Welcome to the ultimate guide for beginners looking to hit the slopes in Europe! Whether you’re planning your first ever ski holiday or searching for the perfect family-friendly resort, we’ve got you covered. Europe boasts some of the world’s best ski destinations, with a fantastic range of beginner-friendly slopes, top-notch ski schools, and stunning alpine scenery. From the sunny pistes of France to the charming villages of Austria and the high-altitude wonderlands of Switzerland, we’ll guide you through the best places to learn, improve, and fall in love with skiing.
Best Ski Resorts in Europe for Beginners:
- 🏔️ For Beginners’ Paradise: Les Arcs, France
- 🌨️ For High-Altitude Skiing: Tignes, France
- 👑 For Exclusive Atmosphere: Lech, Austria
- 🇮🇹 For Italian Charm: Cervinia, Italy
- 🎉 For Lively Après-Ski: Alpe d'Huez, France
- 🏞️ For Scenic Beauty: Méribel, France
- 🚡 For Snow-Sure Conditions: Obergurgl, Austria
- 🏔️ For Progressive Learning: Saas-Fee, Switzerland
1. Les Arcs, France
- 🎿 Pistes: 200 km of local slopes (425 km Paradiski area), 60+ lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 810 m – 3226 m above sea level (altitude difference 2416 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 127 km from Chambery Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, especially good for intermediates and experts
- 🏨 Average price for 6-day ski pass: € 285 – € 385 for adults
Les Arcs is a world-class ski resort in the French Alps, part of the massive Paradiski area. It’s renowned for its extensive and varied terrain, modern lift system, and snowsure conditions. The resort comprises five areas – Bourg-Saint-Maurice, Arc 1600, Arc 1800, Arc 1950, and Arc 2000 – each offering a unique atmosphere.
Les Arcs boasts one of the world’s biggest lift-served verticals at more than 2000m, providing something for all ability levels. The resort is particularly appealing to intermediates with its wide selection of cruising blues and challenging reds. Advanced skiers will find plenty to enjoy too, with numerous interesting black runs and excellent off-piste opportunities.
A standout feature is the 7 km long piste from the Aiguille Rouge peak, offering a breathtaking 2026m vertical drop down to Villaroger. The resort also caters well to freestylers with its renowned terrain park, one of the biggest in Europe.
Features: 75% of terrain rated easy or intermediate, making it ideal for families and improving skiers. Experts are drawn to the steep blacks and extensive off-piste areas. The resort is also known for its excellent ski schools and beginner-friendly areas.
Facts: Car-free villages, beautiful views of Mont Blanc, long ski season from mid-December to late April, and easy access by train from the UK via Bourg-St-Maurice station.
Hotels in Les Arcs:
Expensive Hotels:
- Résidence Prestige Odalys Edenarc – Upscale ski-in/ski-out apartments with modern amenities and stunning mountain views.
- Chalet des Neiges -La Source des Arcs – Cozy chalet-style accommodations offering direct access to ski slopes and a relaxing spa.
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium Arc 1950 Le Village – Charming village-style resort with luxurious apartments and excellent on-site facilities.
Medium price category:
- Premium Les Alpages de Chantel – Elegant alpine-inspired lodgings featuring spacious apartments and a wellness center.
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Belmont – Comfortable self-catering apartments with convenient access to ski lifts and resort amenities.
- Appart'Hotel Prestige Odalys Eden – Stylish aparthotel offering well-equipped accommodations and an indoor pool.
Budget hotels:
- Hotel Base Camp Lodge – Contemporary mountain lodge with a trendy atmosphere and diverse room options.
- Bed end breakfast du centre – Quaint bed and breakfast providing a homely atmosphere and personalized service.
- Auberge La Petite Auberge – Charming family-run inn offering cozy rooms and authentic local cuisine.
2. Tignes, France
- 🎿 Pistes: 300 km of pistes, 85 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 1,550 m – 3,456 m above sea level (altitude difference 1,906 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 145 km from Geneva Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, from beginners to experts, including freeriders
- 🏨 Average price per night: € 200 (varies by season and accommodation type)
Tignes is part of the Espace Killy ski area, one of the largest and most snow-sure ski areas in Europe. It includes the neighboring resort of Val d’Isère, offering a vast and varied terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities. The resort is known for its high altitude, ensuring excellent snow conditions throughout a long season.
In 2016, Tignes introduced the “Ski Start” progression programme, designed to help beginners learn and improve their skills in dedicated areas. This three-step system includes free lifts for the first two stages, making it an ideal resort for those new to skiing or snowboarding.
Tignes is composed of several villages at different altitudes, each with its own character. From the traditional charm of Les Brévières to the purpose-built convenience of Val Claret, the resort caters to various preferences and budgets.
The crown jewel of Tignes is the Grande Motte glacier, which offers summer skiing and snowboarding, extending the season well beyond that of most European resorts. The new Tignes-Val d’Isère link provides seamless access to the entire ski area.
Features: 20 green pistes, 67 blue pistes, 41 red pistes, and 26 black pistes cater to all skill levels. Two snowparks and extensive off-piste terrain attract freestyle enthusiasts and freeriders.
Facts: Modern lift system including funicular railways, extensive artificial snow-making capabilities, and a vibrant après-ski scene. The resort also offers a range of non-skiing activities including ice diving, dog sledding, and snow mountain biking.
Hotels in Tignes:
Expensive Hotels:
- Hôtel Les Suites du Montana by Les Etincelles – Luxurious suites with alpine-chic decor and top-notch wellness facilities.
- Hôtel VoulezVous by Les Etincelles – Sophisticated hotel offering elegant rooms and a gourmet restaurant.
- Les Suites – Maison Bouvier – Exclusive suites featuring contemporary design and exceptional dining options.
Medium price category:
- Hôtel Village Montana by Les Etincelles – Charming village-style resort with diverse accommodations and family-friendly amenities.
- Résidence Santa Terra – Modern apartments with stunning mountain views and excellent on-site facilities.
- Résidence Club MMV L'Altaviva – Stylish residence offering spacious apartments and a range of leisure activities.
Budget hotels:
- Tignes 1800 – Comfortable apartments in a convenient location with easy access to ski lifts.
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Inter-Résidences – Well-equipped apartments ideal for self-catering ski holidays.
3. Lech, Austria
- 🎿 Pistes: 304 km of pistes, 88 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 1,450 m – 2,811 m above sea level (altitude difference 1,361 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 120 km from Innsbruck Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, from beginners to experts, including families and luxury seekers
- 🏨 Average price per night: € 218 (Read more →)
Lech is part of the prestigious Ski Arlberg area, the largest interconnected ski area in Austria. This luxury palce attracts snowboarders from around the world with its excellent pistes, modern lifts, and picturesque Alpine scenery.
In 2016, Lech-Zürs was connected to St. Anton and other nearby resorts via a system of modern cable cars, creating an interconnected ski complex with over 300 km of pistes.
The White Ring (“Der Weiße Ring”) is a famous circular ski route connecting Lech, Zürs, Zug, and Oberlech. This 22 km circuit is a must-try for intermediate and advanced skiers, offering breathtaking views and varied terrain.
Features: The resort is ideal for families and beginners, with 84% of pistes rated easy to intermediate. Experts can enjoy 30 km of black runs and 200 km of off-piste opportunities. Lech is also known for its excellent ski schools and gentle slopes, perfect for beginners.
Facts: Lech boasts a long ski season from December to April, thanks to its high altitude. The resort is famous for its luxury amenities, gourmet mountain restaurants, and vibrant après-ski scene.
Hotels in Lech:
Expensive Hotels:
- Hotel Plattenhof – Elegant alpine retreat offering luxurious accommodations and top-notch wellness facilities.
- Hotel Appartement Roggal – Comfortable apartments with modern amenities and a cozy, home-like atmosphere.
- Anthony´s Alpin Hotel Garni – Charming boutique hotel featuring stylish rooms and a relaxing spa area.
Medium price category:
- Haus Schrofenstein – Traditional Austrian guesthouse offering warm hospitality and stunning mountain views.
- Pension Iris – Quaint family-run pension providing a friendly atmosphere and personalized service.
- Hotel Pension Alpenrose – Cozy alpine lodge with a welcoming ambiance and excellent proximity to ski lifts.
Budget hotels:
- Lech Hostel – Budget-friendly accommodation offering a social atmosphere and basic amenities for ski enthusiasts.
- Haus Jehle – Charming guesthouse providing comfortable rooms and a peaceful setting for a relaxing ski holiday.
4. Cervinia, Italy
- 🎿 Pistes: 150 km of pistes (350 km including Zermatt), 19 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 1,524 m – 3,480 m above sea level (altitude difference 1,956 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 121 km from Turin Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: Ideal for beginners and intermediates, great for families, with options for advanced skiers
- 🏨 Average price per night: € 150 (varies by season and accommodation type)
Cervinia, also known as Breuil-Cervinia, is part of the Breuil-Cervinia Valtournenche Zermatt area, offering a vast ski area spanning Italy and Switzerland, making it one of the largest ski resorts in Europe with 360 km of pistes.
As one of the highest ski resorts in Europe, Cervinia boasts a long season, often extending from late October to early May. This makes it a perfect ski destination for those planning their first holiday or a family ski trip. The resort’s high altitude ensures excellent snow conditions on its green and blue runs, ideal for beginner skiers and snowboarders.
Cervinia is renowned for its wide, gentle slopes, perfect for those looking to find their ski legs or improve their technique. The resort offers excellent ski and snowboard schools with English-speaking instructors, making it easy to learn to ski or snowboard.
For the more experienced, Cervinia provides access to more challenging terrain, including the link to Zermatt in Switzerland. This connection makes it possible to ski two countries in one day, adding to the appeal for ski enthusiasts.
Features: A great selection of green, blue, and red pistes cater to all skill levels, from complete beginners to confident intermediates. The Indian terrain park attracts freestyle enthusiasts, while the extensive off-piste areas appeal to advanced levels.
Facts: Modern lift system, extensive snow-making capabilities, and a family-friendly après-ski scene. The resort also offers a range of non-skiing activities.
Hotels in Cervinia:
Expensive Hotels:
- White Angel Hotel – Luxurious ski-in/ski-out hotel offering elegant rooms and top-notch wellness facilities.
- Locanda4 – Charming mountain lodge with a cozy atmosphere and stunning views of the Matterhorn.
- Cervino - VRetreats – Sophisticated retreat featuring modern amenities and panoramic mountain vistas.
Medium price category:
- Residence Covalou – Family-friendly apartments with convenient access to ski slopes and outdoor activities.
- Maison Cly – Rustic-chic hotel offering gourmet dining and comfortable accommodations in a picturesque setting.
- Miramonti – Traditional alpine hotel with warm hospitality and easy access to ski lifts.
Budget hotels:
- Miravalle – Cozy guesthouse providing a homely atmosphere and breathtaking mountain scenery.
- Residence Bellevue – Well-appointed apartments ideal for self-catering ski holidays with families or groups.
- Hotel Panoramique – Charming hotel boasting spectacular views and a relaxing ambiance for a tranquil mountain getaway.
5. Alpe d’Huez, France
- 🎿 Pistes: 250 km of pistes, 84 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 1,860 m – 3,330 m above sea level (altitude difference 1,470 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 105 km from Grenoble Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, especially great for beginners and families
- 🏨 Average price per night: € 150 (varies by season and accommodation type)
Alpe d’Huez ranks high on the list of best European ski resorts for beginners. It’s part of the Alpe d’Huez Grand Domaine Ski area, offering a vast ski area that’s perfect for those on their first ever ski holiday or looking for a family ski holiday.
Known as the “Island of the Sun” due to its 300 days of sunshine per year, Alpe d’Huez is ideal for those who prefer skiing under blue skies. The resort’s high altitude ensures excellent snow conditions throughout a long season, typically from early December to late April.
In recent years, Alpe d’Huez has invested heavily in its beginner facilities, making it one of the most beginner-friendly ski resorts in Europe. The resort offers a dedicated beginners’ area with free lifts, allowing to find their ski legs without the pressure of purchasing a full lift pass.
The resort is also popular with families, having been awarded the ‘Famille Plus’ label. This certification ensures that accommodations, restaurants, and activities are well-suited for family ski holidays.
Features: Alpe d’Huez offers a great selection of green runs and gentle slopes for beginners, as well as more challenging pistes for intermediates and experts. The resort is home to the Sarenne, the longest black run in Europe at 16 km, appealing to experts.
Facts: Modern lift system, ski schools offering ski and snowboard lessons, and a vibrant après-ski scene. The resort also provides a range of non-skiing activities, including ice skating, swimming, and sledging.
Hotels in Alpe d’Huez:
Expensive Hotels:
- Résidence Prestige Odalys l'Éclose – Upscale apartments with modern amenities and easy access to ski slopes.
- Appart'Hôtel Prestige Odalys L'Eclose – Stylish aparthotel offering comfortable accommodations and excellent facilities for skiers.
- Résidence Daria-I Nor by les Etincelles – Luxurious ski-in/ski-out residence featuring elegant apartments and a spa.
Medium price category:
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances L'Ours Blanc – Family-friendly apartments with a cozy atmosphere and convenient location.
- Résidence ATHOS C2-1 Chambre-ALPE D'HUEZ-Centre Station – Centrally located apartments offering practical accommodations for ski enthusiasts.
- CGH Résidences & Spas Le Cristal de l'Alpe – High-end residence with spacious apartments and top-notch wellness facilities.
6. Méribel, France
- 🎿 Pistes: 150 km of pistes (600 km in the Three Valleys), 45 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 1,450 m – 2,952 m above sea level (altitude difference 1,502 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 180 km from Geneva Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, especially great for families and beginners
- 🏨 Average price per night: € 200 (varies by season and accommodation type)
This French resort is part of the Three Valleys, the largest ski area in the world, offering 600 km of pistes and a great selection of ski lifts.
Known for its charming Savoyard architecture and family-friendly atmosphere, Méribel boasts excellent snow conditions throughout a long season, typically from early December to late April. The resort features numerous green runs and gentle slopes, perfect for beginners and children.
Features: Méribel offers a great selection of green and blue runs for beginners, as well as more challenging pistes for intermediates and experts. The resort is home to two snowparks and a boardercross course, appealing to freestyle enthusiasts.
Facts: Modern lift system, ski schools offering ski and snowboard lessons, and a vibrant après-ski scene. The resort also provides a range of non-skiing activities, including ice skating, swimming, and sledging.
Hotels in Meribel:
Expensive Hotels:
- Hôtel Alpen Ruitor – Charming alpine-style hotel offering cozy rooms and excellent ski-in/ski-out access.
- Madame Vacances Hôtel & Spa Le Mottaret – Comfortable hotel with spa facilities and convenient location near zip lines.
- Hotel Mont Vallon – Luxurious hotel featuring spacious rooms and a wellness center with indoor pool.
Medium price category:
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Premium L'Hévana – Upscale apartments with modern amenities and easy access to ski slopes.
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Les Ravines – Well-equipped apartments ideal for self-catering ski holidays.
- Hotel Les Arolles – Traditional mountain hotel offering warm hospitality and stunning views.
Budget hotels:
- Résidence Odalys Le Hameau du Mottaret – Cozy apartments in a peaceful setting, perfect for families and groups.
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Les Sentiers du Tueda – Comfortable apartments nestled in nature, offering direct access to ski trails.
- Résidence Pierre & Vacances Le Golf – Practical apartments located near the golf course, with easy access to zip lines.
7. Obergurgl, Austria
- 🎿 Pistes: 112 km of pistes, 24 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 1,800 m – 3,080 m above sea level (altitude difference 1,280 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 180 km from Innsbruck Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, especially great for beginners and families
- 🏨 Average price per night: € 200 (varies by season and accommodation type)
Obergurgl is one of the best ski resorts in Europe for beginners and families, making it a perfect choice for your first ever ski holiday. This Austrian resort is known as the “Diamond of the Alps” due to its high altitude and reliable snow conditions throughout a long season, typically from mid-November to early May.
The resort features numerous green runs and gentle slopes, perfect for beginners and children taking their first ski lessons. Of the 112 kilometres of slopes in the resort, 90 kilometres are rated either easy or intermediate, with 35 kilometres of easy blue runs ideal for families with younger children.
Obergurgl is popular with families due to its ski schools and beginner-friendly facilities. The resort offers free equipment hire for children up to the age of nine years if both parents also hire ski equipment, making it an attractive option for family ski holidays.
Features: Obergurgl offers a great selection of beginner and intermediate slopes, as well as some challenging runs for more experienced skiers. The resort is home to two children’s areas, Wiesental and Pirchhütt, run by the Obergurgl ski school, where children can make their first attempts on skis with the help of qualified instructors.
Facts: Modern lift system, ski schools offering ski and snowboard lessons, and a more relaxed après-ski scene compared to larger resorts. The resort also provides a range of non-skiing activities, including a 3-kilometre natural toboggan run in Hochgurgl.
Hotels in Obergurgl:
Expensive Hotels:
- Hotel Gurglhof Superior – Upscale hotel offering luxurious accommodations and excellent wellness facilities.
- The Crystal VAYA Unique – Modern resort with stylish rooms and access to the Ötztal Inside Summer Card.
- Josl Mountain Lounging Hotel – Adults-only retreat featuring contemporary design and a relaxed mountain atmosphere.
Medium price category:
- Alpenresidenz am Mühlbach – Cozy apartments with traditional alpine charm and convenient location.
- Schönblick - Gurgl – Family-run guesthouse offering comfortable rooms and panoramic mountain views.
- Pension Wendlhof – Charming pension providing a homely atmosphere and warm hospitality.
Budget hotels:
- Haus Christophorus – Traditional Austrian guesthouse with cozy rooms and easy access to zip lines.
- Martinshof – Quaint family-run hotel offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of Obergurgl.
- Smarthotel Bergresidenz – Adults-only smart hotel featuring modern amenities and a prime location for skiing.
8. Saas-Fee, Switzerland
- 🎿 Pistes: 100 km of pistes, 22 lifts
- 🏔 Altitude: 1,800 m – 3,573 m above sea level (altitude difference 1,773 m)
- 🛫 Nearest airport: 230 km from Zurich Airport
- ⛷ Type of skiers: All levels, especially great for beginners and families
- 🏨 Average price per night: € 200 (varies by season and accommodation type)
Saas-Fee, known as the “Pearl of the Alps,” offers a perfect ski holiday experience with its high-altitude slopes and reliable snow conditions throughout a long season, typically from July to April.
The resort features numerous green runs and gentle slopes, perfect for beginners and children taking their first ski lessons. Of the 100 kilometers of slopes in the resort, 20 km are rated easy (blue), making it ideal for those on their first ski holiday or looking to improve their ski legs.
The Swiss Ski School Saas-Fee offers a broad range of services, including group and private ski lessons for all ages and abilities. The resort’s car-free village adds to its family-friendly appeal, ensuring a safe and relaxing environment.
Features: Saas-Fee offers a great selection of beginner and intermediate slopes, as well as some challenging runs for more experienced skiers. The resort is home to the Freestyle Park, attracting freestyle enthusiasts and snowboarders. The summer ski area on the Allalin glacier at 3,573 m is a unique feature, allowing for year-round skiing.
Facts: Modern lift system including the world’s highest underground funicular, the Metro Alpin. The resort also provides a range of non-skiing activities, including ice climbing, sledding, and a visit to the world’s largest ice pavilion. Saas-Fee’s high-altitude location and surrounding 4000m peaks offer breathtaking views, making it one of the top ski resorts in Europe for scenic beauty.
Hotels in Saas-Fee:
Expensive Hotels:
- Walliserhof Grand-Hotel & Spa Relais & Châteaux – Luxurious 5-star hotel offering elegant rooms and world-class spa facilities.
- Haus Alfa – Cozy apartments with traditional Swiss charm and stunning mountain views.
- Haus Slalom – Family-friendly accommodation with convenient access to ski slopes.
Medium price category:
- Hotel THE LARIX ski-in ski-out – Modern ski-in/ski-out hotel offering direct access to the slopes and comfortable rooms.
- Hotel Bristol – Charming hotel with a welcoming atmosphere and excellent amenities for skiers.
- Chalet Tannegg – Authentic Swiss chalet providing a cozy retreat for families and groups.
Budget hotels:
- Chalet Valeria – Stylish chalet apartments offering a home-away-from-home experience in the Alps.
- Haus Camillo – Comfortable guesthouse with a friendly atmosphere and beautiful mountain surroundings.
- Self service Guesthouse Berggeist – Self-catering guesthouse ideal for independent travelers seeking a budget-friendly option.
Where in Europe should I ski for beginners?
Some of the best European ski resorts for beginners include Alpe d’Huez in France, Cervinia in Italy, and Lech in Austria. These resorts offer gentle slopes, excellent ski schools, and beginner-friendly facilities to help newcomers learn and enjoy skiing.
Which country in Europe has best ski resorts?
France is often considered to have the best ski resorts in Europe, with world-renowned destinations like Val d’Isère, Tignes, and Courchevel. However, Austria and Switzerland also boast excellent ski resorts, making it a close competition among these Alpine countries.
What is the safest ski resort?
While safety depends on various factors, Zermatt in Switzerland is often cited as one of the safest ski resorts due to its well-maintained slopes and advanced safety measures. Lech in Austria is another resort known for its safety, with controlled slopes and excellent ski patrol services.
Where in Europe is guaranteed snow?
High-altitude resorts like Val Thorens in France and Zermatt in Switzerland are known for their snow-sure conditions throughout the ski season. Tignes in France is also famous for its long ski season and reliable snow conditions, often opening earlier and closing later than most European resorts.
Is skiing better in Austria or Italy?
Both Austria and Italy offer excellent skiing experiences, but they have different strengths. Austria is known for its charming alpine villages, lively après-ski scene, and well-groomed pistes, while Italy is praised for its stunning scenery, delicious cuisine, and generally more affordable prices.
