As one of the most popular winter sports, skiing offers its participants the thrilling experience of racing down snow covered slopes while navigating some of the world’s most breathtaking terrain. From groomed pistes to cross country trails, Europe’s best winter resorts offer a world of choice to those who enjoy skiing.
If you are a first-time skier, you can take heart in the fact that even the experts had to start somewhere. That is why most resorts offer a selection of training facilities and gentle nursery slopes on which you can hone your skills. The following three European resorts are renowned for providing some of the best terrain and training for beginners:
Les Arcs, France – The Les Arcs resort is located in the northern tip of Vanoise National Park on the French-Italian border and offers a number of high quality nursery slopes on which beginners can learn to excel. Of the four ‘Arcs’ within the resort, Arc 1800 features the best terrain for first-time skiers, providing a free beginners ski lift and access to more than 90 ski instructors who offer lessons to both adults and children.
Lech, Austria – Situated in western Austria, Lech is the epitome of a classic Alpine resort. A picturesque village leads to a selection of fine hotels and ski slopes second to none. Its world-class training facilities offer instruction in a number of languages, including English, German and Italian, allowing beginners of all nationalities to feel comfortable on the snow. First-time skiers will be impressed by the resort’s gentle learning curve, while more advanced skiers are still able to test their skills on the more challenging slopes, making Lech the ideal destination for mixed ability groups.
Bansko, Bulgaria – While the Alps provide a wide variety of excellent ski destinations for beginners and experts alike, skiers should not neglect destinations further afield, such as Bansko in Bulgaria. Recently declared a World Heritage Site, Bansko offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Europe. The slopes of the Pirin Mountains that surround the town provide exceptional conditions for skiers of all skill levels, while the ski schools in Bansko are legendary for their outstanding service.
Selecting the perfect resort is only one of the factors to consider before booking your first ski holiday. Acquiring the correct gear for your trip is also essential, although it may be beneficial to hire skis and boots at the resort as opposed to buying equipment you may not use frequently. Hiring the necessary gear will also allow you to change it at any time during your ski holiday should it not suit your style.
Finally, in addition to undergoing sufficient training in one of their ski schools, many resorts may also require you to be in possession of adequate ski insurance before allowing you access to the slopes as a first-time skier. Ski insurance policies provide both medical and financial cover for unforeseen incidents that may occur while skiing, offering both you and the resort the reassurance that you will be covered should something go wrong.
