The 5 best resorts to learn to snowboard

Arinsal in Andorra isn’t the best-known resort – but that’s nothing but a bonus for beginners. Learn to snowboard on wide, quiet slopes with more than enough room to try those first nerve-wracking turns. The Comallempla ski area at the top of Arinsal’s main gondola has fantastic green slopes that are the exclusive domain of beginners.

Award-winning English-speaking instructors will have you up on your board in no time, and they’ll help you explore some of the 93km of gorgeous piste on offer. Over 50% of the piste is suitable for beginners, but as your confidence grows (and it will), neighbouring Pal offers some more challenging runs for you to really test your fresh snowboarding skills on.

Down in the resort, you’ll find tax-free retail therapy and a compact but lively après-ski scene to help you relax after your first few wobbly days on the slopes. And if you fancy a day off the slopes, why not head to Andorra’s capital, Andorra la Vella? Just 20 minutes away by bus, you’ll be kicking back in the largest thermal spa in Europe in no time.

Complete novices should choose gentle green runs, and Alpe d’Huez has more than enough to choose from. Many are situated immediately above the resort for the ultimate in convenience, with plenty of variety to be found higher up the slopes. A whopping 61% of the 114 runs here are marked green or blue (slightly harder than green but still very learner friendly).

You’ll find a choice of excellent English-speaking snowboard schools to show you the ropes, and budding freestyle riders can get an early taste of rails and kickers in the beginner-friendly snow park.

Alpe d’Huez is known for its fun-loving atmosphere, so you can expect a great choice of activities away from the slopes. Whether it’s dancing on the tables in the famous Folie Douce bar or speeding down the dedicated toboggan run, there’s very little chance of getting bored.

Mayrhofen is one of the best places for beginners to snowboard in Austria. Set in the heart of the Tyrol, it combines stunning views with gentle snow-sure slopes that are made for snowboarding. The resort’s Hintertux Glacier provides year-round piste, but the winter season opens up many more possibilities, like the massive 45km of novice piste in the local ski area. 

The most popular nursery slopes can be found at the top of the main cable car on sunny Penken mountain, but the Ahorn ski area is also a good bet and can be a bit quieter. Once you’ve found your feet, head to the exhilarating Burton Snow Park to have a go at the beginner tables and rails there - it’s (almost) never too early to try your hand at some freestyle fun! Some of Austria’s top riders hang out here, so it’s a great place to get inspired.

Mayrhofen’s buzzing après-ski scene is yet another reason why this pretty resort is fast becoming a snowboarding mecca. From cosy bars to thumping dance clubs, this is the ideal place to learn and let your hair down.

A firm favourite of ours, Livigno offers beautiful, beginner slopes and the chance to sample some of Italy’s famous off-piste powder (with a qualified guide or instructor, of course). The Carosello ski area is the place to go for the best nursery slopes. The huge Mottolino Snow Park has some fun beginner lines and over 60 obstacles to try, while the snowboard schools in Livigno are known for being super friendly with small classes and high-quality tuition.

Children will love the designated family slopes and the Yepi Children’s Course – named after the resort’s loveable mascot – with its inflatable music tunnel, mini obstacles and jumps. There’s plenty to keep them happy down in the resort as well, with fun husky rides, ice skating and a few scoops of delicious gelato on offer. The après-ski gets as lively as you want it but there’s always a lovely warm family atmosphere to this picturesque destination.

The postcard-perfect villages of Saalbach and Hinterglemm are a hit with novice riders, thanks to their beautifully-kept tree-lined slopes and top-class snowboard schools. Almost 50% of the 270km ski area is suitable for beginners, so you can really get your snowboard into some exploring once you’ve picked up the basics.

The high-speed lifts and varied intermediate runs make this a solid choice for mixed-ability groups – or fast learners! Both resorts are home to superb English-speaking snowboard schools, with fun snow playgrounds on hand for children.

Down in the villages themselves, you’ll find chilled out vibes in Hinterglemm and a party crowd in larger, livelier Saalbach, meaning there’s something for everyone. Legs needing a break from your board? No problem. Get stuck into everything from snow tubing to curling. In Saalbach and Hinterglemm, you’ve got the complete package.