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Whether you’re a beginner skier yourself or you’re taking your kids on their first ski trip, the French Alps is one of the best places in the world to learn to ski.
It’s been over a century since the French Ski Federation was created in 1924, and in that time, the country has developed a ski culture and infrastructure that accommodates all levels and abilities.
Beginners can expect talented instructors who have had to train for four years to gain their ski instructor qualifications, dedicated areas for learners, perfectly groomed pistes that make it easy to progress, and discounted lift passes.
But all resorts are not equal when it comes to beginner skiing. We’ve dug into the details and ranked what we think are the best resorts for learners in France, based on a range of criteria we know is important for skiing as a beginner, including the supply of free lifts, green and blue runs, the cost of lessons, and the cost of lift passes (once you're ready to progress).
From sprawling La Plagne to the Alpine town of Morzine and beyond, these 11 resorts will have you progressing from your pizza to parallel turns tout de suite.
France's most beginner friendly ski resorts are:
1. La Plagne
2. Morzine
3. Alpe d'Huez
4. La Clusaz
5. Megeve
6. Flaine
7. Avoriaz
8. Les Arcs
9. Chatel
10. Serre Chavalier
11. Les Menuires
First, what makes a ski resort beginner friendly?
There are 7 key ingredients that make up a great beginner ski resort. These are:
Number of green slopes
Green slopes have the gentlest gradients, and are great for learning and practising your snow-plough turns on outside of ski lessons.
Number of blue slopes
Blues are a bit steeper and more challenging than greens, perfect for progressing onto once you’re confident with stopping and turning.
Average ski lesson cost
We’ve judged our top resorts on the average cost of an hour long adult’s private lesson. Child and group lessons will generally be cheaper.
Number of free lifts
Many ski resorts have free lifts for the nursery slopes, so you don't need to worry about lift passes for the first few days.
Day rate for a local lift pass
We’ve also checked the average cost of local day passes, which you’ll need when you’re ready to progress beyond the discounted beginner ski areas.
Free child lift passes
All resorts offer free child lift passes for under-fives, while Serre Chevalier extends free skiing to under-sixes. Flaine offers free one-day passes to children under eight, although a small charge applies to multi-day passes.
Transfer times
Short transfer times are ideal for first time families. Some ski resorts take as little as an hour to get to from the airport, while others can be over three hours away.
Compare the beginner data for each resort
All resorts offer free child lift passes for under 5s except Flaine (under 8s) and Serre Chevalier (under 6s). Pricing is a guide only and is indicative of the 23/24 season and is subject to change. Check out all the data below.
| Resort | Green Slopes | Blue Slopes | Adult private lesson (hour) | Number of free lifts | Local lift pass cost (day) | Free child lift pass | Transfer time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| La Plagne | 4 | 67 | From €58 | 14 | €72 | Under 5 | 2h |
| Morzine | 6 | 28 | From €54 | 0 | €50 | Under 5 | 1h 30 |
| Alpe d'Huez | 31 | 31 | From €64 | 4 | €68 | Under 5 | 2h |
| La Clusaz | 13 | 34 | From €48 | 1 | €49.90 | Under 5 | 1h 20 |
| Megeve | 27 | 34 | From €63 | 3 | €65 | Under 5 | 1h 15 |
| Flaine | 8 | 26 | From €55 | 4 | €60.70 | Under 8 | 1h 50 |
| Avoriaz | 7 | 28 | From €58 | 0 | €43-55 | Under 5 | 1h 40 |
| Les Arcs | 5 | 45 | From €60 | 11 | €71 | Under 5 | 2h 40 |
| Chatel | 9 | 16 | From €64 | 0 | €55 | Under 5 | 1h 30 |
| Serre Chevalier | 21 | 26 | From €55 | 2 | €68 | Under 6 | 2h |
| Les Menuires | 8 | 37 | From €69 | 5 | €70 | Under 5 | 2h 30 |
Find out more about these top resorts in the next section.
Read more:
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1. La Plagne
Green slopes - 4
Blue slopes - 67
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €58 per hour
Free lifts - 14
Lift pass cost - €72 per day
Transfer time - 2 hours
La Plagne takes the top spot in our ranking of top beginner resorts in France. Its €72 daily lift pass cost might be at the upper end of the price scale (due to the expansive local area), but the resort also has by far the highest number of free lifts in our ranking (14). This means that, as a beginner skier, you’ll have a fantastic array of runs to practise on, no matter which of La Plagne’s villages you stay in.
And when you are ready to progress, there are an unparalleled 67 blue slopes to start sharpening your turns on. Even for beginners, variety is great as it allows you to practise on wide motorway blues, in addition to the narrower tree-lined runs.
In particular, we’d recommend Arpette, just above Bellecôte, a friendly blue that’s linked to a bunch of other equally friendly blues like Dunes and Laines. The 5.2km Levasset, which starts from the top of Roche de Mio, is also a nice, wide open blue with lovely scenery - we suggest heading there in the morning to enjoy the best of the fresh conditions.
Alongside its full local mountain and Paradiski pass (which gives you access to Les Arcs via the Vanoise Express), La Plagne also offers the ‘Cool Ski pass’, which gives you access to protected beginner zones with gentle slopes, learning modules and recommended routes for €35.
Our take: "Not sure which of La Plagne's 11 villages to choose? We'd prioritise Plagne Centre, Plagne Villages or Belle Plagne and stay close to the relevant lesson meeting point. La Plagne is a large, spread-out resort, so there isn't much benefit in crossing between villages during your first couple of days when everything you need is likely to be close to your accommodation.
Read more
La Plagne sound good to you? Check out our full guide to beginner skiing in La Plagne for more information, including insights on which village to stay in, more lesson information, beginner ski areas and more.
2. Morzine/Les Gets
Green slopes - 6
Blue slopes - 28
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €54 per hour
Free lifts - 0
Lift pass cost - €50 per day
Transfer time - 1h 30 hours
Unlike La Plagne, our second best beginner resort, the joint ski areas of Morzine and Les Gets, don’t have any free lifts. What they do have, however, is a nice range of beginner friendly runs (6 green and 28 blues), as well as the second cheapest average hourly ski lesson rate and the second cheapest daily lift pass, meaning excellent value for fledgling skiers.
The nursery area (at the top of the Pléney cable car) is easy to get to and is kitted out with magic carpets - the most beginner-friendly way to get to the top of the slopes. When you’re ready to progress, we’d recommend taking the Belvedere lift to discover a nice green that runs right into a trio of easy blues that all end at the bottom of Pléney. Piste B is the longest and most gentle.
In nearby Les Gets (which is included in the local lift pass), close to the Chavannes cable car, there’s also a free ski area with a few greens and magic carpets that’s great for kids and absolute beginners.
Morzine and Les Gets are part of the massive Portes du Soleil ski area, which also includes Avoriaz, Chatel and a few other smaller, local mountains. For mixed ability groups, Morzine and Les Gets offer more than enough ground for the beginners, while the experienced can get the full area lift pass, head to Avoriaz via the Super Morzine lift and even ski to Switzerland (via the notorious Swiss Wall).
Our take: "Les Gets has an edge if you're a nervous first-timer because the Chavannes learning area feels self-contained and encourages progression with its easy-to-use magic carpets. Morzine is a livelier town and has more to do away from skiing, but we would stay within an easy walk of the Pléney gondola. Piste B can become busier and more scraped towards the end of the day, so try it earlier while the snow is freshly groomed."
3. Alpe d'Huez
Green slopes - 31
Blue slopes - 31
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €64 per hour
Free lifts - 4
Lift pass cost - €68 per day
Transfer time - 2 hours
Securing the well-deserved bronze medal in our ranking is Alpe d’Huez, which has an unrivalled 31 green slopes. For skiers that are ready to progress, there are also 31 blues.
Most of these beginner runs can be found in the Les Bergers and DMC areas, which both have 12 green slopes and can be reached easily from the resort centre. Les Bergers is designated as a low speed zone, so you don’t need to worry about speed demons whizzing past you when you’re trying to practise your turns.
Starting at around €64 per hour, lessons are a little pricier than most, but Alpe d’Huez does have 4 free lifts to take advantage of.
Our take: "Choose accommodation near Les Bergers if skiing is the priority, where you'll find a wide choice of hotels and apartments. You can start on the magic carpets and gentle lower slopes, then increase the length of each run without immediately leaving familiar terrain. The large concentration of greens looks slightly confusing on the piste map, so pay attention to which lifts bring you back to the same side of the resort."
4. La Clusaz
Green slopes - 13
Blue slopes - 34
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €48 per hour
Free lifts - 1
Lift pass cost - €49.90 per day
Transfer time - 1h 20
La Clusaz has clinched the fourth spot in our ranking thanks to its combination of affordability and beginner-friendly slopes, which make it perfect for both adult learners and first time families.
Adult lessons start from just €48 per hour, the cheapest of any of the 11 resorts, and a daily lift pass costs a very reasonable €49.90. The resort is spread over five peaks, and beginner skiers should head for the gentle green and blue runs of Beauregard or the pleasant tree-lined blues of La Croix Fry-Manigod-Merdassier.
La Clusaz also has one of the shortest transfer times - just 1 hour 20 minutes from Geneva airport.
Our take: "Spend you first days of the holiday in the Beauregard sector – it feels pleasantly separate from the mountain’s faster terrain, while the gondola means you don't have to tackle a difficult run back to the village. Because La Clusaz has a relatively low resort base, we favour a mid-winter trip over a late-season beginner trip."
5. Megeve
Green slopes - 27
Blue slopes - 34
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €63 per hour
Free lifts - 3
Lift pass cost - €65 per day
Transfer time - 1h 15
The beautiful old town of Megeve is second only to Alpe d’Huez in its supply of green slopes (27) and also comes with a very healthy number of blue runs. Popular with French locals, Megeve is a bit of an unknown gem among British skiers, which means it may come across more typically French than other resorts on the list.
It also has many dedicated beginner areas that are easily accessible from the main lift bases. These areas offer games, modules, adapted ski lifts, tailored pricing, and wide, gentle slopes that are suitable for both adults and kids. The bottom of Mont-d’Arbois is especially good for learners, and there’s plenty of friendly slopes to progress on to up that same peak as well as on Mont Joux.
At just 1 hour 15 minutes, Megeve has the shortest transfer time from the airport, which is ideal for families looking to minimise stress when in transit.
Our take: "You probably won't need the full Evasion Mont Blanc pass (which opens up 400km of pistes) if you're an absolute beginner. Choose the dedicated beginner pass, which gives you access to the Mont d’Arbois and Petit Rochebrune beginner areas. Stay in the main resort near to the Le Chamois gondola for convenient access to the mountain."
6. Flaine
Green slopes - 8
Blue slopes - 26
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €55 per hour
Free lifts - 4
Lift pass cost - €60.70 per day
Transfer time - 1h 50
Flaine is a charming, purpose-built 1960s resort with a great snow record and over 265km of slopes to explore.
How is it for beginners? Well, it has a very acceptable 8 greens and 26 blues across its ski area. The resort is split over two areas, the lower Flaine Forum and the higher Flaine Floret, both of which have excellent nursery areas and free beginner lifts. We’d highly recommend the Marvel, which lives up to its name as a wonderful long but wide green through the forest that everyone will enjoy.
Flaine’s other distinction is allowing children to ski for free all the way up to the age of 8, making it great for first time families.
Our take: "Flaine Forum is hard to beat for sheer convenience: accommodation, lessons, equipment hire and beginner lifts are all concentrated within a small area. Flaine Forêt is quieter and has the Bissac learning zone, but check the location carefully because the resort occupies several different levels. On a cloudy day the open bowl can suffer from flat light, so the lower tree-lined runs may feel more comfortable once you can reach them safely."
7. Avoriaz
Green slopes - 8
Blue slopes - 26
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €55 per hour
Free lifts - 4
Lift pass cost - €43 to €55 per day
Transfer time - 1h 50
Perched on the cliffs above Morzine, Avoriaz is an architecturally striking resort that was purpose built to cater to skiers of all abilities.
Absolute beginners and kids skiing for the first time will enjoy the Ecoles and Dromonts pistes in the resort centre, which will allow you to pick up the basics in a safe environment. Once you’re ready to advance, you can reach several green slopes via the Proclou, Seraussaix and Baron chairlifts. Avoriaz also has 28 blues for more confident learners. We’d recommend the relaxed Proclou, Seraussaix, Qu’mont and Gernues runs before moving onto harder blues like Stade d’Arare, Bleue du Lac.
The other great thing about Avoriaz is that you can buy a cheaper local pass as a beginner rather than the more expensive Portes du Soleil pass.
Our take: "Avoriaz makes a first ski holiday wonderfully straightforward. You can learn on the Écoles and Dromonts slopes in the resort centre, then progress to the broad, gentle terrain around Proclou without travelling far from your accommodation. Its car-free, largely ski-in/ski-out layout also means less time carrying equipment and more time building your confidence on the snow."
8. Les Arcs
Green slopes - 5
Blue slopes - 45
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €60 per hour
Free lifts - 11
Lift pass cost - €71 per day
Transfer time - 2h 40
Thanks to the vast local ski area, the daily Les Arcs lift pass cost is joint with La Plagne as the most expensive (€71), however it also shares with our top beginner resort a high number of free lifts (11 in total), making it very affordable for first time skiers to learn the ropes, or rather, slopes.
Les Arcs is a great all-rounder of a resort, with 5 greens and 45 blues. It’s spread over six different villages, and we’d recommend staying in Arc 1800 as a beginner - it’s where you’ll find the nursery slopes, ski schools, and Mille 8 Complex, which has 2 nice greens. When you’re ready for something more challenging, head to Arc 2000, where there are a number of pleasant blues, including Plan Vert, at the top of the Transarc gondola, and Cascades down from the Bois de Lours chairlift.
Our take: "We advise staying in Arc 1800 if you're a first-timer, and treat the Mille 8 area as your base rather than trying to tour Les Arcs too quickly. Arc 1800 is spread across several neighbourhoods, so look for accommodation in Les Villards or close to your chosen ski-school meeting point. The resort’s blue runs provide excellent progression, but some are busy links between villages and might be challenging late in the afternoon."
Read more:
Discover all the reasons why Les Arcs is a great resort for beginners in our beginner's guide to skiing in Les Arcs.
9. Chatel
Green slopes - 9
Blue slopes - 16
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €64 per hour
Free lifts - 0
Lift pass cost - €55 per day
Transfer time - 1h 30
Like Morzine and Avoriaz, Chatel belongs to the Portes du Soleil ski area and also has a decent supply of beginner friendly slopes.
While it started life as a small farming village, Chatel is now a great destination for families and first timers, with 9 greens and 16 blues to choose from. The resort is divided into two parts, Super Chatel and Linga, and beginners should head to the former for the learner area and the most suitable progression slopes.
Lessons are relatively expensive (from around €64 per hour), but the local lift pass is an affordable €55 per day.
Our take: "Stay close to the Super-Châtel gondola or directly on a convenient bus route. Super-Châtel has a much friendlier feel for learners than the steeper terrain around Linga and Pré la Joux. Châtel is best for beginners who value a traditional village and are happy to learn within one sector before exploring further."
10. Serre Chevalier
Green slopes - 21
Blue slopes - 26
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €55 per hour
Free lifts - 2
Lift pass cost - €68 per day
Transfer time - 2 hours
Serre Chevalier is a south facing ski valley that offers heaps for beginners across its 13 varying villages, including 21 greens (the third highest number in the ranking) and a respectable 26 blues.
Learners should head to Briançon, Chantemerle, and Villeneuve, Monêtier, which all have dedicated beginner zones with free lifts and easy slopes. This is where you’ll also find the confidence-building greens and blues.
Serre Chevalier also has a range of affordable lift pass options for beginners.
Our take: "At the start of your trip, ride the gondola to Serre Ratier, practise in the bowl and gradually extend your skiing from there. Serre Chevalier is a long valley rather than a single compact resort, so learn around your home sector instead of trying to ski from end to end. The valley bus is a useful safety net if tired legs or changing snow conditions make the return route look unappealing."
11. Les Menuires
Green slopes - 8
Blue slopes - 37
Cost of adult ski lesson - From €69 per hour
Free lifts - 5
Lift pass cost - €70 per day
Transfer time - 2h 30
Les Menuires belongs to the world-famous Three Valleys ski area - alongside Val Thorens, Meribel, and Courchevel - but is far more beginner-friendly than any of those arguably more renowned resorts.
That’s thanks to its 8 green and 37 blue slopes, 5 free lifts, and sophisticated lift system, which makes it easy to get around. Additionally, the resort is popular with families, which, even if you don’t have kids yourself, gives it a friendly, relaxed vibe that’s welcoming for learners and first-timers.
Best of all, if you are developing quickly (or you have members of your group that are more advanced than you), you have one of the world’s largest ski areas on your doorstep to explore.
Our take: "La Croisette is the best base for beginners, with lessons, beginner facilities and essential services gathered around the snowfront. Les Bruyères is another convenient option if you find accommodation close to its lifts. Don't be tempted into buying the full Three Valleys pass too early: the Easy Rider and local areas provide a far more useful progression path for a first-week skier"
Beginner ski lessons in France
Most major French resorts have a choice of ski schools offering group and private lessons for adults and children. English is widely spoken in the larger resorts, but it is still sensible to request an English-speaking instructor when booking rather than assuming one will be available.
Check the meeting point before choosing your accommodation. A hotel described as “close to the slopes” may still be some distance from the particular nursery area used by your ski school.
Hiring beginner ski equipment
All 11 resorts have equipment-hire shops supplying skis, boots, poles and helmets for beginners. When booking, select a beginner or recreational package rather than performance equipment, as softer boots and more forgiving skis are easier to control.
Convenience is more important than saving a few euros. Choose a shop near your accommodation or lesson meeting point and look for overnight storage if you do not want to carry your skis and boots through the village each day.
Allow time for a proper boot fitting. A good rental shop should be willing to adjust or exchange uncomfortable boots during your stay.
Beginner skiing in France with children
La Plagne, Les Gets, Flaine, Avoriaz and Les Menuires are particularly convenient for families because their learning areas sit close to accommodation and other resort facilities.
Childcare and children’s ski clubs are available in many French resorts, but minimum ages, opening dates and whether childcare includes skiing vary considerably. Check the arrangements for your specific travel dates before booking accommodation.
Parents should also confirm whether their children qualify for free lift passes. Even where skiing is free, you will normally need to collect a physical pass and provide proof of age.
FAQs
What is the most affordable beginner ski resort in France?
La Clusaz, Flaine, Châtel and Serre Chevalier can provide better value than France’s most popular resorts, but the total cost depends on your travel dates, accommodation and what is included.
A restricted beginner pass can also make a substantial difference. Compare holidays using the combined cost of transport, accommodation, transfers, lessons, equipment hire and the appropriate lift pass rather than looking at the accommodation price alone.
Should beginners buy a full-area lift pass?
Usually not on the first day. Many resorts offer free lifts, dedicated beginner passes or smaller local-area passes that cover all the terrain a new skier is likely to need.
Ask your ski school which pass is appropriate for your level. You can normally upgrade later if you progress more quickly than expected.
Book your beginner ski trip to France with Iglu Ski
There are few places better than the French Alps for families and beginner skiers and we can help you find the perfect France ski holiday for your needs. Why not browse all of our beginner-friendly ski holidays or check out our all of our fantastic ski holidays and ski deals? We have deals on ski chalets, apartments and hotels all live now across the above 11 resorts.