The best ski resorts in Europe for beginners have been revealed, with world-famous Val Thorens in France named Europe’s top spot. Travel insurance comparison experts at Quotezone.co.uk have created the Best Ski Resorts for Beginners Index to help those looking to book their first ski holiday.
The index ranks the top-rated ski resorts from ten different European countries on a number of factors such as the total length of beginner slopes, average annual snowfall, airport transfer time, length of the ski season and the cost of a one-day ski pass.
The research looked at some of the world’s most famous ski resorts, including Val Thorens in the French Alps, and Val Gardena in the Dolomites of Italy. There are also some lesser-known resorts included in the list which are top-rated in their respective countries, such as Bansko in Bulgaria and Glenshee in the UK.
Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe, has been named the most suited for learners, boasting an incredible 336km worth of beginner slopes, and a season lasting 163 days between November and May. For those who pick up skiing quickly and fancy more of a challenge, Val Thorens also offers a huge 204km worth of intermediate slopes – helpful when travelling with a larger group with mixed abilities.
Thanks to its excellent location and elevation, Val Thorens unsurprisingly has the highest average annual snowfall on this list, with an average of 631cm each year, making it a snow-sure ski resort which helps guarantee snow much later in the season, making it ideal for Easter breaks. Despite its high location, getting to Val Thorens shouldn’t be too difficult either, with the nearest airport Chambéry just a 90-minute transfer away. Also Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble airports are only approximately three hours from the resort, giving plenty of flexibility with flights. Whilst the cost of an adult one-day ski pass is the highest on the list at £66.12, all top 5 resorts are within £15 of this daily rate.
Second in the rankings is Italy’s Val Gardena resort, located in the Dolomites. The resort ranks highly in most factors, with 291cm of average annual snowfall making it a reliable destination for snow lovers. With the nearest airport being only an hour’s transfer away, there’s little delay in getting out onto the slopes.
Representing Scandinavia and moving further north in Europe, Norway’s Trysil resort takes third spot. With a season lasting for 136 days, and the cost of an adult one-day ski pass coming in at a more reasonable £52.12, Norway offers an excellent alternative to the ski resorts found in central Europe.
In fourth place is Les Diablerets in the Swiss Alps, with an impressive 338cm of average annual snowfall, and also making the top five is Austria’s Rifflsee ski resort, just an hour from the airport and a good length of ski season at 136 days.
Other ski resorts included in the index include Bansko in Bulgaria, Grandvalira in Andorra, Spitzingsee-Tegernsee in Germany, Rogla in Slovenia, and the UK’s Glenshee located in Scotland.
| Rank | Resort | Annual snowfall (cm) | Length of ski season (days) | Airport transfer time (mins) | Length of easy slopes (km) | Length of intermediate slopes (km) | 1 day ski pass cost (£) |
| 1 | Val Thorens – France | 631 | 163 | 90 | 336 | 204 | £66.12 |
| 2 | Val Gardena – Italy | 291 | 123 | 60 | 52 | 108 | £64.44 |
| 3 | Trysil – Norway | 202 | 137 | 46 | 40 | 18 | £52.12 |
| 4 | Les Diablerets – Switzerland | 338 | 121 | 70 | 43 | 38 | £61.34 |
| 5 | Rifflsee – Austria | 211 | 136 | 60 | 6 | 13 | £58.58 |
| 6 | Bansko – Bulgaria | 54 | 129 | 104 | 44 | 25 | £47.07 |
| 7 | Grandvalira – Andorra | 126 | 119 | 130 | 100 | 82 | £56.07 |
| 8 | Spitzingsee-Tegernsee – Germany | 269 | 108 | 45 | 1.7 | 8.2 | £41.01 |
| 9 | Rogla – Slovenia | 18 | 122 | 80 | 2 | 8.5 | £37.66 |
| 10 | Glenshee – UK | 20 | 98 | 96 | 24 | 10 | £36.00 |
Greg Wilson, travel insurance expert and CEO of Quotezone.co.uk said: “Booking a ski holiday is really exciting but there are so many factors to consider that for first time skiers it can be a bit overwhelming. Our research is designed to help point beginners in the right direction, with our ski index taking a look at key factors for learners and ranking them against Europe’s top ski spots.
“The rankings include a selection of top-rated ski resorts from ten different countries across Europe on several factors, which should help you decide on where to start your search for the ski holiday that suits you. Our factors include information for beginners such as the total length of the easier slopes, duration of the ski season, transfer times and the all-important average annual snowfall, so you can be sure there’ll be plenty of fresh powder.
“Our index revealed that Val Thorens in France is the number one destination for beginners. Val Thorens is a world-famous resort and the highest in Europe – meaning usually great ski conditions. As well as the excellent skiing facilities and weather conditions, Val Thorens is amongst the most renowned party resorts in the world, with an incredible après-ski scene.
“With Val Gardena in the Dolomites of Italy, and Norway’s Trysil completing the top three, there are a range of regions across Europe that would be excellent choices for beginners, and this index will hopefully act as a helpful guide for those looking to get a taste of skiing for the first time.”
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