7 Great Low-Cost Ski Deals for Beginners

31.01
2022 Advice and tips

Here’s a great idea for a New Year’s resolution: make this the year you learn to ski. This winter, for adults and kids alike, it’s the beginners who are kings of the piste. With great deals, freebies and dedicated learner zones, you’ll love putting on skis and learning how to make your first turns.

1. A free 1-hour ski lesson in La Bresse

How can you not try skiing with an offer like this. In La Bresse, the ‘Ski Découverte’ deal gives adults the chance to try skiing for free with an instructor for an hour. And don’t worry, your ski gear and lift pass are also included in the deal. What a great way to start on your first descents!

Ski lesson in La Bresse © OTL

This offer is also available (outside school holidays) in Saint François Longchamp, and in Orcières every Tuesday from 8am-9am.

2. ‘YouCanSki’ in Avoriaz 1800: For adult beginners

In Avoriaz, adults can start skiing at a super-low price with this all-inclusive offer, available online outside of school holidays. There are two options, for three or six days. The 3-day ‘YouCanSki’ package includes your lift pass, half-day ESF group lessons and your equipment rental – all for just €222. More info.

© Nils Louna

3. Free ‘Magic Carpets’ in Sainte Foy Tarentaise

To ease your way into learning how to ski - both physically and financially - Sainte Foy Tarentaise has free access to its two ‘magic carpets’ (travelators up the snow). It’s an opportunity to try your first runs in peace and without any pressure from other skiers.

Magic carpets in Sainte Foy Tarentaise © Philippe Royer

Also available to beginners for free:

Three ‘magic carpets’ in Alpe d'Huez
the Mappys beginners area in Les Gets
the drag lifts at resort level in Isola 2000
a rope tow in Gérardmer
10 lifts in Courchevel
9 lifts in Tignes

4. The Beginner’s Pass in Puy Saint Vincent

This Hautes-Alpes resort has put beginners in the spotlight with their special beginner’s package. For only €25.50, newcomers to skiing can use three ski lifts and access the perfect slopes for beginners, with green pistes and also quiet ‘slow’ zones to allow everyone to develop their skills safely.

Ski in Puy Saint Vincent ©Thibaut BLAIS

Other resorts offering special ‘Débutants’ passes include Alpe d'Huez (€25pd), Val d'Isère (€39pd for 8 lifts), Peyragudes (€24pd or use the pay-as-you-go FLEX card) and Praz de Lys (€17pd). There are also mini-area passes available in Chamrousse and Méribel.

5. The ‘CoolSki’ beginners package in La Plagne

In La Plagne, beginners have been ‘king of the mountains’ since 2014, when the CoolSki zones were created. These areas give beginners the chance to learn in complete safety and offer courses that allow you develop at your own speed. The pistes, ski lifts and specially-marked route are available to beginners for just €37.

6. ‘Ma Première Fois au Ski’ in Serre Chevalier

Here’s a deal that should get your attention: it’s the perfect package to start skiing with. Enjoy 7 nights’ accommodation, 6 days’ lift pass, 6 mornings of adult beginner lessons and 6 days of equipment rental), all from €408pp (excluding school holidays)

7. Learn Cross-Country Skiing for Free

And if you’d rather try the more gentle art of cross-country skiing, then in the Haute-Savoie region of France, why not try ‘Nordic Happy Hour’? Available on six dates throughout the season, you can learn cross-country skiing of an evening with professional instruction. For an hour, you’ll learn how to slide, use your poles and enjoy some tranquility in the trees. Registration in advance is required for these Haute Savoie options in resorts like Le Grand Bornand or Contamines-Montjoie. In La Bresse, the ‘Jardin d'Anicé’ is the spot to learn cross-country skiing in an area entirely dedicated to beginners.