Top 5 Ski Resorts for Beginners in US

Years ago, learning to ski meant taking the ski lift to the top of mountain and hoping to get down in one piece. Fortunately, times have changed and resorts offer great programs for the novice skier or snowboarder. The best ski resorts not only have beginners-only slopes but segregate these runs to prevent newbies from making the all-too-common mistake of heading for more advanced slopes and big trouble. The best ski resorts understand the special challenges faced by new skiers and snowboarders. So, they take good care of the slopes and keep lessons focused on the fundamentals of skiing and snowboarding. The best ski resorts also know that for beginners it's all about gaining confidence, so the ski instructors that teach beginners bring that special touch.

Do you want to hit the ski slopes this winter, but have never skied? Ready to take some beginner ski lessons from the very best? Check out these Top 5 Ski Resorts for Beginners in the US. Each one has a sensational program, great instructors, and designated or segregated slopes for beginners. The best of the best for beginners of all ages and abilities.

Breckenridge Ski Resort
Website: www.breckenridge.com
Location: About 2 hours from Denver International Airport, from I-70
Runs: 30
Lifts: 30 (variety)
Trails: 155
Total ski ride/Terrain: 2358 acres
Season: November through April
Cost: Moderate to Expensive. Check online for deals and discounts.
Where to stay: Mountain Thunder Lodge (from $188), an elegant all-condo-suite retreat in the heart of Breckenridge.

Breckenridge Ski Resort has it all for beginners and advanced alike, including world-class skiing, the highest chairlift in North America and a lovely mining town for après ski. Breckenridge offers world-class ski and snowboard lessons for every skill level, from basic to super star. Breck's Ski and Snowboard School has more than 600 professional instructors and a wide range of group and private lessons from which to choose. Breckenridge is the premier ski destination for everyone in your family, and has a strong program for beginners.

Copper Mountain
Website: www.coppercolorado.com
Location: Summit County, about 75 miles west of Denver, Colorado.
Longest run: 2.8 miles
Lifts: 22
Trails: 126 marked trails
Total ski ride/Terrain: 2450 skiable acres
Season: November through April
Cost: Moderate to Expensive. Check online for deals and discounts.
Where to stay: Great selection of one- to three-bedroom Copper Mountain condos on site. Call Copper Mountain Ski Resort for details at (866) 341-2481.

Copper Mountain's got it all. Private, group, and "over-the-hill gang" lessons for everyone in the family. Great slopes and programs for beginners. Copper Mountain even has specialized programs, like Womens' Wednesdays. Check online for ski school packages, deals and discounts. Copper Mountain's a terrific location for the novice skier and snowboarder.

Deer Valley
Website: www.deervalley.com
Location: Park City, Utah, about 36 miles from Salt Lake City Airport
Longest run: 2.8 miles
Lifts: 11 (varies)
Trails: Dozens, on six mountains
Total ski ride/Terrain: 2026 skiable acres
Season: December through April
Cost: Moderate to Expensive
Where to stay: Resort manages a host of properties, including The Lodges at Deer Valley, Trails End Lodge, Stag Lodge, Black Diamond Lodge, Silver Baron Lodge, properties in Empire Pass, and a variety of individual condos and homes. Check online for deals and discounts.

Deer Valley is a super place to learn to ski. Here's one resort location that's consistently ranks at the top of everyone's Winter Wonderland list. Check out Deer Valley Ski school for children and teens, youth and adults. Great programs for beginners. Terrific snow and powder. Something for everyone in the family. Ski lessons tailored for the ski and snowboarding novice.

Steamboat Ski Resort
Website: www.steamboat.com
Location: Steamboat, Colorado (fly direct to Steamboat via most major airlines)
Longest run: Over 3 miles
Lifts: Several, including a high-speed passenger lift
Trails: 165 named trails
Total ski ride/Terrain: 2,965 skiable acres
Season: November through April
Cost: Moderate to Expensive
Where to stay: Call Steamboat Central Reservations, which handle 95% of all resort lodging, at (877) 783-2628 (toll free), or book online. Great deals and packages.

Steamboat is actually a complete mountain range, including Mount Werner, Sunshine Peak, Storm Peak, Thunderhead Peak, Pioneer Ridge and Christie Peak. The Steamboat Ski & Snowboard School is recognized as one of the best in the world with 400 instructors trained in the latest learning techniques. Want to learn to ski or snowboard in the very same location as the Olympic Trials in 2010? Look no further than Steamboat for an experience second to none. $23 million in base area improvements in recent years. Ski with the champions on legendary "champagne powder." A great, personalized learning experience for the beginner.

Northstar-at-Tahoe
Website: www.northstarattahoe.com
Location: Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California
Longest run: 1.4 miles
Lifts: 19, including a conveyer to accommodate new skiers
Trails: 92 trails, 13% for beginners
Total ski ride/Terrain: 3,000 skiable acres
Season: November through April/Year round mountain activities and fun.
Cost: Moderate to Expensive
Where to stay: Check out the new Village luxury condos, new Northstar Lodge/Hyatt Residence Club, and Ritz Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe. Lots of options for lodging near or on the slopes. Check online for deals and packages.

Hold onto your hats: Northstar-at-Tahoe has a great ski program for newbies and experienced alike. Great mountain runs and views. Wonderful après ski, including a skating rink, shopping and fine dining, warming decks, and outdoor dining. Great program for the beginner, and an excellent locale to learn. A beginner's ski paradise.

Resources

Learning to Ski in Ski USA Resorts
www.skiusaresorts.com/

USA Ski Vacations
www.ski.com

Ski North America in North American Snow
www.northamericansnow.com/

Skiing USA
www.skiingusa.net

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