The Alps for beginners: which French and Swiss resorts to consider

Albina Panchenko News18.01.2025 11:13

Even though winter forces you to sit by the fireplace and drink hot coffee, tourists still prefer winter activities. If you're just starting out in skiing, choosing the right place to go is key to getting positive impressions and wanting to return to the slopes again and again. To know which destination will suit you best, read on.

Avoriaz, France

Avoriaz is located in the Chablais massif between Mount Mont Blanc and Lake Geneva. The resort is a part of the famous Door of the Sun (Les Portes du Soleil) area.

The location is the highest of the fourteen stations that make up the ski area. It stands out among other centers of the French Alps for its modernism.

For beginners, there is an introductory piste. It is completely separated from other skiers. The route stretches for more than 1 kilometer. There are 5 schools where about 200 qualified instructors can teach you the basics.

Avoriaz is equipped with multi-storey buildings that are completely lined with wood, as well as sloping facades and roofs that almost touch the ground.

After an active day, you can visit a pub, a restaurant, a bar with bowling alleys, or a nightclub.

By the way, car traffic is prohibited. Vehicles are left in the parking lot at the entrance, and tourists with luggage get to the hotels by horse-drawn sleigh or snowmobile. You can also ski to the property.

The Alps for beginners: which French and Swiss resorts to consider

Serre-Chevalier, France

One of the largest southern resorts in the Alps. It is located near the Italian border and The Écrins National Park.

The location is famous for its excellent conditions for families. During the season, children can enjoy a varied animation program.

In 1902, the first ski school in France was opened here.

A significant part of the slopes, namely 50%, are marked as "blue" and "green". Therefore, Serre-Chevalier is considered a perfect place for beginners and young athletes. Each village has training centers with instructors and kindergartens.

In total, there are more than 250 kilometers of various routes.

By the way, there is a thermal spring in the neighboring town of Le Monêtier les Bains. Here, travelers can visit a complex with outdoor and indoor pools, a jacuzzi, a steam room, and more. The water temperature reaches +44°C.

Gstaad, Switzerland

It is located in the German-speaking part of the canton of Bern in the southwest of the country. Members of the royal family, famous actors, etc. often vacation here.

From the outside, the resort's buildings are made in the traditional chalet style, which gives the impression of a quiet village hidden among the mountains. However, as soon as tourists cross the threshold, they will find themselves in luxurious interiors reminiscent of an ancient monarch's residence.

The resort has two main ski areas - Wispile and Eggli. They are characterized by relatively low altitudes, reaching a maximum of 2,000 meters. Artificial snow is used at the beginning and end of the ski season.

The sectors are dominated by comfortable blue and red pistes suitable for a wide range of skiers.

Beginners can learn winter sports on the 100 kilometers of flat pistes or try their hand at a specially equipped beginner's course in the town of Wispile.

Davos, Switzerland

Located in the canton of Graubünden at an altitude of over 1,500 meters above sea level. The resort is a member of the prestigious Best of the Alps club.

The location is famous for the largest natural ice rink in Europe. There is a kindergarten, ski schools for both children and adults, and a sports equipment rental center.

The total length of the trails is about 320 kilometers, including 60 blue routes for beginners.

After an active day, travelers can visit nightclubs, cinemas, casinos, or concert halls. There are also many restaurants and bars in Davos.

Those who enjoy a cultural program are advised to visit the museums of radio and winter sports.