New skier, hope to go this winter!

Hi guys,

you all seem to know what you're talking about - I'm going on my first ski trip this winter - i've saved up, but not booked anything yet - my girlfriend has been once before somewhere in the southern alps when she was younger but hasn't skied for a number of years.

Where would you recommend for first time skiers? where are the best schools and beginner slopes? We're looking for somewhere a bit more easy going i don't want to get knocked over every 5 seconds or feel rushed. A quieter resort would suit us best, but still want a few drinks after!

Cheers

Skiwelt is a good area for beginners but might be quite busy as will most areas in the winter months.I do reccomend Soll or Hopfgarten in the skiwelt region

I noticed this is in the France forum, and the only reason I reply is not to recommend big French resorts. Don't get me wrong, I like them but for the reasons you state I would chose Austria also.

Head somewhere reasonable high there is nothing worse then learning to ski on poor snow.......... I suppose that puts most of Austria out of the picture :wink:

Thanks guys, thats some useful info. I chose france as that seems to be where everyone goes so thought it would have best snow and facilities etc - heard the 3 valleys was perhaps a good option... the search continues...

If you fancy trying Italy, take a look at Folgarida. It is a very small quiet village in the Dolomites near Madonna, but it is good for beginners because there are a couple of nursery slopes which are not part of another run so you can learn and practice and gain confidence without the usual idiots hurtling down at speed knocking you over! Beginners we have taken there, in their late teens/early twenties, have skied the long blue back into the village by the end of the second day and done a few of the reds by the end of the week.

In France, Alpe d'Huez might fit the bill with its central bowl of nursery/green slopes.

I learned to ski in Val Thorens, 3 valleys France. Its high and snowsure, one of the most important things I look for when booking a trip.
I'd suggest you look at going early Jan as its cheap prices, less busy, and generally the best weather ie cold, good snow coverage, and sunny.
Theres so many places to consider, but personally I avoid france in favour of other countries for a lot of reasons: cost, ugliness of resorts, cost, attitude of locals not as good often, cost, cost oh and cost as well.

France would be great for a first holiday, it doesnt have the charm of other parts of the alps but if your going just for the skiing then you cant go far wrong, take a look a Les Arc's area which is great for first timers and lots of availablity,Welcome to a life of paying for ski holidays you will love it