Top 10 Ski Resorts for Beginners
Skiing for a beginner can be quite nerve wracking. At first, the movements will seem quite unnatural. Most people are usually quite unnerved by the idea of hurtling down a snow-covered slope with no means of making an immediate stop.
Thus, it is important that you pick the right destination to get your training. It can turn it into a lifelong passion or turn it into a horrific experience you never wish to try again. If you have a fear of height, do not be afraid to ski. You will most likely not start at the top of the mountain on your first ski resort visit.
Here are some options you should consider if you want to have a memorable first skiing experience.
1. Buttermilk, Colorado
It is one of the four ski areas in the Aspen-Snowmass resort. It is the best area in the Aspen Snowmass resort to learn skiing. The area is perfect for beginners as it typically experiences very low crowd volumes. The reason for this is that experienced skiers prefer to visit the other three areas that are more challenging for them. Beginners to this area will benefit from about 20 kilometers of long and easy slopes.
2. Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
The resort is among the few that has a vertical that is more than 1,000m. However, that should not scare you. The resort is dotted with easy and wide pistes. The ski resort offers beginners slopes that are short and wide. The resort now has a package for beginners known as “Learn To Ski- Easy as 1-2-3”. As part of the package, beginners benefit from beginner lift tickets, tuition, and rentals.
3. Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont
The resort spans three mountains. It has varied terrain, which is suitable for skiers at all levels. The resort has received numerous accolades. For instance, it is recognized as the top resort for kids in 2017. Besides, skiing, there are many other fun activities such as tubing, zip lining, arts and crafts workshops, and other fun activities for kids.
4. Big White, British Columbia
About a fifth of the resort, which is 20 kilometers has easy terrain ideal for beginners. However, even the other slopes are quite easy to ski since they are quite wide. The ideal spot for beginners in this resort is Happy Valley. It offers a relaxing and calm environment to sharpen your skiing skills.
5. Telluride, Colorado
Getting to this resort can be quite a challenge. However, it will be worth the trouble. The resort is based in an area that was once a thriving mining town. The resort, wedge inside a spectacular canyon is superb for beginners. The resort has one of the longest winding slopes for beginners. It winds through 1,800 vertical feet. The beginner’s school is quite affordable, and it is staffed with some motivated and experienced trainers. Tuition for beginners is a bargain since equipment hire and lift tickets are included as part of the package.
6. Breckenridge, Colorado
The ski resort schools of Colorado are renowned for offering learners high-quality lesson. This school located in Breckenridge is no different. The resort, which is just a few hours’ drive from Denver airport, is an awesome way to spend your winter holiday. It has gentle slopes, which are perfect for beginners.
7. Deer Valley, Utah
The resort has received numerous awards over the years. These awards are because of features like limited foot traffic, après culture, and the pristine terrain. About a third of its slopes are green runs. One main benefit of this resort is that it limits the number of tickets sold every day. Thus, you are assured that you will ski on crowded slopes.
8. Steamboat Spring, Colorado
Besides learning how to ski, you will have a great time immersing yourself in mountain culture. Even if at the end of it, you find that skiing is not for you, it will still be worth the visit. The beginners’ school contains some of the finest skiing instructors in North America. Some of the instructors at this school are former Olympians.
9. Copper Mountain, Colorado
The resort has a designated beginners’ area, a beginner lift, and a magic carpet. The resort is among the few in North America with a divided setting for learners. Additionally, there are both group and individual lessons offered for people of all ages and interest levels. The resort is home to the Woodward facility, which is renowned as a great place to learn skiing. The coaches are experienced and knowledgeable. They have even trained Olympic freestyle athletes.
10. Okemo, Vermont
The resort is renowned for being a family friendly place to go skiing. The resort offers a learning center for beginners. Additionally, there are quite a number of trails that are perfect for beginners. One of the latest additions at the resort is a heated chairlift that keeps the beginners warm as they are transported to the Summit Lodge.
Summary
If you have had a lifelong wish to become an expert skier, you should try any of these resorts. They are awesome places to learn skiing at your own pace.