Beginner skiers & snowboarders

Skiing really is for everyone. If you’re happy to give it a go and fancy a new adventure, there’s no reason not to get started.

With decades of experience in skiing and snowboarding holidays, Inghams has introduced thousands of first-time skiers and snowboarders to the mountains. We know which resorts work best for beginners, from gentle nursery slopes and confidence-boosting blues to excellent ski schools and easy-to-navigate resorts. Whether you’re clipping into skis for the very first time or trying snowboarding, we’re here to help you choose the right destination and start your journey on the slopes.

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Best beginners ski holidays to France

France is one of the best destinations for beginners learning to ski or snowboard. The country is renowned for its gentle, wide pistes, record snowfall and excellent ski schools, making it an easy and confidence-boosting place to find your feet on the slopes. Add in modern lift systems, plenty of equipment hire options in every resort and straightforward travel from the UK, and it’s easy to see why so many first-timers choose France for their first ski holiday.

Here are four French ski resorts that show exactly why France is such a great choice for beginner skiers and snowboarders:

Paradiski Ski Area Off Piste

La Plagne

  • Part of the Paradiski ski area, one of the largest in Europe
  • La Plagne has 70 blue runs for beginners to practice on
  • There are several beginners areas with green runs to build up confidence
  • Many of the blue runs lead off the mountain so new skiers can ski almost straight back to their accommodation
  • The Paradiski ski area has a total of 18 green runs and 129 blue runs so a week building skills and exploring here is easily done
La Plagne
Val D'isere France Tignes Val D'isere Ski Area 7

Tignes 

  • Designated nursery areas for little ones learning to ski, where you can help them practice safely with other similar level children
  • An impressive 25 green and 65 blue runs can be found across the Tignes/Val d'Isere ski area, so plenty of space to explore
  • Tignes has plenty of wide, cruising blues to help build your confidence close to the resort
  • There is a 'beginners only' area for those learning or joining ski lessons
  • There are 9 free lifts across Tignes resort, meaning you can build up your skills without the cost
Tignes
Courchevel Ski Slopes

Courchevel

  • One of the larger French resorts, offering access to 53 green runs and 137 blue runs - you will soon build up the confidence here
  • Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys ski area in France, which is the largest linked ski area in Europe
  • There are several 'ZEN areas' that are perfect for beginners and has been designed to help anyone learn to ski or snowboard
  • The ski schools here are very good and have many English speaking tutors to help assist your progression
Courchevel
Flaine Slopes

Flaine

  • A selection of 25 green runs and 59 blue runs
  • Flaine is a slightly smaller resort, but tends to be a little quieter, making learning to use the lifts a more relaxing experience
  • There are wide and gentle nursery slopes, which are perfect for finding your ski-legs and working up your confidence
  • If you are a confident beginner, it's worth trying the blue Cristal run - an open and gentle slope that takes you straight back into resort
Flaine

Discover our ski holidays for beginner skiers

Here to help

Essentials

We are here with you every step of the way and we can help you arrange the following for your trip.

Some of our resorts do an exclusive ‘Learn to Ski Package’ for Inghams customers.  It’s worth checking during your booking if your resort offers this excellent combined package so you can save some pennies, get high-quality instructors and beat the crowds. 

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