks to achieve even a basic skill level. However, modern skis are lightweight, shorter, and wider, making them easier to control and allowing you to gain confidence in just a few days. Additionally, the slopes are much better groomed than before, providing a more forgiving experience for newcomers.
To help plan your debut, these are the best ski spots to try if you're a beginner, plus the best ski hotels in each spot.
1.Les Arcs, France
Boasting 425km of slopes, founded in 1968 with the vision of seamlessly blending new architecture into the landscape, Les Arcs, a ski-in, ski-out resort, consistently rises to both sporting and touristic challenges. Comprised of four pedestrian sites at altitude and one village, all interconnected, Les Arcs caters to every expectation.
Les Arcs is continually advancing in innovation and ambition, making it a favorite destination for mountain enthusiasts.
As a unique French resort, it offers direct high-speed train links from Paris, London, Brussels, and Amsterdam. Bourg Saint Maurice allows you to reach the ski resort in just 7 minutes via its funicular train.
The essence of the "spirit of Les Arcs" begins at Arc 1600, an architectural showcase. Arc 1800 is also perfect for night-time revelers. For those seeking luxury and charm, Arc 1950 promises a picturesque holiday with friends or family.
Ascend to the peak of Arc 2000 to tackle L’Aiguille Rouge (3226m), one of Europe's longest slopes (7 km) to Villaroger, without needing a single lift.
Despite the French ski resort's significant growth since its inception, it still warmly welcomes newcomers. Nursery areas are widespread across the resort, and beginners’ lifts are free to use. As you advance, you can purchase single rides on select chair lifts. In total, there are three green pistes and 64 blues.
Where to stay: In Arc 2000, Hotel Taj-I Mah is the sole five-star hotel in the entire Paradiski area. It features a 15-meter swimming pool, a sauna, a Jacuzzi, and a hammam.
VIP Ski recently launched a new catered chalet on the edge of Arc 1950, complete with its own restaurant, ski shop, and swimming pool. The 1,000-square-meter Deep Nature spa is nearby.
2.Obergurgl, Austria
Gurgl is your destination for active recreation in the mountains. Discover perfect snow conditions while skiing at altitudes between 1,800 and 3,030 meters. Incredible views while hiking, biking, and enjoying natural wellness. In summer and winter, you can experience 3,000-metre peaks as far as the eye can see, endless expanses and absolute freedom. We live and love the mountains, and we offer you the easiest access and the highest level of comfort. While beginners at Obergurgl won’t go quite so stratospheric, they will be able to enjoy the altitude thanks to the resort’s plentiful blue runs that meander down from near the top of the mountain. First-time visitors should also check out the Top Mountain Star restaurant on Wurmkogel mountain. Perched on a narrow ridge, over 3,000 metres up, with a viewing platform and all-glass exterior, it looks like the type of place a James Bond villain might make his lair.
Where to stay: Unwind after hitting the slopes in style. Enjoy an invigorating massage then relax by one of two pools of top hotel Hoghgurgl. Hotel Jenewein, which dates back to the 1930s, is unashamedly traditional. After a morning on the slopes, head to the sun terrace or inside spa to unwind.
3.Grandvalira, Andorra
Your ski paradise is in Andorra, in Grandvalira, an ideal space for skiing and snowboarding in the largest resort in the Pyrenees.
Andorra is much more than shopping and leisure, and with Grandvalira it becomes an opportunity to discover a small part of everything its mountains and valleys offer.. This ski resort is in the tiny Pyrenean principality of Andorra, where low taxes will take the sting out of your overall holiday bill. Best of all, it's one of the best ski resorts for beginners – all six sectors of Grandvalira include areas for new learners. In particular, El Tarter, Soldeu, Grau Roig and Pas de la Casa offer plenty of magic carpets and practice lifts, so that you spend less time stumbling and more time practising your snowplough before graduating to the wide, blue runs. There are even ski nurseries for toddlers.
Where to stay: Takeover Andorra El Tarter Residence, a spacious apartment residence located in typical Andorran village called El Tarter. For a hotel stay with all the bells and whistles, Grauroig has a swimming pool, hydro-massage baths, a sauna, a Turkish bath, and four restaurants, including a wine theatre.
4.Meribel, France
A French Alps mountain resort where elegance meets scenic beautythe French ski resort has grown exponentially and now forms part of Les Trois Vallées, which claims to be the largest connected ski area on the planet. As a result, this is one of the best ski resorts for beginners; Méribel alone boasts eight green and 36 blue runs. Experience the very essence of the Alps at Méribel, summer and winter alike, and thrill to the world’s largest ski area, Les 3 Vallées.
Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, with family or friends, unleash your passion on the snow-covered slopes and discover our off-ski activities too.
Unspoilt landscapes, entertainment for all, quality accommodation… Enjoy the unique experience of a ski holiday in the French Alps at Méribel.
Where to stay: If you’re skiing with kids, book into Le Kaïla – they’ll love the Lego-themed kids’ club, while for grown-ups there’s also a swimming pool, gym and spa.
5.Pamporovo, Bulgaria
Skiing in Eastern Europe is substantially cheaper than the Alps. And there’s a reason for that: the skiing facilities tend to pale by comparison, while the altitudes are often lower. Take Pamporovo, in Bulgaria, as an example. It offers vastly fewer pistes and lifts than its Alpine counterparts, and the top of the highest run is below 2,000 metres. But if you’re a beginner and you’re staying for only a few days, it has enough to keep you happy. As well as a handful of green and blue runs, there are 15 ski schools altogether, including a ski kindergarten for four- to six-year-olds, and a school for seven- to 12-year-olds.
Where to stay: Close to the slopes, in the centre of the resort, Hotel Orlovetz offers 98 double rooms – some with interconnecting doors for family groups – and seven larger apartments. If you're here for ski and spa, Perelik Hotel has a swimming pool, and an enormous spa with just about every treatment you can imagine.
6.Sass-Fee, Switzerland
They call it the “Pearl of the Alps”. And when you’re in this Swiss resort, staring at the 13 surrounding mountains' peaks, all rising above 4,000 metres, you certainly feel like the world is your oyster. With its car-free town centre and classic wooden chalets, it’s like stepping back to a calmer bygone age. The beginner facilities are excellent, too, thanks to 80kms of beginner slopes and 45kms of intermediates. There’s also the world’s biggest revolving restaurant, Allalin, up at 3,500 metres above sea level.
Where to stay: At the chalet-style Walliserhof Grand-Hotel and Spa, where rooms embrace an alpine-chic aesthetic and the three smart restaurants have a focus on sustainability and slow food practises. Another options is The Capra, a boutique wellness hotel with a standout spa offering.
7. La Plagne, France
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