SKI season is here, but knowing where to start can be hard for beginners.
For those looking to experience the thrill of skiing for the first time, choosing the right destination is paramount.
If you’re a ski slope newbie, picking the right resort is important for safety, learning and enjoyment.
One skiing expert has shared her expert insights to help novice skiers find the best place to carve their first tracks.
Laura Hazell, Sales and Marketing Director at Ski Beat - the largest UK tour operator offering package ski chalet holidays to the French Alps - gives us her recommendations, from location to non-ski-based activities.
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Location, location, location
For first-time skiers, the proximity of the ski school to your accommodation is crucial.
Hazell says you should choose a resort where the ski school is conveniently located, eliminating the need for ski buses or long walks in cumbersome boots while lugging skis.
A hassle-free experience from your chalet or lodge to the slopes is essential for beginners to ensure they enjoy their first time on the slopes.
Friendly terrain
When it comes to choosing the right resort, Hazell suggests looking for places with a good selection of green and blue runs.
Most new skiers will start on these gentle slopes.
“Although most new skiers should be up to tackling the odd red within their first week,” she says.
Having a mix of terrains offers the ideal setting for skill development and progression at a gentle pace.
Beyond the slopes
For those moments when you're not carving your way down the mountainside, it's important to consider what the resort offers in terms of non-ski activities.
For this, Hazell recommends La Plagne in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps.
Besides the obvious array of different-level ski slopes, it also boasts a thrilling Olympic bobsleigh run, outdoor heated pool, ice grotto and cinema.
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According to Hazell, it’s also worth considering Val d'Isere - another ski resort situated in the Tarentaise Valley.
Part of the Espace Killy ski area, which also includes Tignes, it's known for its extensive ski terrain, beautiful alpine landscapes and excellent people-watching opportunities.
“I’d recommend going for resorts with amenities like swimming pools, spas, sledging, shops, bars and places to sit and chill,” she says.
"You should ideally be looking for resorts that provide the perfect blend of skiing and off-slope enjoyment."
Pressure-free learning
The ideal destination for first-time skiers is one where there's no pressure to do anything other than learn to ski at your own pace.
“You shouldn’t feel like you have to go and ski every day - you’re allowed to have a day off,” Hazell says.
A well-rounded ski holiday should include time for relaxation and recovery, especially for beginners who might appreciate some downtime here and there.
Many resorts have spa facilities, where you can unwind after a busy day or two on the slopes.
Guaranteed snow
Any ski holiday hinges on one key ingredient: snow.
High-altitude resorts with robust infrastructure are your best bet for guaranteed skiable conditions.
But if Mother Nature doesn't play ball, many resorts use snow cannons to supplement natural snowfall, so you can hit up the slopes no matter what.
Check if a prospective ski resort has these before booking your trip.
