The best ski resorts for beginners

North America is home to some of the best ski destinations in the world. And it’s right in our own backyard, making it easy to pop over somewhere for a quick ski weekend vacation–whether you’re a pro on the slopes, or a beginner. If you do fall in the beginners category, it’s important to choose a ski resort that offers gentle slopes, amazing ski lesson programs, and a supportive environment. A place where you don’t have to worry about hitting the black or diamond slopes and can ease your way into it! And if nothing else, these destinations are all breathtaking and offer some pretty swanky apres-ski options too, so you’ll never be bored if you need a break from the mountains. Here are the best ski resorts for beginners in North America:

BRECKENRIDGE, COLORADO

Breckenridge is a charming ski resort located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado. It offers a variety of ski runs for beginners, including long, gentle slopes that are perfect for learning. The ski school here is top-notch, with patient and experienced instructors who can help even the most nervous skier feel comfortable on the slopes. Breckenridge is also known for its family-friendly atmosphere, making it a great choice for beginners of all ages. There is a reason why so many people love this ski town, and that’s because it offers something for everyone.

WHERE TO STAY IN BRECKENRIDGE

One Ski Hill Place, A RockResort: Located at the base of Peak 8 in Breckenridge, One Ski Hill Place offers luxury ski-in/ski-out accommodations. The hotel features elegant studios and suites with mountain views, fully-equipped kitchens, and cozy fireplaces. The property offers a variety of on-site amenities, including a fitness center, two indoor pools, a hot tub, a sauna, and a bowling alley. Guests can also enjoy easy access to the ski slopes, as well as the nearby shops, restaurants, and nightlife of Breckenridge.

The Lodge at Breckenridge: Perched on a hill overlooking the town of Breckenridge and the surrounding mountains, The Lodge at Breckenridge offers a rustic mountain retreat with stunning views. The hotel features comfortable rooms and suites with private balconies or patios, as well as a restaurant and bar serving delicious cuisine and cocktails. You can relax in the outdoor hot tub, take a dip in the heated pool, or cozy up by the fireplace in the lounge. The hotel is also just a short drive from the ski slopes and downtown Breckenridge.

WHISTLER, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Whistler is one of the largest ski resorts in North America, with over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain. This is definitely a favorite ski destination for those who have ski skills and love to hit the slopes. But that doesn’t mean it’s not ideal for beginners, too. Despite its size, it’s also a great destination for ski beginners, thanks to its excellent ski school and dedicated learning areas. The resort offers a range of programs for beginners, including group lessons, private lessons, and multi-day packages. Whistler’s village is also home to plenty of restaurants, shops, and entertainment options, making it a great choice for families and groups.

WHERE TO STAY IN WHISTLER

Fairmont Chateau Whistler: Located at the base of Blackcomb Mountain, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers luxury accommodations in a stunning alpine setting. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites with mountain or village views, as well as a range of on-site amenities including a spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple dining options. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s ski-in/ski-out access to Whistler Blackcomb, as well as the nearby hiking and biking trails, making it one of the best ski resorts for beginners.

Four Seasons Resort and Residences Whistler: Nestled in the Upper Village of Whistler, the Four Seasons Resort and Residences offers a luxurious mountain retreat with easy access to the ski slopes. The hotel features spacious rooms, suites, and residences with stunning views of the mountains, as well as on-site amenities such as a spa, fitness center, outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and multiple dining options. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s ski concierge services, which include equipment rental, lift tickets, and personalized ski and snowboard instruction.

PARK CITY, UTAH

Park City is a popular ski destination located just outside of Salt Lake City. It might be one of the most charming ski towns in all of North America and is a draw for celebrities during the famous Sundance Film Festival. Some might even know it from the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City. But for skiers, it’s home to two world-class ski resorts, Park City Mountain and Deer Valley Resort, both of which offer excellent beginner terrain. Park City is known for its wide-open runs and gentle slopes, which are perfect for new skiers. The resort also has a dedicated learning area, with a magic carpet and beginner-friendly lifts. In addition to skiing, Park City offers a range of other fun winter activities, including snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and sleigh rides–all of which will make you love being outside during the colder months!

WHERE TO STAY IN PARK CITY

Montage Deer Valley: Situated in the exclusive Deer Valley Resort, the Montage Deer Valley is a luxury hotel offering elegant accommodations and unparalleled mountain views. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites with cozy fireplaces, as well as on-site amenities including a spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple dining options. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes, as well as the nearby hiking and biking trails.

Waldorf Astoria Park City: Located at the base of Canyons Village, the Waldorf Astoria Park City offers a luxurious mountain retreat with easy access to skiing and other outdoor activities. The hotel features spacious rooms, suites, and residences with mountain views, as well as on-site amenities such as a spa, fitness center, outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and multiple dining options. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s ski-in/ski-out access to Park City Mountain and ski lessons (one reason why it’s on our list of the best ski resorts for beginners!), as well as the nearby hiking and biking trails.

SUN VALLEY, IDAHO

Sun Valley is a classic ski resort with a rich history and a welcoming atmosphere. It’s also a great destination for beginners, with plenty of easy runs and a great ski school atmosphere. The resort offers a variety of ski school programs for beginners, including group lessons, private lessons, and multi-day packages, making it one of the best ski resorts for beginners. It’s an easy spot to feel like you’re a ski pro, even if you’re just learning with a variety of hills to help you gradually work your way up to the biggest slopes. Sun Valley also has a range of other winter activities, including ice skating, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.

WHERE TO STAY IN SUN VALLEY

Sun Valley Resort: The Sun Valley Resort is a historic and iconic hotel located in the heart of Sun Valley, Idaho. The resort offers a variety of accommodations, including elegant rooms, suites, and cottages, all with stunning mountain views. On-site amenities include a spa, fitness center, outdoor heated pool and hot tub, ice skating rink, and multiple dining options. Guests can also take advantage of the resort’s world-class ski slopes, as well as the nearby hiking, biking, and fishing opportunities.

Limelight Hotel Ketchum: The Limelight Hotel Ketchum is a contemporary hotel located in the heart of Ketchum, just minutes away from the Sun Valley ski slopes. The hotel features modern rooms and suites with mountain views, as well as on-site amenities such as a fitness center, outdoor heated pool and hot tub, and a lounge serving food and drinks. The hotel also has complimentary ski shuttle to the Sun Valley Resort. The hotel’s location in downtown Ketchum also allows for easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife.

MONT-TREMBLANT, QUEBEC

Mont-Tremblant is one of Canada’s best ski destinations, not just for its amazing ski opportunities, but also for its charm. Located in the Laurentian Mountains in Quebec, it’s known for its European-style village that looks like it’s straight from France, and its excellent beginner terrain. The resort offers a variety of ski school programs for beginners, including group lessons, private lessons, and family packages. For anyone not looking to just ski, Mont-Tremblant also has a range of other winter activities, including dog sledding, snowmobiling, and ice fishing. Guaranteed to make you love winter in this snowy paradise!

WHERE TO STAY IN MONT-TREMBLANT

Fairmont Tremblant: The Fairmont Tremblant is a luxury hotel located at the base of Mont-Tremblant Ski Resort in the Laurentian Mountains. The hotel features elegant rooms and suites with mountain or village views, as well as on-site amenities including a spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple dining options. Guests can also take advantage of the hotel’s ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes, as well as the nearby golf courses and hiking trails.

Le Westin Resort & Spa: Le Westin Resort & Spa is a contemporary hotel located in the heart of Mont-Tremblant Pedestrian Village, just steps away from the ski slopes. The hotel features spacious rooms and suites with mountain or village views, as well as on-site amenities such as a spa, fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, and multiple dining options. The hotel’s location in the pedestrian village also allows for easy access to shopping, dining, and nightlife.

North America truly has some of the world’s best and most spectacular ski resorts–no matter what your ski level or experience. Breckenridge, Whistler, Park City, Sun Valley, and Mont-Tremblant are some of the best ski resorts for beginners who are looking to get some ski time. With gentle slopes, top-notch instruction, and a welcoming atmosphere, these are the perfect spots for new skiers looking to learn and have fun on the slopes.