The exhilarating sensation of skiing down a steep slope for the first time, despite being a little nervous, is a feeling like no other. Even the most experienced skiers can find certain destinations intimidating, but fortunately, there are plenty of ski resorts in the United States that cater to all levels of experience. Whether you’re just a beginner learning how to snowboard or looking to teach young ones to ski, these resorts are the perfect place to start.
Snow King Mountain Resort, Wyoming
Snow King is a great ski resort located near Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, just off of the town square. It offers beginner runs and simple lifts, as well as snow tubing and a metal mountain coaster, making it a great spot for people of all skill levels to enjoy skiing without having to tackle the steeper hills.
Winter Park Resort, Colorado
Winter Park Resort is the oldest continuously running ski resort in the US and is only two hours away from Denver. It offers a mix of beginner and advanced terrain with a “Family Easy Start” program that covers lift tickets, equipment rentals, and lessons. There is also snow tubing and a warming hut at the top of the hill offering hot chocolate.
Sun Valley Resort, Idaho
The ski destination of Idaho is very impressive, and Bald Mountain is a real challenge. If that’s too intimidating, however, Sun Valley has something for everyone, with Dollar Mountain providing smaller slopes, two fast lifts, and the Wundercarpet. Not to mention, the valley is incredibly sunny, and there’s plenty to do, such as fine dining and cross-country skiing at Galena Lodge.
Schweitzer Mountain, Idaho
Schweitzer is a ski resort with stunning water and mountain views located overlooking Lake Pend Oreille. Its staff is highly accommodating and helpful to those learning to ski, offering extra courtesy to those who take longer to unload at the lift, which can be very intimidating for new skiers.
Buttermilk Mountain at Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
Buttermilk Mountain in Aspen is a great spot for beginners to learn skiing, with an onsite learning center and an uncrowded hill. Plus, there’s delicious hot chocolate! The mountain also hosts Winter X Events terrain games for more experienced skiers. It is one of four mountains in the Aspen Snowmass area.
Vail Ski Resort, Colorado
Vail, Colorado, is the perfect place to ski and explore other winter activities. It has a Swiss-style village, a variety of runs and trails suitable for all skill levels, and activities such as ski biking, kids snowmobiling, and snow tubing.
Big Sky Resort, Montana
Lone Peak may seem intimidating, making Big Sky a daunting place for first-time skiers. In truth, however, there are gentle slopes at the bottom of the mountain which make it an ideal spot to learn. Furthermore, it is rarely overcrowded, making it a great place for novices to practice.
Stowe Mountain Resort, Vermont
Stowe, located at the bottom of Mount Mansfield, is a beautiful tourist destination in Vermont. It offers a variety of activities, from skiing and visiting the museum to fishing, zip lining, ice skating, and touring the Ben and Jerry’s factory. There are many options for relaxation, such as the spa and plenty of restaurants to dine at.
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain is the highest summit elevation in California, with 3,500 skiable acres and a 3,100-foot vertical drop. It is known for its late snowfall, making summer skiing a possibility. Main Lodge, Eagle Lodge, Canyon Lodge, The Village, and The Mill provide recreation and amenities and are located just one hour from Yosemite National Park.
Powder Mountain Resort, Utah
Powder Mountain Resort is an hour north of Salt Lake City Airport, offering beautiful views of Wyoming, Idaho, and Utah. It features hotels connected to ski lifts and nature trails and is focused on culture, conservation, and offering private ski lessons on natural snow.
Steamboat Resort, Colorado
Skiing at Steamboat Resort is ideal for beginners due to its gradual mountain slopes, which are much more manageable than bunny runs. Experiencing the sunset from the slopes is truly unforgettable, and the hot springs in the area provide a great way to relax and soothe aching muscles.
