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Want to learn to ski, but not sure where the best ski resorts for beginners are? We’re here to help. We’ve put together a list of our favorite learn-to-ski resorts in the United States where you’ll not only have a great experience learning to ski but also get the most bang for your buck (because we strongly believe that learning to ski shouldn’t cost a fortune).
Spoiler: A lot of the best ski resorts for beginners ARE NOT the big-name resorts that you’ve often heard of. We find that smaller ski resorts and budget ski resorts are the best for learning to ski in the United States, so that’s where we focus our efforts.
Smaller ski resorts = smaller crowds which is always better for beginner skiers and gets you the most bang for your ski buck! Or even finding resorts that let kids ski for free will help you save even more money. You’ll find everything from luxury ski resorts to small mom-and-pop hills, and everything in between. If you are looking for places to ski in Canada check out Mont Tremblant, Fernie, or Whistler.
Read Next: How Much Does Skiing Cost?
Best Ski Resorts in the US for Beginners
1. Loveland, CO – Best US Resort for Beginner Skiers
Where To Stay Near Loveland: Historic Windsor Hotel
Tucked in the Rocky Mountains among some of Colorado’s more luxurious resorts, Loveland stands out as a simpler, more budget-friendly option that’s perfect for families and beginners. While you won’t find fancy amenities here, you will find excellent facilities tailored for those just learning how to ski, making it one of the best places to start your skiing journey.
For beginners, Loveland is a dream come true. The resort has a separate base area called Loveland Valley, dedicated entirely to beginners, which means you won’t have to worry about expert skiers zooming by as you practice. It’s a calm, safe space where you can focus on building your skills without the pressure of sharing the slopes with more advanced skiers. This makes it especially ideal for kids or anyone nervous about learning in a crowded environment. And with lift tickets priced at just $50 for adults and $30 for kids, Loveland offers an unbeatable deal for learning the basics.
Loveland’s proximity to Denver is another huge perk. It’s the closest major ski resort to the city, so you’ll spend less time stuck in I-70 traffic and more time on the slopes. Its laid-back, family-friendly vibe makes it a top choice for those looking for a relaxed learning experience without the crowds or high prices of larger resorts.
If you’re looking for a great place to learn to ski in Colorado, Loveland is hard to beat. With its dedicated beginner terrain, affordable lift tickets, and convenient location, it’s one of the best spots to kickstart your skiing adventure.
2. Grand Targhee, WY
Where To Stay Near Grand Targhee: Modern Mountain Family Home
Nestled in the tiny town of Alta, Wyoming, just 12 miles from the Idaho border, Grand Targhee offers a Wild West ski experience and incredible snow, making it a fantastic choice for beginners. While it’s known for having great terrain for more advanced skiers, the resort also shines when it comes to learning, with a dedicated beginner area that’s perfect for families and first-timers.
Grand Targhee’s beginner zone is packed with fun features like animated trails and play areas that keep kids entertained and motivated as they learn. The wide-open, uncrowded slopes make it easy for beginners to practice at their own pace without feeling overwhelmed. And let’s not forget the breathtaking views of the Teton Mountains, which add to the overall charm of learning to ski at Targhee.
When we visited with our kids, who ranged in age from 2 to 12, everyone found something to love. The ski school at Grand Targhee is truly top-notch, making it one of the best places to start skiing. The instructors were patient and engaging, and our kids had a blast learning with them. Meanwhile, parents can enjoy some of the legendary powder while the little ones are in lessons—perfect for beginners and experienced skiers alike.
For adults looking to fine-tune their skills, Grand Targhee offers excellent lessons as well. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to improve, the laid-back, crowd-free environment combined with great instruction makes Grand Targhee a fantastic destination for a stress-free, enjoyable learning experience.
3. Bogus Basin, ID
Where To Stay Near Bogus Basin: Hot Tub and Sauna Condo
Located just 16 miles north of Boise, Idaho, Bogus Basin is a hidden gem that’s perfect for beginner skiers. Its laid-back atmosphere, affordable prices, and lack of big crowds make it an ideal place to learn, without the pressure of long lift lines or packed slopes.
Bogus Basin offers stunning views of the mountains and Boise, and its terrain is well-balanced, with a good mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs. For beginners, there’s a magic carpet and a dedicated bunny hill that provides plenty of space to practice and build confidence. The beginner terrain is easy to access and perfectly suited for those just starting out on their skiing journey.
One of the best things about Bogus Basin is its affordability and proximity to Boise. You can easily stay in the city and take day trips to the mountain for skiing, which makes it a budget-friendly option for families. The resort also has a fantastic ski school, offering multi-week programs that are ideal for beginners looking to learn and progress at their own pace.
4. Mount Bachelor, Oregon
Where To Stay Near Mount Bachelor: Gorgeous Golf Course, Covered Outdoor Living
Set on a dormant volcano in Oregon’s Central Cascade Range, Mt. Bachelor offers a fantastic experience for beginner skiers. With its famous light snow and diverse terrain, it’s the perfect place to ease into skiing while surrounded by breathtaking views.
Mt. Bachelor dedicates 15% of its vast 4,300 acres to beginner terrain, so there’s plenty of space to learn at your own pace. Their Ski or Ride program is especially appealing for newcomers, offering a great deal with five lessons, rentals, and lift tickets, giving you everything you need to get started. The Sunrise Lodge base area is designed for first-timers, making it easy to access beginner-friendly slopes without feeling overwhelmed.
For those just starting out, Mt. Bachelor has two chairlifts—Alpenglow and Early Riser—that take you to gentle, wide-open beginner terrain, perfect for practicing your skills. If you’re looking for a great Oregon ski resort for beginners, Mount Bachelor is one of your best options.
5. Snowbasin, UT
Where To Stay Near Snowbasin: Best Western Plus Canyon Pines
Read: The Family Guide to Skiing Snowbasin
Snowbasin Resort in Utah offers an incredible variety of slopes, from gentle beginner trails to steep expert runs (there the 2002 Olympics were held), making it a perfect spot for all levels of skiers. It’s one of our top pick for beginners, thanks to its incredible ski school and fun terrain for kids.
For first-time skiers, Snowbasin’s Learn and Earn ski school is the ideal way to get started. The program is designed to take you from beginner to confident skier, with lessons catered to your skill level. After completing a series of lessons, you’ll walk away with a season pass!
The Little Cat Lift, located at the base of the mountain, serves as the main beginner lift and has a good amount of variety, including a beginner terrain park. This is a huge highlight for older kids and teens, which makes learning even more exciting and fun.
Blending a luxury ski experience with a family-friendly atmosphere, Snowbasin is one of the best places to learn to ski in Utah and one of our top recommendations for teens learning how to ski!
6. Arapahoe Basin, CO
Where To Stay Near Arapahoe Basin: Hyatt Place Keystone
Read: The Ultimate Guide to Arapahoe Basin with Kids
Arapahoe Basin has a special place in my heart since it’s where our oldest three kids learned to ski. Located 96 miles from Denver, way up in the Continental Divide, Arapahoe Basin, also known as A-Basin, is famous for its laid-back vibe. It’s one of the best beginner ski resorts in Colorado, but also offers no shortage of expert terrain.
We love that the magic carpet and the beginner lift are right next to the Pali chairlift which accesses the most extreme terrain on the mountain. This makes it a perfect place for families who are teaching their kids to ski, but want to quickly and easily sneak away for a run or two and get directly to the best terrain possible. It’s a great ski resort for beginners and experts alike!
This no-frills skiing area is ideal for those who want to experience the rugged side of Colorado’s ski scene. Even though Arapahoe Basin doesn’t have a lot of beginner runs, it is a reasonable place for novices. There are also a few small terrain parks and programs run by the ski school, which include lessons and avalanche courses to prepare riders for the backcountry. Private and group lessons are available here to help you learn to ski better. Read our whole review of Arapahoe Basin here.
7. Sugarloaf, Maine
Where To Stay Near Sugarloaf: Snowbrook ski in/out
Surrounded by Maine´s Western Mountains, Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley has stunning views and over 642 acres of skiable terrain, including 139 fantastic trails for all levels of difficulty.
With three terrain parks designed for different ability levels, you’ll have a great time whether you’re an experienced skier or you’re trying out your skills for the first time. An added bonus are the spectacular views you’ll get. On clear days, you might get to see views of Vermont, New Hampshire, Mount Katahdin, and Canada, all from the same place!
8. Steamboat, CO
Where To Stay Near Steamboat: Club Wyndham Steamboat Springs
Located In Northern Colorado, this high country ski resort has easy access, gentle slopes, and an amazing ski school that beginners love.
With three lifts to take newbies to beginner terrain, first-timers will feel right at home. Steamboat has 550 on-site instructors that offer programs for children and adults. The little ones enjoy learning at the magic carpets and flat, gentle slopes, while adults can learn to control their speed and turns at Swinger and YooHoo, kids will love skiing down Stampede and Lil Rodeo. Splendid views and a good ole’ fashioned cowboy vibe are added attractions.
9. Brighton, UT
Where To Stay Near Brighton: The Brighton Chalet
Brighton was the first ski resort in Utah ski and one of the oldest in America. In fact, it’s where I learned to ski as a kid. Brighton allows kids 6 and under to ski free and regularly has discount nights throughout the year that make learning to ski in Utah very affordable.
With many terrain parks for all abilities and difficulty levels, Brighton has a big appeal with freeskiers and snowboarders alike. Brighton doesn’t have many of the fancy trimmings other resorts have, but they sure know their business and the atmosphere is amazingly family-friendly.
10. Mammoth Mountain, CA
Where To Stay Near Mammoth Mountain: The Westin Monache Resort
As the name suggests, Mammoth Ski Resort has a very large terrain with over 3,500 acres of skiing and snowboarding in east California, close to the world-famous Yosemite National Park.
As one of the biggest ski resorts in California, Mammoth offers no less than 25 lifts to get you up the mountain, giving you the chance to choose between gondolas, 6-pack chair lifts, and high-speed quads. Beginners are catered to with over a fourth of the varied terrain.
11. Schweitzer, ID
Where To Stay at Schweitzer : Humbird Lodge
Ranked as “the best kept secret in North America”, Schweitzer Ski Resort is an emerging resort that is still uncrowded compared to other resorts in Idaho, while having all the trims of a growing enterprising looking to grow in the industry.
The varied terrain is not especially geared for beginners, but they do have their designated area and beginner lift tickets are very inexpensive.
12. Angel Fire, NM
Where To Stay Near Angel Fire: Mtn-View Angel Fire Condo
Located in the Sangre de Cristo Mountains in New Mexico, Angel Fire Ski Resort is a popular ski and snowboard destination for locals and visitors alike, and a great place for beginners to try out their skills on the snow.
Considered very beginner-friendly, it offers 21% of its 560 acres as easy trails. Angel Fire has a great on-site village with a nice array of cozy apres ski, dining, and lodging options, making it a great place to soak up the whole skiing scene and experience the New Mexico mountain vibe.
13. Sunday River, Maine
Where To Stay Near Sunday River: Ski-in/out 2-story condo
The ski resort of Sunday River in Maine is perfect for beginners as it features several moving carpets and practice slopes at the South Ridge base station.
Unlike other ski areas and resorts, beginners at Sunday River can ski throughout the entire resort and overall eight peaks on easy slopes marked as green.
They take great pride in their coaching staff who are chosen and trained to make your first time on the slopes an unforgettable experience. The special section with tips for newbies makes beginners feel right at home before even getting there!
14. Bolton Valley, VT
Where To Stay Near Bolton Valley: Best Western Plus Waterbury
Sitting high in the Green Mountains of Vermont, Bolton Valley is an alpine village winterland surrounded by over 5,000 acres and jaw-dropping views.
Three mountain zones offer varied terrain for all levels of expertise, from beginner to advanced. Bolton features numerous recreational opportunities for everyone, which makes it a wonderful option if what you’re after is to take the family to the slopes for the first time but are on the lookout for extra fun after a day on the mountain.
The Bolton Valley Ski and Snowboard School offers lessons for kids and adults of all levels, while the village offers everything you’ll need, including ski-in lodging, restaurants, bars, deli stores, and a Sports Center with jacuzzi, heated pool, and sauna.
15. Liberty Mountain, PA
Where To Stay Near Liberty Mountain: The Lodges at Gettysburg
Liberty Mountain Resort is located an hour away from both Washington and Baltimore.
With four terrain parks designed for different levels, they are incredibly beginner and family-friendly. 33% of their terrain is designated for beginners, with special Family Fun Zones available.
While there are lessons for beginners of all ages, they also have a Children’s Learning Center that offers a variety of programs for the little ones and access to the Snow Cat Alley, a special area with a magic moving carpet where they can learn in a fun and safe environment.
16. Nordic Valley, Utah
Where To Stay Near Nordic Valley: Moose Hollow Condo
If you’re looking for a really budget resort to learn to ski at, Nordic Valley Utah is the place to go, Known by locals as the best budget ski resort in Utah, its recent expansions make it a great ski area for all abilities. Best of all, kids 12 and under ski free, and when you purchase your lift tickets in advance online, lift ticket prices are as low as $10 per day.
Nordic Valley has an easy magic carpet to start the day on and the beginner lifts are adjacent to the magic carpet and lodge making first-day ski logistics even easier.
17. The Summit at Snowqualmie, Washington
Where To Stay Near Snowqualmie: Snoqualmie Pass Apartment
If you’re looking to learn to ski in Washington, Snowqualmie is a fantastic ski resort for beginners. It’s easy access from Seattle makes it a great option for those in the city.
For the best deals, look into their evening learn to ski lesson programs which often offer multiweek lesson options and have other great deals on affordable beginners lift tickets.
How Can I Tell If A Ski Resort Is Good For Beginners?
THere are a few ways to tell if a ski resort is beginner-friendly. The easiest way is to look at how much beginner terrain they have. If the resort has over 30%, that’s a sure sign that it’s a great place to learn to ski. However, some ski resorts have only 15-20% beginner terrain and are still great for beginners.
The other metric that we use is looking at a trail map. Is there immediate access to the base area from the beginner terrain? Is the beginner area separated from the rest of the mountain? Are there multiple options for beginner terrain? If you can answer yes to all of these, it’s probably a good ski resort for beginners!
Do I Need Ski Lessons As A Beginner Skier?
Yes, you’re going to need some sort of ski instruction. You can either signed up for ski school, or have someone who is a solid intermediate or advanced skier teach you the basics. It’s not too hard to teach kids how to ski if you’re a competent skier yourself. If you don’t have someone to teach you, you’ll need to sign up for ski lessons.
What Are The Least Crowded Times For Skiing?
When you’re a beginning skier, avoiding crowds can make your ski experience much less stressful and pleasant. Try to go during the week. If you need to ski on a weekend, plan to get there early, and try to avoid a busy holiday weekend.
Can I Rent Skis At The Ski Resort?
There are lots of options for ski rentals and every ski resort listed above has a ski shop on site. While you will save a little bit of money getting your skis somewhere else, if you’re a true beginner, we recommend renting on the ski hill. Ski gear is notoriously tricky to get a good fit with, and if you rent directly from the ski hill, you have a quick and easy option to switch out gear that isn’t working well for you throughout the day.
How Much Do Beginner Lift Tickets Cost?
The best way to save money as a beginner skier is to buy a beginner lift ticket. Most resorts only allow you to purchase them at the hill, but they’re often discounted by about 50% off the regular ticket price. Beginner lift tickets typically only give you access to a couple of chairlifts, but it’s a great way to save money while you’re just getting into the sport!