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Beginner ski holidays

beginner snowploughing on ski slope

Planning your first ski holiday can feel overwhelming. Which resort should you choose? What equipment do you need? How do lift passes work? And what exactly is après-ski?

That's where we come in.

Our team of Ski Specialists are passionate skiers and snowboarders who have helped thousands of first-timers discover the mountains. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with family and friends, we'll guide you through every step of the booking process.

The easiest way to get started is with one of our beginner-friendly ski packages. We've bundled together everything you need for a stress-free first ski holiday, including flights, transfers, chalet accommodation, and the option to add our popular First Turns Package.

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Your complete beginner ski package: First Turn packages

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Learning to ski is much easier when all the essentials are arranged before you travel. Our First Turns Package combines the key extras you'll need into one convenient bundle, helping you save both time and money.

Our First Turn packages include:

  • A local lift pass (your key to the slopes)
  • Ski and boot hire with helmet (plus poles if you're skiing)
  • Five or six mornings of ski lessons with a fully-qualified, English-speaking instructor

No need to research multiple suppliers or organise everything separately, we've done the hard work for you.

After a morning on the slopes, return to your catered chalet for afternoon tea and a relaxed evening with fellow skiers. It's the perfect environment to learn, build confidence and share stories from your day on the mountain.

Our First Turns Packages are available in carefully selected resorts with excellent beginner terrain, easy-to-navigate ski areas and highly regarded ski schools, giving you the ideal setting to progress at your own pace.

From your first ride on a chairlift to your first successful blue run, we'll help make your introduction to skiing as smooth and enjoyable as possible.

Find out more about the resorts we offer First Turns Packages:


Book your complete beginner ski package and learn a new skill, prices from £439 for adults, and children from £370 (lift pass, ski hire and ski lessons).

*Please note, packages may be cancelled if minimum numbers are not met, and peak dates such as Christmas, New Year and February half term are available on request and subject to availability.


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The best ski resorts for beginners

Choosing the right resort can make all the difference to your first ski holiday. The best beginner-friendly resorts combine gentle slopes, excellent ski schools and easy access to the mountain, helping you build confidence from your very first day on the snow.

We've carefully selected a handful of snow-sure resorts that offer ideal learning conditions, plenty of beginner terrain and welcoming village atmospheres. Whether you're taking your first lesson or progressing onto your first blue run, these resorts provide the perfect place to start your skiing journey.

Our favourite beginner ski resorts

  • La Plagne - One of the most popular resorts for first-time skiers, La Plagne offers extensive beginner areas, wide-open pistes and plenty of gentle blue runs to progress onto once you've mastered the basics. Our ski-in/ski-out chalets in Belle Plagne make getting to lessons and the slopes quick and easy.
  • Les Arcs - Les Arcs is well suited to beginners thanks to its excellent nursery slopes, high-quality ski schools and easy access to the wider ski area. The resort layout makes navigating the mountain straightforward, helping new skiers feel comfortable from day one.
  • Alpe d'Huez - Known for its sunny weather and fantastic beginner terrain, Alpe d'Huez boasts accessible nursery slopes and a great selection of green and blue runs. The resort's sunny aspect often provides excellent visibility, creating ideal conditions for learning and building confidence on the snow.

Still deciding where to book? Explore our guide to the best ski resorts for beginners or speak to one of our Ski Specialists, who can help match you with the perfect resort for your first trip.

Our top tips for beginner ski holidays

  1. Protect your skin - Guard against the cold, wind, and sun with proper skincare. A good SPF is essential in the mountains.
  2. Shield your eyes -  Wear sunglasses or goggles to keep your eyes safe from glare and wind.
  3. Dress in layers - Layer your clothing to stay warm, and remove layers if you get too hot.
  4. Get the right travel insurance - Ensure your policy covers skiing and winter sports.
  5. Borrow ski gear before investing - If it’s your first trip, consider borrowing ski clothes instead of buying – just in case skiing isn’t your thing (though we’re confident you’ll love it!).
  6. Fuel up - Start your day with a hearty breakfast cooked by your chalet hosts to keep your energy levels up.
  7. Get ski fit - A little pre-ski fitness goes a long way – consider trying an indoor or dry ski slope before your trip.
  8. Pack smart - Take a rucksack for water, snacks, extra layers, and your valuables.
  9. Wear a helmet - Safety first! Treat it like cycling – a helmet is a must. Our first-turn packages include a helmet as part of your ski hire. 
  10. Doyour research - Choose a resort that suits beginners. Our ski specialists are on hand to point you in the right direction. 
  11. Have fun - Relax, enjoy the experience, and make the most of your time on the slopes! Embrace the atmosphere you'll only ever find in the mountains. 

FAQs for beginner skiers

Who is the first turns package for?

Our first turn packages are specially designed for beginner skiers, with a local area lift pass, ski hire with helmet and five/six days of morning lessons included. If you've skied before, you can still add these elements to your holiday booking but this discount saving is only available for beginners. 

I don't know if I want to ski or snowboard, can I do both?

You'll need to make a decision whether you'll be skiing or snowboarding for the week. It could be worth investing in a lesson at an indoor ski slope first to understand which you'd prefer to learn. You can always come back to it in the future, and it's usually easier to learn once you have an understanding of snowsports. 

What do I need to wear for skiing?

If it’s your first time this can be confusing. Make sure you have a thermal underlayer, a fleece on top and a waterproof outer layer. On top of this you’ll need cold weather gloves, ski socks, goggles, a helmet and probably a face covering like a Buff. Most of this can be picked up cheaply or even hired if you book far enough ahead.

What else do I need to bring for the slopes?

When you’re sitting out for lunch you might want to swap your goggles and helmet for sunglasses and a beanie. Don’t forgot lip balm and sun cream as the sun can be intense bouncing off the snow. Plus water and a little rucksack to chuck it all in. Make sure to grab a piste map in resort too. 

How do I stay safe on the mountain?

Aside from wearing a helmet and respecting the snow conditions, it’s good to brush up on skiing etiquette. The basics are –
  • Give right of way to the trailblazers below you
  • Leave plenty of space when overtaking, they can’t see you and can move anywhere
  • Look up for oncoming skiers when merging and starting, those folk are already speeding through
  • Always stop on the side of the piste and never below a lip, visibility is key to staying safe

Should l book ski or snowboard lessons on beginner ski holidays?

Absolutely! If you’re a beginner the need is obvious. But we recommend them to everyone, the more you improve the more the mountain opens up to you. The true joys of skiing only reveal themselves after quite a bit of development. If you are travelling on a school holiday date, we would strongly advise you book early as there are only a limited number of instructors out there!

We can help you organise lessons ahead of time so everything is prepared and protected – just look at the options on Manage My Booking.

How difficult is it to ski on the slopes?

Your piste map and the signs in the mountain will all be colour coded. In Europe this normally goes –
  • Green: Nursery slope for learning
  • Blue: Easy to ski for most everyone
  • Red: Intermediate and advanced skiers here
  • Black: The most difficult runs for confident skiers

Please note some of this can be ‘best guess’ by the resort. A blue may have a short steep bit in, or be steep overall but very wide giving you lots of space and time to turn.

How fit do I need to be for my beginner ski holiday?

You can cruise around blues for days if you take it slow. But skiing is still a whole body work out (not just legs!) and having good overall fitness will certainly help you enjoy it more. A few weeks before your holiday, add in a few extra exercises to get your mobility up and your muscles firing.