1. Meribel, France

Meribel is visually stunning. Its situation in the Three Valleys ski area offers 600km of piste and beautiful scenery. There are plenty of wide nursery slopes and easy runs down to the resort centre.

It’s pretty village offers a wide choice of restaurants, bars and a fantastic aprés ski scene. Live bands play in the local bars and there is also a night club if you still manage to have energy left after a day on the slopes. Take a dip in the swimming pool, try ice skating or even snowmobiling, Mirabel has it all.

Transfer time:  2 hours 30 minutes from Chambery airport 

2. Arinsal, Andorra

Andorra has been a firm favourite with Irish holiday makers for many years. Despite the long airport transfer, it’s all round good value for money make it one of the most popular ski resorts for beginners. 

There are plenty of wide open slopes and the resort links to Pal for a wider choice of runs. Aprés ski is huge in Arinsal, so if you are looking for a lively resort then look no further. Arinsal offers a great choice of accommodation, from basic chalets to 5-star hotels.

Transfer time: 3 hours 45 minutes from Toulouse airport
 

3. Neiderau, Austria

Niederau is another picture postcard ski resort. Complete with plenty of nursery slopes, its the perfect ski resort for beginners. It’s ski school is renowned as one of Austria’s best which is ideal if you are travelling with kids.

Niederau has plenty of aprés ski bars without being particularly lively, and there are plenty of activities like tabogganing and sleigh rides for all the family to enjoy.

Transfer time 1 hour 30 minutes from Innsbruck airport
 

4. Alpe d’Huez, France

Alpe d’Huez offers access to one of Europe’s largest ski areas and has slopes to suit all levels. There are lots of nursery slopes for beginners and easy blue and green runs close to the resort centre. There are also lots of choices for those who want a break from skiing, with a large aprés ski scene, an outdoor swimming pool and an ice skating rink.

Transfer time: 2 hours 15 minutes from Chambery airport
 

5. Passo Tonale, Italy

This purpose built resort offers a great lift system, close to most of the hotels, with virtually no queues. It is one of Italy’s highest resorts so gets plenty of sunshine and has a great snow record.

The short runs are perfect for beginners but there is also a natural ice rink and skidoo runs if you fancy trying something a little different. There are plenty of shops, bars and restaurants to choose from, all reasonably priced too.

Transfer time: 2 hours 45 minutes from Verona airport
 

6. La Plagne, France

La Plagne is another excellent choice for first time skiers. The mix of nursery slopes, excellent ski school and a 425km ski area has made it one of France’s most popular ski resorts for beginners.

Made up of various villages, La Plagne offers something for everyone. Plagne Centre has plenty of shops bars and restaurants, although accommodation is limited here, so early booking is advisable.

Transfer time: 2 hours from Chambery airport
 

7. Scheffau, Austria

Scheffau is the perfect ski resort for beginners looking for a traditional Tirolean resort. It offers wide runs and a dedicated ski area for children. It is home to an excellent ski school and has one of the best snow records in Austria.

It is less expensive than other Austrian resorts, and although aprés ski is limited at night time, it does offer a bowling alley, tobogganing and it is close to Ellmau if you seek a livelier scene. Advanced skiers can choose the Alpen AllStar lift pass which covers Kitzbuhel and Westendorf.

Transfer time:  1 hour 45 minutes from Salzburg airport
 

8. Kranjska Gora, Slovenia

Kranjska Gora is situated only a few miles from the Austrian and Italian border and is a picture postcard village.  This small family friendly resort has an excellent ski school and plenty of nursery slopes which perfect for beginners.

Although a small village, it offers a good aprés ski scene and plenty of accommodation choices, from traditional Slovenian pensions to top class hotels with spa facilities. 

Transfer time: 3 hours 15 minutes from Salzburg airport
 

9. Cervinia, Italy

One of Italy’s trendiest resorts, Cervinia offers lots of sunshine, wide open slopes and a lift pass that also allows you to access Zermatt in Switzerland.

There is a great après ski scene with a mix of chill out bars and lively clubs to suit all tastes. It tends to attract lots of locals from Milan and Turin at weekends, but during the week the slopes are traditionally quiet with no lift queues.

Transfer time: 2 hours from Turin airport
 

10. Seefeld, Austria

Seefeld, known for hosting the Winter Olympics, offers top class skiing for all levels. There is a separate ski area for beginners and intermediates and floodlit night skiing for adrenaline junkies.

There is also an ice rink, casino and a wide selection of bars and restaurants. It is located very close to Innsbruck, which means a short airport transfer time, and also handy if you fancy a day trip away from the slopes.

Transfer time: 45 minutes from Innsbruck airport
 

I hope you enjoyed my top ski resorts for beginners in Europe and it helps you plan a ski holiday soon. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, facilities and activities are subject to change.