Ski Holidays For Beginners

By Edward Ockelton

When you book a ski holiday, it is very important to choose a resort which suits your group's skiing ability. This is especially true for beginners.

Nothing can put a beginner off skiing quicker than a week spent trying to ski down unsuitable steep terrain, or have to travel for miles to get to the beginner ski slopes.

We have therefore compiled our "Top Ten Ski Resorts For Beginners" list:
1. Les Arcs, France - Why is it good?
* Excellent nursery slopes directly above each of the resort's main villages.
* Free beginner's lift.
* Good range of early intermediate slopes as you progress.

2. Bansko, Bulgaria - Why is it good?
* Beautiful World Heritage Site.
* Modern lift system.
* Good range of nursery slopes.
* Great value - skiing here won't break the bank.
* As you progress there is an excellent 16km intermediate run from the top to the bottom of the mountain (2560 m to 935 m).

3. Cortina, Italy - Why is it good?
* Breathtaking views over the Dolomites.
* Often cited as being one of the world's most beautiful ski resorts.
* Extensive nursery slopes in the Socrapes area.
* Instructors who are especially good with kids.

4. Killington, US - Why is it good?
* No language barriers.
* Ski schools are excellent.
* Large nursery slope areas.
* "Discovery Centre" for complete beginners showing how your equipment works before you start to ski.

5. Lech, Austria - Why is it good?
* A classic alpine resort.
* Picturesque village with fine hotels.
* Very well regarded ski schools with good English speaking instructors.
* Plenty of runs for intermediate and advanced as well, so a good option for mixed ability groups.

6. Poiana Brasov, Romania - Why is it good?
* An great place to try skiing without breaking the bank.
* Two nursery areas.
* Helpful and enthusiastic instructors.
* Excellent nearby excursions (such as Dracula's castle).
* Cheap and cheerful food, wine and entertainment.

7. Soldeu, Andorra - Why is it good?
* Often named as being one of Europe's best beginner resorts.
* Two extensive nursery areas.
* A large number of English speaking ski instructors.
* Good number of intermediate runs to progress to.
* Usually good weather (Sldeu means "Sun God").
* Excellent nightlife.
* Duty-free zone, so can be cheap.

8. Tignes, France - Why is it good?
* High and very "snowsure".
* Good range of easy to access nursery slopes.
* Good range of intermediate/expert slopes so a good destination for mixed ability groups.
* Lots of accommodation to choose from.
* Lots of non-skiing activities and great après-ski.

9 Wengen, Switzerland - Why is it good?
* Spectacular location under the north face of the Eiger.
* A great destination for families, with a well renowned ski school.
* Lots of non-skiing activities.

10. Chatel, France - Why is it good?
* Easy resort to reach either by flying into Geneva, or driving from Calais.
* Great range of beginners slopes, and good English speaking instructors.
* Part of the world's biggest ski area (the Portes du Soleil) so plenty of runs for all abilities.
* Regularly receives on average the most snowfall in the alps, so one of the most snowsure non glacier resorts.
* Picturesque village with bags of charm and plenty of off-slope activities.

We also have some tips for beginner skiers, which should help make your first time all the more enjoyable:

1. Try and get some lessons in the UK before you leave, preferably in one of the real snow domes. This means that once you get to your resort, you already have an idea of the basics (how to put your skis on etc.).

2. When booking ask if there are any 'Learn to Ski or Snowboard Packages'. This may include lessons, gear rental and a lift pass if needed.

3. Check to see if beginners can get away with buying a cheaper "local area" of "beginner" lift pass. There is no need to buy a pass for a huge area if you are only going to ski on beginner and early intermediate slopes.

4. If you want to learn snowboarding, check if the schools in your resort offer beginner courses for boarders.

5. Check that the accommodation is convenient for the pistes, the lifts and general amenities.

6. Rent gear to start with - it's a lot cheaper.

Above all, remember that skiing is meant to be fun!

Ed Ockelton lives in the French Alps and runs White-Peak Ski Holidays France and All Mountain Ski Holidays.

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