Best Ski Resorts
If you’re looking to try skiing for the first time, choosing the right ski resort can make all the difference. Beginner skiers need a gentle slope with easy-to-follow trails and a good ski school, and the right resort can provide just that. Here are some of the best ski resorts for beginners, and what you can expect when taking your first steps on the slopes.
Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia, Canada
Whistler Blackcomb is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, and it’s a great destination for beginner skiers. The resort has a large selection of easy slopes, as well as a ski school with experienced instructors. Whistler Blackcomb also offers a great variety of terrain, making it a great destination for skiers of all levels.
Park City, Utah, USA
Park City is a great ski resort for beginner skiers, with its wide, gentle slopes and long runs. The resort also has a large ski school, offering lessons for skiers of all levels. Park City also has a large selection of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, making it a great destination for a ski vacation.
Mount Tremblant, Quebec, Canada
Mount Tremblant is a charming ski resort with a small-town feel, and it’s a great destination for beginner skiers. The resort has a large selection of easy slopes, as well as a ski school with experienced instructors. Mont Tremblant also offers a variety of other activities, such as snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and ice skating, making it a great destination for a winter vacation.
Breckenridge, Colorado, USA
Breckenridge is a large ski resort with a variety of slopes for skiers of all levels, including many easy slopes for beginner skiers. The resort also has a ski school with experienced instructors, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Breckenridge is also known for its charming Victorian-era architecture, making it a great destination for a ski vacation.
Zermatt, Switzerland
Zermatt is a world-renowned ski resort with a large selection of slopes for skiers of all levels, including easy slopes for beginner skiers. The resort also has a ski school with experienced instructors, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Zermatt is also known for its stunning mountain scenery, making it a great destination for a ski vacation.
Saas-Fee, Switzerland
If you need a change in scenery from the previous location in Switzerland, give Saas-Fee a try! One of the most picturesque ski villages in all of Europe, it also happens to be one of the best ski resorts for beginners. Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Alps”, it is often free from crowds,
and you’ll have plenty of chalets to choose from, all of which are surrounded by beautiful snowy peaks. The kids will have plenty of activities to occupy themselves with and they go on easy slopes (with the supervision of course) if you’re looking to start their skiing journey sooner rather than later.
Les Deux Alpes, France
Les Deux Alpes, otherwise known as “2 Alps”, is a large ski resort with a variety of slopes for skiers of all levels, including easy slopes for beginner skiers. It is one of the top picks for many skiers because of how the resort is designed, while many high alpine experiences are often limited in other resoirts, here you can actually enjoy skiing easy slopes at the top of the mountain! You’ll want to take the Jandri Express 1 lift, that takes you to the right spots so you can ski to your heart’s content.
The resort also has a ski school with experienced instructors, as well as a variety of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. Les Deux Alpes is also known for its lively après-ski scene, making it a great destination for a ski vacation.
Courchevel, France
This resort is a favorite for beginners because it feels like everything there is catered to introducing skiers to the sport. Wide open pistes, and excellent ski schools for classes, there are so many avenues available to help guide newbies slowly and easily into skiing. There are a few areas to start your learning journey but the main ones, especially for learning how to take turns, are at Moriond and the main Courchevel village.
Cortina, Italy
This ski resort has plenty of slopes that will help you progress into higher levels while helping you build confidence at the same time. Ideally, you’ll want to spend slightly longer stays here to see and enjoy all the skiing it has to offer. There are a variety of ski schools in the area with instructors that can speak multiple languages, just one of the many reasons why Cortina is a great place for beginners.
Since you’re skiing in the Dolomites area, which also happens to be a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’re guaranteed breathtaking views on your way down. You’ll also be able to do some snowshoeing while you’re here but you don’t have to, if skiing is what you have in mind.
When taking your first steps on the slopes, it’s important to take a lesson from a qualified instructor. A ski lesson will help you learn the basics of skiing, such as how to turn, stop, and control your speed. It’s also a good idea to take it easy on your first day on the slopes, starting with easy slopes and gradually working your way up to more challenging terrain.
Conclusion
In addition to taking lessons, it’s also important to wear the right gear. This includes a warm ski jacket, pants, gloves, hat, and sunglasses or goggles. It’s also important to wear a helmet, which can help protect your head in the event of a fall.
When choosing a ski resort for beginners, it’s important to consider the location to minimize crowds and reduce distractions because you want the beginner skier to be able to focus on picking up the right techniques and skills. It helps if you pick from one of the many resorts featured in this article as they’re all dedicated towards helping beginners pick up skiing.
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