Beginners Skiing Holidays

Offering great value for money, Borovets is the most established ski resort in Bulgaria, but also the most modern in terms of facilities on offer, so is ideal for introducing beginners to the whole ski experience. The ski school is one of the best in the country and has seen thousands of beginners leave the slopes feeling like they have really achieved something. The fun doesn't stop there either - in the evening the nightlife is lively and there is a good range of restaurants and bars to choose from.

Romania skiing holidays offer excellent value for money and the up-and-coming ski resort of Poiana Brasov has been purpose-built to provide a simple lift system and nursery slopes that are great starting points for beginners. After getting your confidence up with the multi award-winning ski school (one of the best in our programme), there are harder runs on which you can progress. Even better, these holidays are all inclusive, meaning that your lift pass, skis, boots, tuition and free drinks from 6pm daily are part of the package.

Banff is one of the most popular resorts for skiing holidays in Canada. Set against the backdrop of stunning mountain views, this destination offers excellent tuition for beginners and plenty of entertainment to keep you occupied in the evenings. Set in the middle of a national park, you are almost guaranteed to spot some of the local wildlife as you glide down the slopes in one of the 3 ski areas: Sunshine, Lake Louise and Mount Norquay, all covered by one lift pass and accessible by a ski bus service.

For a first skiing experience in France head to Lex Deux Alpes – here you can learn to ski either on the slopes near the resort or high up on the glacier. Wherever you choose the mountain views are impressive, the snow record is excellent and the hours of sunshine are long. The ski school is English speaking and the nursery slopes head right into the village, so a beginner’s skiing holiday here is truly convenient. Off the slopes there are also 3 sports centres and a selection of bars and restaurants.

As far as skiing resorts for beginners in France go, Avoriaz is one of the best if you are looking for a more relaxing time away. This compact, traffic-free town is set high up in the Portes du Soleil ski area, so it benefits from a good snow record. All of our properties offer ski in, ski out access, so you can head back to your accommodation as soon as you are ready. The après-ski is also quite laidback, so you can just relax and unwind in the evenings at your own pace.

Skiing on the wide, gentle nursery slopes of Arinsal has encouraged many a beginner over the years to have a go at more challenging runs by the end of their holiday. Nearby La Massana is also a great spot for a beginners skiing holiday. Both towns are well-connected to the pistes by gondola and have received huge investment over the past few years, bringing them right up-to-date. In the evenings Arinsal is livelier, offering a choice of several restaurants and bars.

Arguably the best beginners ski resort in Italy, Passo Tonale is a purpose-built resort set high on a mountain pass. The nursery slopes face south so you may well be bathed in full sunshine as you learn to ski and take your first steps. Off-piste there are various activities you can do including dog-sledding and snowmobiling. Alternatively take the gondola or regular ski bus down to Ponte di Legno where you can take a swim in the sports centre or browse the local shops.

With its uncrowded slopes and relaxed atmosphere in the week, Geilo is an ideal spot for a beginners skiing holiday in Norway. Add to this a long snow season and an array of off-piste activities and you’ll see why it is so popular. Build up your confidence with tuition from the award-winning ski school, then if you feel able, take the next step on the improvers’ slopes. At weekends the resort really comes alive and a visit to the bars and restaurants is a must.

With quiet nightlife, an award-winning ski school and winter activities for all ages, Vemdalen is an ideal choice for a beginners ski holiday. The slopes are uncrowded so you can build up your confidence without too many people around you. Children can also pick up the basics in their own special ski area. If you fancy trying somewhere else, nearby Bjornrike and Klovsjo/Storhogna are also covered by the same lift pass, so there's no chance of getting bored of the scenery.

Set in one of the prettiest valleys of the Austrian Tyrol, Oberau and Niederau offer a first-class ski school where beginners can learn from professional, friendly staff. The gentle, rolling slopes are ideal for taking your first steps and children can also benefit from the specialist tuition on offer. At the end of the week you may have come on so well that you'll win an award, but even if you don't, the awards evening is a lot of fun. The other evenings are relaxed and informal, although there are bars with occasional live music and 3 discos.