All grown up but never learned how to ski? Or maybe you used to be able to ski pretty well when you were younger, but it’s been decades since you last hit the slopes. Never fear! Learning to ski or easing back into it as an out-of-practice skier can be a lot of fun and an invigorating way to enjoy winter.

Of course, skiing isn’t something you just dive right into! So you’re going to have to go somewhere that warmly welcomes newbies and offers them the chance to get the hang of this exciting sport at their own pace … without embarrassment and with minimal risk of injury.

Here’s where we come in: we’ve come up with this list of ski destinations that are perfect for adult beginners to build confidence and have a wonderful time in the great outdoors.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

Some of the best and longest beginner runs await those keen to learn at Beaver Creek. It also has one of Colorado’s highest rated ski schools and has a huge and easily accessible learning area. After you get in to Colorado on flights to Denver, you’ll have a two-and-a-half-hour drive to access these slopes. Beaver Creek is also less than 30 miles from Eagle County Airport and only about 15 miles from Vail. Beyond the skiing, Beaver Creek is famous for its spas, world-class shopping and its dining scene that’s widely considered the best in the Rockies.

Breckenridge, Colorado

 

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Under two hours drive from Denver and up high in the mountains, Breckenridge is another ideal Colorado resort for adults new to skiing. Here, beginners can take in the breathtaking views and exhilaration of skiing at high altitude while still keeping to gentle slopes and plenty of areas set aside for novice skiers. When your legs need a rest and you’re ready to congratulate yourself for success on the slopes, you’ll find the après and off-piste activities especially fun around town.

Northstar, California

Although less than 15% of this Tahoe resort features green trails, it remains popular with beginners due to its amazing ski school, loads of non-skiing activities such as tubing and snowshoeing, and the phenomenal views of this picture-perfect slice of paradise. Plus, the slopes that are available to beginners here are the easiest to master in the Tahoe area.

Okemo, Vermont

 

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With nearly 40 easy green trails, Okemo Mountain Resort in Vermont is one of the East Coast’s smartest options for newbies. This welcoming and family friendly south central Vermont resort is near the town of Ludlow and has five mountains that are perfect for skiing. Looking for something to aspire to when you become a more accomplished skier? Okemo is home to the biggest vertical drop in the state! Okemo is about a two hour drive from Albany, New York and a three-hour drive from Boston, Massachusetts.

Les Deux Alpes, Mont-de-Lans, France

Les Deux Alpes is a ski resort set high in the French Alps. The village is located almost 5,500 feet above sea level and the lifts go to 11,000 feet. It has the largest skiable glacier in Europe and is France’s second-oldest ski resort behind Chamonix. Beginners learn to ski at the top of the mountain — which offers quite a breathtaking view!

La Rosière, France

Gradual gradients, broad pistes, and excellent ski schools should appeal to neophyte skiers. The low-rise stone and wood chalet architecture, fast chairlifts, and access to slopes in La Thiule in Italy should wow everyone who visits. Be on the lookout for famed St Bernards roving the resort when you go.

Are you thinking about learning to ski as an adult? Where do you plan to go for your first attempt at this thrilling winter sport? Share your ideas in the comments!