A quick search for ski resort holidays brings up mention of double black diamonds, non-groomed slopes and more, which can sometimes scare a beginner away from ever sliding into the wonderful world of skiing and winter sports. In fact, resorts are often geared towards beginners – with plenty of facilities and dedicated spaces in place to ensure that you’re able to build your confidence and ability in a safe area.
Whether you’re still finding your snow feet, or it’s your first ski holiday, the Madame Vacances team have put together some of what we think are the best ski resorts for beginners in France:
1- L’ALPE D’HUEZ
Huez village : 1450 m
Alpe d’Huez station : 1860 m
Pic Blanc : 3330 m
Location : Grandes Rousses – Dauphiné – Isère
Exposure : South
Features : Health resort, tourist-friendly, both a winter and summer resort
Opening of the resort: December 3, 2016
Number of pistes: |
135 |
Black: |
17 |
Red : |
39 |
Blue: |
37 |
Green: |
42 |
Total length of pistes : |
250 Km |
As well as offering 300 days of sun a year, the natural topography of L’Alpe d’Huez makes it a fantastic beginner ski resort. The gentle slopes are characterized by a mild elevation, and are perfect for learning your balance and building confidence in your skiing. Rif Nel and Les Jeux are the two beginner areas, both of which can be reached by drag lifts.
These wide and open areas offer some of the best nursery slopes around. And if you’re a natural on the slopes you can progress up Pic Blanc to some of the more challenging slopes!
2- MÉRIBEL
Méribel village : 1100 m
Méribel Mottaret station : 2950 m
Location : Au cœur des 3 Vallées- Les Alues- Massif de la Vanoise- Vallée Tarentaise
Exposure : South-North
Features : Top tourist resort, popular with families, favourable snow packs, geared towards skiers of all levels, many nature and well-being activities off the slopes
Opening of the Resort: December 5, 2016
Number of pistes: |
76 |
Black: |
9 |
Red : |
23 |
Blue: |
36 |
Green: |
8 |
Total length of pistes: |
150 Km |
Concerned about the safety of its ski area, Meribel created the “Zen Zone” dedicated to families and beginner skiiers. Made up of two designated areas and accessible by free lifts, these nursery areas are fantastic for learning your turns in peace and quiet.
Further helping those who are new to skiing, Meribel’s ski schools have their own private beginner lifts and mini-slopes for you to develop your confidence at your own pace.
For something slightly more advanced, the green Blanchot run is the perfect ‘first slope’ to put your new-found skills to the test.
Meribel’s heavy investment in beginner skiing has made it a perfect beginner ski resort in France.
3- PRALOGNAN LA VANOISE
Pralognan village : 1410 m
Pralognan station : 2355 m –
Location : Massif de la Vanoise- Tarentaise
Exposure : South-North
Features : Mountain village character, snow park for beginners, stunning views and landscapes
Opening of the Resort : 17 December, 2016
Number of pistes : |
32 |
Black: |
6 |
Red : |
12 |
Blue : |
13 |
Green : |
9 |
Total Length of Pistes: |
150 Km |
Nestled at the foot of the largest ice cap in the alps, Pralognan is an exceptional example of the stunning beauty of this region. Coupled with some stunning views, Pralognan has kept its mountain village character and it feels like a distinctly traditional ski resort. With a large green trail to the top of the gondola, and a favourable exposure – the resort is perfect if you’re just finding your snow feet.
The resort also boasts a snow park for beginners if you want to get off-piste and try out your freestyle. Affordable packages for beginners, and a real mountain atmosphere make Pralognan into a fantastic first ski experience if you’re just looking to start out.
4-Saint Sorlin D’Arves
Saint Sorlin d’Arves village : 1100 m
Les Sybelles station : 2620m
Location : Saint Jean de Maurienne- Savoie
Ski Area: les Sybelles
Exposure : North-East
Features : Traditional mountain setting and village atmopshere, perfect for ski touring
Opening of the resort : 17 December 2016
Number of pistes : |
52 |
Black: |
14 |
Red : |
14 |
Blue : |
15 |
Green : |
9 |
Total Length of Piste : |
120 Km |
The alpine resort at the foot of the Etendard Glacier, Saint Sorlin d’Arves is a real mountain village with real mountain village charm. As well as a natural beauty to the area, the small village of Maurienne offers some extremely affordable beginner packages to get you started smoothly on the beautiful green slopes.
Served by gentle treadmill lifts, making getting around a breeze, Saint Sorlin d’Arves provides a relaxed beginner ski resort that gives a stunning backdrop as you learn to ski.
5- Valfrejus
Saint Sorlin d’Arves village : 1100 m
Les Sybelles station : 2620m –
Location : Massif du Thabor –Haite Maurienne
Exposure : North-East
Features : Lots of activities such as snow-shoe walking and discovering Vanoise National Park
Opening of the Resort: 10 December 2016
Number of pistes: |
24 |
Black: |
4 |
Red : |
6 |
Blue: |
11 |
Green: |
3 |
Total Length of Pistes: |
70 Km |
Valfrejus has plenty of elements which make it ideal for beginners. Specialised coaching is available for all ages to help you discover the joys of winter sports. Secured lifts make access to the resorts both safe and easy. A border cross and 80 snow cannons are present to ensure that the snow is always in optimal condition. If you’re looking to vary up your resort access, the ESKI-MO ski-pass gives you access to five nearby resorts, and access to over 300km of slopes.