Is it your first-time skiing? Or are you travelling with a mixed group or family with beginners? Skiing in France for beginners is ideal as there is plenty of places to choose from. Our experts have created a list of the best French ski resorts you should visit if you’re a beginner skier. Every destination has fantastic ski schools to book lessons with top ski instructors.
Alpe d’Huez
Alpe d’Huez has an extensive amount of nursery slopes which is ideal for beginners going skiing in France. The resort has 49km of green runs and 54km of blue runs, so there’s a lot of easy runs to progress on too. You can stay in two main areas of the ski resort. For a quieter experience, you can stay in Vaujany. If you’re looking for a lively atmosphere the bustling centre of Avenue des Jeux is ideal. There’s stunning scenery wherever you are in the area, adding to the first time ski experience.
Courchevel
The glamorous ski resort of Courchevel is a fantastic place for people to learn how to ski. There are great nursery slopes located in the 1650 and 1850 areas. Once you’ve mastered the nursery slopes you can progress on 96km of green runs and 240km of blue runs. The village itself has a bit of everything, Michelin-starred restaurants, party bars and delightful spas. All of which are ideal after your first experience of exploring the Courchevel slopes.
Flaine
Flaine is an ideal destination for first-time skiers because of the close nursery slopes near the main town. Once you progress from the nursery slopes you can ski on 117km of gentle blue runs in the ski area. The ski resort is easy to navigate and the town has close access to the slopes wherever you are staying. In addition, there’s a great choice of top ski schools in the area with English-speaking instructors.
La Plagne
Each small village within La Plagne has a beginner slope that has a free lift. All of which are easy to access from the main towns. One thing to note is there are no green runs in this area, however, there are 170km of blue runs most of which are green level slopes. Within the villages themselves, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for lively après or a quiet hotel retreat with stunning views, La Plagne delivers on all fronts.
La Rosière
Part of the Espace San Bernardo ski area, La Rosière sits near the Italian border next to neighbouring ski resort La Thuile. There are great beginner slopes to learn your skills. You’ll start on the main nursery slopes just above the village. From there you’ll progress up the mountain where there is 9km of green runs and 47km of blue runs. There are some nice bars and restaurants to enjoy a relaxed drink or meal after a day on the slopes. An ideal destination for skiing in France for beginners.
Les Arcs
All the villages within Les Arcs have great beginner areas with free lifts to access. Once you’ve progressed onto the main mountain there’s 170km of blue runs to explore. In Les Arcs 1600, 1950 and 2000 areas there’s a relaxed atmosphere when off the slopes. Les Arcs 1800 village has the liveliest nightlife available if you’re looking for a fun night out. There’s a brilliant choice of restaurants too for different price points.
Les Deux Alpes
Not only is there nursery slopes next to the main village but there are some great easy blues all around the ski area. Les Deux Alpes has 46km of greens and 118km of blues, all of which are fantastic to progress your ski skills on. The village is known for its lively après ski scene with many bars and clubs to enjoy. As for eating out, you can try local French cuisine or treat yourself to an evening at the Michelin starred restaurant Le P’tit Polyte.
Les Gets
Les Gets is a small family-friendly village located in the Portes du Soleil ski area. The beginner slopes are at the top of the Chavannes gondola. After you’ve aced the beginner slopes there is an impressive 320km of blue pistes to progress on in the ski area. The village itself has an alpine charm and is made up mostly of French chalets. There’s plenty to do when you’re not skiing too. You can visit the ice-skating rink, cinema, music museum and the bowling alley. A top ski resort for those skiing in France for beginners.
Méribel
A popular ski resort with British skiers, Méribel has great beginner slopes above Mottaret near the Yéti Park trail. The ski area has plenty of easy slopes with 96km of green runs and 240km of blue runs. The village itself has something for everyone. Whether you would like to go out for a party or have a nice relaxed meal, Méribel caters for different tourists. When you’re off the slopes, there’s plenty of activities such as ice climbing, ski dooing, snow hiking as well as bowling and swimming.
Morzine
Another ski resort in the Portes du Soleil that makes our skiing in France for beginners list is Morzine. There are easy to access beginner ski areas near the main village and in neighbouring Avoriaz. Progression from the nursery slopes is great too with 320km of blue pistes to enjoy in the ski area. The village itself still has its farming town roots and the locals are very welcoming. The nightlife has a more relaxed than lively atmosphere and there’s a great selection of restaurants in town too.
Valmorel
Valmorel is a traditional small mountain ski resort with plenty of terrain for beginner skiers. There are good nursery slopes near the main town. On top of this, there’s 27km of green runs and 77km of blue runs to move onto after the beginner slopes. The nightlife is quiet but there’s a good selection of bars to have a drink. The choice of restaurants is great too, with plenty of places serving local alpine cuisine.
Speak to our experts on 0207 471 7700 for more information on skiing in France for beginners.
