3 Alpine Locations Every Newbie Snowboarder and Skier Needs to Discover

If you have only just started hitting the snow, you might get a little nervous. Best way to get rid of this is to have a place where you feel safe and instructors that take care of you, also a nice place to rest, relax afterwards. Ski holidays are an excellent chance to get outdoors and enjoy the exercise and scenery that these resorts have to offer its guests.
Snowboarding has become more popular in recent years and more and more resorts are becoming snowboarder friendly. There are some resorts that are better for beginners than others and that is for both snow boarders and skiers.

It might sound daunting planning to get out on the slopes for the first time. You might have your reservations or have worries about your family. Trust us once you get out on those slopes and give it a try there will be no looking back. Here are three of the best destinations to try if you are a beginner snowboarder or skier.

Les Gets, France

A picturesque village which is popular with families, Les Gets is a laid-back village ski resort. The pistes are easy which makes it a great place for beginners whether skiing or snowboarding. You have access to the whole Portes du Soleil ski area and is connected to Morzine and in turn Avoriaz. So, you can stay in a quieter place but still have the advantages of the whole larger resort.

The village is great for beginner family ski holidays, the area is quaint and family friendly and you have peace of mind when facilities include a medical service for minor injuries, and events like carpentry workshops which are all geared towards providing the children with a safe and fun stay.

When it comes to ski schools there are a few great ones to choose from, Ecole Du Ski Francais (ESF) in Les Gets is the largest and often has excellent value offers. For snowboarding Mint Snowboard School and The Snow Institute are good choices in this area. The hours are flexible too, so you can pick and choose the days and times you want lessons without having to book a big block. Child ski lessons can also be provided here as part of the Mountain Marmots childcare service, this comes as part of tour operator’s child care service.

The atmosphere of an evening is more subdued than other resorts and it is certainly not a party hub. However, one thing Les Gets does very well is food. Famous for its Savoyard cuisine, there is a choice of over 50 restaurants and 14 bars which is great for those who want to sample some great alpine food. Eat and drink in a relaxed atmosphere after an energetic day on the slopes. Try local favourites such as raclette and fondue, just be ready for a lot of cheese dishes.

Tignes, France

Tignes is a cluster of villages within the mountain plateau and has some of the best lift accessed slopes in the world. The ski and snowboard runs here are varied, large and wide so the resort is excellent for beginner skiers and snowboarders. There are also snow parks where you can let loose and have fun with your new-found ski skills after your lessons.

Villages include Val Claret with its access to the high glacier, Tignes Le Lac which is the most convenient location to stay and lower down the mountain side are Tignes Les Boisses and Tignes Les Brevieres. Wherever you stay you have access to a range of slopes to learn and practice, which are great for all abilities including beginners.

Tignes is very snowboard friendly and there are a few schools that offer snowboarding only lessons such as The Rebel Alliance Snowboarding and Fresh snowboarding. Taking lessons with snowboarding experts will give you a fun and fast way to learn the ropes on the mountain. There are snow parks here too where you can have a go at pipes and rails once you have learned the basics.

When it comes to après ski, if you want to be in the middle of the action you should stay up on the plateaux in either Le Lac or Val Claret. There are plenty of bars and clubs to choose from and they open late too. Favourites include the Loop Bar in Le Lac and the Saloon Bar in Val Claret, and late-night clubs like Jack’s Nightclub, Blue Girl and Melting pot.

Zermatt, Switzerland

As one of the highest European resorts, there’s always plenty of lovely powdery snow. It is also a very beautiful picture-perfect place to stay. So, if you are looking for a great beginner resort with spectacular scenery then Zermatt is your best choice. There’s a combination of modern holiday location and traditional Alpine atmosphere.

The town lies below at the foot of the massive looming Matterhorn peak. The main resort area has boutique shops, hotels and restaurants and is completely car free. It’s a great place for families and although a large resort it still as that village feel.

There are plenty of Ski schools to choose from and you have choice of private and group lessons as well as those that specialise in children and families. There’s Summit Ski & Snowboard School is a British ski and snowboard school, Skischule European Snow sport and Stoked Snow sports School amongst others. Do your research and choose the best schools for your needs.

Après ski in Zermatt is lively and fun, you’ll find the likes of well-established Hennu Stall straight from the ski runs or the newer Cervo nearby. Once back in resort there are lots of bars to choose from, whether you want a quiet drink or a lively club. Harry’s Bar at the Matterhorn Lodge is good for a calm but fun environment and for late nights Papa Caesar and the Broken Bar Disco at the Hotel Post are a guaranteed good night.

So, have you chosen which resort you’d like to visit on your beginner ski holiday?

There are many destinations to choose from but these three are the best for beginners. The slopes are wide and easy, there are great ski schools and there are excellent facilities in resort. Plus, there are lots of choice when it comes to accommodation, eating out and après ski activities too.

Whether you choose France, Switzerland or other Alpine destinations you will have a fun time learning to ski or snowboard in the Alps. Other resorts you could try include Verbier, Switzerland, Avoriaz, France and Chamonix, France.

Which resort would you choose and why? Leave a comment below and discuss where you’ll be learning to ski this winter.