For those of you just starting to ski, or those looking to build their way up to more advanced levels, it is important to choose resorts with pistes that will help you get the most from your holiday. The best ski resorts for beginners and intermediates are easy to find, you just need to know where to start looking. Finding the right destination for you will make the difference between advancing in proficiency and failing to maximise on your potential. There are a large number of skiing destinations in Europe suitable for beginners and intermediates, each with their own atmosphere and features.
Learning on your own or in a group can be highly enjoyable and rewarding and once you have developed the basic skills for skiing, the slopes will open up and we hope our suggested best ski resorts will provide you with endless years of winter sports fun. Starting with these best ski resorts it’s then up to you how much you ski and how you develop, tackling as many of the easy blue and intermediate red pistes that you can
The best skiing destinations for beginners will be ones that feature a high proportion of green and blue slopes, with potential to face reds when you’re ready for the challenge; luckily there isn’t a shortage of these, and we hope we have picked out some of the best ski resorts for you to get started on.
We have outlined below why these destinations are appealing, some key facts about them, and we discuss other aspects such as whether they are the best skiing resorts for families, and which offer the cheapest skiing in Europe.
Les Deux Alpes – France
The second oldest ski resort in France, Les Deux Alpes is an excellent choice for any budding skier, with a strong selection of slopes that will cater for mixed abilities. Set in the French alps, it offers up the charm and character associated with this iconic ski area with stunning views and high-quality skiing abound.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = €52.50 / 7 Days = €305.90 / 13 Days = €567 / Season Pass = €999
- Summit: 3,600 m
- Base: 1,300 m
- Pistes: 95 in total / 14 Green / 49 Blue / 20 Red / 12 Black
- Lifts: 43
- Terrain Parks: 1
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Plenty of schools for all levels / Independent ski instructors / Children’s areas and lessons from 3 years old
- Childcare: Available
Les Deux Alpes is also one of the best ski resorts for families, with the Snow Gardens catering for children from the age of 3; here children can be looked after for full or half days, helping them learn the ropes of skiing and leaving you free to develop your own skills. There are also plenty of activities to keep you and your fellow skiers busy off the slopes, such as visiting the museum or nearby villages.
Risoul (La Foret Blanche area) – France
The Risoul ski resort is part of the wider La Foret Blanche area, with direct access to a vast area that offers up a huge amount of blue and red pistes, making it not only one of the best skiing destinations for beginners, but one of the top choices for a skiing holiday in Europe.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = €41.50 / 7 Days = €235.30 / Season Pass = €809
- Summit: 2,750 m
- Base: 1,650 m
- Pistes: 116 in total / 21 Green / 45 Blue / 40 Red / 10 Black
- Lifts: 52
- Terrain Parks: 7
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Many schools for all levels / Children’s lessons from 3 years old
- Childcare: Available
Risoul is a suitable ski resort for both beginners and intermediates, especially with its beginner’s area, a must if you are struggling to get going. There are off mountain activities to please everyone and the surrounding areas are a delight to visit, including the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mont-Dauphin. The La Foret Blanche area is an excellent but less obvious choice but nonetheless is one of the top ski destinations that France has to offer.
Alta Badia – Italy
Nestled in the Dolomites is Alta Badia, a leading skiing destination for beginners. The Dolomites are famed for their beauty, so if you’re looking for a scenic place to hone your skills, then this is certainly the place for you. What’s more is that you can get a taste of the Ladin culture, history, and cuisine that is exclusive to this region of Italy.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = €46 / 7 Days = €247 / Season Pass = €585
- Summit: 2,778 m
- Base = 1,300 m
- Pistes: 96 in total / 67 Blue / 26 Red / 3 Black
- Lifts: 53
- Terrain Parks: 1
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Variety of schools for all levels / Children’s lessons from 3 years old
- Childcare: Available
What makes Alta Badia an exciting ski resort for beginners is that the majority of slopes are ranked as blue difficulty, meaning that the resort has a lot to offer for anyone trying to improve their skiing without having to tackle more challenging runs. The infrastructure here for newcomers and families is ideal, also leaving you with plenty of après-ski and activities for when you’re taking a break from the action.
Saas-Fee – Switzerland
It’s no secret that Switzerland is home to countless mountain sports opportunities for skiers and non-skiers alike. Despite its upmarket reputation Switzerland is home to some of the preeminent skiing destinations for beginners and intermediates. Among these destinations sits the Saas Valley. The Saas Valley is home to four mountain villages, with Saas-Fee being the most famous, well known for its well-groomed slopes and charming setting.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = 75 CHF / 7 Days = 419 CHF / 14 Days = 656 CHF / Season Pass = 899 CHF
- Summit: 3,573 m
- Base: 1,800 m
- Pistes: 32 in total / 13 Blue / 14 Red / 5 Black
- Lifts: 23
- Terrain Parks: 1
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Handful of schools teaching all levels, available from 3 years of age
- Childcare: Available
Saas-Fee does not have the highest number of slopes, but it shines as one of the best skiing destinations in Europe for those who want a laid-back approach with an array of attractions aside from skiing. You will not be disappointed by the vast selection of events, activities and trips that are available; you can fill your holiday at Saas-Fee with a trip to the world famous Zermatt with views of the Matterhorn, beer brewing, sledging, and much more.
Trysil – Norway
Trysil is one of the best places to ski in Norway, and it is Norway’s biggest ski destination. The stunning Scandinavian nature and array of easy slopes come together to create an unforgettable ski resort for beginners and intermediates. It is a modern resort with high standards, perfect for young families looking for accessible adventures on the slopes.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = €46.50 / 5 Days = €198 / 14 Days = €316 / Season Pass = €659.50
- Summit: 1,100 m
- Base: 475 m
- Pistes: 68 in total. Majority Green and Blue difficulty, with some Red and Black
- Lifts: 31
- Terrain Parks: 31
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Plenty of schools teaching all levels, children from 3 years old
- Childcare: Available
If we are talking children friendly then this is definitely a top skiing resort for families. It is perfect for families looking to start skiing together. In Trysil you can find plenty of restaurants and activities, you won’t need to venture out of the resort.
Livigno – Italy
This Italian resort in the Alps is among the best skiing destinations in Europe. In Livigno you will have a true Italian experience whilst tackling the resorts many beginner and intermediate slopes and admiring the stunning views.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = €50 / 7 Days = €273 / 14 Days = €397 / Season Pass = €735
- Summit: 2,796 m
- Base: 1,816 m
- Pistes: 78 in total / 29 Blue / 37 Red / 12 Black
- Lifts: 30
- Terrain Parks: 2
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Plenty of schools, lessons available for all levels and for children
- Childcare: Available
Livigno has an impressive selection of pistes and is well known for its sunny weather and traditional atmosphere. You won’t get bored with the on and off mountain attractions, including ice climbing, helicopter flights, and a trip out of Livigno on the Bernina Express!
Mayrhofen – Austria
Austria, with its reliable snow and traditional winter resort ambience has many resorts perfect for beginners and intermediates. Our pick for the beginners ski resort here is Mayrhofen, whilst this is home to the steepest run in Austria, ‘Harakiri’, it is also a great choice for where to go skiing for beginners or intermediates.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = €55.50 / 7 Days = €302.50 / Season Pass = €621.50
- Summit: 2,500 m
- Base: 630 m
- Pistes: 52 in total / 22 Blue / 27 Red / 3 Black
- Lifts: 58
- Terrain Parks: 1
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Many schools for all levels, children from 4 years old
- Childcare: Available
Once you’re done with skiing for the day, there are plenty of opportunities to unwind and relax. There is so much to love about Mayrhofen, it offers up a blend of fun for families and those looking for something lively in the evenings. It has long appealed to experienced and beginner skiers alike. The resort knows what people want on a ski holiday, and it delivers.
Bansko – Bulgaria
If you are looking for cheap ski resorts for beginners, then Bansko fits the bill. Bulgaria is not often associated with skiing, most people head to well-known resorts in places like Switzerland, but Bansko is a hidden gem when it comes to quality skiing for beginners and intermediates in Europe, and it is a pleasant change from the hustle and bustle of more famous destinations.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = Лв65 / 6 Days = Лв380 / 13 Days = Лв785 / Season Pass = Лв1,500
- Summit: 2,560 m
- Base: 935 m
- Pistes: 21 in total / 2 Green / 6 Blue / 11 Red / 2 Black
- Lifts: 15
- Terrain Parks: 1
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Multiple schools available, children from a young age
- Childcare: Available
Bansko stands out as the ideal ski resort in Bulgaria, it’s perfect for beginners and intermediates who don’t want to spend too much before deciding if winter sports are for them. The location is a unique starting point for those new to skiing. Visitors won’t be disappointed by the potential of Bulgaria with its reasonable prices and traditional location.
Arber – Germany
Another relatively unknown yet compact ski resort for beginners, Arber is extremely approachable and an enjoyable destination. Among the German resorts, this is the best skiing destination for beginners or intermediates. The layout and gradings of the slopes allow for progress to be made quickly, a great challenge to set yourself conquering the interesting array of blue and red pistes.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = €35 / 7 Days = €168 / 14 Days = €225 / Season Pass = €320
- Summit: 1,450 m
- Base: 1,050 m
- Pistes: 14 in total / 6 Blue / 4 Red / 4 Black
- Lifts: 7
- Terrain Parks: 7
- Lessons/Ski Schools: Many schools available, lessons for children
- Childcare: Available
As a beginner or intermediate you are sure to progress here in a resort nicknamed the ‘King of The Bavarian Forest’. You will find plenty of likeminded skiers all appreciating the atmosphere and affordability of such a cheap ski resort for beginners!
Åre – Sweden
The last, but no means least, on our list of the best skiing destinations in Europe, is the impressive Swedish resort of Åre. This resort provides thrills all year round with mountain biking, hiking and more but with skiing it really shines. In Åre you will take in the natural beauty of Scandinavia whilst you glide down the impressive slope selection suitable for beginners and intermediates.
Essential Info
- Prices: 1 Day = €43.50 / 5 Days = €191 / 14 Days = €323 / Season Pass = €613.50
- Summit: 1,420m
- Base: 390 m
- Pistes: 101 in total / 18 Green / 47 Blue / 31 Red / 5 Black
- Lifts: 41
- Terrain Parks: 2
- Lessons/Ski Schools: A variety of schools for all levels, children from 3 years old
- Childcare: Available
The resort is known for its impressive amount of dining experiences après-ski after a busy day of skiing, you will certainly be spoilt for choice of food and drink. Among other things that make Åre a leading skiing destination for beginners is the chances to unwind in true Scandinavian style. Åre is unrivalled as a beginner location in Scandinavia, especially its après-ski, family facilities, and kindness to newbies.
This list only provides a small window into the world of skiing, picking and choosing the foremost skiing destinations from the many available does not do the sport justice. We hope you will discover so much more on your winter sports journey, some of the greatest skiing destinations for beginners will take you on a life long journey but the choice is ultimately up to you! All this being said, you can rest assured that this top 10 leaves you with plenty of incredible places to get to grips with skiing.
No matter what your pick, plan ahead and ensure you have all bases covered with specialist winter sports insurance. At Snowcard we have been providing top quality insurance since 1990. We have a range of options for all skiing and snowboarding travel activities. Our ski travel insurance is flexible, extensive and suitable for beginners, intermediates and advanced skiers. Our specialist policies cover you for a large number of skiing activities, including on/off-piste skiing, snowmobiling and dog sledging; the policies coverage includes emergency medical expenses and rescue but can also be tailored to include personal belongings, equipment, trip cancellation and travel interruptions. It’s vital to get the right insurance before you venture to any of these winter sports destinations.