We get it – taking that first ride on the snow can feel intimidating. But with the right mountain, the right instructors, and the right environment, learning to ski or snowboard can be one of the most rewarding (and enjoyable) decisions you’ll ever make. Many of North America’s top ski resorts make it easy for beginners with top-tier ski schools, dedicated learning zones, rental gear and instructors who know exactly how to turn first-day jitters into first tracks. Sure, you could try to teach yourself, but ski school is the smartest and safest way to find your riding skills and maximize your time on the mountain.
And here’s the best part: it’s never too late to learn. From toddler-friendly programs to adult-first-timer clinics, most resorts offer lessons for skiers and riders ages 2 to 100. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up our favorite beginner-friendly ski resorts across North America. With just a few lessons from the experts at these top-rated destinations, you’ll be carving your way to a lifelong love of winter sports.
Related: How to Plan Your First Ski Trip
Buttermilk's designated beginner area features crowd-free, gentle slopes, a magic carpet and a beginner lift. Photo Credit: Aspen Snowmass
What makes Aspen Snowmass so special is its unique combination of four mountains – Aspen Mountain, Aspen Highlands, Snowmass and Buttermilk – all on one lift ticket. Together, they create a world-class destination that caters to every type of skier and rider, making it an excellent choice for families and groups with mixed ability levels.
For beginners, Buttermilk is the go-to mountain. Known for its approachable terrain and welcoming vibe, the base area features a magic carpet and beginner lifts that lead directly to a dedicated learning zone great for first-timers. Higher up, low-traffic green runs offer easy progression for Level 2 and 3 skiers and riders looking to level up on mellow terrain. Families will especially love Buttermilk’s Hideout Children’s Center, a 7,500-square-foot adventure space designed to engage young skiers. With imaginative features like a lookout tower and playroom, its design helps spark excitement for the mountains.
And while Buttermilk is beginner-friendly, it still delivers on big-mountain energy and iconic experiences. From the deck of the Cliffhouse Lodge, you’ll enjoy sweeping views of the majestic Pyramid Peak, one of Colorado’s famed 14ers. Plus, where else can beginners learn to ski alongside the legendary X Games Superpipe and Slopestyle Course? Buttermilk offers a nice balance of accessibility, scenery and fun for all.
Where to stay: The Inn at Aspen provides ski-in ski-out access to Buttermilk's beginner-friendly slopes and is right next to the Hideout Children’s Center.
A powder-hound is born. | Photo Credit: Aspen SnowmassSnowmass, the largest of the four mountains at Aspen Snowmass Resort, is a dream destination for beginners and a favorite for families. While the mountain is known for its expansive blue terrain (tailor-made for refining your technique), it also offers fantastic beginner zones like Fanny Hill and Elk Camp, where first-timers can build skills in a stress-free, scenic setting.
Kids love learning at Snowmass, thanks in large part to the Treehouse Kids’ Adventure Center. This 25,000-square-foot, forest-themed facility is a fun basecamp for young skiers and snowboarders, offering everything from childcare and ski school check-in to hiding spots for hot chocolate breaks, lunch, crafts, and playtime. It’s no wonder little ones pick up skiing quickly here! Once they’ve mastered the basics, you can start exploring the resort’s playful beginner-friendly tree trails all together.
Aspen Snowmass’ ski and snowboard school is among the best in the world, offering lessons for every age and ability. Whether you're looking for a private instructor, a small group session, or a freestyle clinic to level up your terrain park skills at Makaha and Lowdown, there’s something for everyone. And here’s one more reason beginners love Snowmass: nearly 95% of the resort’s lodging is ski-in ski-out. That means no long walks in ski boots and no schlepping gear through parking lots. Just wake up, click in and you’re ready to learn.
Related: A Beginner’s Guide to Aspen Snowmass
Where to stay: Immerse yourself in the stunning vistas of Mt. Daly with a comfortable stay at Snowmas Viceroy, a haven of midcentury modern architecture. Each residence has spacious living areas, perfect for relaxing with friends and family. Unwind in the infinity rooftop hot tub after a day of bottomless powder, or maintain your fitness routine in the expansive 2,500 square foot gym.
Learning how to fly. Whistler Blackcomb is renowned for its towering peaks, steep terrain and POWDER. But that doesn't mean it’s not a good place to learn how to ski or ride! There are nearly 8,171 acres of skiable terrain split between the resort’s two famous peaks: Whistler and Blackcomb. Nearly 20% of that terrain is beginner-friendly. With multiple learning areas and gentle slopes to choose from, it’s the perfect place to dial in your pizza/french fry ski technique or those pesky toe-side turns on a snowboard. (Be sure to check out the crowd-pleasing Olympic Station at the Whistler Base Village.)
The beauty of Whistler (besides those epic views) is how easy it is to improve. Once you're ready to level up, you'll find an abundance of mellow blue runs that offer the best next step, without feeling overwhelmed. Maybe you won’t be shredding down the bowls on your first trip, but that day will come. Every expert started on the bunny hill, and Whistler is one of the best places to begin that journey.
Not only is Whistler Blackcomb the perfect place to learn to ski, but it also has a village that is beyond fun for any ski vacation, whether you’re with your family or friends. The pedestrian-only village is packed with après-ski options, family-friendly activities, great dining and a wide range of lodging to fit every budget.
Where to stay: For a luxurious and classy stay, look no further than The Westin Resort & Spa. This property has all the amenities you could want on a ski vacation, and the slope-side location puts you in the heart of Whistler Village with access to the lively après-ski right outside your door.
Learning how to do the "pizza" technique at Steamboat Springs Ski School. l Photo Credit: Steamboat Springs ResortEven if you don’t fall in love with skiing right away, you’re bound to fall head over heels for Steamboat’s stunning Rocky Mountain views and its authentic Western charm. After all, a big part of skiing is soaking up the mountain culture, and downtown Steamboat Springs delivers with a one-of-a-kind cowboy-meets-ski-town vibe that feels straight out of a postcard.
Steamboat Springs Resort is home to one of the most respected ski schools in the country. The Steamboat Snow School boasts a deep roster of Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA), American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI), former Olympians, national team members, and highly trained pros. Whether you’re just getting started or returning to refine your technique, you’ll be in incredibly capable hands.
The resort offers beginner-friendly programs for all ages, including adaptive instruction. First-timers will find confidence on Steamboat’s designated learning areas, featuring magic carpets and forgiving, spacious slopes with just a 7 to 10% grade. And thanks to innovative terrain shaping (an industry-leading approach to designing beginner zones with subtle banks and rollers), new skiers and riders can naturally learn how to control speed and make turns in a supportive environment. Between the friendly instructors, thoughtfully designed terrain and authentic Western hospitality, it won’t take long to understand why Steamboat is proudly known as Ski Town, U.S.A.®
Where to stay: For a slope-side location plus high-touch hotel amenities and services, make The Steamboat Grand your beginner basecamp.
Beaver Creek Resort is a family favorite. | Photo Credit: Vail ResortsWith over 2,000 skiable acres – 28% of which are green runs and 38% blues – Beaver Creek is a beginner’s paradise. The resort’s Ski and Snowboard School is widely recognized as world-class, thanks in part to its innovative video analysis program and popular children’s learning center, The Ranch. This slope-side facility features its own dedicated learning area, complete with a gondola exclusively for beginners. Instructors at The Ranch are carefully chosen not only for their technical skills, but for their warmth, patience and ability to connect with young skiers and riders. Beaver Creek even customizes learning terrain to naturally guide beginners through correct body movements, making progress feel intuitive and fun.
When you’re ready to graduate from the bunny slope, Beaver Creek’s high-alpine green runs offer a nice blend of gentle pitch and scenic beauty. Bonus points: Beaver Creek is a proud recipient of the National Ski Areas Association’s Best Overall Safety Award.
Where to stay: For easy access to ski school and the beginner gondola, plus five-star hotel services and amenities, nothing can compete with Park Hyatt Beaver Creek.
Grand Targhee Resort is approachable for all ages. l Photo Credit: Grand Targhee ResortGrand Targhee Resort is a "come as you are" mountain with one of the best mom-and-pop feels you can find. This laid-back resort is one of the best places to learn how to ski or ride without the pressure of big crowds or high-speed hustle. Grand Targhee is known for its deep, consistent snowfall, and you can often find untouched powder days after a storm. With 80% of the resort’s 2,600+ skiable acres dedicated to green and blue terrain, there’s no shortage of approachable runs to explore once you find your groove.
The resort’s ski and snowboard school is known for its passionate, experienced instructors who genuinely love sharing their mountain know-how. Thanks to smaller class sizes, beginners often enjoy more personalized, one-on-one instruction that really helps accelerate progress. There’s a dedicated learning area north of the base area, allowing ample opportunity to link those turns. And once you're ready to branch out, hop on the Shoshone lift and explore a variety of enjoyable green trails, including playful tree runs and nicely groomed cruisers that kids (and adults) will love.
Where to stay: The Grand Targhee Resort base area is filled with low-key and affordable lodges that make you feel like family. Our Mountain Travel Experts' personal favorite is the Teewinot Lodge, a charming mountain cabin just steps from the lifts, perfect for big families or groups of friends.
Deer Valley Resort's Ski School assigns only 4 people per instructor, so you can really hone your skills. l Photo Credit: Deer Valley ResortFrom its complimentary ski valet and parking shuttle to plush lodges and world-class on-mountain restaurants, Deer Valley Resort is all about personalized attention for every guest. So it should come as little surprise that the resort goes above and beyond to make beginners feel welcome. Nearly 30% of Deer Valley’s perfectly manicured slopes are green runs, all of which are designated “slow skiing” zones. Add in the resort’s daily lift ticket cap, and you’ll enjoy wide-open slopes without the distraction of crowds or faster skiers zooming past.
Deer Valley’s acclaimed ski school offers a tailored approach to learning, whether you choose a private lesson or their signature Max 4 program (group lessons limited to just four participants). With personalized instruction and ample attention from top-of-the-line pros, you can learn the basics at your own pace.
Where to stay: Deer Valley epitomizes luxury, and the Montage Deer Valley stands out as the pinnacle of opulence. The resort welcomes families with engaging activities like their unique "Camping Experience," where the staff transforms your guestroom into an enchanting tent, igniting your children’s imagination and play. Plus, the Montage's Paintbox program offers incredible daycare services!
Smiles all around when you learn a new trick. | PC: Vail ResortsKeystone Mountain’s dedicated learning area creates the ultimate environment for first-time skiers and riders. With peaceful slopes, a magic carpet conveyor and a beginner-friendly lift, this private, separated zone lets newcomers build confidence away from busy trails. The resort's Ski and Ride School features some of the area's most experienced instructors, offering both group lessons and personalized private instruction to get you gliding down green runs with ease.
Beyond the slopes, Keystone's Kidtopia brings mountain magic to life with exciting activities like the Giant Snowball Launch and Bigfoot Adventure Walk through the forest, all completely free and designed to thrill kids of every age. Don't miss the World's Largest Snow Fort on Dercum Mountain, a seasonal highlight right on the slopes. Picture this: morning ski lessons, lunch break at the snow fort, then an afternoon showcasing those fresh skills. These are the moments that transform kids into lifelong mountain enthusiasts.
Where to stay: For the ultimate ski-in ski-out experience, Timbers Condominiums is the place to be. With effortless lift access and a short stroll to the village, convenience is at your doorstep. Enjoy the fitness center, steam rooms, heated pool and outdoor hot tub with alpine views. Each condominium features a fully equipped kitchen and washer/ dryer, perfect for extended stays.
Take a private family lesson at Okemo and learn together! l Photo Credit: Okemo ResortA beloved destination for East Coast families, Okemo Resort delivers everything beginners need to fall in love with skiing. Conveniently located within reach of major hubs like Boston and New York City, this Vermont gem makes mountain getaways effortlessly accessible.
The Jackson Gore Base Area's Learning Center serves as a home base for new skiers, surrounded by perfectly pitched beginner trails. Once you've mastered the fundamentals, an impressive 32% of Okemo's terrain awaits on gentle green runs. The resort's newest addition takes the beginner experience to the next level: the Sunburst Six, a heated, six-person bubble chairlift that shields riders from New England's bite while whisking them to the Summit Lodge. From there, an expansive network of green and blue runs opens up a paradise playground for building skills and having fun on the mountain.
Where to stay: Offering unrivaled beginner skiing access, the Jackson Gore Village is a prime-time spot, just steps away from Okemo’s main attractions like the ice rink and rec centre. Plus, the property serves up an outdoor patio with a pool, two hot tubs and a water slide.
For more ski packing tips, read: How to Pack Like a Pro for a Ski Vacation
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TAGGED: beginner-friendly, family-friendly, beginner snowboarding, beginner skiing
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