Europe’s best ski resorts for beginners

A skiing holiday may well be the perfect winter getaway, but for those new to the sport it is often difficult to decide on the resort that will best meet their abilities. Luckily we’ve got the lowdown on the top resorts to get you comfortable on your skis!

Wengen in Switzerland has one of Europe’s best known and most highly regarded ski schools meaning that anyone learning the sport as a beginner will be in the best capable hands. The learner slopes in this resort are located right in the heart of the village with plenty of long, gentle runs to progress to when your confidence has increased. Positioned under the imposing north face of the Eiger this is really a fantastic resort to build your love for a new found winter sport.

Skiing in Europe is not just centred on the most famous destinations, with many in Eastern Europe starting to compete. One of these resorts is Kranjska in Slovenia, home to many long and undemanding runs perfect for beginners to the sport. Close to both the Italian and Austrian borders, skiing in Kranjska is much more affordable than its more high profile neighbours and provides a small and unpretentious atmosphere perfect for learning the ropes.

The Andorran resort of Soldeu is one of the most popular European destinations for learner skiers. The atmosphere in Andorran resorts is a little lower profile and great value for money. Soldeu is home to numerous beginner and intermediate slopes with decent ski schools. The weather usually provides for great conditions and a decent nightlife is also available for those beginners wanting a little après ski too.

When learning the sport you don’t necessarily have to look for the less high profile resorts, with many of the most famous destinations in Europe still being great for beginners. The French resort of Chatel, part of the Portes du Soleil, is the world’s biggest ski area in France. This doesn’t mean that it’s all aimed at the advanced skiers, with such a big area there are countless beginners’ slopes and some of the best instructors in the world. Access to the resort does not necessarily have to cost you an arm and a leg either as the resorts close proximity to Geneva airport means that cheap flights can be obtained, whereas those looking for the real road trip experience can even drive from Calais.

When travelling to any of these fantastic resorts it is important that you organise all aspects of your trip to avoid disappointment, whether this is in relation to equipment hire or choosing the right option to buy currency. You wouldn’t want anything to ruin your first skiing experience.

Looking for currency exchange ? Travelex have all the exchange rates including South African Rands .

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Rebecca Wheeler

Rebecca Wheeler

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