With another winter season only a few months away, ski deals are expected to be bountiful this year, so shopping early will help in making sure you get some of the best deals in history. But where to book and what to look for? It can get quickly become overwhelming. Ski Rebel.com has assembled a list of top 10 ski resorts for first time would-be winter ski vacationers.

Nothing can put a beginner off skiing quicker than a week spent trying to ski down unsuitable steep terrain, or have to travel for miles to get to the beginner ski slopes. This definitive top ten list of ski resorts, gives you a quick overview of the benefits that each ski resort has to offer.

1. Les Arcs, France – Why is it good?

• Excellent nursery slopes directly above each of the resort’s main villages.
• Free beginner’s lift.
• Good range of early intermediate slopes as you progress.

2. Bansko, Bulgaria – Why is it good?

Bansko Ski Resort in Bulgaria has been the site of controversy in the past, however it offers incredible and pristine views of the Pirin Mountains.

• Beautiful World Heritage Site nestled in the Pirin mountains.
• Modern lift system.
• Good range of nursery slopes.
• Great value – skiing here won’t break the bank.
• As you progress there is an excellent 16km intermediate run from the top to the bottom of the mountain (2560 m to 935 m).

3. Cortina, Italy - Why is it good?

• Breathtaking views over the Dolomites.
• Widely regarded as being one of the world’s most beautiful ski resorts.
• Superbly groomed beginner slopes in the Socrapes area.
• Instructors who are especially good with kids.

4. Killington, US – Why is it good?

• No language barriers.
• Ski schools are excellent.
• Large nursery slope areas.
• “Discovery Centre” for complete beginners showing how your equipment works before you start to ski.

5. Lech, Austria – Why is it good?

• A classic alpine resort.
• Picturesque village with fine hotels.
• Very well regarded ski schools with good English speaking instructors.
• Plenty of runs for intermediate and advanced as well, so a good option for mixed ability groups.

6. Poiana Brasov, Romania – Why is it good?

• An excellent place to try skiing without breaking the bank.
• Two nursery areas.
• Helpful and enthusiastic instructors.
• Excellent nearby excursions (such as Dracula’s castle).
• Cheap and cheerful food, wine and entertainment.

7. Soldeu, Andorra – Why is it good?

• Widely regarded as being one of Europe’s best beginner resorts.
• Two extensive nursery areas.
• Excellent ski instructors who are native English speakers.
• Good range of runs to progress to.
• Usually good weather (Soldeu means “Sun God”).
• Excellent nightlife.
• Duty-free zone, so can be cheap.

8. Tignes, France – Why is it good?

• High and very “snowsure”.
• Good range of easy to access nursery slopes.
• Good range of intermediate/expert slopes so a good destination for mixed ability groups.
• Lots of accommodation to choose from.
• Lots of non-skiing activities and great après-ski.

9. Wengen, Switzerland – Why is it good?

• Spectacular location under the north face of the Eiger.
• A great destination for families, with a well renowned ski school.
• Lots of non-skiing activities.

10. Portes du Soleil – Why is it good?

• Easy resort to reach either by flying into Geneva, or driving from Calais.
• Great range of beginners slopes, and good English speaking instructors.
• Part of the world’s biggest ski area (the Portes du Soleil) so plenty of runs for all abilities.
• Regularly receives on average the most snowfall in the alps, so one of the most snowsure non glacier resorts.
• Beautiful village with bags of charm and plenty to do off the slopes.

Other tips that will make your holiday memorable:
We also have some tips for beginner skiers, which should help make your first time all the more enjoyable:

1. Exercise regularly and take some ski lessons before you leave. If you don’t have access to a snow slope, perhaps in one of the many indoor snow centres that are popping up. This means that once you get to your resort, you already have an idea of the basics (how to put your skis on etc.). The exercise you did prior to the trip will benefit you.

2. When booking ask if there are any ‘Learn to Ski or Snowboard Packages’. This may include lessons, gear rental and a lift pass if needed.

3. Check to see if beginners can get away with buying a cheaper “local area” of “beginner” lift pass. There is no need to buy a pass for a huge area if you are only going to ski on beginner and early intermediate slopes.

4. If you want to learn snowboarding, check if the schools in your resort offer beginner courses for boarders.

5. Check that the accommodation is close to the slopes, the lifts and general amenities. Nothing is worse than having to take an hour to commute every time you want to get on the hills.

6. Rent ski gear to start with – it’s a lot cheaper.

• Related Links:

• Ski Websites: If you want to look up for more resorts, click here for an extensive list.
• Ski Resorts: Follow-up on ski resort news by clicking here.
• Ski Vacations: Click here to read more about the latest ski vacation ideas.
• Ski Newsletter: Click here for the Ski Rebel Magazine Newsletter.