If you’re just getting started in skiing, the United States has some great options for you. In this article we selected some of the best ski resorts for beginners in the US.
The most popular ski resorts for beginners in the US are typically located in the Rocky Mountain region. Beginner-friendly resorts in this area include Breckenridge, Vail, and Aspen. These resorts offer a variety of beginner-level trails and amenities to help skiers get started on the slopes.
Park City
Park City is a world-famous ski resort located in Park City, Utah. The resort offers a variety of trails for all levels of skiers, both great for beginners and experts. Park City is the perfect place for beginners to learn skiing, as there are many gentle slopes and beginner-friendly trails. A good beginner terrain is located above the gondola on the old Canyon side of the resort, to the north. The place is also home to some of the most famous ski trails in the world, such as the Olympic downhill course.
Location: Park City, UT (33 miles from Salt Lake City)
Accommodation available? Yes, lots of lodges in Park City
Highlights: As the largest resort in the United States, Park City has a lot of different trails for less experienced skiers to learn on.
Average Annual Snowfall: 300-400 inches
Total Acreage: 7,300 acres
Taos Ski Valley
The Taos Ski Valley is a fantastic ski resort for beginners located in Taos, New Mexico. It is the largest ski resort in New Mexico and one of the largest in the United States. The area has over 100 trails and 20 lifts, and offers skiing and snowboarding lessons. The resort also has a number of restaurants, bars, and shops.
Location: 201 Camino de la Merced, Taos, New Mexico
Accommodation available? Yes, there is slopeside lodging
Highlights: Winter sports here are made possible through a partnership between the United States Forest Service and the ski resort. The Forest Service manages the federal land used for skiing and other winter activities.
Average Annual Snowfall: 300 inches
Total Acreage: 1,300 acres
Boyne Mtn Resort
Boyne in Michigan is one of the beginner ski resorts. It offers some of the greatest ski trip and snowboarding in the area, and it is also one of the most popular ski resorts in the state. The area has a variety of different trails suitable for beginner, and it also has a number of different amenities, such as spa, restaurants and shops.
Location: Boyne Falls
Accommodation available? Yes, there are many options such as condominiums, villas and rooms.
Highlights: Look for the special offers on accommodation and activities as well as season-long deals at Boyne.
Average Annual Snowfall: 140 inches
Skiable Area: 415 acres
Big Sky
Big Sky in Montana is the perfect place for a first ski experience. The area has beginner-friendly slopes and ski lessons to help you get started. You can also rent equipment at the resort so you don’t have to bring your own. Once you’ve learned the basics, you can explore the other ski options. There are also plenty of restaurants and shops at the area, so you can take a break from skiing and enjoy some of the other activities on offer.
Location: Big Sky, MT (1 hour from Bozeman, MT)
Accommodation available? Yes, some options in Big Sky
Highlights: A less crowded option near Yellowstone, with several beginner trails to choose from; a large variety of slopes and terrains in a beautiful remote location.
Average Annual Snowfall: 400 inches
Skiable Area: 5,850 acres
June Mtn Ski Area
June Mountain Ski Area is located in California. It’s one of the best places for beginners and intermediate skiers. The area has a variety of trails that are perfect for those just learning to ski as well as for more experienced skiers. June Mountain is a great place to enjoy the winter snow and get some exercise so be sure you’re in good hands.
Location: Southeast of Yosemite National Park near June Lake, and down the road from Mammoth Mountain
Accommodation available? Yes, there are June Mountain Hotels
Highlights: June Mountain has a variety of ski runs, from easy to challenging, for both skiing and snowboarding. The quiet runs are perfect for beginners, while the natural chutes and terrain are ideal for those looking for an adrenaline rush.
Average Annual Snowfall: 250 inches
Skiable Area: 1,500 acres
Crystal Mtn
Crystal Mtn is situated in the North Cascades of Washington state and is a renowned ski area. The lodge boasts of 2,600 acres of skiable terrain and has beginner, intermediate and advanced trails. The place has a rich tradition of being family-friendly ski resort and welcoming to newcomers. It is also one of the most affordable resorts in the area.
Location: Thompsonville, MI (3.5 hour drive from Detroit, MI)
Accommodation available? Yes, at the Crystal Mtn
Highlights: Crystal Mountain is a great place to ski for beginners. With 24% beginner runs, several lighted trails for night skiing, and lessons for those who have never skied before, it’s a hidden gem of the Midwest.
Average Annual Snowfall: 486 inches
Skiable Area: 2,600 acres
Northstar California
Northstar California is a premier ski resort in the Lake Tahoe area. With its world-class slopes and facilities, Northstar is the perfect place to enjoy a winter vacation. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, you’ll find plenty of challenges on the picturesque ski slopes. And when you’re ready to take a break from skiing, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy, including shopping and dining in the local village.
Location: Lake Tahoe on Northern California side
Accommodation available? Yes, at Northstar
Highlights: This place has a fun, family-friendly atmosphere with options for tubing and ice skating in scenic Lake Tahoe.
Average Snowfall: 350 inches
Skiable Area: 2,240 acres
Breckenridge
Breckenridge is one of the most popular places in the United States. It is located in Breckenridge, Colorado and has a long history dating back to the early days of skiing in the country. Breckenridge offers a variety of slopes for all levels of skiers, from beginner to expert, and also has a ski school for those who want to learn how to ski or improve their skills. Children’s ski and snowboard lessons are also organized. The place is also home to a number of ski towns, which are perfect for those who want to experience the true Colorado ski experience.
Location: Breckenridge, CO (2 hours from Denver)
Accommodation available? Yes, Breckenridge has a lot of options.
Highlights: This summit is the tallest on our list and extremely popular with tourists as it is one of the most well-known ski resorts in the country. There is plenty to do here for visitors.
Average Snowfall: 300 inches
Skiable Area: 2,980 acres
Steamboat Springs
Steamboat Springs is a world-famous ski destination located in the ski town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado. The resort is home to one of the leading ski schools in the country, making it a great place for beginner skiers to learn the ropes. In addition to its excellent skiing facilities, the resort also offers a variety of other activities, including hiking, biking, and horseback riding.
Location: Steamboat Springs, CO
Accommodation available? Yes, at the Steamboat Grand Hotel
Highlights: Wide open trails for all abilities, opening early (November 15, 2019).
Average Snowfall: 184,5 inches
Skiable Area: 2,965 acres
Stowe Mountain
Stowe is the top place for skiing and ski school in the area. It is beginner-friendly while still providing plenty of challenge for more experienced skiers. The scenery is beautiful and the amenities are top-notch, making it the perfect place to enjoy a winter getaway.
Location: Stowe, VT (1 hour drive from Burlington)
Accommodation available? Yes, The Lodge at Spruce Peak
Highlights: A stunning place located in Vermont with beginner trails across two mountains.
Average Snowfall: 314 inches
Skiable Area: 485 acres
Mount Washington Alpine
Mount Washington Alpine is a great place to ski, snowboard, and learn. The resort has a variety of trails that are perfect for beginners and experienced skiers alike. And, if you’re looking to take a break from the slopes, the resort also offers a variety of other activities, like sledding and ice skating.
Location: 100 km north of Nanaimo on Vancouver Island, British Columbia
Accommodation available? Yes, at base
Highlights: The area offers up to 56% of beginners and intermediate slopes
Annual Snowfall: 420 inches
Skiable Area: 1,700 acres
Jackson Hole
The Jackson Hole is a great place for beginners. It has a variety of beginner-friendly slopes and activities, making it the perfect place to improve skills in skiing or snowboard. With its beautiful scenery and friendly staff, the Jackson Hole is the perfect place to enjoy a winter vacation.
Location: Teton Village
Accommodation available? Yes, at Jackson Hole Lodging
Highlights: Beginner programs, including Learn to Turn (TM) and Burton’s Learn-To-Ride (TM) specialize in introducing newcomers to snow sports using equipment created specifically for the new enthusiast. For those who are intermediate or advanced, Jackson Hole have a wide variety of programs.
Average Snowfall: 459 inches
Skiable Area: 2,500 acres
Bolton Valley
Bolton Valley is located in Bolton, Vermont. It is a popular destination for both beginner and experienced skiers. Bolton Valley offers a variety of trails, a terrain park, and lessons for those just starting out. Bolton Valley is also known for its night skiing, which is a unique and fun experience.
Location: Bolton, Vermont
Accommodation available? Yes, at Bolton Valley
Highlights: The Bolton Valley and Snowboard School offers lessons to everyone from kids to adults and beginners to advances skiers and riders.
Average Snowfall: 312 inches
Skiable Area: 300 acres
Sunlight Mountain
Sunlight is a great place beginners can enjoy which has a variety of beginner-friendly slopes that are perfect for those just starting out. In addition, it offers a number of amenities and activities that make it a great place to spend a vacation.
Location: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Accommodation available? Find one in Glenwood Hot Springs with hot outdoor pools
Highlights: The terrain provides 20% beginner and 55% intermediate trails merging to the base lodge.
Annual Snowfall: 250 inches
Skiable Area: 730 acres
Keystone
Keystone is a great ski vacation to try or improve your skiing skills. Here you can find many beginner-friendly features, including a gentle slopes, small crowds, and helpful instructors. Whether you’re a complete beginner or just looking to brush up on your skills, Keystone is the perfect place for you.
Location: Summit County, Colorado, in a short drive from Denver
Accommodation available? Yes, you can book private homes in Keystone Home Rentals
Highlights: Keystone provides many outdoor activities and adventures throughout the year, as well as comfortable lodging accommodations and award-winning dining.
Annual Snowfall: 160 inches
Skiable Area: 3,148 acres
Ski Cooper
Ski Cooper is a perfect place in Colorado that offers great skiing and snowboarding for all levels of ability. This area has something for everyone, whether you’re looking for a challenging run or a gentle slope to practice on. Ski Cooper is a home to the largest ski and snowboard school in the state, so you can be sure you’re getting the most qualified instruction possible.
Location: 9 miles north of Leadville
Accommodation available? Hotels and motels are nearby the lodge
Highlights: Try snowcat skiing and boarding or snowcat tours at the top of the Continental Divide.
Annual Snowfall: 260 inches
Skiable Acres: 470 acres
Winter Park
Winter Park is a great place for people who are finding their ski legs. It is one of the greatest resorts for newbies, with plenty of gentle slopes to help you learn the basics. Once you have mastered the basics, you can move on to some of the more challenging runs. With its great location and excellent facilities, Winter Park is one of the best resorts for beginners in Colorado.
Location: Rocky Mountains
Accommodation available? Yes, at the bottom of the Winter Park
Highlights: The school offers an opportunity to learn the basics or improve skills. The Winter Park area is comfortable for beginners, with the most green runs as you can ski all the way down from the Hi-Lonesome Express to the village on beginner runs.
Average Snowfall: 348 inches
Skiable Acres: 3,081 acres
Vail Ski Resort
Vail in Colorado is a place that is well-known for its beginner-friendly slopes and its extensive array of best-in-class amenities. The Vail is located in the Rocky Mountains and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. In addition to skiing, guests can enjoy a variety of other activities such as snowboarding, ice skating, and hiking.
Location: Rocky Mountains
Accommodation available? Yes, Vail offers many chalet accommodation options
Highlights: If you want to ski outside of school, look towards the slow zone area around Gopher Hill lift, or up at the top of Eagle Bahn Gondola.
Annual Snowfall: 189 inches
Skiable Area: 5,289 acres
Appalachian Ski Mtn.
Appalachian Ski Mountain Resort is located in the Appalachian Mountains in North Carolina. It is a great place for beginners to learn to ski, as there are many beginner-friendly ski areas. It is also a great place for those who want to ski or snowboard, as it has some of the best facilities for both activities.
Location: the Blue Ridge region of North Carolina
Accommodation available? The area has cozy hotels nearby
Highlights: The area has 12 slopes, including 2 terrain parks. The slopes are serviced by 1 double chairlift, two quad chairlifts, two conveyor lifts, and one handle-pull lift.
Annual Snowfall: 60 inches
Skiable Area: 27 acres
Cataloochee Ski Area
Cataloochee is one of the great resorts for first timers. The area is located in the Great Smoky Mountains of North Carolina and offers some of the greatest skiing in the area for beginners. The beginner ski area is located on the lower slopes of the mountain and offers a variety of different trails for beginner skiers to choose from. The organization also offers a variety of different ski packages for beginners, which include lift tickets, rentals, and lessons.
Location: Maggie Valley, North Carolina
Accommodation available? The accommodation can be found nearby
Highlights: Cataloochee has one of the most extensive snowmaking plants in the country and is usually one of the first areas in the East to open each year, averaging 127 days per season. Cataloochee provides 18 slopes and trails with a variety of options for beginners to experts.
Average Snowfall: 48 inches
Skiable Area: 1,000 acres
Arapahoe Basin Ski
Arapahoe Basin is a great place to learn how to ski or improve your skiing skills. The vacation spot is located in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado and offers some of the most terrific skiing in the state. Arapahoe Basin is a great for those who just start because it has gentle slopes as well as more challenging terrain for advanced skiers.
Location: 68 miles outside of Denver, Colorado
Accommodation available? There are hotels close to Arapahoe Basin in Keystone
Highlights: The terrain difficulty is 7% beginner, 20% intermediate, 49% advanced and 24% expert. The signature run Pallavicini is one of Colorado’s longest and steepest trails.
Annual Snowfall: 350 inches
Skiable Area: 1,428 acres
Snowmass
Aspen/Snowmass is the best place for skiing in the world. It is located in Aspen, Colorado and is considered to be one of the best ski mountains in the world. The resort offers something for everyone, from beginners to experienced skiers. Snowmass provides 60 miles for cross-country skiing trails, being one of the largest free groomed Nordic ski systems in North America.
Location: Pitkin County, Colorado
Accommodation available? Yes, in Snowmass Village
Highlights: Snowmass is rated as one of the best family ski areas in North America due to its wide-open, groomed cruising and variety of family-friendly activities.
Annual Snowfall: 300 inches
Skiable Area: 3,342 acres
Looking for the best ski resorts for beginners in the US?
There are many great ski resorts for beginners in the United States. Some of the best include Beaver Creek Resort in Colorado, Snowbird Ski and Summer Resort in Utah, and Big Sky Resort in Montana. These resorts offer a variety of beginner-friendly features such as gentle slopes, plenty of beginner-specific ski classes, and kid-friendly areas.
Where are your favorite ski resorts for beginners in the US?
There are many great ski resorts for beginners in the United States. Some of our favorites include Vail, Beaver Creek, and Snowmass in Colorado; Park City in Utah; and Mammoth Mountain in California. These resorts offer a variety of beginner-friendly terrain, as well as plenty of other activities and amenities to keep everyone in the family happy.