| When you book a ski holiday, it is very important to | | | | * A large number of English speaking ski instructors. |
| choose a resort which suits your group's skiing ability. | | | | * Good number of intermediate runs to progress to. |
| This is especially true for beginners. | | | | * Usually good weather (Sldeu means "Sun God"). |
| Nothing can put a beginner off skiing quicker than a | | | | * Excellent nightlife. |
| week spent trying to ski down unsuitable steep | | | | * Duty-free zone, so can be cheap. |
| terrain, or have to travel for miles to get to the | | | | 8. Tignes, France - Why is it good? |
| beginner ski slopes. | | | | * High and very "snowsure". |
| We have therefore compiled our "Top Ten Ski | | | | * Good range of easy to access nursery slopes. |
| Resorts For Beginners" list: | | | | * Good range of intermediate/expert slopes so a |
| 1. Les Arcs, France - Why is it good? | | | | good destination for mixed ability groups. |
| * Excellent nursery slopes directly above each of the | | | | * Lots of accommodation to choose from. |
| resort's main villages. | | | | * Lots of non-skiing activities and great |
| * Free beginner's lift. | | | | après-ski. |
| * Good range of early intermediate slopes as you | | | | 9 Wengen, Switzerland - Why is it good? |
| progress. | | | | * Spectacular location under the north face of the |
| 2. Bansko, Bulgaria - Why is it good? | | | | Eiger. |
| * Beautiful World Heritage Site. | | | | * A great destination for families, with a well |
| * Modern lift system. | | | | renowned ski school. |
| * Good range of nursery slopes. | | | | * Lots of non-skiing activities. |
| * Great value - skiing here won't break the bank. | | | | 10. Chatel, France - Why is it good? |
| * As you progress there is an excellent 16km | | | | * Easy resort to reach either by flying into Geneva, |
| intermediate run from the top to the bottom of the | | | | or driving from Calais. |
| mountain (2560 m to 935 m). | | | | * Great range of beginners slopes, and good English |
| 3. Cortina, Italy - Why is it good? | | | | speaking instructors. |
| * Breathtaking views over the Dolomites. | | | | * Part of the world's biggest ski area (the Portes du |
| * Often cited as being one of the world's most | | | | Soleil) so plenty of runs for all abilities. |
| beautiful ski resorts. | | | | * Regularly receives on average the most snowfall in |
| * Extensive nursery slopes in the Socrapes area. | | | | the alps, so one of the most snowsure non glacier |
| * Instructors who are especially good with kids. | | | | resorts. |
| 4. Killington, US - Why is it good? | | | | * Picturesque village with bags of charm and plenty |
| * No language barriers. | | | | of off-slope activities. |
| * Ski schools are excellent. | | | | We also have some tips for beginner skiers, which |
| * Large nursery slope areas. | | | | should help make your first time all the more |
| * "Discovery Centre" for complete beginners showing | | | | enjoyable: |
| how your equipment works before you start to ski. | | | | 1. Try and get some lessons in the UK before you |
| 5. Lech, Austria - Why is it good? | | | | leave, preferably in one of the real snow domes. This |
| * A classic alpine resort. | | | | means that once you get to your resort, you already |
| * Picturesque village with fine hotels. | | | | have an idea of the basics (how to put your skis on |
| * Very well regarded ski schools with good English | | | | etc.). |
| speaking instructors. | | | | 2. When booking ask if there are any 'Learn to Ski or |
| * Plenty of runs for intermediate and advanced as | | | | Snowboard Packages'. This may include lessons, gear |
| well, so a good option for mixed ability groups. | | | | rental and a lift pass if needed. |
| 6. Poiana Brasov, Romania - Why is it good? | | | | 3. Check to see if beginners can get away with |
| * An great place to try skiing without breaking the | | | | buying a cheaper "local area" of "beginner" lift pass. |
| bank. | | | | There is no need to buy a pass for a huge area if |
| * Two nursery areas. | | | | you are only going to ski on beginner and early |
| * Helpful and enthusiastic instructors. | | | | intermediate slopes. |
| * Excellent nearby excursions (such as Dracula's | | | | 4. If you want to learn snowboarding, check if the |
| castle). | | | | schools in your resort offer beginner courses for |
| * Cheap and cheerful food, wine and entertainment. | | | | boarders. |
| 7. Soldeu, Andorra - Why is it good? | | | | 5. Check that the accommodation is convenient for |
| * Often named as being one of Europe's best | | | | the pistes, the lifts and general amenities. |
| beginner resorts. | | | | 6. Rent gear to start with - it's a lot cheaper. |
| * Two extensive nursery areas. | | | | Above all, remember that skiing is meant to be fun! |