If you're just starting to ski, finding the right spot matters a lot. The top ski places for new skiers in North America have easy hills, great lessons, and a friendly feel. Here’s a fast look at the best choices for 2025:
- Buttermilk, Aspen Snowmass, CO: Great for newbies with 35% easy runs, a calm ski school, and simple reach from Aspen.
- Purgatory Resort, CO: Picked as #1 for starters in 2025 with free first-time lessons and child-friendly slopes.
- Whistler Blackcomb, BC: Huge area with zones just for beginners and low-cost start packs.
- Park City Mountain Resort, UT: Known for its promise of easy runs and lots of easy areas over 7,300 acres.
- Beaver Creek, CO: A fancy choice with zones just for new skiers, free cookies, and top-line lessons.
Each place brings a bit of its own touch, but all aim to make you sure on the hills. Whether you go with family, need something easy on the wallet, or want the best teaching, these spots are ready for you. Extra tip: Think about short skis like Snowfeet for simple moves as you start.
Set to ski? Let's jump into why these spots shine!
A Beginner Skier's Guide to Colorado Ski Resorts
1. Buttermilk, Aspen Snowmass, Colorado
If you're just starting to ski and need a good place to begin, pick Buttermilk. It's only 3 miles from Aspen and this mountain is great for beginners. It's got a very friendly feel which helps new skiers feel less scared and have more fun. Many ski makers like Rossignol and Atomic make long skis that can be hard for beginners. But, Snowfeet Mini Ski Skates (15 inches) and Skiskates (17 inches) are a top pick for better control and sure feel.
Beginner Terrain
Buttermilk is like a dream for new skiers with 35% of its 400 acres made up of green runs. The easy slopes are made to help new skiers grow sure without feeling too much.
"Buttermilk is by far the best resort in Aspen for beginner riders to hone their skills before diving into more serious terrain. Nothing is too steep and the runs are nice and unintimidating." – SnowPak [3]
If you're new, West Buttermilk is the place to go. It has long, easy tracks that let you work on lasting longer and bettering your skill in a slow, easy way [3]. When you feel ready for more, the mountain has 39% more hard paths that help you grow [4].
Ski School Good
Buttermilk's ski school is top-notch, giving a quiet and less packed space that's great for new learners. Zones just for new skiers and tools like the Panda Peak lift and Magic Carpet lift help make your first try smooth and easy [3][5].
"Start your day at the Panda Peak lift for the smoothest ride, and don't forget to visit the Cliffhouse Lodge for some stunning views after your lesson!" – Jenny, Ski Instructor, Aspen Snowmass [5]
For families, the Hideout Children's Center has fun and safe learning programs for kids. Parents will love it for their young ones. And, Snowfeet products, unlike old-style skis from brands like Head or Elan, let new users have fun right away without having to learn hard moves first.
Getting There
It's simple to get to Buttermilk. Just 3 miles from Aspen, this spot is reached by a free shuttle and the RFTA bus, which links all four Aspen Snowmass mountains [6][7]. For those who fly in, Aspen/Pitkin County Airport is just 4 miles from the city center. And if you are driving from Denver, it's around a 3.5 hours drive [8].
Extra Help
The base area at Buttermilk, which has been recently fixed up, makes it easy to plan your visit. In the Guest Services, you can get lessons, rent gear, and buy lift tickets all in one spot [2]. The famous Cliffhouse Lodge has amazing views of the mountains and is a good place to relax [5]. Also, parking is easy and doesn't cost too much [6].
These helps, plus the simple use of Snowfeet skis, make a visit here fun and free from stress. First-timers can enjoy themselves and learn the basics without tough ski gear, making Buttermilk a top pick for new skiers.
2. Purgatory Resort, Colorado
Purgatory Resort is the top pick for new skiers in North America for the 2024–2025 time, so says OnTheSnow.com's Visitors' Choice Awards [10]. Placed in the southwest of Colorado, this spot gives a warm, easy-going feel that’s not like the busy feel of big resorts. It has lots of snow and a good drop from top to bottom, making it a great place for new skiers to learn in a place great for families [11][12].
If you plan to go to Purgatory, think about taking Snowfeet Mini Ski Skates or Skiskates. These are short, simple to use and good for easy hills and flat lands, unlike long skis from makers like Rossignol or Atomic. For new skiers, this type of gear can help a lot in feeling sure and having a good time.
New Ski Area
A huge 22% of Purgatory's paths are made for new skiers, so it’s a top pick if you're just starting. The green paths cover the whole 2,029-foot drop, so new ones can go from the top to the bottom of the hill. Both the front and the back of the resort have green runs, and there’s a special area to learn right under the main village [9][12].
If you find long skis from brands like Head or Elan hard on flat areas, Snowfeet's small size gives you better control and is easy to move. To start skiing, new skiers might like to stay near the Twilight lift area on the lower hill, where the green runs are easier and less scary [9].
Ski School Good Points
Purgatory's ski school is well-loved for its top teaching and many programs. One key thing they offer is the "Free Beginner Experience", where first-time guests get a free 45-minute opening class (but you need to buy lift tickets and rentals on your own) [10]. Here’s what one visitor thought:
"Would recommend. Short lift lines. We had a great time. I learned to ski here and picked it up in about an hour due to the great instructors. Very good for intermediate skiers." – Aiden [10]
Apart from group classes, the place also gives one-on-one times and long-term plans. Families will like the GPS-based Flaik system. This lets them watch their kids in class - a nice way for parents to feel calm [13].
Ease of Reach
Purgatory is a bit far out when compared to other spots in Colorado. But getting there is still easy. You can pay for shuttles and charter rides to help make the trip smooth [15]. In the warm months, there are no-cost shuttles every day from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. They link Twilight Lake and Village Arrival court [15]. This ease of reach helps new people to the sport.
Help for Guests
Purgatory's main facilities are made with new skiers and families in mind. Guests can book classes and gear online. They can also get updates with the Purgatory App [15][16]. Places to stay vary from small studios to big 5-room homes. Many have ski-ready doors, warm pools, hot tubs, and full kitchens [14]. As one guest said:
"This has been our best family vacation! It's a family friendly environment and the staff have treated us so good. The kids enjoyed everything about the snow." – Lauren [10]
Extra perks add free WiFi, free parking, and no-cost lift passes for kids 12 and under, which can help families save a lot [9]. With the easy use of Snowfeet gear, these perks make a fun and stress-free start to skiing.
3. Whistler Blackcomb, British Columbia
Whistler Blackcomb, in British Columbia, is a huge 8,100-acre area. It is great for ski fans of all levels. 55% of its ski paths are easy, marked green and blue - a top spot for new skiers to learn.
The resort has been noted as one of the best in North America. It's a top choice for first-time skiers who want a great mountain trip.
For new skiers, gear like Snowfeet's small skis can help a lot. They let you move easier than big skis, like those from Rossignol or Atomic. They are good for learning how to ski.
Space for New Skiers
Whistler Blackcomb is great for new skiers. Each mountain has areas for new skiers with easy lifts and slopes like the Magic Chair on Blackcomb and Olympic Station on Whistler Mountain. These spots help new skiers move from practice to harder paths. New skiers can buy a special ticket for $40 for adults and $20 for kids to learn.
Want to get better? The Easy Out run on Blackcomb Mountain is a gentle slope great for practice. On Whistler Mountain, the big Ego Bowl in the "Family Zone" helps new skiers move to tougher spots. Snowfeet's light and small design is also a big help here. It lets learners turn faster and feel steadier.
These kind moves, along with Snowfeet's design, make a good spot for learners to get better skills and trust before trying harder runs.
Ski School Level
The Ski School at Whistler Blackcomb is famous in North America. It has trained teachers to help new skiers. Group lessons start at about $69, and one-on-one lessons are also open. The school also gives a "Green Run Guarantee".
A Reddit user, Isophetry, wrote about their time in January 2025. They learned a lot in just two days of lessons, going from a Level 2 "comfy novice" to a Level 4 "new intermediate."
Easy to Get Around
Whistler Blackcomb is set up well for new skiers, with easy-to-use lifts and simple paths. The resort's My Epic app gives real-time info on lift lines, weather, maps, and more to help plan your day.
The lift to Creekside’s easy runs shows how the resort puts new skiers first. As Leslie Glaysher, a ski teacher and head coach, explains:
"Beginners can't just go right to the top of the mountain without a lesson and hope to point themselves downwards. There's a big difference between being in the beginner zones and being able to ski at the top of the mountain on green runs." [17]
This smart setup, with tools like the app, helps new skiers learn and have fun on the slopes.
Helpful Features
Whistler Blackcomb has many things that make it easy for new skiers. You can find different places to eat and special starter kits, so you have all you need to begin. Renting gear is simple, and picking Snowfeet’s light gear means less tiredness and more control.
The "Never Ever Days" event is great for adults 19 and over. For only $25 CAD, it offers a full day class, a lift pass for the learning spots, and gear rentals [20].
If you're staying longer, the 10-Day EDGE Card lets you ski as low as $86 CAD per day. The place also covers all your needs like staying, lessons, gear, and rides to make your trip easy [21][18][19]. Snowfeet’s easy-to-use design blends well here, helping new skiers feel sure and enjoy the slopes.
4. Park City Mountain Resort, Utah
Park City Mountain Resort in Utah is the top big ski spot with lifts in the U.S., taking up a huge 7,300 acres. With 300 paths and over 25 easy green trails, it's perfect for new skiers. This resort gets an average of 355 inches of snow each year and has 41 ski lifts, so it's a solid pick for all skill levels. Newbies have a lot of ground to try out, with special spots on lower and mid parts of the mountain, giving a mix of easy slopes.
Snowfeet’s small skiblades work well with Park City’s easy ground, giving you more control and less tiredness than long skis from brands like Head or Elan.
Beginner Terrain
High Meadow Park is made for new skiers, set high up for a safe and focused space to learn. Once they feel good, they can try longer green paths all over the mountain. Unlike places like Vail, where easy parts are often just on low mountain paths, Park City spreads its easy spots out, making them easy to get to and fun. Snowfeet’s light build helps newbies make quick, easy turns, without struggling with big, heavy skis.
Ski School Quality
Park City’s Ski and Snowboard School is all about making new skiers good fast. Their special "Green Run Guarantee" means that first timers or those in beginner classes will manage a green run by their third class - or they get another class free. Group classes offer a fun, kind vibe, while private family classes (for up to six) and age-based classes meet all sorts of needs. For kids, deals like the Epic SchoolKids Utah Pack give free first-go packs when booked ahead. Epic Pass users also get a 20% off on group classes, making learning cheaper. This kind of teaching helps new skiers feel sure and have a smooth start.
Accessibility
The resort has two main parts linked by an easy shuttle service, making it simple to get around. Even though the lifts aren't as new as some others, they’re still good and handle the big mountain well. To best use your day, get there early for gear rentals and sign-up. With 7,300 acres to see, beginners with Snowfeet’s easy-to-move skiblades can move from learning spots to longer green paths as they get better.
Supportive Amenities
Park City does a lot to help new skiers with its rental service and places to eat. Offers like Epic SchoolKids make skiing easy for families by giving free first-go packs for kids. Lesson bundles that come with gear rentals and lift passes make planning easy, so you can just have fun. Snowfeet’s build also cuts down on tiredness, letting new skiers have more fun for longer on the slopes.
Park City Mountain Resort is a great pick for new skiers. It has wide easy runs, the best teaching, and nice extras. It is a top place for anyone to build trust and grow their ski skills in a friendly place.
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5. Beaver Creek, Colorado
Beaver Creek is a dream spot for new skiers, with 1,832 acres where about 20% are easy runs, 24 lifts, and over 300 inches of snow each year. The smooth, well-kept paths are easy to move on, more so with Snowfeet's gear, which is simpler to use than big skis from brands like Rossignol or Atomic. This place brings together easy slopes and gear that help make learning to ski way easier.
Easy Slopes
McCoy Park stands out for rookies, with 250 acres just for learning, served by lifts. It has 17 paths you can reach by two quad lifts. Open since the 2021–22 season, this spot gives new skiers a feel of tougher runs to try what the mountain offers. Red Buffalo Park adds 200 more acres of kid-friendly slopes with great mountain views. Also, the Signature Parks Collection has three parks that help skiers build their skills step by step.
Ski School Quality
The kids' Ski and Snowboard School at Beaver Creek is first-rate, with group or one-on-one lessons available. Their "Green Run Guarantee" boosts confidence - kids will master an easy run by their third try, or they get another lesson free. For adults, the First Time 3-for-2 Series offers three lessons for the cost of two, even comes with video tips to sharpen skills and cut-price lift tickets for group lessons.
Easy to Get Around
Moving around Beaver Creek is simple with the free shuttle linking Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch, and Arrowhead Village. You can see shuttle spots in real time on the Village Connect app. The main area for new skiers is right above Beaver Creek Village. For those who want to try higher grounds, the Drink of Water Chairlift makes it easy to reach tougher areas as you get more sure.
Supportive Amenities
Beaver Creek adds extra touches to make your visit great. There's free Wi-Fi, daily "Cookie Time" in the village (yes, free cookies!), and kid care at the Children's Center. Top-notch snow-making gear makes sure the snow is always good, and lessons tailored for any skill level are on offer. No shock Beaver Creek has won the National Ski Area Association's Best Overall Safety Awards.
Looking at Ski Places: Good and Bad
If you want to find the best ski place for new skiers, each spot has good sides and bad sides. Let's look at them:
| Resort | Beginner Terrain | Ski School Quality | Accessibility | Key Amenities | Main Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Buttermilk, Aspen | Soft, wide slopes great for new skiers | Top-notch programs to get better | Easy to get to in the area | Chill mood | High cost to stay and not much for pros |
| Purgatory, Colorado | Smooth slopes good for learners - top pick for newbies | Free program for first-timers | The spot is out of the way | Fun for families | Not many extra perks |
| Whistler Blackcomb | Various types, including zones for new skiers | Best-in-class coaching | Good for travelers from far | Busy area with lots of slope choices | Needs a passport and costs more |
| Park City, Utah | Slopes link up for learners | Famous for its "Green Run Guarantee" | Near Salt Lake City Airport | Old town feel and simple to get to | Full at busy times |
| Beaver Creek, Colorado | Zones just for beginners with a fancy feel | High-end, one-on-one coaching | Simple links within the local area | Top-notch perks and fancy feel | Costs more, may be too much for some |
Every place has its own taste, and newbies have a lot of picks based on what they seek.
Why Purgatory is Special
Purgatory, in Colorado, is seen as the best spot for new skiers. In fact, users on OnTheSnow.com named it the #1 ski place for starters in 2025. With its no-cost start program and good slopes, Purgatory makes ski learning easy. One guest, Aiden, told his story:
"I learned to ski here and picked it up in about an hour due to the great instructors. Very good for intermediate skiers." [1]
More Good Picks
- Buttermilk, Aspen: Buttermilk is easy-going and great for those just starting. Yet, staying here might be costly for families.
- Park City, Utah: It's all about ease here. A quick ride from Salt Lake City Airport takes you to Park City with programs like the "Green Run Guarantee." But it can get crowded when lots of people visit.
- Whistler Blackcomb: There's a lot of easy land for new skiers and a fun village vibe at Whistler. But, watch out for border delays and higher costs.
- Beaver Creek, Colorado: If you like fancy, this place has it. Great beginner spots and top-notch lessons stand out. Still, it can be pricey and too posh for some.
Note on Gear
Good gear helps a lot. Long skis from big brands can be hard for new skiers. Snowfeet’s small skis help. They're short and easier to use, boosting new skiers' trust in themselves quick. It’s like a fast way to get good at skiing.
Weather and Prices
Weather and prices change with each spot. Places like Purgatory and Beaver Creek in Colorado get lots of snow. Whistler has trickier weather (but they make snow). If saving money matters, Purgatory does well. For a fancier feel, try Aspen or Beaver Creek. Park City and Whistler are good for both ease and quality.
Choose where to go and pick gear fit for first-timers, like Snowfeet’s small skis, to smooth out your first ski trip and add some fun.
End Thoughts
Choosing a good ski spot for starters in North America can be simple. There are places for all budgets, skills, and moods.
Look at Purgatory Resort in Colorado, for instance. It’s top-rated by guests on OnTheSnow.com and has a 45-minute Free Beginner Lesson [10]. With easy runs, good instructors, and low costs, it’s an ideal place to start skiing without spending too much.
If you want more choices and a fun town feel, Park City Mountain Resort is a good pick, great for families and groups too. Buttermilk at Aspen Snowmass is also nice with its easy slopes and friendly vibe, perfect for newcomers. For a bit of fancy with a family touch, Beaver Creek stands out.
Sure, the right gear is key to enjoying skiing. Skip the old, big skis from names like Rossignol, Atomic, or Head. Try Snowfeet’s short skis instead. They are light, easy to carry, and help beginners get better faster.
No matter which place you go, using Snowfeet’s short skis can make your first ski trip fun, easy, and help you feel sure.
FAQs
Why Choose Purgatory Resort if You're New to Skiing in 2025?
Purgatory Resort: The Top Spot for New Skiers in 2025
Purgatory Resort is the place to go for new skiers in 2025, with great programs and easy setups. Here, learning to ski is simple and fun with top-notch lessons that go all day - food too. So, you can learn without the worry of finding food.
In the morning, newbies meet at The Bear’s Den. This spot is made to cut stress as you begin your ski day. It's set up to make you feel welcome right away.
Safety is key here too. Kids 12 and under must wear helmets, and getting rental gear is easy. With soft slopes and a chill feel, it's the best place to get better at skiing this year.
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