For many people, skiing sits on their bucket list as something they would like to learn, or at least try at some point in their lives. But for many, the idea of learning a new sport can be pretty intimidating. Learning to ski abroad can seem daunting, but with both The Snow Centre locations catering to people of all abilities, you can master the basics of skiing through a beginner skiing lesson at Manchester or Hemel and then take to the mountains full of confidence. 

Another question that may come to mind for a beginner is, 'Where to go?' There are hundreds of ski resorts across the globe, so which is the best one for me? Thankfully, over here at The Snow Centre, we have a full house of skiing and snowboarding experts who are more than happy to point you in the right direction. Join us as we discuss some of the best ski resorts for beginners. 

In this guide to skiing holidays for beginners, you will learn:

  • The best ski resorts for beginners.
  • Why The Snow Centre is the best place to get ski holiday ready.

Best Ski Resorts for Beginners

Europe is the home of fantastic skiing holidays, and the Alps are lined with incredible ski holiday destinations. It is impossible to find the best ski resort in Europe, but you won't have to look hard to find ski resorts catering to beginners. Here are five of the best ski resorts for beginners:

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

We can’t think of a prettier resort to learn how to ski in! Cortina d’Ampezzo is one of the best ski resorts in Italy, situated within the picturesque Dolomites area, instantly recognisable for its towering monolithic rock structures and breathtaking vistas. Cortina itself is picture-perfect and sits comfortably to the east of the Sella Ronda ski circuit, which attracts intermediate skiers from around the world. 

If you’re a beginner, you will find that you are spoilt for choice when it comes to practising your parallel turns, starts and stops. Practice lifts service the lower pistes, which are easily accessible from the town (no need for ski carrying!). One of the best parts of learning to ski in Cortina d’Ampezzo is the My Dolomiti Skicard, a rechargeable card that allows you to buy as many journeys on the ski lifts as you like, or need. To learn more about all Italy has to offer when it comes to finding the best ski resort, be sure to check out our complete guide to skiing in Italy. 

  • Picturesque resort that caters to beginners.
  • Close to Sella Ronda, an excellent resort for more advanced skiers.
  • Plenty of space to practise basic techniques.
  • My Dolomiti Skicard allows for as many trips up the slope as you like.

Alpe d’Huez, France

Another contender for the best ski resort for beginners, Alpe d’Huez in France, boasts the world’s biggest network of easy green and beginner runs. What more could you ask for? A pressure-free and calm environment to learn to ski and snowboard in is every snow sports lover's dream. 

One of the perks of learning to ski in Alpe d’Huez is the opportunity to make the most of the internationally renowned ESF (Ecole du ski Français) ski school, which offers English-speaking instructors. Finally, at the end of the day, Alpe d’Huez boasts a terrific après-ski culture, perfect for grabbing a nice cold beer or a glass of wine and enjoying the alpine setting. To learn more about all France has to offer when it comes to finding the best ski resort, be sure to check out our complete guide to skiing in France. 

  • World's largest network of green and beginner runs.
  • Learn at their world-renowned ski school, Ecole du ski Français.
  • Enjoy terrific après-ski after a day on the slopes.

Arinsal, Andorra

Set in sunny Andorra, in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain, Arinsal is a haven for beginner skiers. It is a firm favourite location for skiers and snowboarders from the UK seeking their snow fix. Besides being able to find plenty of ski schools offering English instruction, beginner skiers in Arinsal will appreciate and benefit from the wide, gentle slopes and designated areas for first-timers and families. 

There is plenty of room to explore in Arinsal as well, once you have built your confidence a little. After a day on the slope, you can enjoy a glass of wine and bask in the wonderful snowy sun in the Pyrenees. To learn more about all France has to offer when it comes to finding the best ski resort, be sure to check out our complete guide to skiing in Andorra. 

  • Popular destination with UK skiers and snowboarders.
  • Wide choice of English-speaking ski schools.
  • Wide, gentle slopes with designated areas for families and first timers. 

Saas-Fee, Switzerland

We have discussed the best resorts for first-time skiers who have never skied before in their lives. However, if you have a little skiing experience so far but still consider yourself a beginner looking to improve, then Saas-Fee in Switzerland could be just the resort for you. 

With nursery slopes and secluded areas to practice your turns in, once you have a little confidence up your sleeve, you can explore the resort further on some of the blissfully easy blue runs across the area. This beautiful ski resort, situated in the heart of the Swiss Alps near the Italian border, offers unbeatable views and skiing experiences to match. To learn more about all Switzerland has to offer when it comes to finding the best ski resort, be sure to check out our complete guide to skiing in Switzerland. 

  • Secluded areas that are perfect for practising. 
  • Blue runs after you feel confident with the basics. 
  • In the heart of the Alps. 

Fernie, Canada

Not all of the best beginner ski resorts are in Europe! Hopping across the pond this time, to the high Rocky Mountains of Canada, Fernie sits in the rugged and wild landscape of white snowy peaks and tall, bristly spruce trees. When you’ve gotten over the outstanding beauty of Canada, you’ll be pleased to know that Fernie is the quieter resort compared to its neighbours of Banff, Whistler and Lake Louise. 

An unpretentious little village serves as the home base, and just above it sits a variety of smooth, wide trails that enjoy a fantastic snow record, with plenty of soft, powdery snow. Not only does Fernie offer a beautiful skiing holiday experience, but you can also explore the beauty of Canada. As you progress through the levels, there are more advanced resorts just down the road. 

  • A chance to explore a resort outside of Europe. 
  • Quieter resort compared to its neighbours. 
  • Smooth, wide trails offer a beginner-friendly experience.

Learning to Ski on Our Real Snow Slopes

Fancy taking to the slopes across Europe and the wider world, but want to gain some skiing experience before you depart? The Snow Centre is the perfect place to learn to ski with incredible ski lessons at our Manchester and Hemel locations. Our expert instructors can take you from a complete beginner finding your feet on the snow to an expert flying down our thrilling real snow slopes. 

Our beginner lessons cater to all ages, ensuring everyone understands their equipment and the basics of skiing. Want to learn as a family? We have family ski lessons at Manchester and Hemel, perfect for beginning your journey as a family. 

Get Ski Slope Ready at The Snow Centre

Now that you know all of the best ski resorts for beginners, it's time to get ski holiday ready at The Snow Centre. Whether you’re learning as a complete beginner or taking a refresher to warm up your skiing skills, we can provide all the lessons you need. 

Be sure to book a ski or snowboard lesson at The Snow Centre before you head out on a skiing holiday for beginners. Enjoy a lesson or purchase a lift pass to enjoy all that our Manchester and Hemel locations have to offer. If you have any questions about booking a lesson, learning to snowboard, or learning to ski, please contact us. A member of our team will be happy to help.