Winter is the perfect season to discover the joys of skiing, an activity that appeals to seasoned athletes and beginners alike. For those wanting to get started in this fascinating winter sport, choosing the right resort is essential for a successful experience.
In this article, we explore the five best resorts to start skiing: Lans-en-Vercors, Crest-Voland, Aillons-Margériaz, Le Collet d’Allevard and Les Karellis. Each of these destinations offers a unique, welcoming setting specially suited to the needs of ski beginners. Whether through their gentle runs, qualified ski schools or attractive prices, these resorts stand out as perfect places for your first glides on the snow.
Crest-Voland
Tucked in the heart of the Beaufortain massif, Crest-Voland is a family-friendly village resort particularly loved by beginners and families looking for accessible skiing in the Alps. Linked to the vast Espace Diamant area, it gives access to 192 km of pistes spread across several iconic resorts: Flumet, Notre-Dame-de-Bellecombe, Praz-sur-Arly, Les Saisies and Hauteluce.
Crest-Voland offers a ski area ideal for learning to ski with peace of mind, with 34 km of pistes, 16 ski lifts and an altitude ranging from 1,000 m to 2,069 m. The runs are varied, well-suited to learning and offer a reassuring environment to progress quickly.
The French Ski School (ESF) of Crest-Voland Cohennoz offers ski lessons for all levels, especially for children and beginner skiers. Secure areas at the snow front with easy drag lifts let you experience your first sensations on snow in good conditions.
The resort isn’t limited to alpine skiing. Visitors can also discover plenty of winter activities like freeride, freestyle, telemark, handiski, as well as more original activities: Yooner, Snake Gliss, Crestvoluge sledding, paragliding, trail running or even orienteering courses.
After a day on the slopes, holidaymakers can enjoy a relaxing moment at the wellness areas near Flumet – Saint-Nicolas-la-Chapelle: hammam, balneotherapy and body treatments. The resort also has several restaurants and friendly bars to soak up the warm atmosphere of Savoyard villages.
In short, Crest-Voland is a friendly ski resort, ideal for families, beginners and anyone looking for a mountain stay combining accessible skiing, varied activities and an authentic atmosphere in the heart of the Alps.
Lans-en-Vercors
Set in the heart of the Vercors Regional Natural Park and close to Grenoble, Lans-en-Vercors is a family-friendly village resort particularly suited to beginners and families looking for accessible skiing in a preserved natural environment.
The Montagnes de Lans ski area stretches from 1,400 m to 1,827 m altitude and offers 24 km of pistes across 23 varied runs. The Virets sector is ideal for learning thanks to its easy, progressive runs, while the Roche Rousse sector lets more experienced skiers enjoy more technical runs. The 1ère Trace and 2ème Trace areas are specially designed for beginners, with drag lifts and runs perfectly suited to learning.
For the youngest, the resort also has a secure children’s garden for a gentle introduction to skiing. Lans-en-Vercors also offers several great-value passes such as the Pass Alpin Vercors or the Nordic Pass Vercors, giving access to several alpine and nordic areas of the Vercors with attractive prices for young people, students and seniors.
Beyond skiing, the resort offers plenty of winter activities and original experiences. Visitors can discover the spectacular Vertige des Cimes footbridge with its panoramic view of the Alps, try cave climbing, try ice cascade climbing, join igloo-building workshops or even enjoy Airboard.
sessions. The resort also hosts several well-known winter events such as the Festival Jeunes Bobines, the Trophée Andros or the Winter Isère Trail Tour, boosting its energy throughout the season.
In short, Lans-en-Vercors is an ideal destination for an accessible mountain stay, combining family skiing, varied activities and a friendly atmosphere, all in an exceptional natural setting at the gateway to the Alps.
Aillons-Margériaz
Set in the superb Massif des Bauges range, between Chambéry and Annecy, Aillons-Margériaz is a family-friendly village resort known for its friendly atmosphere and skiing accessible to all levels.
The resort is made up of two distinct areas: Aillons-Margériaz 1000 and Aillons-Margériaz 1400, letting you vary experiences depending on your level and mood. The Aillons-Margériaz 1000 sector is particularly suited to beginners thanks to its gentle runs, secure learning zones and accessible lifts to discover skiing in the best conditions. This sector also offers several après-ski activities as well as restaurants and local products for an authentic family experience.
On its side, Aillons-Margériaz 1400 offers a wider variety of runs and spaces better suited to intermediate and confirmed skiers. The area is appreciated for its good natural snow conditions and its landscapes typical of the Bauges range, between forests and alpine views.
Beyond alpine skiing, Aillons-Margériaz offers plenty of winter activities: snowshoeing, dog sled rides, evening events and discoveries of the local heritage. The warm atmosphere of the village and its history, born from a local initiative before becoming a true ski resort, reinforce its authentic character.
The resort also has convenient access from several major cities such as Lyon, with shuttles available from Aix-les-Bains and Chambéry. Many accommodation options are offered: hotels, B&Bs, apartments or unusual stays, suited to every budget.
In short, Aillons-Margériaz is an ideal destination for an authentic mountain stay, combining family skiing, preserved nature and varied winter activities in a friendly setting.
Le Collet d’Allevard
Set in the Belledonne range, Le Collet d’Allevard is a family resort loved for its exceptional panoramas, friendly atmosphere and ski area accessible to all levels.
The area stretches from 1,450 m to 2,140 m altitude and offers around 35 km of pistes that are perfectly maintained. The resort is particularly suited to beginners, with nearly 57% of the runs graded as easy, while also offering more technical runs for confirmed skiers.
The French Ski School (ESF) of Le Collet d’Allevard offers ski and snowboard lessons suited to all ages and levels, allowing gentle progression in a reassuring, natural setting.
One of the great features of Le Collet d’Allevard is its night skiing, a unique experience allowing you to enjoy the runs under the stars in a warm, original atmosphere.
Beyond alpine skiing, the resort also offers snowshoe hikes to discover the snowy landscapes of the Belledonne range in a calm, preserved environment. Visitors can also enjoy magnificent views of Mont Blanc, providing a spectacular backdrop throughout the stay.
Easily accessible from Grenoble and Chambéry, the resort can be reached by car, by bus or via a connection from Grenoble by train then shuttle.
In short, Le Collet d’Allevard is an ideal destination for an accessible ski stay, combining varied runs, winter activities and remarkable alpine panoramas in a family-friendly, authentic atmosphere.
Les Karellis
Set in the Maurienne valley, in Savoie, Les Karellis is a family resort known for its friendly atmosphere, accessible ski area and many activities suited to families and beginners.
The ski area offers 60 km of alpine ski runs between 1,600 m and 2,520 m altitude, offering varied terrain for all levels. Skiers can enjoy 7 green runs, 6 blue runs, 12 red runs and 4 black runs, enabling both ski learning and progression towards more technical runs.
With its family-focused organisation, Les Karellis offers a practical, reassuring experience with several accommodations located directly at the foot of the slopes. The resort also offers holiday villages, gites and all-inclusive packages, ideal for a hassle-free stay.
Beyond alpine skiing, the resort offers plenty of winter activities: snowshoeing, dog sled rides, torchlight descents, shows, family events and even snow Segway courses. Events like the Karellis Show contribute to the warm, festive atmosphere of the resort throughout the season.
Easily accessible from Lyon in around two hours of driving, Les Karellis is an ideal destination for a mountain stay combining accessible skiing, relaxation and activities for all ages.
In short, Les Karellis is a perfect resort for families, beginners and groups looking for a friendly stay in the French Alps, with an excellent balance between skiing, events and comfort.
In conclusion, the resorts of Lans-en-Vercors, Crest-Voland, Aillons-Margériaz, Le Collet d’Allevard and Les Karellis are ideal choices for ski beginners. Each resort, with its unique features, offers a suitable, enriching experience for those taking their first steps on the slopes.
Whether through their gentle runs, welcoming ski schools or family-friendly atmosphere, these destinations offer a safe and pleasant environment to learn and enjoy skiing. These resorts provide an ideal environment to learn and have fun in the snow, whatever your age — even as an adult!
