Want to learn how to ski but arent sure where the best spots for beginners are? Dont worry, weve got you covered! Weve put together a list of our top beginner-friendly ski resorts in the U.S. where you can have an amazing time learning to ski without breaking the bank (because we believe learning to ski shouldnt cost a fortune).
Smaller ski resorts mean fewer crowds, which is perfect for beginners and helps you get the most value for your money! Plus, some resorts even let kids ski for free, so you can save even more. Whether youre looking for a luxury experience or a cozy, smaller hill, weve got options for every budget. If you’re interested in skiing in Canada, be sure to check out Mont Tremblant, Fernie, or Whistler!
Best Ski Resorts in the US for Beginners
1. Loveland, CO Best US Resort for Beginner Skiers
Nestled in the Rocky Mountains among some of Colorado’s fancier resorts, Loveland stands out as a more affordable and laid-back option, perfect for families and beginners. You wont find high-end amenities here, but you will find great facilities made especially for those just starting to ski, making it one of the best places to begin your skiing journey.
Loveland is a dream for beginners. The resort has a special area called Loveland Valley, dedicated just to beginners. This means you dont have to worry about fast skiers zooming by while you practice. Its a calm, safe space where you can focus on improving your skills without the stress of sharing the slopes with more experienced skiers. This is perfect for kids or anyone who feels nervous about learning in a crowded place. And with lift tickets priced at just $50 for adults and $30 for kids, Loveland gives you an unbeatable deal for learning the basics.
Another big bonus is Lovelands close location to Denver. Its the nearest major ski resort to the city, so youll spend less time stuck in traffic and more time on the slopes. Its relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere makes it a top pick for anyone wanting a low-pressure, affordable learning experience without the crowds of bigger resorts.
If youre looking for a great spot to learn to ski in Colorado, Loveland is hard to beat. With its beginner-friendly terrain, low-priced lift tickets, and convenient location, its a fantastic place to kick off your skiing adventure.
Oakley Line Miner L Snow Goggle
Oakley Line Miner L Snow Goggle offers wide peripheral vision, enhanced clarity, and a comfortable fit, perfect for snowy conditions and all-day wear.
2. Grand Targhee, WY
Tucked away in the small town of Alta, Wyoming, just 12 miles from the Idaho border, Grand Targhee offers a true Wild West ski experience with amazing snowmaking it a great choice for beginners. While its known for having excellent terrain for advanced skiers, the resort really stands out for its beginner-friendly areas, perfect for families and first-timers.
Grand Targhees beginner zone is full of fun features, like animated trails and play areas that keep kids engaged and motivated while they learn. The wide-open, uncrowded slopes let beginners practice at their own pace without feeling stressed. And the stunning views of the Teton Mountains just add to the charm of learning to ski at Targhee.
When we visited with our kids, ages 2 to 12, everyone found something they loved. The ski school at Grand Targhee is top-notch, making it one of the best places to start skiing. The instructors were patient and fun, and our kids had a blast learning from them. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy some of the legendary powder while the little ones are in lessonsa win for both beginners and more experienced skiers.
For adults who want to improve their skills, Grand Targhee has excellent lessons too. Whether youre just getting started or want to fine-tune your technique, the relaxed, crowd-free environment, combined with great instruction, makes Grand Targhee the perfect place for a stress-free, enjoyable learning experience.
3. Bogus Basin, ID
Just 16 miles north of Boise, Idaho, Bogus Basin is a hidden gem that’s perfect for beginner skiers. With its relaxed vibe, affordable prices, and lack of big crowds, its the perfect place to learn without the stress of long lift lines or busy slopes.
The views from Bogus Basin are amazing, offering stunning sights of the mountains and Boise. The resort has a nice mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs, so theres something for everyone. For beginners, theres a magic carpet and a dedicated bunny hill, giving you plenty of space to practice and build confidence. The beginner terrain is easy to access, making it a great spot for those just starting their skiing journey.
Series 3 Ski and Snowboard Case
The Series 3 Ski and Snowboard Case provides durable protection for your gear, featuring reinforced construction and ample storage for skis or snowboard equipment.
One of the best things about Bogus Basin is how affordable it is and how close it is to Boise. You can stay in the city and make day trips to the mountain, which makes it a budget-friendly option for families. Plus, the resort has a fantastic ski school with multi-week programs, perfect for beginners who want to learn and progress at their own pace.
4. Mount Bachelor, Oregon
Located on a dormant volcano in Oregons Central Cascade Range, Mt. Bachelor offers an amazing experience for beginner skiers. With its light, powdery snow and diverse terrain, it’s the perfect place to get started with skiing while enjoying stunning views.
Mt. Bachelor dedicates 15% of its massive 4,300 acres to beginner terrain, so there’s plenty of space to learn at your own pace. Their Ski or Ride program is a great deal, offering five lessons, rentals, and lift ticketseverything you need to start skiing. The Sunrise Lodge base area is designed especially for beginners, making it easy to get to the slopes without feeling overwhelmed.
For those just starting out, Mt. Bachelor has two chairliftsAlpenglow and Early Riserthat take you to gentle, wide-open beginner slopes, ideal for practicing your skills. If you’re looking for a great Oregon resort to learn to ski, Mt. Bachelor is definitely one of the best options.
5. Snowbasin, UT
Snowbasin Resort in Utah offers a great mix of slopes, from easy beginner trails to challenging expert runs (it’s where the 2002 Olympics were held), making it a perfect place for skiers of all levels. Its one of our top picks for beginners, thanks to its excellent ski school and fun terrain for kids.
For first-time skiers, Snowbasins Learn and Earn ski school is the best way to get started. The program is designed to take you from beginner to confident skier, with lessons tailored to your skill level. After completing a series of lessons, youll even get a season pass!
The Little Cat Lift, located at the base of the mountain, is the main beginner lift and offers a good mix of runs, including a beginner terrain park. This is a huge hit with older kids and teens, making learning to ski even more exciting.
Snowbasin combines a luxury ski experience with a family-friendly vibe, making it one of the best places to learn to ski in Utah. Its also one of our top recommendations for teens getting started on the slopes!
Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag
The Thule RoundTrip Ski Bag offers durable, padded protection for skis, with spacious compartments and smooth wheels for easy transport to your destination.
6. Arapahoe Basin, CO
Arapahoe Basin holds a special place in my heart since its where our three oldest kids learned to ski. Located 96 miles from Denver, up in the Continental Divide, Arapahoe Basin (or A-Basin) is known for its relaxed vibe. Its one of the best beginner ski resorts in Colorado, but it also has plenty of expert terrain.
One of the things we love is that the magic carpet and beginner lift are right next to the Pali chairlift, which leads to some of the most challenging terrain on the mountain. This makes it perfect for families who are teaching their kids to ski but still want to sneak away for a run or two on the more advanced slopes. Its a great resort for both beginners and experts!
Arapahoe Basin has a no-frills vibe, ideal for those who want to experience the more rugged side of Colorado skiing. While it doesnt have a ton of beginner runs, its still a great spot for newcomers. There are also a few small terrain parks and programs offered by the ski school, including lessons and avalanche courses for those looking to venture into the backcountry. Whether youre looking for private or group lessons, theyve got you covered to help you ski better.
Also Read: How do I Choose the Right Ski Resort for My Skill Level?
7. Steamboat, CO
Located in Northern Colorado, Steamboat is a ski resort thats easy to get to, with gentle slopes and an amazing ski school that beginners love.
There are three lifts to take beginners to the perfect terrain, so first-timers will feel right at home. Steamboat has 550 on-site instructors offering programs for both kids and adults. The little ones can enjoy learning on the magic carpets and smooth, gentle slopes, while adults can focus on controlling their speed and turns at spots like Swinger and YooHoo. Kids will also love skiing down fun runs like Stampede and Lil Rodeo. Plus, the beautiful views and classic cowboy vibe add even more charm to the experience.