Not every mountain is meant for a beginning skier or snowboarder. So, to avoid the black diamond trails and steep drop-offs on your first time slopeside, we’ve compiled the best ski resorts for beginners.
Luckily, slopes for beginners are plentiful and easy to find at almost every skiing and snowboarding hotspot. Some even offer intermediate or expert trails to cater to those in your group that may be more experienced. With dedicated beginner-trails, ski schools, and incredible facilities, these are the best ski trips for beginners.
5 Best Ski Resorts for Beginners
1. Beaver Creek
Beaver Creek is one of the best ski resorts for beginners as well as a perfect pick for a family ski trip as it offers specific ski areas and instruction for beginners. The Haymeadow Express gondola, reserved for beginners, leads to Haymeadow Park where you can learn the general basics of skiing. Then, after learning how to stop or recover from a fall, head over to Red Buffalo Park. Here, you’ll find sweeping mountain views and over a dozen trails for beginners with gently sloping terrain. Off the mountain, the resort also features a charming alpine village with a magical ice rink at its center.
2. Winter Park Resort
As the longest-running ski resort in Colorado, Winter Park Resort offers over 3,000 acres of skiable terrain. While the majority of trails cater to intermediate skiers, the resort also boasts world-class instruction that makes it one of the best ski resorts for beginners. Private lessons are the best way to receive personalized training for your first ski trip. But, group lessons are available, too, for both children and adults.
3. Keystone Resort
Colorado offers some of the best ski resorts for beginners. But, many consider Keystone Resort to be one of the top destinations for learning the sport. A variety of lesson options include 1 on 1 instruction or education in group settings. Dedicated ski instructors ensure you learn the ins and outs of skiing before taking your skills to the slopes. From learning how to put on skis to maneuvering across varied terrain, the ski instruction for beginners at Keystone will be immensely helpful on your first few ski trips. Keystone also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides, snowcat tours, and ice-skating for endless fun off the slopes on your ski trip.
4. Copper Mountain
Copper Mountain devotes nearly half of its skiable terrain to beginner skiers making it one of the best ski resorts for beginners. The learning area is also conveniently located between the Center and East Villages for easy access. The ski area for beginners, divided from the intermediate and expert trails, is a quiet spot and one of the best places for beginners to receive instruction. Lessons are available in either group or private settings for skiers of all ages and abilities. When it’s time to hit the slopes, green ski runs are separate from the blue and black, so beginners truly have an area of their own.
5. Okemo Mountain Resort
Located in Vermont, Okemo Mountain Resort is one of the best ski resorts for beginners. It’s also highly regarded as one of the top resorts on the east coast. As with any beginner family ski trip resort, Okemo offers a dedicated learning center with world-class instruction available for adults and children. The resort also offers packages for beginner ski trips for a great value that include instruction, lift tickets, and more. Almost a third of trails at Okemo are devoted to beginners and intermediate skiers, so there’s plenty of impeccably groomed terrain for everyone.
Enjoy ski trips for beginners all over the U.S. To complete your experience, ship your skis, snowboard, and snow boots ahead of your arrival. Travel bag-free and maximize your first time on the slopes!