Skiing is such a fun way to enjoy the great outdoors during the winter months. I grew up skiing in the Midwest, and after about a 10-year hiatus, have taken it up again since moving to Park City Utah. If I’m paying ski town prices, I may as well make the most of my surroundings! Being in my mid-40s when I got back into skiing, I’m a more cautious skier, so I love finding the best ski areas for beginners. I love those long winding green runs that allow me to cruise and enjoy the mountain views without worrying too much about the difficulty of the terrain. There are tons of great resorts in the United States for advanced skiers, but sussing out the best ski resorts for beginners can be a bit more challenging. I’ve turned to the travel blogger community to share their favorite US ski resorts for beginners.
Many of these mountain resorts are at higher elevations so take these steps to avoid altitude sickness!
No matter where you live in North America, there’s a perfect resort for your first ski holiday!
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Big Bear Mountain Resort, California
Big Bear Mountain in California is the perfect place to start as a beginner skier! Big Bear is about a 2-to-3-hour drive from Los Angeles, which makes it an easy destination to get to for those staying in LA during the winter. Plus, Big Bear is known for being a popular location to begin learning to ski and many experts know to pick harder areas and slopes or are very mindful of newer skiers.
Snow Summit Ski Resort is the best place to start as a beginner in Big Bear. With about half of the area designed for newer skiers (and 10% of the area specifically designated for first-time beginners), you will have plenty of comfortable places to practice. It’s highly recommended to start with a ski lesson, and Snow Summit boasts of having the best instructors in southern California, whether it’s a group or private lesson for kids or adults.
Snow Summit has a great mix of beginner to intermediate ski slopes with a green run that even runs top to bottom for plenty of practice! Familiarize yourself with the sport on Snow Summit’s bunny slopes and when you are ready, you can try out the Summit Run. It’s a nice, easy green run that is plenty wide and you will love to ski on!
Janelle, Make the Trip Matter
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Boyne Mountain Resort, Michigan
Boyne Mountain, located in Boyne Falls, Michigan, is a terrific ski resort for beginners. With 60 runs on 400+ acres, there is an excellent variety of trails. Every lift accesses at least one green run, so a first-time skier doesn’t have to worry about getting stuck somewhere beyond their capability.
One of the highlights of Boyne Mountain is Boyneland. It is the perfect beginner slope – and also includes a magic carpet run. No need to struggle with a rope tow, simply step on the conveyor belt and it whisks you to the top. Boyne offers a pass JUST for the Boyneland lift at a dramatically reduced price. It’s a wonderful place to learn whether you are a toddler or an adult!
Once you’ve mastered Boyneland, head to the backside of the mountain. There are more than 10 green runs along with a few blues that are a bit longer and gentler than the runs on the front side. My favorite runs are still a few of these greens – specifically Grice’s Way and Cambell’s Alley.
In addition to exciting skiing, Boyne Mountain has a cute little village with several restaurants, shops, a spa, and lodging on site. There is even a tubing area, zip lines, and ice skating. Everything you need for a wonderful weekend ski trip!
Pam, Our Adventure is Everywhere
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Brighton Resort, Utah
Located right outside of Salt Lake City, Brighton Resort is one of the best US ski resorts for beginners. It takes about 40 minutes to drive to Brighton from Downtown Salt Lake City. Brighton is also one of the best Utah ski resorts in summer and one of the prettiest spots for fall color in Utah!
Brighton Resort is the perfect place for beginner skiers for a variety of reasons. First, they have awesome beginner ski packages. A beginner lift ticket starts at $55. This ticket gives you access to two of the six lifts as well as the magic carpet. The magic carpet area is the perfect warm-up if you are new to skiing and to get you into the groove. Another cool thing about Brighton is they offer a variety of lessons and they are all pretty affordable. If you have never skied before or feel you need a refresher, then this is a great option.
My favorite runs are the ones using the Explorer lift. They are perfect for the beginner skier because they are very wide open so there is a lot of space. Also, the hills are not too steep and there are plenty of places to stop on the way down if you feel uncomfortable.
Brighton also has a nice cafe with lots of seating if you get tired or need a break from skiing. It is also a great palace to watch the skiers come down off the larger slopes.
Francesca Makana, Homeroom Travel
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Camelback Ski Resort, Pennsylvania
Located in the Heart of the Pocono Mountains, Camelback Ski Area offers a good mix of terrain for all skill levels. While most people look to more prominent places out West or in Vermont, many of those resorts are famous for their expert terrain and are only worth going for a beginner if you live locally. With Camelback located 90 minutes from Philadelphia and New York City, it is a sweet spot for Mid-Atlantic folks looking to get into skiing or boarding.
For absolute beginners, Camelback offers a great variety of beginner lessons as well as a small beginner area that is almost a pre-bunny hill. For many years, the mountain has had two different beginner/bunny hills, Sunbowl and Coolmoor that allow you to try to go a bit further and faster as you progress on learning how to make turns and stop.
Camelback has 14 additional named trails that are considered Green(Easier) trails and as you progress they have intermediate and more advanced trails so you can certainly continue your progress if you so choose. Additionally, given the number and variety of slopes, you can move to more difficult easier, and easier intermediate slopes which is not always the case at other nearby slopes. This allows you to continue to challenge yourself without having to take a leap that will increase the difficulty too far.
One of the best aspects of Camelback is that there are even green slopes that traverse from the top of the mountain with Marc Anthony, Julius Caesar, Honeymoon Lane, and the Birches being great choices for those who want to really test themselves on easier graded slopes.
Anwar Yafai, Beyond My Door
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Deer Valley Resort, Utah
My “home” ski resort is Deer Valley and as a re-learning skier, it’s my favorite. I skied all Utah ski resorts in one season and I definitely think Deer Valley Resort is the best ski resort for beginners in Utah. As a local, I typically enjoy a few hours of skiing at a time, but I have spent a full day skiing green runs at Deer Valley and never ran out of terrain. While Park City Mountain Resort is beautiful, there are not many green runs at Vail Resorts’ PCMR or Canyons resorts, making Deer Valley the best beginner experience for Park City skiers.
Check out my locals guide to year-round activities at Deer Valley!
For a full day of beginner skiing at Deer Valley, I like to start at the top and work my way down. Deer Valley has six individual mountains, five of which have green runs from the top. Homeward Bound, Ontario, and Success are some of my favorite beginner runs at Deer Valley.
The mid-mountain village, Silver Lake, is a great place to have lunch and drinks. Their ski beach is a super fun place to hang out; there are tons of Adirondack chairs and great people-watching. Deer Valley is skier only, as snowboards are not allowed, and it’s also one of the most expensive lift tickets, but the service is amazing! With so many fun things to do in Park City in winter, this is the perfect destination for your next family ski trip.
Find the Best Places to Stay in Park City
Heavenly Mountain Resort, California
If you are looking for a beginner-friendly scenic ski resort in the US, Heavenly Ski Resort must be there on the top of your list. Nearly 50% of the terrain of Heavenly is for beginners and intermediate skiers. This family-friendly ski destination is an ideal vacation spot known for its all-level ski runs, stunning views of Lake Tahoe, gorgeous snowy mountains, and forests. Situated at the border of California and Nevada, it is one of the most beautiful ski resorts in California. The best time to visit Heavenly is from January to March when it receives the maximum and best quality snow.
Heavenly Ski Resort is a great place to learn how to ski. There are some learn-to-ride areas at the California Lodge and Boulder Lodge base stations. You can also visit The Heavenly Ski & Ride School which offers ski lessons for all age groups. The beginner slopes are wide enough to practice and practice lifts are available near the base. After getting the confidence you can ski in the nearby blue intermediate runs. My personal favorite is Enchanted Forest which is just 343 m long and wide.
When you are done with skiing, enjoy the breathtaking views of clear blue Lake Tahoe with a Scenic Gondola Ride that offers an amazing bird’s eye view of the Heavenly village from the top.
Trijit Mallick, Budget Travel Buff
Mammoth Mountain, California
Mammoth Mountain in California is one of the largest ski resorts in the country with 3,500 acres of skiable terrain. Additionally, 25% of the mountain is dedicated to some of the best beginner skiing you will find anywhere. And with an average snowfall of 400 inches per year, you’re sure to find plenty of powder to practice your turns.
If you are brand new to skiing, or your kids are just starting out, the runs off of School Yard Express are for you. Another good beginner ski spot is the Discovery Chair Lift to Sesame Street. And the Adventure Zone and Woolly’s Tube Park are also a blast.
Once you’ve got your ski legs, and you want to hit some longer, easy runs, try Lupin from Eagle Lodge. Pumpkin and Sleepy Hollow are in the same area. When you’re ready for a green run that is higher up the mountain, Easy Rider is a great choice.
Jenifer at The Evolista
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Massanutten Resort, Virginia
When most people think of ski destinations, Virginia doesn’t usually come to mind. But Massanutten Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts near DC. While you won’t find any double black diamond runs here, it is family-friendly and a perfect place for beginners and casual skiers, and snowboarders. Massanutten is located about 2 hours from DC and just minutes from Shenandoah National Park. It’s been the area’s premier winter resort for over 40 years.
Because of the area’s lack of super steep mountains and snowy winters, it’s great for beginner skiers – there are no hardcore skiers to intimidate them and no runs that are far beyond their skill level.
Skiing and snowboarding are both popular activities here, but with over 6,000 acres of property, the resort offers a smorgasbord of other activities too. One of them is snow tubing – Massanutten is currently the only place that offers nighttime tubing on the East Coast. There’s also an outdoor ice-skating rink. And if you don’t want to be outside, Massanutten even has an indoor water park open year-round. So when you need a break from learning how to ski, there are plenty of other options!
Maggie, Pink Caddy Travelogue
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Palisades Tahoe, California
Among the dozen ski resorts around Lake Tahoe, California, the Palisades Tahoe Resort (formerly known as Squaw Valley) is world-famous as it held the 1960 Winter Olympics. But beyond the expert slopes, Palisades Tahoe is also a great place to start learning both skiing and snowboarding.
The famous ski resort offers several gentle slopes perfect for beginners, who can also board the Aerial Tram to reach the mountain top where more beginner terrains await, with incredible vistas over Lake Tahoe in winter. Green slopes, which are dedicated to beginners, are easily found on the resort map, including the well-known First Venture and Big Blue slopes.
Private and group lessons are available for all ages. Kids’ lessons start at three years old, and adult lessons are available for anyone above 13 years. Indeed, it’s never too late to learn, even as an adult! The resort even offers an Alpine Unlimited program for adults, with unlimited lessons for the ultimate progress curve.
Gear rental for those who have yet to purchase their own equipment is available in shops right within Palisades Tahoe and will help beginners try different brands and styles that fit them better.
Patricia Pagenel, Ze Wandering Frogs
Snowmass / Buttermilk, Colorado
Although it may surprise you, Aspen, Colorado is one of the best ski towns in Colorado that is home to some of the best US ski resorts for beginners. In particular, Aspen Snowmass would be ideal for new skiers since it is comprised of 3,339 acres of land that are spread out across four different mountains: Buttermilk, Snowmass, Aspen Highlands, and Aspen Mountain.
While Aspen Snowmass is typically known for being home to the second-largest vertical drop in the USA – at 4,406 feet – new skiers will find plenty of slopes to choose from at Snowmass and Buttermilk. Both mountains have a wealth of beginner terrain and “bunny slope” areas for beginners to practice on.
At Buttermilk, you can introduce your children to Panda Peak since the terrain here is gentle and easily accessible. West Buttermilk is another great option and features runs like Larkspur, Tom’s Thumb, and Red’s Rover. Otherwise, you can venture over to Snowmass and try out Elk Camp, Assay Hill, and Fanny Hill areas. They all have low-key runs where first-time skiers can learn how to get comfortable on the mountain. In contrast, Aspen Highlands and Aspen Mountain have none of these amenities and would be better suited for your next trip to the area.
Meg, Fox in the Forest
Steamboat Ski Resort, Colorado
Often referred to as Ski Town USA, Steamboat Mountain Resort in Steamboat Springs, Colorado is a great, family-friendly winter destination. With lots of activities to do other than skiing, visiting Steamboat in winter is a great place for beginners to try out their legs at skiing or snowboarding.
The mountain has a good mix of green or beginner runs throughout much of the mountain, which means novice skiers aren’t stuck in just one area of the resort. From easy traverses like BC Ski Way, Why Not, and Right-O-Way to shorter green runs with a slightly steeper pitch, like Park Lane, Steamboat is a great place to learn to ski. The resort also has a world-class ski school for those who want to take lessons and learn from professionals.
Aside from skiing, there are lots of other activities in Steamboat that are great for the late afternoon and evening hours when the mountain closes or for the days you may not want to ski. From snow tubing to horse-drawn sleigh rides, and even relaxing hot springs, Steamboat is a fun place in winter, even for non-skiers.
Melissa, Parenthood and Passports
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For other beginner ski resorts in Colorado, Beaver Creek and Breckenridge are both fun and scenic!
Sundown Mountain Resort, Iowa
A great ski resort in the US for beginners is Sundown Mountain Resort in Dubuque Iowa. One major advantage to visiting a smaller resort is that the lift passes and season tickets are often much cheaper than the larger resorts. Sundown Mountain Resort offers both group and private lessons for newcomers to skiing and snowboarding. Equipment rentals are available, too. Sunshine is a short green run that’s great for beginners. It has a conveyor carpet and its own chairlift, perfect for those getting used to getting on and off the lifts while wearing skis! Usually, the first lesson will be solely on the Sunshine run as many different ski techniques are taught and practiced before progressing to the main runs.
There’s only one main green run route at Sundown Mountain. It consists of 3 separate runs: Sunbowl, Pistol, and Roundup. Other blue runs and the terrain park runs join onto these at various points, so skiers can take different routes down the mountain each time.
At the top of the mountain, skiers will find a coffee shop, bar, and restaurant; great for warming up after a day of skiing!
Kylie Neuhaus, Between England and Iowa
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Whiteface Mountain, New York
Whiteface Mountain, just outside of Lake Placid, NY, was home to some of the 1980 Olympic ski events, but don’t let that deter you if you’re a beginner because this is a great place to learn.
With everything from equipment rentals and lessons with expert instructors, to a designated learning area and awesome beginner green trails, you’ll feel excited and comfortable while you strap on your skis for the first time. Professional lessons are definitely worth it if you’ve never skied before, and Whiteface has options from private lessons to group classes. They also have the Bear Den, which is a bunny hill perfect for first-timers.
The beginner green runs at Whiteface vary in length and allow beginners to start with shorter trails, and work their way up to longer ones. The best short trails for first-timers will be Otter and Flying Squirrel. When you’re ready to try something with a few more curves, the Bobcat Chute is a great run. You’ll access all these trails with the Falcon Flyer Lift, located at the Bear Den.
When you’re ready for the advanced beginner trails, take the Face Lift to the Easy Way run, which connects with the Boreen trail toward the end. This great run picks up just a little bit of speed, but still allows you to take your time, and is very easy to navigate.
Samantha Hamilton, New England Wanderlust
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Did you know there are ski resorts in Arizona?