If you’re new to skiing but are keen to go on a winter sports holiday this Easter, check out the resorts that cater especially well for beginners. Something I’ve always wanted to do is head off to the slopes with a group of friends, but none of us has skied before, so I’ve done some research and picked out three places ideal for novices.
Lech, Austria
The Austrian ski resort of Lech has been a popular winter sports location for over 100 years and boasts approximately 140 pistes, as well as a renowned ski school. If you’re new to the sport, the school is probably the best place to start, as you can learn the basics or hone your technique here.
Lech is connected to a number of other popular skiing areas and it’s wise to invest in a Ski Arlberg pass if you want to explore further afield, as the card will allow you access to all five locations. There are 79 cable cars and lifts across the five areas, along with free ski buses so you can get around easily.
Time off the slopes is just as important as time on the pistes in my opinion, and Lech is ideal for groups of friends looking to enjoy themselves off the snow as well. There’s a swimming pool open to the public at the Forsterhaus hotel, an ice rink, a paragliding school, saunas and solariums. You can also get a close look at the local wild deer from the observation hide, or visit the three art galleries to be found in the area.
Les Arcs, France
Another popular spot for beginner skiers is Les Arcs in France. The resort caters for all ability levels but has special cordoned off Ski Tranquille areas for novices that you can reach via the Combettes chairlift, Chantel chairlift and Saint Jacques chairlift, among others.
When you arrive at the resort this Easter season you should wear a self-adhesive badge that will make you easier to spot among the staff, who can provide you with tips or help as you navigate the ski areas. Arc 1600 is perhaps the best spot for beginners, as the area is below the treeline and offers gentle runs through the woodland.
Aside from skiing over 200 km of terrain, there’s plenty to keep you busy in Les Arcs during your time off your skis, including snowmobiling, dog sledding, ice climbing and hang-gliding. There’s a natural ice rink at the resort, along with dozens of bars and a good selection of night clubs if you’ve energy to burn well into the small hours.
Sauze d’Oulx, Italy
The town of Sauze d’Oulx in Italy forms part of the Milky Way – or Via Lattea – skiing area, covering a whopping 400 km. Sauze d’Oulx accounts for about 120 km of terrain and its relaxed ambience is ideal for skiers learning the ropes.
Formerly a rustic settlement, Sauze d’Oulx is now a lively spot home to some good ski schools where the instructors speak English, so you won’t need to worry about the language barrier. There’s also plenty in the way of apres-ski activities, from relaxing in the sauna or catching one of the latest releases at the cinema to visiting the beauty salon for a pampering session. There are also dozens of restaurants and bars at the resort, as well as a few nightclubs.
Find out more about where you can ski as a group this Easter by clicking here
