Choosing a Ski Resort in Europe - First Time Skier- Skiing Holiday Advice, Tips and Guides

Tour operator brochures and websites are well laid out enough to give you all the information you need to make your Ski holiday choice.

Decide on what you are looking for in your holiday are you looking for family friendly, nightlife, choice of ski runs, or other factors. One of the main ones for us is length of airport transfer, don't overlook that, and also the convenience of the flight times.

For your first trip the size of the resort is not too important while you are learning, but for the intermediate skier you will be looking for a larger ski area. A resort with plenty of Green and Blue runs is good for beginners, though almost all will have areas suited to the beginner where the Ski Schools operate.

Take a look at how far the lifts or Ski School meeting points are from your hotel, you will not want to walk too far in Ski Boots or carry your equipment a long way, particularly if you end up carrying your Children's Skis for them as well.

If the lifts are not nearby look for how far away the Ski bus service is, and how regularly it runs, these are normally free and regular services, but do check.

Look at Ski School prices, some countries are better value, and another important factor is the cost of the lift pass. As you will not need a vast area for your first trip some of the smaller resorts may suit.

For those on a budget and skiing for the first time, I would certainly recommend  Bulgaria, excellent value, and long ski school lessons.

We have taken many  Ski holidays in France and it continues to be a favourite. Tuition is good, and the children have enjoyed the Ski Schools from Kindergarten to advanced Gold Star lessons.

For a high standard for hotels and noticably superior mountain cafes, with toilets the standard of posh London hotels we love Skiing in Austria. A particular favourite are the good quality chairlifts, often with heated seats, a definite bonus in January! Also good ski lockers near the lifts where it is handy to store your equipment to save carrying it.

Italy is also a high standard and the Hotel food in the Crystal Ski - All Inclusive Ski Holidays, I cannot recommend highly enough.