20 Popular Ski Resorts Ideal For Beginners

Learning the art of skiing can't get any much easier than with the help of these world-renowned resorts.

Traversing the alpines is a favorite pastime in some parts of the world and the rush one can experience can never be replicated. Whether you're a casual or a thrillseeking freestyler, it's an achievement like no other and it's even more accessible now. Some parks offer beginner packages in partnership with the local ski schools as more people want to experience shredding the slopes.

Choosing a starting point can be a little confusing so we've handpicked the best beginner-friendly resorts in the world so you can start earning your wings. From North America all the way to Asia, here are 20 popular ski resorts that are ideal for beginners.

20 Les Deux Alpes, France: Europe's Largest Skiable Glacier

Aside from being the largest in the region, Les Deux Alpes is known for the exhilarating 2,260-meter vertical dive for advanced skiers, an abundance of beginner slopes and its well-groomed ski areas. The eastern portion is suitable for those who want to start out for its gentle and wide slopes beside the children's snow gardens.

19 Squaw Valley Resort, California: Impressive Terrain That Caters To All Levels

Squaw Valley is "in every skier's bucket list" according to forums on the net and is the ultimate proving ground for alpine sports (it was the site of the 1960 winter olympics). Some portions are beginner-friendly as they offer classes for first-timers and can guarantee that you'll learn the basics in 2 hours.

18 Tremblant, Canada: Lively And Friendly Community

In the heart of Quebec, there is the Tremblant ski resort and is currently the top-rated kind in North America according to Trip Advisor. Here, there is something for everyone: a variety of ski runs, a beginner zone and a snow school for first-timers. Extra activities such as golf, bird shows, and rock-climbing are also offered in separate packages.

17 Alpe D' Huez, France: Varied Slopes

Aside from having one of the longest ski runs in the world, Alpe d' Huez is a fantastic resort for mixed ability groups with its wide range of nursery slopes and limitless terrain for freestylers. The region boasts an impressive backdrop and the Les Bergers: a low-speed zone for those wanting to learn.

16 Beaver Creek, Colorado: Luxury Ski Resort For Everyone

This midsized resort is the most expensive one in the world and a family favorite because of its wide terrain (over 1,800 acres are accessible) and beginner runs. The local ski school is great for those who want to learn the fundamentals. The shopping and restaurants in the area also add an elegant touch.

15 Zell Am See, Austria: Most Beautiful Backdrop

This little Austrian lakeside town is a ski paradise and famous for having "the most beautiful setting" for a ski resort according to Snow Magazine. The terrain is suitable for beginners and intermediates. The Schmitten area is a small beginner's zone while Glocknerbahn contains a children's zone and a halfpipe.

14 La Rosiere, France: Traditional Family Ski Resort

Nicknamed the "Balcony of the Tarentaise," La Rosiere is the perfect choice for families and intermediate-level skiers for its deep descents and beginner zones located directly across the open slopes of the village. It's more traditional in the sense that it has a lowkey atmosphere when compared to the other "super-resorts" in Europe.

13 Holiday Valley, New York: Very Welcoming

For a ski resort "great small-town feel," beginners will feel at home at Holiday Valley. Almost half the area contains gentler runs and a perfect choice for mixed ability groups like families and friends. The entire place can be run through in one day since it's an average-sized resort.

12 Buttermilk Mountain, Colorado: Relaxed Environment

Buttermilk Mountain is the best place to start skiing in Aspen. It is most famous for being the host to ESPN's Winter X Games. Outside of that, however, is a good treat for beginners since it has the "friendliest" slopes and wide runs when compared to other resorts and the calm Colorado trails give guests a warm welcome.

11 Park City, Utah: Great Value For Snow Enthusiasts

In 2016, Park City became America's Largest Ski Resort and it still lives up to the hype. This destination is highly recommended because of its quality snow, its convenient location (45 minutes from the airport) and the fact that it's home to over 300 trails running across 7,000 acres of snow, a skier's ultimate fantasy.

10 Big Snow Resort, New Jersey: Affordable Family Resort

Big Snow is the answer if you want to score a nice deal to hone your sloping skills. While being the top destination for skiers in the Midwest, it's also groomed to perfection and a popular choice for families and children will feel at home with the perfect skiing conditions and fine snow.

9 Okemo Mountain Resort, Vermont: Mellow Terrain

Okemo Mountain Resort is not built for reckless freestylers because of its low terrain and more family-oriented atmosphere. The resort offers kiddie programs and race clubs. It's more of a peaceful retreat: sip your favorite coffee or indulge in S'mores at the Base whilst waiting for your little one complete ski lessons at their excellent ski school.

8 La Plagne, Savoie: Wide And Gentle Slopes

Home to "the toughest pistes" in town and also a good starting point for learners, La Rosiere is the closest resort to Mont Blanc (the views are stunning), and nightlife is captivating making it a perfect choice for a romantic getaway. The nursery slopes are the easiest to progress and intermediates will feel satisfied.

7 Wilmot Mountain, Wisconsin: Quality Rental Equipment

Wilmot Mountain is actually a hill. The ski resort has seen improvements: the lifts are properly maintained and lighting issues have been resolved. The beginner's area is available with a variety of options (for all ages), the photo above shows Riglet Park on the southern side of Wilmot where children aged 3-6 years can try out snowboarding.

6 Dollar Mountain Resort (Sun Valley), Idaho: Excellent Trails

"One of the best skiing experiences of my life," a local wrote on Trip Advisor as she recalled her black diamond run. This resort is also a great place to start out (as most ski instructors all over the state prefer to give lessons here). After skiing, you get to hike up the world-famous dollar mountain trail and enjoy the spectacular views.

5 Okayama Ski Resorts, Japan: Calm Atmosphere (Snowboard Classes Too!)

This cluster of ski resorts in Okayama Prefecture is surprisingly affordable even though it has world-class quality. For beginners, the Hiruzen Valley is a good place to start with its 2 km blue run starting at only 30 dollars. The extra highlight is the 4-hour snowboarding program for kids and adults alike.

4 Northstar Resort, California: Offers Fabulous Ski Programs For Kids

This upscale resort in California can guarantee families and beginners an amazing time with its cross-country trails, varied runs, and the "all-day kids ski school" according to Trip Advisor. The food is a huge plus and the Ritz hotel is conveniently located nearby.

3 Passo Tonale, Italy: The Ultimate Starting Point

The best-value ski resort in all of Italy with over 100 km of slopes and runs (also a favorite among snowboarders). From blue to black, the resort is enough to satisfy all skill levels. Conditions can get a little bit rough at certain times but the variety of slopes is what keeps tourists flocking the park.

2 Jasna, Slovakia: Built For Freestylers

Jasna, Slovakia's biggest ski paradise, greets guests with its pleasant vibes, family-friendly atmosphere and great customer service. Over the years, the park has been upgraded with state-of-the-art amenities such as high-speed lifts and facilities. The southern portion has beginner slopes and green runs perfect for families and children.

1 Levi Ski, Finland: Amazing Views, Extensive And Great Accommodation (Best In Finland)

Located in the middle of the subarctic wilderness, Levi Ski Resort is the fastest-growing sports resort in Finland with over 40 slopes and 200 km of cross-country trails for beginners and expert skiers alike. The artificial snow track is also free for use and the international ski school on-site has lessons for all skill levels.

Next: Statistically: 20 Most Dangerous Ski Resorts In The World (No Family Should Consider)