The perfect destination for skiing as a beginner with easy slopes and less crowds - plus it’s not in France
Skiing season is upon us and I know of a destination that is perfect for beginner skiers.
Last year I travelled to Beitostølen in Norway to learn how to ski. Beitostølen is a delightful village and I found that it was the perfect destination as a beginner.
I travelled to Norway having absolutely no previous experience of skiing whatsoever. It was very daunting and nerve-wracking, and I was awful. But, by the end I actually managed to conquer green and blue slopes.
After my time there I genuinely felt like I could go on another skiing holiday and feel okay about it. I had learnt the basics, got to grips with the techniques and mastered how to gracefully jump off a ski lift (this took many attempts).
The destination being so super-friendly for beginners really helped with my first experience of skiing. The village stands out as a top pick for beginner skiers due to its beginner-focused design, reliable conditions, and hassle-free setup.
Novices, like myself, can access nearly the whole main area via wide, flat easy slopes without venturing into intimidating terrain. It has an ultra-convenient, walkable village layout. Lifts, rentals, school, shops, restaurants, and high-quality family lodging (e.g., ski-in/out at Radisson Blu or Riddergaarden Apartments with spas/pools) are steps away, preventing tired treks with gear and kids.
It has a family-friendly vibe with safe, uncrowded slopes, plus extras like a beginner snowpark. The instructors are also great and English-speaking. My instructor was fabulous, very patient and funny which meant we all had a laugh. Having a laugh was very important - as most of the time I was holding in tears, making sure not to crash into anyone and trying to distract myself from thoughts of me breaking a leg!
There were no herds of people and it was all very organised which took the stress out of everything. The runs were perfect for beginners, and I really couldn’t recommend the destination enough if you are wanting to go on your first skiing holiday.
The slopes do not take hours to get down and everyone there is more or less a beginner as the resort is so suited towards those who have not skied before. So, forget France or Austria, head to Norway on TUI’s Crystal Ski Holidays ‘Slope Starters’ holiday.