Where Are the Best Ski Resorts for Beginners in the U.S.?
Colorado.
Colorado is perhaps the ultimate destination for skiers and snowboarding enthusiasts. Colorado mountains are renowned for their high quality snow and varying terrain, ensuring an enjoyable experience for both the experienced and novices.
Why choose Colorado as a beginner ski destination?
Most of the ski resorts in Colorado offer many dedicated green (beginner) runs that not only have great snow quality, but provide ample space for beginners to practice turning and stopping without being stressed about crowds or more experienced skiers whizzing past them.
Get our tips for skiing in Colorado.
Utah.
In the next door state, Utah, there are also a number of must-visit ski resorts. From Park City and Deer Valley to Snowbird, the state’s ski resorts are known for world-class ski schools and varied ski terrain.
Why choose Utah as a beginner ski destination?
As a beginner, you can maximize your time on the Utah ski slopes with the help of experienced ski and snowboarding instructors. We also have to mention the gentle, soft, and forgiving powder snow in Utah. Not only is it fantastic for achieving a smooth beginner ride, but let’s be honest – you expect to fall as a beginner, so why not do it on what’s dubbed the greatest snow on Earth?
California.
Don’t sleep on the Golden State: instead of catching waves, you can hit some great slopes in the Eastern part of California. There are many ski resorts that cater to different needs, from amenity-rich resorts like Palisades Tahoe, to smaller resorts like Badger.
Why choose California as a beginner ski destination?
Accessible from many major airports, most ski resorts are easy to get to and allow for spontaneous ski get-aways. Northstar ski resort, for example, offers designated learning zones with wide slopes, lifts, and easy access to green slopes – great benefits to a novice skier or snowboarder.
List of the 9 Best Ski Resorts for Beginners.
Keystone, Colorado.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 19%
Key features for beginners: Gentle terrain, including scenic green runs, and expert instruction.
Keystone ski resort is known for its versatile ski runs and opportunities for both beginner skiers and snowboarders. It offers a ski school with dedicated and experienced instructors, and the lessons take place in designated learning zones. This is a great way for you to build confidence on the slopes. If you’re really dedicated, you can even ski at night. Perfect for maximizing your time on the slopes!
Beginner ski trails in Keystone.
- Endeavour (Dercum Mountain): Wide trails with slow zones.
- Murphy’s Mine (Dercum Mountain): Forested trails with a fun tunnel.
- Discovery Hill (Discovery Area): Practice runs.
- Double Barrel Carpet Lift (Discovery Area): Beginner hill.
Beaver Creek, Colorado.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 39%
Key features for beginners: Beaver Creek offers three dedicated learning areas, each pod has its own lift.
Located in the Rocky Mountains, Beaver Creek covers 2,082 acres of skiable terrain. A majority are considered beginner and intermediate, making it an ideal place to bring the family or friends who are less experienced on the snow. For example, McCoy Park is a dedicated learning area with 17 beginner-friendly runs. Here you can practice without distractions from advanced skiers.
Beginner ski trails in Beaver Creek.
- McCoy Park: Wide, green runs with scenic views.
- Haymeadow: Accessible trails via gondola.
- Red Buffalo Park: Beginner terrain at the top of the mountain.
Park City, Utah.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 8%
Key features for beginners: 7,900 acres of skiable terrain, much of which are designated green runs.
Park City is located in the Wasatch Mountains and is one of the largest ski resorts in North America. While the percentage of beginner terrain might sound low, 8% of the ski resort’s massive 7,900 acres means over 630 acres of beginner terrain – plenty of room to explore. Park City boasts 27 beginner trails where you can indulge in wide runs, excellent snow, and all the space in the world to practice turns, stops, and even jumps.
Beginner ski trails in Park City.
- First Time: A bunny hill for those without skiing experience, where you can practice alpine techniques.
- Home Run: The longest green run in Park City, covering 3,5 miles.
- Raptor Way: A bunny slope you can access through lift and practice techniques safely.
- High Meadow Park: Ideal for families and kids.
- Claim Jumper: Alpine trails that are easy to navigate and shorter compared to other Park City green runs.
- Blanche: Beginner-friendly runs for those of you who border an intermediate ski level or want to challenge yourself.
- King Con Express: Another nice place to take your ski techniques to the next level, offering a high-speed chairlift to the mountainous terrain.
Buttermilk, Colorado.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 35%
Key features for beginners: Comprehensive ski and snowboarding school with group and private lessons.
Buttermilk is an excellent place for beginner runs. One of four mountains in Aspen, it’s known for its mountain playground of skiable terrain. There are family and learning zones, and it also offers a great ski school. When you’re already in Aspen, we recommend that you visit Snowmass as well.
Beginner ski trails in Buttermilk.
- Summit Express: Learning zones to practice techniques safely.
- Red Rover Park: Beginner terrain park.
- Panda Park: Beginner zone.
- Westward Hoe: Green runs.
Snowmass, Colorado.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 6%
Key features for beginners: Wide green runs and instructors ready to guide and help.
Staying in Aspen, Snowmass is another great spot to hit as a beginner. While Buttermilk is known as a beginner-friendly mountain, you can still get a lot out of visiting Snowmass as a first-timer. Covering 5,700 acres of skiable terrain, there are many green runs to choose from and perfect for those who want to challenge themselves with a bit more diverse trails. As with Park City, 6% beginner terrain might sound small, but considering the overall acres of terrain that Snowmass has to offer, there are plenty of slopes to ride.
Beginner ski trails in Snowmass.
- Fanny Hill: Wide slopes.
- Assay Hill: Gentle slopes with easy lift access.
Sun Valley, Idaho.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 36%
Key features for beginners: Dollar and Bald Mountain offer distinct mountain terrain ideal for beginners.
Sun Valley ski resort in Idaho is home to two mountains, Dollar Mountain and Bald Mountain. Both fantastic destinations for skiers and riders and span 2,457 acres of skiable terrain. Dollar Mountain, in particular, caters well to beginners. The terrain consists of a tubing lane, seven terrain parks, and a ski school for both ski and snowboard.
Beginner ski trails in Sun Valley.
- Dollar Mountain: Mellow slopes and green trails.
- Bald Mountain: Green trails that generally are steeper than the trails on Dollar Mountain.
Northstar, California.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 13%
Key features for beginners: Luxury atmosphere, charming village, and appealing slopes for beginners and progressing skiers.
Northstar is a Lake Tahoe gem: covering 3,170 acres of skiable terrain, this ski resort features 100 trails that cater to all skill levels. For beginners, the ski resorts offer a tubing lane as well as green trails that guarantee memorable alpine experiences that will leave you hungry for more.
Beginner ski trails in Northstar.
- Big Easy: Learning area with gentle slopes and surface lifts.
- Village Run: Long green run.
- Lumberjack: Wide, well-groomed green run.
- Skid Trail: Green run for beginners near the Vista Express, a trail for the progressive beginners.
Heavenly, California.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 35%
Key features for beginners: Scenic Lake Tahoe views and an expansive area for fresh skiers and snowboarders.
From Northstar to Heavenly is only a few miles. They are both owned by Vail Resorts, and as the names suggest, the landscape is out of this world. Having said this, they each offer distinct benefits. Compared to Northstar, there are even more beginner trails at Heavenly. Not only that, it’s also the largest ski area in Tahoe, spanning across the California/Nevada state line. The elevation is also high and the vibe is lively.
Beginner ski trails in Heavenly.
- Big Easy: Learning area with gentle slopes and surface lifts.
- Easy Street: Wide, gentle slopes.
- Patsy’s Trail: Green trail.
- Maggie’s Trail: Easy runs for beginners.
Steamboat, Colorado.
Dedicated learning zones: Yes.
Ski and snowboard school: Yes.
Overall beginner terrain: 12%
Key features for beginners: Delightful, light and fluffy powder snow, ideal for trying and failing (and succeeding).
Steamboat is the perfect destination when you’re craving something more laid-back compared to ski resorts in Aspen or Vail, but still want well-rounded ski runs. The ski resort is renowned for its signature Champagne PowderⓇ snow that covers the 3,741 acres of skiable, fluffy terrain.
Beginner ski trails in Steamboat.
- Giggle Gulch: Easy green runs.
- Shortcut: Wide runs for beginners.
- Right O’Way: Perfect for repeating laps.
- Why Not: A long, but gentle beginner trail.
Plan Your Trip. Correctly.
A critical part of a successful beginner ski trip is not only choosing the correct destination, but also bringing the correct gear, packing your essentials, and considering any logistical aspects of travel, budgeting, or lodging. This is our list of essential tips for your first ski trip to a ski resort in Colorado, Utah or somewhere else in the U.S.
Consider lessons.
For many, lessons are non-negotiable. All of the ski resorts on our list offer ski and snowboarding lessons, many of which are offered as private lessons or group lessons. Insight and tips for expert skiers and riders can make or break your first time on the slopes. If you’re not travelling with a seasoned friend, partner, or family member, we would definitely recommend taking advantage of the ski lessons on-site.
Remember your ski gear.
Before booking your lift tickets you should also consider whether you are buying or renting your ski equipment. Consider the cost of each option, as well as whether you’re likely to take several ski trips over the upcoming years. If so, it might be more economical to buy your gear instead of renting. And if you’re worried about travelling with ski gear on planes, don’t be. We got the best ski and snowboard bags for air travel, ready for your journey.
Don’t sleep on the importance of the correct bag.
Some options include a long, compressible ski bag meant to streamline the packing and transport of skis and ski poles. The spacious Snow Roller has compartments that also facilitate space for goggles and helmets. Another choice is the Snow Essential Ski Bag with adjustable straps. It’s also available as a snowboard bag.
Budgeting.
Save money where you can, whether that’s accommodation, dining, travel, or transportation. We all know skiing and snowboarding can be expensive. As a beginner, you need to balance your desire to progress with a realistic budget for your first ski trip.
Choose the Right Ski Resorts for Your Level.
The Ultimate List of the Best Ski Resorts Across America.
In need of inspiration (or motivation) for where to take your improved ski skills? We’ve gathered a complete list of the best ski resorts in the U.S., where you can travel and experience the best snow conditions in the country.
Your Questions Answered.
Beginner Ski Resorts.
When is the best time to visit ski resorts in Colorado or Utah as a beginner?
The ideal time is mid-week, non-holiday in the peak season (early January to mid-February) for the best snow with fewer crowds. If you must travel on weekends, aim for early or late season for lower prices.
What should I consider if I’m concerned about altitude?
If you’re skiing high-altitude mountains, our best tip is to stay hydrated and take it easy.
Which non-ski activities are most popular in Colorado and Utah?
Relaxed dinners, shopping, and hotel amenities are popular off-mountain activities. For the more adventurous type, many ski resorts in Colorado and Utah offer snowshoeing, snowmobiling, ice skating, and dog sledding.
Is 30 too late to learn to ski?
No, it’s never too late to learn to ski. Choose a ski resort with green (beginner) trails like Buttermilk in Aspen, Sun Valley in Idaho, or Heavenly in California, and travel with friends, a partner, or family. Remember to enjoy the off-mountain offer as well, increasing the likelihood of you enjoying the learning process.
Are ski lessons worth it for beginners?
Yes, ski lessons can be worth it if you’re new to the slopes. Expert advice is helpful for mastering the trails, giving you the confidence to challenge yourself.
