Top 10 beginner ski resorts
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1. La Plagne in France
First-timers will feel welcome in La Plagne with a number of gentle nursery slopes and excellent ski tuition from English-speaking instructors. Once you have built up some confidence you will be able to explore the piste and enjoy access to the vast selection of blue and green runs.
Total km of piste: 425km (Paradiski) • Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes - 2 hours • Transfer time: 2 - 3 hours -
2. Niederau in Austria
A fantastic Austrian ski resort, Niederau offers excellent skiing for new skiers as well as boasting a fantastic ski school. This is a brilliant resort to visit during the festive season where Christmas markets and sleigh rides provide a perfect winter wonderland experience.
Total km of piste: 70km • Flight time: 2 hours • Transfer time: 1 hour 30 minutes -
3. Claviere in Italy
Visit to the Milky Way ski area for quality snow, beautiful scenery and the traditional mountain charm of Claviere. A brilliant choice for first time skiers, you will find a large number of easy and intermediate runs which are perfect for building your confidence on the slopes.
Total km of piste: 400km (Milky Way) • Flight time: 1 hour 30 minutes - 2 hours 15 minutes • Transfer time: 1 hour 45 minutes -
4. Flaine in France
Flaine is an extremely popular destination offering excellent snow conditions, learn to ski packages and a great selection of kids clubs and childcare. Novice skiers can enjoy the wide, gentle nursery slopes close to the village centre. There are even some free beginners lifts so you won't need a lift pass for your first day.
Total km of piste: 265km • Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes - 2 hours • Transfer time: 1 hour 45 minutes -
5. Scheffau in Austria
An all-round excellent resort, Scheffau is a picturesque village with traditional Austrian charm. With a fantastic range of skiing available this is a great place to learn, especially for kids, and is a truly stunning snowy location for your ski holiday. There are many wide and gentle runs that are ideal for new skiers.
Total km of piste: 279km • Flight time: 2 hours • Transfer time: 1 hour 45 minutes -
6. Val di Fassa in Italy
You can learn to ski in glorious sunshine in Val di Fassa, a renowned Italian ski resort. The wide and undulating runs make this an excellent place to find your feet on the ski slopes as well as offering an authentic Italian resort with lots of activities to enjoy.
Total km of piste: 120km • Flight time: 1 hour 45 minutes - 2 hours 30 minutes • Transfer time: 2 hours 30 minuteses -
7. Kranjska Gora in Slovenia
This resort has everything you need for a great beginners holiday and offers excellent value for money. With lots of gentle nursery slopes located near to the village this resort is very practical for learners. Look out for our great value ‘first time’ packages.
Total km of piste: 30km • Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes - 2 hours 30 minutes • Transfer time: 1 hours 15 minutes - 3 hours 15 minutes -
8. Arinsal in Andorra
Well-known for offering great value for money, Arinsal is also an excellent option for your beginner ski holidays. Newer skiers can benefit from the friendly English-speaking tuition, gentle slopes and ideal snow conditions. There is also a great value ‘first time’ package if you are completely new to the slopes.
Total km of piste: 30km • Flight time: 1 hour 40 minutes - 2 hours 15 minutes • Transfer time: 1 hour 15 minutes - 3 hours 15 minutes -
9. Alpe d'Huez in France
Providing excellent tuition in its ski schools, Alpe d'Huez is a popular choice for new skiers. With impressive facilities for beginners, the nursery slopes are also close to the resort's accommodation. Once you gain a bit of confidence you can head up the mountain to the extensive collection of green runs and enjoy excellent snow conditions.
Total km of piste: 249km • Flight time: 1 hour 20 minutes - 2 hours • Transfer time: 2 hours 15 minutes -
10. Pamporovo in Bulgaria
Pamporovo's ski area is ideal for first-timers, with an impressive 11 easy slopes to learn on. The local ski school offers special English language group lessons too which will get you whizzing down the slopes in no time. Look out for 'First time' ski packages which come highly recommended and are fantastic value for money.
Total km of piste: 25km • Flight time: 3 hours • Transfer time: 4 hours