With most resorts offering world-class facilities and internationally acclaimed ski schools, learning to ski can be a wonderful experience on a ski vacation. It can also be a first-timers worst nightmare; think cold hands, sore feet, foggy goggles, and blizzard conditions. Check out our list of the Best Ski Resorts for Beginners that are sure to make your first step in your skiing career the most memorable (and stress-free) as it could be.

Beaver Creek
Offering a pleather of terrain for beginners, Beaver Creek is a fantastic option. Unlike other resorts, beginner-only trails start at the top of the mountain, so first-timers don’t feel as left out. There are also specific family and slow zones for a more comfortable experience, and families will appreciate the non-hoon areas throughout the resort. Beaver Creek's ski school has a great reputation, and wonderful set-up, and in a good location at the main village.

Copper Mountain
Uncrowded slopes and impeccable grooming makes for a great base for learning to ski. The terrain is divided into distinct areas that almost exclusively cater to each different level of skier, with the beginner areas offering nice mellow green runs that snake back down to the main village (and no chance of stumbling across a double black). The good value ski school is also a hit at Copper.

Breckenridge
With multiple ski school locations and beginner-only slopes, this resort is ideal for first-timers. Lessons are conducted on super wide and mellow runs, so advanced skiers tend to steer clear of these areas, which make beginners feel more confident and safe on the slopes. Lots of non-snow activities also keeps first-timers happy on down days.

Kiroro
Kiroro is a fantastic option for first-timers in Japan who want convenience, good value, and a resort with fewer crowds. A well-established resort, Kiroro offers beginner areas at the base of the mountain, with gentle terrain to get started, plus a good range of ski school programs and private lessons. The additional snow park and amusement facility is particularly ideal for the little ones learning to ski.

Aspen Snowmass
With an internationally acclaimed ski school, fun kids programs, and plenty of non-snow activities, Snowmass ticks all the boxes. The long mellow groomed runs are ideal for first-timers, and encourage easy progression. Slopeside condos are also aplenty, allowing for easy access to home-base for ski breaks.

Myoko Kogen
Hands down the best resort in Japan for beginners, with a well-organised ski school with English speaking instructors, good quality rentals, and easily accessible mellow slopes. Being a smaller village area, Myoko offers a traditional Japanese experience for first-timers to Japan, with the comfort of Western amenities.

Tignes
With magic carpets a-plenty at Tignes, it’s a wonderful resort to stat your skiing career. Each village in the area has a series of beginner runs, many leading back to the main resort base, plus there are free beginner lifts scattered throughout. All ski schools in the area offer English speaking lessons.

Northstar
Easy beginner-friendly terrain that is close to the main base area of Northstar and to multiple on-mountain lodges makes learning to ski a breeze. Ski school is available from the age of 3, and Northstar is renowned for its pleather of non-snow activities for those who need a break from skiing. Proximity of lodging to the main village base is also a perk.

Winter Park
For a down-to-earth learning environment, you can’t go past Winter Park. With fantastic ski school programs and facilities, and convenient base area, first-timers can learn with ease. Plus the terrain is divided into several ‘territories’, with plenty of options for beginners close to the base area and separate from the advanced skiers. 

Kimberley
For those seeking somewhere off-the-beaten-track and no crowds, Kimberley is the place to be. The beginners-only area and Kid’s Learning Area is super close to accommodation, making it a great choice, plus the non-existent lift lines creates a stress-free experience for first-timers. Not to mention the great value of lodging and ski lessons.