Where's a good cheap place for skiing - total beginners?!?

Question

Me and my boyfriend are thinking of going skiing within the next few months. We're total beginners, never been skiing or ice skating or anything like that before. Where would be a good cheap place to learn for a holiday in Europe? I have visions of me being too scared to get off the ski lift and ending up going round on it all day... lol. Also any top tips for learning to ski? Thanks :D

Answer 1

Hi, I learnt to ski in Bulgaria, which was fantastic, but not too daunting. The bigger resorts in Europe are pointless wasting money on as a beginner as you will buy an expensive lift pass and only use a tiny proportion of the resort. Also much easier to get lost in bigger resorts, trust me.

In Zermatt I got out of a cable car into a blizzard and my aim was to get lower asap as I couldn't see. I took a wrong turn and ended up in a lovely resort in Italy! unfortunately I had no valid lift pass, no passport, no local currency and no idea what to do. Luckily some nice lift attendants put me back on a cable car and radioed through to the next one and he did the same, after about 4 or 5 lifts I was back in Switzerland!

So... I would recommend a smaller resort! Borovets in Bulgaria is great with good ski school and cheap champagne and everything.

Next week I'm going to Romania, Poina Brasov, very near Bran (dracula's) castle. I haven't been to a small resort for years but my boyfriend is just learning to ski so we thought it would be a good idea. They have won awards for their ski school, but I won't know till next week how good they are. There's apparently a fantastic black run for me there (wolf) so I'll be up and down there while my boyfriend's learning. Hopefully he'll join me on it by the end of the week!

As you and your boyfriend are both beginners it will be lovely to be in a class together, hopefully you'll encorage each other.

Quite often there's a few couples in the groups.

Answer 2

The chairlift really is not as bad as many people think.  I went skiing for the first time alone, and I asked a stranger how to do the chairlift.  He showed me and it was really easy!  Some places have beginner passes.  I know all Michigan ski resorts do, but you are looking in Europe.  Calling the restorts and asking would be your best bet.

Answer 3

You can't get stuck on the chair, the lift attendants will stop it.  When you get to the boarding area ask the lift attendants to slow the lift down for you so you will have an easier time, good lift attendants will also assist you.  Then ask them if it is possible for them to notify the attendants at the top to slow or stop the lift for you up there so unloading is easier for you as well.  For beginners most areas have designated beginner areas with their own lifts - sometimes it is a magic carpet (moving sidewalk) type lift that is very easy to use.  Even if it is a chairlift in the beginner area at least it will be mostly other beginners using it with you.

Answer 4

Well, going to Europe to ski is not what I would call cheap, however, it all depends upon where in Europe you plan to go.  In Germany, Garmisch-Partenkirchen is really a nice area.  A variety of ability levels not too expensive, and you can try the Zugzpitz.  In Switzerland, I really liked Andermat however may not be the best for a beginner.  Engelberger would be more of a place for a beginner as there is all kinds places to see when not skiing.  It also has a cool Gondola that turns as it goes up the mountain providing a cool view of the entire area.  Personally I am not a big fan of Austria (beautiful place but skiing was just ok).  I have never skied in Itally or France so cannot comment on them.