Thinking about learning to ski and not sure where to start?

We get it – choosing the perfect spot for your first ski trip can be tough!

If someone in your group is a beginner, finding the right resort is key. You want somewhere with gentle slopes, great après-ski vibes, and a welcoming atmosphere. That’s why we’ve put together a list of the best ski resorts for beginners around the world.

From easy runs to relaxed après-ski, these destinations are perfect for your first ski holiday. Keep reading to find out where to head for a fun, stress-free experience on the slopes!

1. Cortina, Italy

Cortina offers some of the best beginner slopes in the Dolomites, making it a fantastic choice for newcomers to skiing. Ideal for longer stays, the resort features progression slopes, perfect for building confidence as you go. With a variety of ski schools offering instruction in multiple languages, Cortina is a welcoming destination for all skill levels.

For those in your group who are more advanced, there are plenty of intermediate slopes to enjoy as well. The Dolomites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, provide stunning views as you ski down the slopes, and many runs are floodlit for an atmospheric night skiing experience. Other activities available include go-karting, snowshoeing, and sledging.

2. Les Arcs, France

Les Arcs is a top pick for beginner and intermediate skiers in Europe. With free beginner lifts and nursery slopes at every main village, it's an ideal destination for first-timers. Located in the Savoie region, you'll find delicious regional specialties like raclette cheese and Tarte aux Myrtilles (blueberry tart).

3. Tignes, France

Tignes is one of the best ski resorts for beginners, with a wide variety of easy nursery slopes and long, cruisey blue runs. The high altitude means it has a longer ski season, with excellent powder conditions lasting well into spring. As part of the Tignes-Val d’Isère ski area, it offers access to even more slopes for beginners and intermediates.

4. Saas Fee, Switzerland

Saas Fee, known as the pearl of the Alps, is a charming, car-free village with a perfect setting for beginners. A snow-sure nursery slopes runs alongside the village, providing a great area for beginners to practice. With its picturesque chalets and snow-covered peaks, Saas Fee is the ideal destination for a relaxing ski trip.

5. Cervinia, Italy

Cervinia is Italy’s highest-altitude ski resort, ensuring reliable snow and excellent skiing conditions. Beginners will appreciate the nursery slopes that’s easily accessible right from the village, along with a variety of ski schools. Cervinia boasts over 40 kilometers of easy, wide runs, making it a perfect spot for those just starting out. With long, gentle slopes, it's ideal for building confidence.

6. La Rosière, France

La Rosière is a relaxed and sunny ski resort that is perfect for beginners. Its south-facing slopes get plenty of sunshine, and the resort features two free ski lifts, giving newcomers easy access to beginner-friendly nursery slopes. You can spend your first few days learning the basics in a laid-back atmosphere.

7. La Thuile, Italy

Connected to La Rosière in France, La Thuile is nestled in the Aosta Valley ski area. This charming village offers peaceful slopes and is an ideal destination for beginners. With fewer crowds and no long queues, you'll have ample space to practice and improve your skiing skills.

The resort features smooth, gentle nursery slopes for both adults and children, all conveniently served by a magic carpet, making it a stress-free spot for new skiers to learn.