Europe’s most beginner friendly ski resorts

There are so many variables when it comes to the speed of learning how to ski, some people naturally pick it up, whilst it takes a bit longer for others. Someone who already participates in sport, is fit and active with a good sense of balance might progress more quickly than an individual that doesn’t have the same sporting background.

A younger person might not have the same fear of injury as an older person and be happier to take more risks, therefore progress at a faster rate. On a seven-day holiday, by the end of the week some people might be able to snowplough down a green run and others might be happy trying a blue run. As with all sports, the more you do it, the easier it becomes.

Yes! As with all sports, the more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes. Many people who have lapsed and then take skiing up again realise that they have some muscle memory going back decades. Although it can take some time to get you back up to the standard you were at before taking a break.

Book early - Many resorts offer early bird discounts for accommodation and lift passes if you book early - you can usually save significantly, even on peak holiday weeks. Avoid Peak Season - Skiing during major holidays (Christmas, New Year, February half term/French school holidays) is much more expensive. Travelling in the shoulder season (early or late in the ski season) can save you a lot on accommodation, lift passes, and flights. Borrow Gear - If you're a beginner or infrequent skier, borrowing ski gear from friends or family can save you from the high cost of purchasing equipment.

We advise you to learn to ski with a ski school rather than being taught by a friend or family who can ski. Before you know it, you will be skiing with your family and friends after taking part in ski school. If you’re brand new to the sport it simply makes sense getting some professional instructions on basic technique, safety, and customs and conventions. Done properly, skiing and snowboarding are safe sports, but by starting as a novice without any professional oversight, you’re maximising instead of minimising the risks, and there’s every chance you could pick up an injury that ruins your holiday at best and affects your health at worst. Ski schools in the Alps and elsewhere are very supportive of new skiers, therefore you can be sure of a warm welcome from instructors and fellow learners.

When planning a ski holiday, it’s important to have comprehensive insurance coverage to protect you from potential risks associated with skiing and winter sports. Winter sports or ski travel insurance provide the most critical coverage, designed specifically for skiing and other winter sports. Standard travel insurance policies often exclude skiing, so make sure you get a policy that explicitly includes winter sports coverage. It generally covers medical and emergency expenses, search and rescue, repatriation, piste closure and ski pass refunds. Other insurances that you may feel you require are personal liability insurance in the case of accidentally injuring another person or damaging their equipment or ski equipment coverage to protect your gear.

Packing the right clothes is key to saying cosy. Whether skiing down the slopes or on a wander around the resort, we have put together a ski holiday checklist to cross out before your trip:

• Base Layers: The key to staying warm is to make sure that you are insulated with clothing close to your body. Make sure you have some long-sleeved thermal tops and leggings for inside wear that maintains your body heat. Also, make sure you have a generous supply of good quality ski socks with you.
• Mid Layers: Mid-layer clothing should be something like a fleece that is worn on top of the base layers and provides further insulation to the body.
• Outer Layers: The protective gear on the outside. First defenders from the sharp and sometimes blistering cold. Get these right and you’re good to go.
• Ski Jacket: Your ski jacket must be waterproof, light and breathable as well. Your winter jacket will come in handy off the slopes when you are walking through the resort. Some skiers prefer a shell jacket with several mid layers underneath. Others prefer an insulated jacket with few mid layers.
• Ski Pants or Ski Trousers: Often referred to as salopettes, these are waterproof and designed to keep you dry and warm. They are also easy to fold as well. Some skiers prefer shell trousers with base layer leggings underneath. Others prefer insulated trousers.
• Ski Gloves and Mittens: Make sure you have waterproof ski gloves or mittens to keep your hands dry and warm at all times but especially on the slopes. Mittens are generally considered warmer than gloves. You can also buy glove liners if you feel the cold.
• Goggles: Good quality and essential wear for skiing and snowboarding. Protects the eyes from the snow, cold winds and bad weather.
• Snow boots: Different from ski boots which you can rent but essential to keeping your feet very warm. Leave the trainers and leather boots at home. Snow boots usually have deeper tread to give you more stability on snow and ice.
• Head Warmer or Ear Warmer Band: Thin hat or ear band that keeps you nice and warm under your ski helmet.
• Snood, Scarf or Neck Warmer: Protects the neck area against the cold wind and wet snow. A snood, scarf or neck gaiter will do the job just fine. Can also double as a face covering in bad weather and can be pulled over your mouth.