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Booking your first ever ski holiday can sometimes be a daunting task. Trying to find the best resorts for beginner ski holidays, deciding between whether to stay in a ski chalet, hotel or apartment, booking your lessons, buying your lift passes and hiring your equipment can all seem a bit of an up-hill battle (sorry couldn't resist the pun!).
However all is not lost, Iglu Ski is here to do all that work for you and organise the ideal beginner ski holiday, tailored exactly to your needs. In this guide, we kick off our beginner ski holiday advice with the best ski resorts for beginners. These resorts are some of the best places for kids to learn to ski in Europe, in addition to being awesome resorts for adults sliding onto the snow for the first time.
At the end of the article, find beginner-friendly accommodation options for the resorts mentioned in this guide.
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Best Ski Resorts for Beginners
To whet your appetite, we have put together below a selection of our favourite beginner ski holidays to a range of resorts that we feel cater perfectly for beginners.
1. Meribel, France
Meribel in The Three Valleys accommodates very well for beginners with its two dedicated beginner ski areas as well as 8 green and 25 blue runs. Its slopes are also nice and wide which is ideal for beginners to progress with their turns. Altiport and the nursery slopes at the Rond Point is most likely where your ski instructor will take you where you will find gentle green runs running back into the resort centre.
A charming yet lively resort, Meribel does a great job of catering to parents with children and skiers of all ages (making it one of the most popular resorts in the Alps)!
Read our guide to beginner skiing in Meribel to find out more!
2. Alpe d'Huez, France
There are plenty of beginner areas and slopes to learn on in Alpe d’Huez. The two largest beginner areas are Les Bergers and DMC area’s lower slopes which are easily accessible from the resort centre. These beginner areas have plenty of cruising green runs which are ideal for first time skiers or beginners looking to regain confidence.
On a south-facing plateau, Alpe d'Huez benefits from both good snow levels and a high number of sunny days, giving new skiers favourable conditions to learn in.
3. Les Deux Alpes, France
A well-known family-friendly resort with a vibrant après and nightlife, Les Deux Alpes has a number of beginner slopes along the Snowfront, the area at the foot of the pistes by the town centre. But the Les Crêtes area further up the mountain is great for longer runs later on in the week during lessons. The runs on the glacier are also great for learners although are best to do when you feel comfortable and your instructor feels that you are ready.
Read more:
If you're set on heading to France for your beginner ski holiday, you can get the full lowdown on all of the best ski resorts in France for beginners in our didicated guide.
4. Arinsal, Andorra
Arinsal in the Vallnord ski area, is not only good value for money but is excellent for beginners. The beginner slopes are wide and usually quiet with the designated beginner areas located at La Caubella 1950 and in Comellemple 1950m. As you grow more confident and progress, you can explore neighbouring Pal also in the Vallnord ski area which is accessible by gondola. Plus, Arinsal’s ski schools have a fantastic reputation and the resort itself is very accommodating for families and has a warm welcoming atmosphere.
5. Borovets, Bulgaria
Another great choice for budget friendly ski holidays, Borovets is particularly good if you're a family looking to do a ski holiday cheaply.
Borovets also has great quality English speaking ski instructors and has gentle nursery slopes located at the base of the resort by Hotel Rila. By the end of the week you’ll be able to go up the gondola to do some more challenging runs at Yastrebets. Borovets will be sure to make your first ski holiday a memorable one as you can’t beat learning to ski through beautiful tree lined runs.
6. Obergurgl, Austria
The highest parish in Austria, its wide, flat slopes are ideal for beginners whether you’re a first timer or looking to build your confidence. Once you instructor feels you are comfortable, ski school routes move up the mountain above Obergurgl.
With most of its runs lying over 2000m, Obergurgl is the first non-glacier resort in Tirol to open (during mid-November). These factors also make it a good resort for ski in ski out accommodation and those looking for snow sure slopes. There are two beginner areas, at the bottom of the village near the Festkogel chairlift and in the village centre near the Rosskar chairlift. Neighbouring Hochgurgl also has a variety of blue runs which are ideal once you have mastered the basics.
7. Alpbach, Austria
A small ski resort in the Ski Juwel domain, Alpbach caters excellently for beginners (in particular beginner children) and is also one of the prettiest resorts to learn in. The majority of its runs are rated beginner and intermediate and beginners will start in Alpbach village followed by taking the Wiedersbergerhornbahn gondola to explore more runs. Plus, with the resorts of Alpbachtal and Wildschönau in the Kitzbühel Alps joining together, it creates an even larger ski area to explore and has proved popular with families.
8. La Rosiere, France
A popular resort amongst beginners and families located in the Espace San Bernardo ski area, La Rosiere has excellent slope side accommodation, a welcoming and relaxing feel and gentle runs. Its easy slopes are situated beneath the ridge between La Rosiere and neighbouring Italian resort La Thuile but there are a number of green slopes in the main village and the nearby hamlet of Les Eucherts. Progressing to intermediate level will also allow you to explore the San Bernardo ski area which links La Rosiere and La Thuille together.
9. Livigno, Italy
Beginners will find easy access to the nursery slopes from the village centre with the beginner areas near the 18 Doss and 17 San Rocco lifts. Livigno’s pistes are wide and scenic, overlooking beautiful panoramas of the surrounding mountains. Costaccia is the area where you’ll find beginner friendly runs and drag lifts before progressing further up the mountain. But Livigno is great for beginners to explore the whole area in Costaccia and skiing into Carosello 3000 also.
Check out more ski resorts in Italy that are great for beginners in our dedicated guide.
Look out for Learn to ski and Learn to snowboard packs. They include a lift pass, tuition and equipment, they are widely available and they normally represent fantastic savings on otherwise separately bought items.
Recommended Beginner Ski Holidays
Need some accommodation inspiration for your first ski holiday? Look no further than our recommended options that are perfect for beginners - close to the ski school drop off point, lifts and resort amenities to make your first experience as stress free as possible!
If you're a parent looking at how you can do a beginner family ski holiday as cheaply as possible, have a read of our guide, which includes tips on resorts, choosing accommodation, and other ways you can make your first ski holiday as cost-effective as possible.
Les Ravines Apartments & Premium Residence Les Fermes de Meribel - Meribel
In a prime location in Meribel resort, the Les Ravines Apartments are just 400 metres away from the slopes near the ‘Rond Point’ landmark where the nursery slopes are also located and in an ideal position for après with the après bar Rond Point close by. They're the perfect choice for large groups of friends after a cheap first ski holiday.
The Premium Residence Les Fermes de Meribel is conveniently located just 200 metres from the ski school meeting point and 200 metres from bars and restaurants. With apartments sleeping from 3 to 9 people, it's the perfect size for a family. With access to a spa, indoor pool and bowling alley, these 4 star self catered apartments are ideal for both parents and children.
Hotel Les Bergers & Quartiers des Bergers Apartments - Alpe d'Huez
Alpe d’Huez is an excellent all-round resort with an extensive range of slopes and amenities. Hotel Les Bergers is in a very enviable position for beginners, as its conveniently located with the ski school meeting point a very short walk from the hotel. With its adults-only spa and child-friendly games room, Hotel Les Bergers is a great option for parents with kids, in addition to those looking to get some R&R away from the slopes.
The Quartiers des Bergers Apartments are a great value self catering option, offering comfortable accommodation, in addition to an outside heated swimming pool, 2 saunas and a bar area. It's conveniently located for local bars and shops and is attached to a hotel, so you can always upgrade to bed and breakfast or half board, if you'd rather not cook.
Chalet Le Lac Blanc II
Hotel Ibiza & Residence Neige et Soleil - Les Deux Alps
The 3.5 star Hotel Ibiza is just 300m from the ski school meeting point and 500m from Les Deux Alpes' bars and restaurants. Recently renovated, the rooms, bar area and restaurant have a modern feel, and with live apres on the terrace and a hot tub to relax in at the end of the day, this hotel is a great option for beginner skiers wanting to experience all aspects of a fantastic ski holiday.
New in 2020/21, Residence Neige et Soleil is a small cluster of chic, modern self catering apartments just 400 metres from the ski school meeting point. Sleeping 6-8 people, they're ideal for a couple of families or a small group looking for somewhere stylish and convenient to stay. There's even a spa for some well-deserved relaxation time after a day tackling the mountain.
Hotel Xalet Verdu & Hotel Magic Massana, Arinsal
Traditional Catalan Hotel Xalet Verdu offers comfortable accommodation, a welcoming feel and situated only 300 metres from the main gondola and resort centre.
Setting off for your ski lesson will be no problem at the Hotel Magic Massana, located 100 metres from the gondola. Ideal for families and groups of friends, the hotel has excellent leisure facilities as well as an Irish pub with pool tables – the perfect way to unwind after a day on the slopes!
Hotel Magic Massana
Hotel Rila & Hotel Samokov - Borovets
In an unbeatable location, especially for beginners, the Hotel Rila is situated right at the bottom of the nursery slopes and four man chairlift to give you prime access to the resort’s runs. It also includes an indoor swimming pool complex, lobby bar, nightclub, sauna, steam room and fitness room! There’s so much to offer under one roof!
Hotel Samokov is also in the resort centre, opposite the Yastrebets gondola and nursery slopes as well as the resort’s amenities and nightlife. Featuring a bowling alley, cocktail bar, indoor pool, table tennis and a la carte Panorama restaurant, you’ll never be bored when you’re off the pistes.
Hotel Olympia & Hotel Lohmann - Obergurgl
In traditional Tyrolean style, the Olympia Hotel is situated overlooking the ski school meeting place and nursery slopes! An ideal option if you are looking for a small cosy stay in an unbeatable slope side location. It features a fantastic leisure area with steam room, sauna, and relaxation rooms with stunning panoramic views across the mountains.
In as equally as great position is the Hotel Lohmann, a modern 3 star hotel with spacious rooms and child minding services. Thanks to the hotel's childcare, parents can enjoy a child-free lunch and evening meal! There's even a playroom where the children can meet up with their new ski school friends.
Hotel Olympia
Romantik-Hotel Boglerhof, Alpbach
A centrally located hotel with beautiful views of the surrounding mountains, the Romantik-Hotel Boglerhof is beautifully decorated inside and out to fit in with the traditional village. The perfect destination for a romantic retreat, it features heated outdoor and indoor pools, a spa with jacuzzi, saunas and steam rooms as well as a gym with a free daily programme to ensure you’re in tip top condition for the slopes.
Papillon Chalets and Chalets Ferme D'Elisa - La Rosiere
Located in the duplex chalet apartment of the Chalet Papillon development (there are 6 Papillon chalets), with welcoming open plan living and dining room as well as ensuite bathrooms in each bedroom. Ideal for a group of friends, the chalet’s position near the pistes means you can ski to and from the chalet just 75 metres away. Close to the ski school meeting point, the Les Eucherts Express chairlift and nursery slopes it is a great choice for a group of beginners.
For families, the Chalets Ferme D’Elisa (150 metres from lift) is a great choice with in-chalet childcare and kids club available and family rooms and suites. This chalet is a popular choices with many returning customers so booking early is recommended to secure limited rooms such as interconnecting and family suites.
Chalet Papillon 5
San Giovanni Hotel & Hotel Livigno - Livigno
Just 700m from the ski school and with a bus stop just outside, the San Giovanni Hotel is a great value option for friends on their first ski holiday. With a sunny terrace, in-house pizza restaurant, and a popular wine and cheese night to boot, it's no wonder this half board hotel is also one of Livigno's most popular restaurants.
200 metres from the Cassana lift, the Hotel Livigno is the resort’s first ever hotel which opened in 1912 and still ran by the Mottini family. It will be sure to give a warm welcome and a comfortable hotel to stay and relax in with its own wellness centre.
Club Med Holidays
Recommended for beginners: Club Med La Plagne 2100, Club Med Tignes, Club Med Serre Chevalier
and Club Med L'Alpe d'Huez La Sarenne.
Club Med offer premium all-inclusive packages that are fantastic for beginners with a bit of extra money to spend. These holidays do look more expensive than most holidays at first, but when you break down the cost, they are excellent value for money. These are ski holidays with lift pass and tuition included, as well as soft and alcoholic drinks and all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks) with premium accommodation. If you stay at Club Med for all meals and après then you don’t need to worry about spending another penny in resort. The only extras that you may need to think about is renting equipment or childcare.
Club Med Serre Chevalier