10 Best Ski Resorts For Beginners To Hit The Slopes In The US
Did you know that there are 523 ski resorts in the U.S.A.? If you are new to skiing, it can be difficult to know which resorts will provide the best experience for you when first learning how to ski.
Every ski resort is different and a lot can be taken into consideration when deciding where to go. Different parts of the country will offer different types of snow and weather patterns, which will alter how you ski; different times of the year will also influence the type of snow. Most importantly, you want to select a resort that offers a variety of beginner-friendly runs, and enough of them so that you are able to make the most of the experience and not feel cut off from the majority of higher level runs.
Skiing can certainly be an intimidating sport to break into, but there are plenty of ski resorts that accommodate beginner skiers and provide great learning environments (and in beautiful places!). You can rent gear easily and even take ski lessons with instructors.
Here are 10 of the most beginner-friendly and highly-rated ski resorts in the country to choose from!
Breckenridge Ski Resort
Breckenridge, Colorado
Breckenridge offers an amazing destination for first-time skiers. Take a lesson here and explore a variety of beginner slopes on some of the best snow in the nation (and with one of the best views of Colorado). The mountain and town of Breckenridge is spectacular and offers all of the charming atmosphere and fun amenities that visitors could ask for in a winter vacation.
The resort ranks highly among all other U.S. resorts for its sheer number of runs (187!), breathtaking landscape views, and the highest chairlift in the U.S. It would be pretty cool to say that you learned to ski at 13,000 feet elevation!
Park City Mountain Resort
Photo: Park City Mountain Resort
Park City, Utah
Park City has something for everyone, and is known to be a skier’s paradise. While it is home to terrain for every skill level, Park City has a massive area appropriate for beginner and intermediate skiers. Here, you will have a ton of runs available for you if you are still finding your ski legs.
In Park City, you can learn and develop your ski skills in some of “The Greatest Snow on Earth” as Utah likes to brag, in a beautiful high desert environment. Park City as a destination provides a vibrant social atmosphere on Historic Main Street, with their apres-ski patios, venues, restaurants, and shops. You won’t get bored here!
Steamboat Ski Resort
Photo: Steamboat Ski Resort
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Steamboat Ski Resort is one of the best picks for a first-time skier. Colorado remains one of the best places to learn how to ski because of its plentiful fresh powdery snow and its diversity of terrain, allowing non stop adventure and advancement. Steamboat Ski Resort stands out because beginners are able to access a majority of the ski lifts and sides of the mountain, testing their new skills on many green runs as opposed to being limited to just a few gentle slopes. You won’t be stuck on any bunny hills here! Steamboat Springs is a gorgeous mountain town—one that you will love to vacation in.
Vail Ski Resort
Photo: Vail Ski Resort
Vail, Colorado
Vail is royalty amongst ski resorts. This sprawling, world-renowned resort offers a huge diversity of terrain for all levels, and the adjoining town of Vail is a magical and posh destination that will only amp up your skiing experience. The entire resort and town is designed to fulfill every expectation for a ski trip dream you could have, and is filled with premier lodging, dining, and shopping.
The mountain itself has a ton of wide, gentle runs where first-time skiers can experience some of the best snow and skiing the nation has to offer. You won’t be limited in your runs here as a beginner skier!
Stowe Mountain Resort
Photo: Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe, Vermont
Stowe Mountain Resort stands out as one of the best places to ski in Vermont and the entire East Coast for all skill levels, especially first-timers. Stowe offers a dynamic vacation experience, with highly-rated terrain, a vibrant holiday ambience, and historical, gorgeous vacation destination.
It is a great resort that provides visitors with great skiing conditions, as well as a ton of vacation opportunities to take advantage of, to make all those ski trip dreams come true. Beginner skiers will find a variety of gentle slopes to choose from on the mountain!
Winter Park Resort
Photo: Winter Park Resort
Winter Park, Colorado
High in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, Winter Park is advertised as a treasured beginner- and family-friendly resort. It runs a well-reviewed ski school, and the mountain has ample terrain for first-time skiers to work on their skill level. Set in a location where you can enjoy the awe-striking natural beauty of Colorado as you hit the slopes, Winter Park also offers great amenities and after-ski activities in town.
Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Photo: Aspen Snowmass Ski Resort
Snowmass Village, Colorado
Aspen actually consists of four different ski mountains, but Snowmass and Buttermilk are heralded as the most beginner-friendly options. Snowmass is the largest of these mountains and offers those learning to ski many different runs and resources to explore. The mountain and nearby town of Aspen offer one of the best skiing vacation experiences possible, with stellar landscape, terrain, ski vibes, restaurants, and other activities to enjoy on a winter vacation.
Big Bear Mountain Resort
Photo: Big Bear Mountain Resort
Big Bear, California
Big Bear consists of two mountains: Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, but Snow Summit is known to be more friendly to beginners and families. 55% of this incredible terrain is suitable for beginner skiers, meaning you will have tons of options to learn and explore as you take on this new sport. They have specific beginner runs, where you can practice without the intimidation of more expert skiers in the area. Big Bear is treasured as the best place to ski in southern California and boasts of their reliable skiing conditions.
Snowbasin Resort
Photo: Snowbasin Ski Resort
Huntsville, Utah
Less than an hour north of Salt Lake City and the more-renowned resort of Park City lies Snowbasin, a well-kept secret that is great for beginner skiers. Snowbasin has cultivated a welcoming environment for beginners, garnering attention with their adult ski programs that will get you up and running down the slopes in no time. With its accessibility for those learning to ski, world-class skiing conditions, and ample winter activities to take part in, Snowbasin serves up a destination skiing experience that is hard to beat.
Heavenly Ski Resort
Image: Heavenly Ski Resort
Lake Tahoe, California
At California’s largest ski resort, 20% of Heavenly’s trails are suitable for beginner skiers. There are a variety of spots to choose from and grow more confident on your skis as you whiz down the slopes for the first time. With this gentle introduction to the sport, you can fall in love with skiing in Tahoe, one of the most highly-rated ski destinations of the world. Tahoe is famous for its stunning landscape, world-class snow, and dreamy winter vacation atmosphere.