Start 2025 on a high—literally— and book that ski trip you’ve always promised yourself.
If you fancy a ski-holiday but have never skied before, these beginner-friendly resorts are designed to make the whole trip a fun and rewarding adventure. With gentle slopes, expert instructors, and incredible views, your first ski holiday will not only be unforgettable, but could spark a lifelong passion.
With direct flights from Belfast taking off every Saturday until late March to both Austria and Italy with Crystal Ski Holidays there’s never been a better time to make it happen.
Best beginner-friendly resorts in Austria
Austria is a dream destination for beginners with breathtaking alpine scenery, all-ability slopes and charming mountainside villages. Plus, Austria’s known for having the best après ski in the world, with cozy mountain huts and lively bars offering the perfect way to unwind after a day on the nursery slops.
Rauris
The small ski area and compact town centre make it the perfect pick if it’s your very first ski trip. Plus, there are mountain restaurants you can get to without doing any skiing, so mixed ability groups can split off for skiing and easily meet up for lunch.
Zell am See
One of Austria’s more popular resorts, Zell Am See is known for its picturesque views as well as a range of well-maintained beginner runs for those starting out on the slopes. Hop on the CityXpress gondola and in minutes you’ll find plenty of wide and scenic green runs through the trees, with stunning views over the lake below.
Kitzbühel
There are free beginner lifts in the valley where you can learn the skiing basics. And after a fresh snowfall, head across to Bichlalm to bag the best of the powder.
Söll
With welcoming instructors and a charming village vibe, Söll makes an ideal place to start your ski adventure. You can start off practising in the Hexenwiese beginner area, which is free to use and beginners have a dedicated nursery area at the edge of the village. As you grow in ability and confidence, enjoy one of the biggest linked areas in Austria with 63 blue runs.
Best beginner-friendly resorts in Italy
Italian resorts are typically quieter than those in France and Austria, meaning you can enjoy less crowded slopes during the week – perfect for beginners looking for a more relaxed, stress-free experience. Couple that with stunning scenery, mouthwatering cuisine, warm Italian hospitality, and a variety of slopes suited for all abilities – Italy truly ticks all boxes.
Bardonecchia
Bardonecchia is a lesser known Italian resort, which offers 100km of quiet runs to explore. Its gentle terrain and tree-lined slopes are ideal for first-timers, plus short lift queues mean more time to practice. There are two nursery zones at either end of town, so beginners won’t have far to go for lessons no matter where you’re staying.
Not only is it beginner friendly, but it’s also perfect for those looking for a more affordable ski break. In the recent Post Office Travel Money Ski Resort Report1, produced in partnership with Crystal Ski Holidays, which compared costs in b36 resorts for adult skiers, Bardonecchia was named as best value for adult and child skiers. At just under £544 (a rise of 1.5 per cent year-on-year) Bardonecchia is the cheapest resort for a week’s lift pass, equipment hire, ski school, lunches and drinks. It’s also one of six Italian ski resorts to feature in the best value top ten for adult skiers
Sestriere
With its high, north-facing slopes, Sestriere is home to some of the best snow conditions in the 400km Milky Way area. It’s also a good pick for your first ski trip thanks to the big nursery zone next to the village. As for the wider area, it’s an intermediate’s playground, packed with rolling red terrain. For more of a challenge, check out the Banchetta downhill – it was used in the 2006 Winter Olympics.
Cervinia
With 150km of wide, well-groomed slopes, Cervinia’s all about easy-going skiing. Beginners can make speedy progress on easy runs around Plan Maison, while intermediates can rack up the miles on long, sweeping descents like the 8km red from Plateau Rosà back to town. Plus, with ski school at the top of the gondola, even first-timers get impressive views from day one.
La Thuile
La Thuile is a top pick if you’re fairly new to the mountain. You can ski at your own pace on 152km of wide, empty slopes, where the excellent snow conditions have earned this area the nickname ‘Little Siberia’ among Italians. Check out the gentle blues above Les Suches or the magic carpets in the village if you’re just starting out.
Plan your trip with Crystal Ski Holidays
With more than 40 years of experience, Crystal Ski Holidays specialise in making your trip easy, hassle-free and unforgettable.
All Crystal Ski holidays come in one easy package with your flights, transfers and accommodation all included, plus you can add in all your mountain essentials including a local or area lift pass; ski or snowboard hire, or carriage, if you’ve got your own ski equipment; boot and helmet hire and ski or snowboard lessons.
Book with a deposit and if your plans change, you can make fee-free changes up to 12 weeks before you go. And if there’s a lack of snow in the ski area you’re off to, the Crystal Snow Promise ensures you can change your holiday fee-free in the four days before you go*.
Whether you’re a mountain regular or a beginner, Crystal Ski Holidays have a range of ski packages and can offer a wealth of advice, guidance, and support to help you plan the perfect winter holiday. Check out www.crystalski.co.uk, visit your local TUI store, or your nearest Crystal Ski travel agent to get started.
*T&C’s apply, which you can find here.
