If you’re new to skiing and looking to embark on your first ski adventure it can be both thrilling and daunting.
There is a common misconception that you have to be skilled at skiing to enjoy a ski holiday. In reality, numerous ski resorts offer beginner ski lessons. Whether you want to learn how to ski for the first time or have a beginner in your group, we have compiled a list of the best ski resorts for beginners in France. These resorts offer specialist beginner slopes and beginner ski programmes and lessons, both group and private.
Best Ski Resorts in France for Beginners
Morzine, France
Morzine is a beloved traditional alpine village set between Lake Geneva and Mont Blanc. With a relatively low resort height of 1000m, it's a popular destination for beginners. Geneva airport is also only one hour away by car, making it convenient for families travelling with children.
Morzine has plenty of “Zones Débutants” (beginner zones) that are safely cordoned off so you can enjoy your first time on the slopes in a controlled environment.
The wide gentle slopes with a slight incline will have you feeling comfortable in your skis in no time at all. The New Generation Ski School has some of the best instructors for beginners around, with plenty of options for groups and private lessons for both children and adults.
At Oxford Ski Company, we have a wide range of Luxury Ski Chalets available to book in Morzine with added extras, such as hot tubs, saunas, cinema rooms, children's play rooms and stunning mountain views.
Our Morzine skiing recommendations:
Ski School: New Generation
Private Guides: Supreme Ski
Childcare: Cheeky Monkeys
Massage: Mountain Rehab
Transfers: Skiidy Gonzalez
La Plagne, France
La Plagne is a charming resort nestled in the heart of the Tarentaise valley. La Plagne is made up of multiple high and low-altitude villages spread across the resort.
The lower-altitude villages are popular among beginner skiers, with some of the most popular being Plagne Bellecôte and Belle Plagne.
Look out for the “CoolSki zones” signposted in pink as they are designated areas designed especially for beginners. There are also plenty of green zones around La Plagne for you to explore once you have graduated from your skiing lessons.
The Oxygene ski school is open all year with friendly and professional tutors who will put any beginner's nerves to rest.
Geneva airport is a popular airport to get to La Plagne from - with it taking 2 hours 30 minutes by car transfer.
Take a look at our luxury ski chalets to enjoy some of the best accommodations La Plagne has to offer.
Our La Plagne skiing recommendations:
Ski School: Oxygene
Private Guides: Oxygene
Childcare: Little Chicks
Massage: Pamper Off Piste
Transfers: Alpes Limousine
Méribel, France
Méribel is a beautiful traditional village nestled in Les 3 Vallées (the world's largest ski area).
The endless skiing options around Méribelmake it a great place for beginners to learn as there are lots of options to choose from and everything a first-time skier could ever need in one place.
The two designated beginner areas are in Altiport and Méribel Mottaret with 8 green runs to choose from once you have mastered the art of skiing.
The choice of Ski instructors in Meribel is amongst the world's best. Oxygene and New Generation ski schools are perfect for beginners to learn how to ski in a safe and comfortable environment.
Geneva Airport is a popular choice to get to Méribel and the transfer takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes.
At Oxford Ski Company, we have many fully catered and self-catered luxury ski chalets for you to choose from if you’re looking for the best place to stay in Méribel.
Our Méribel skiing recommendations:
Ski School: Oxygene and New Generation
Private Guides: Marmalade Ski School and Parallel Lines
Childcare: Jelly & Ice Cream
Massage: Pamper Off Piste
Transfers: 3 Vallée Transfers
La Tania, France
La Tania is a beginner-friendly ski resort also situated in Les 3 Vallées. La Tania is a quiet resort with low slopes that are perfect for beginners and children to practice on.
The Supreme Ski school can be found in La Tania with plenty of beginner lessons and qualified instructors to learn from.
19% of the slopes in La Tania are designated as green runs, which is a higher percentage compared to most ski resorts. This means you’ll have plenty to do once you’ve learned how to ski.
The majority of the chalets in La Tania are ski-in and ski-out, making it easier for you to access the slopes straight from your back door.
Take a look at the beautiful luxury ski chalets Oxford Ski Company has to offer in La Tania.
Our La Tania skiing recommendations:
Ski School: Supreme Ski
Private Guides: Sweet Snowsports
Childcare: Méribel Nanny Services
Massage: Pamper off Piste
Transfers: 3 Vallée Transfers
What Ski Programmes and Lessons can I book?
There are plenty of programmes and lessons for beginners to choose from.
Group skiing lessons
Group lessons are popular among beginners as they can feel less intense and it can be fun to surround yourself with other beginners.
Private skiing lessons
Private 1-1 lessons are available if you have a higher budget and would like to improve upon your skills through tailored lessons. Private lessons are also great even if you are a seasoned skier.
What are the benefits of specialised beginner ski programmes
The benefit of specialised beginner ski programmes is that they are often great value for money.
You pay for a block of lessons over a week and you can learn to ski in as little as 5-6 days. Spending at least 2 hours per day on the slopes will boost your confidence and lead to faster skill progression. Beginner programmes are also a safe learning environment as you will be cordoned off from the faster skiers and can avoid potential collisions.
Looking to elevate your skiing abilities?
At Oxford Ski Company, we have been designing and delivering luxury ski holidays for over 25 years.
We can help you find the perfect first ski holiday that will have you ready to tackle the slopes in no time at all.
Contact us for insider knowledge and recommendations for a beginner ski holiday in France that will exceed your expectations.