Top European Ski Resorts For Beginners

If you’re planning your first ski holiday, then a few considerations are more important than your choice of resort. Some resorts are large and varied enough to provide a fun experience to skiers of all abilities, while others are geared toward skiers who’ve already picked up some experience on the slopes. Pick the wrong resort, and you risk having to spend your entire holiday on just a few small blue or green runs at the foot of the mountain.

So, let’s take a look at the best skiing holidays for beginners in Europe.

Cortina, Italy

If you’re heading to the Dolomites, then Cortina d’Ampezzo might seem an obvious choice. There are a number of excellent ski schools, and a large selection of blue runs shared between Pocol, Socrepes, and Col Drusciè. There’s also an excellent après-ski scene, so you’ll need to be fashionable and ready to enjoy the the many ways to entertain yourself outside of the slopes themselves. Don’t forget to pack your après recovery ski boots.

Avoriaz, France

What sets this resort apart is its total ban of road vehicles. Instead, you’ll get around the resort on foot, or using horse-drawn sleighs. It’s a fantastic choice for new skiers, thanks largely to the nursery slope that runs very close to the town. You can ski down to Morzine on a number of gentle blue runs, and grab a chairlift back up.

Levi, Finland

This Finnish resort is dominated by very easy tree-lined slopes. It’s easy on the eye, as well as easy on the body, and there are plenty of small ‘magic carpet’ style lifts at the bottom of the resort. If you travel at the right time of year, there’s also a chance that you’ll witness the Northern Lights, too.

Meribel, France

Meribel should be considered the default option for new skiers, for a number of reasons. First, there’s a vast selection of beginner-friendly slopes to choose from. There are, in total, two beginner areas, eight green slopes, and twenty-five blue ones. Second, there’s an abundance of English-speaking ski instructors, who will help you to get acquainted with skiing as quickly as possible. Finally, there’s the appeal of non-skiing winter activities, like snowmobiling, horse riding, or soaking in an alpine spa.

Through the resort, you’ll enjoy access to the wider Three Valleys area, which makes it a great choice for groups of mixed abilities, too. While the new skiers are picking up the ropes on the nursery slopes, the more experienced ones might head further up the mountain and down into neighbouring Val Thorens and Courchevel.

Conclusion

Plenty of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts are in Europe , but he destination also offers the chance to learn for beginners or those who want to casually ski and enjoy the evenings just as much. There are plenty places where an expert status is not required for a memorable ski holiday. Try out these resorts on your next ski holiday to Europe.