The best ski resorts for beginners. Ski resorts in Russia

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The serious attitude of the Italian authorities towards tourism already predetermines not only good tourism, but also in the mountains.

Excellent living conditions, a high level of service and stunning views make Italian ski resorts one of the best, and therefore most popular, in the world.

If you prefer low prices, excellent food and a unique atmosphere over luxury and comfort, then the ski resorts in Italy are made for you. Here, unlike similar recreation centers in France, Switzerland and Austria, the organizers and animators place the main emphasis on the festive mood and all kinds of entertainment events, and leave sports and physical activity in the background.

Another pleasant advantage of Italian ski resorts is the relatively low prices that are significantly lower than those established in other European countries. Forget about Eastern Europe and even about Andorra: for a small amount of money spent on purchasing a ticket to an Italian resort, you will get a lot of impressions and pleasant memories. The stunningly beautiful landscapes will not leave anyone indifferent. You can choose exactly the ski area that you think suits you best. And there is plenty to choose from: 12 zones that cover areas of thousands of kilometers.

We have selected ten best ski resorts in Italy, which are worth your attention, and also calculated the approximate cost of a vacation on each of them.

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Corvara in Badia for the experienced

(Corvara in Badia) is a small lively village, mainly aimed at couples. It is located right at the intersection of two ski slopes for experienced athletes. Through the Alta Badia area you can easily reach the Sella Ronda area, where there are many slopes for both beginners and advanced skiers. Here you can also find many cozy restaurants where you can have a snack after a breathtaking descent. It is also worth saying that in Corvara you can see some of the most beautiful sunsets : As the sun sets, the slopes of the Dolomites turn different shades of red, creating an indescribable play of colors. The landscapes around you are so amazing that you completely forget to look at your feet.

There are several luxury hotels in this cluster. The four-star La Perla Hotel in Corvara invites tourists to enjoy not only skiing or snowboarding, but also wonderful service and dishes from a local chef. Another four-star hotel, Posta Zirm, has gained popularity due to its excellent restaurant and luxurious spa.

In San Cassiano there is another hotel, the five-star Rosa Alpina. Each room will offer you a unique design. The hotel has two upscale restaurants with two Michelin stars.

Where to stay
The three-star La Plaza Hotel in Kovara is an excellent choice for those looking for a homely atmosphere away from home. In addition, you can use the services of a small spa center here. A week's stay at this hotel will cost you approximately 1,160 euros.
Other options
Hotel Kronplatz in South Tyrol (Sudtirol) with easy access to any of the nearby red and blue slopes.
The resort area of ​​La Thuile in Aosta offers its guests the use of red and blue slopes that are connected to the slopes French resort La Rosière www. larosiere.net/ for even more breathtaking slopes.
Key Facts

• The height of the descents ranges from 1005 to 3270 meters;
• The slopes are 433 kilometers long, 38% blue, 53% red, 3% black;
• Snow coverage 90%.

Alagna-Valsesia for professionals

The picturesque village of Alagna Valsesia with stone church and small farm buildings are located in the huge Monterosa ski area. The nearby slopes are sure to please professional skiers and snowboarders: exciting slopes with many challenging challenges will not let anyone get bored. This place is not suitable for those who have only recently learned or are still learning to ski. This is also not a place for amateurs nightlife: the lights go out here almost immediately after dinner. If you are planning a large-scale rental for tomorrow, then you just need to get a good night's sleep.

There are only 15 kilometers of downhill in Alanya, but the village is connected to the nearby resorts of Gressoney and Champoluc, which offer tourists tens of kilometers of downhill. The village itself is located at an altitude of 1212 meters, but fast cable cars take you to the peaks at 3275 meters, from where stunning views open up.
Where to stay
Agriturismo Alagna is a beautifully restored old farmhouse located near the main funicular. The owners of the mini-hotel always warmly welcome guests, offering them comfortable rooms with wooden and stone decoration. One night and breakfast in this place will cost about 80-100 euros for two.
Other options
The town of Arabba is located in the Sella Ronda ski area, but this is the best place to start exploring the most amazing slopes. Not only do these have some of the steepest slopes in all of the Dolomites, but they also offer some of the most beautiful views in Italy.
Key Facts

• The resort is located at an altitude of 1200 meters;
• The slopes are 73 kilometers long, 17% blue, 72% red, 11% black;
• Snow coverage 97%.

You can check the current condition of the trails on the official website: www.visitmonterosa.com

Breuil-Cervinia for lovers of a safe holiday

(Breuil-Cervinia) – this resort, located at a great height, boasts the driest snow, which lies here from December to May. Cervinia offers tourists more than 150 kilometers of descent.

Cable cars connect this resort with the International Descent, the total length of which is 360 kilometers.
It is worth admitting that Cervinia is far from the most beautiful Italian resort: there are often ugly buildings that spoil the whole view. However, this place has no equal when it comes to sports entertainment. Numerous races of skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels are constantly held here. Sometimes it seems that people are skating here without stopping for lunch and sleep. In Cervinia there is the famous red descent of Ventina with a height of 4000 meters.
Where to stay
You will encounter the true hospitality of the mountain residents if you go on vacation to the four-star Bucaneve Hotel. The staff here wears traditional costumes, and each room exudes antiquity. Another advantage of this hotel, of course, is its location: the nearest ski lift can be reached in less than 5 minutes. A week's stay here will cost approximately 1,160 euros.
Other options
Cozy cities(Livigno) and Passo del Tonale (Passo del Tonale).
Key facts:

• The resort is located at an altitude of 2050 meters;
• The height of the descents ranges from 1525 to 3480 meters;
• 160 kilometers of slopes, 30% blue, 59% red, 11% black;
• Snow coverage 50%.

Cortina d'Ampezzo for romantics

The city of Cortina d'Ampezzo lies surrounded by mountains and on one of them, as well as in a chain of churches built many centuries ago. Despite remaining occupied by foreign invaders for centuries, including the Austrians and Americans in 1945, the city has managed to maintain its unique atmosphere, which continues to this day in every corner. While residents of neighboring cities speak in and German languages, the Cortinians prefer to communicate in the ancient Ladin language.

In Cortina you will find many slopes for skiers and snowboarders of different skill levels. All of them are divided into several zones, between which a bus runs. In the village itself, despite the fact that it is the center of the resort, all life does not revolve around mountains, snow, skis and snowboards. The main pedestrian street, Corso Italia, is home to numerous fashion designer boutiques and antique shops.

As dusk falls, Cortina comes alive. On the streets of the city there is almost a real parade of fur coats and other fur products, and closer to night, all owners of insulating clothing move to nearby bars and restaurants, where they discuss their day over a glass of fine wine.
In 1956, Cortina hosted the Winter Olympic Games, so there is no doubt about the quality of the slopes and equipment. However, in last years Resort authorities do not deny the fact that Cortina's funding has dropped significantly. But this does not bother the residents of Rome and Milan, who invariably go here to ski.
Where to stay
The four-star Ancora Hotel, with its stunning interior, has been attracting tourists for four decades thanks to its very convenient location. In addition, there is the most amazing restaurant in the area. Seven days in one of Ancora's rooms will cost you approximately 1,120 euros.
Other options
The market town of Ortisei is surrounded by stunning peaks. The local slopes require a leisurely descent, during which you can enjoy the beauty of the mountains. The small, quiet village of San Cassiano, located on three plains, has a unique atmosphere.
Key Facts

• The height of the descents ranges from 1225 to 2930 meters;
• 115 kilometers long slopes, 50% blue, 35% red, 15% black;
• Snow coverage 50%.

Sous d'Oulx for party lovers

Since the beginning of the 1970-80s of the last century (Sauze d’Oulx) had the reputation of a ski resort where parties play a bigger role than sports. You wouldn't see a soul on the downhill slopes in this area before noon. The charming village has gone through several global changes, but, fortunately, has not lost its special “party” atmosphere. In the city center, houses from the last century have been pushed aside by modern buildings in the Art Nouveau style. It is here that life in Sauze d'Oul is in full swing. The more you move away from the central streets, the more silence envelops you.

But despite all this, Sauze d'Oulse boasts some of the best slopes in Italy. They extend all the way to the resorts of Sansicario, Sestriere and the French town of Montegenevre. The total length of the slopes is about 400 kilometers, which are served by 66 ski lifts.
At the intersection of these numerous slopes there is a whole scattering of restaurants, hotels and other entertainment establishments. You don't have to be a fortune to dine here - prices in this area are very reasonable. Many bars often have live music, so you can enjoy a glass of wine and the stunning scenery outside to the sounds of light jazz.
Where to stay
It is worth noting that most hotels in Sauze d'Oulse do not deserve special attention, but the three-star Chalet Faure & Spa is still worth highlighting - an old house, converted into an excellent hotel with a spa and its own wine bar. A week's stay in one of the rooms will cost you from 770 euros.
Other options
The villages (Madonna di Campiglio) and Cortina d'Amprezzo in the Dolomites offer their guests a richer and more vibrant nightlife.
Key Facts

• The resort is located at an altitude of 1510 meters;
• The height of the descents ranges from 1390 to 2825 meters;
• 400 kilometers of slopes, 25% blue, 55% red, 20% black;
• Snow coverage 60%.

Champoluc for a holiday with family and children

mountain range Monterosa is not as popular as it deserves. The cute village (Champoluc) has a typical Italian atmosphere: stunning scenery, cozy bars and cafes, no queues both in shops and on the road. Moreover, there is a wonderful English ski school where the instructors speak several languages. These are highly qualified specialists from Italy and England, ready to teach everyone from young (from 4 years old) to old.

A special advantage of this resort is the childcare service. As a rule, Italians go on vacation with their whole family, leaving not only their children but also their parents at home, so there is always someone to look after the younger generation. However, if you decide to relax only with your children and give your parents the opportunity to take a break from you in their homeland, then you should definitely take care of your kids’ leisure time. And the Italian ski school Scuola Sci Champoluc will do it for you.

Where to stay
The four-star Relais des Glaciers boasts an excellent spa and a great location, just a seven-minute walk from the village's main square. The friendly staff will be happy to help you and will also provide you and your children with delicious food. A week's holiday here will cost you about 1000 euros.
Other options
Gressoney and Selva also provide childcare services
Key Facts

• The resort is located at an altitude of 1570 meters;
• The height of the descents ranges from 1200 to 3275 meters;
• The slopes are 73 kilometers long, 17% blue, 72% red, 11% black;
• Snow coverage 97%.

Livigno for lovers of silence

(Livigno) is one of the most remote ski resorts in Europe. The road here from Innsbruck to best case scenario will be three hours. And we’re not even talking about Italian airports, located even further away. However, the long journey to Livigno is worth it due to the well-equipped pistes, low prices and safe snow cover.
The village is located 10 kilometers from a mountain road that ends at the foot of a 1816-meter mountain called Little Tibet, located near the border with Switzerland. Numerous slopes start here, offering stunning views. Every year new ski lifts and slopes appear in Livigno, and new hotels open. Today, trails of medium difficulty predominate here.
It is also worth noting that in December a traditional ski marathon (35 kilometers) takes place in Livigno.
In addition to the numerous advantages of this resort, it is worth highlighting the fact that it is duty free. It seems that prices have frozen at the level of Napoleon times. A bottle of milk is often harder to find here than a case of whiskey.

Courmayeur for a weekend

Of course, when choosing a resort to visit for the weekend, it is of great importance to have an airport nearby, from where you can easily and quickly get there. (Courmayeur) is a two hour drive to and from Geneva. This traditional mountain village is located right on the slope of Mont Blanc.

Typically, Italians flock to Courmayeur late Friday afternoon. They leisurely stroll along the pedestrian street Via Roma, where there are a huge number of designer boutiques and cozy cocktail bars. Contrary to the general trend, in the morning there are not so many people wanting to ride on the slopes: everyone is sleeping off after a great Friday and Saturday evening.
Where to stay
The three-star Bouton d’Or provides its clients with spacious rooms, ample parking, and also boasts a good location: there are a lot of restaurants near the hotel to suit every taste. The cost for a week's stay in this place is about 840 euros.
Other options
The lively towns of Sauze d'Olux and nearby Sestriere will not disappoint your expectations: the service-location-price ratio is more than optimal.
Key Facts

• The resort is located at an altitude of 1225 meters;
• The height of the descents ranges from 1210 to 2755 meters;
• The slopes are 36 kilometers long, 27% blue, 59% red, 14% black;
• Snow coverage 70%.

We are in love with Italy from the first time and for life. Happy to share useful tips and inspire you to travel to the most beautiful country in the world. We are waiting for everyone to fall in love with Italy with us at ours in Rome, Naples, Florence, Venice, Genoa, Bologna, Parma, Milan, Tuscany, as well as in Sicily and Sardinia.

Agree, it’s a shame to waste precious time in the mountains learning the first skiing skills. alpine skiing or snowboarding! Of course, it’s very beautiful in the mountains, you’re on vacation, but it’s better to master the simplest movements in advance. And just spending time on the slopes in the evening or on weekends is also great. Therefore, we will tell you where this can be done in Moscow or near it.

Within the Moscow Ring Road there are several slopes equipped with lifts. Of course, first of all, it makes sense to go to the slope closest to home: you will spend a minimum of time on the road, and if it’s good there, then why not spend time there?

Leonid Tyagachev Ski Club

Resort website: shukolovo.ru

Address: Dmitrovsky district, Shukolovo village, 40 km from MKAD

How to get there. At the 39th km from the Moscow Ring Road along the Dmitrovskoye Highway in the area of ​​the village of Shukolovo, turn left from the Dmitrovskoye Highway to the destination Leonid Tyagachev Ski Club.

You can also take a train from Savelovsky station to Tourist station, take a taxi there and drive 3 kilometers to the club.

Located in the north of the region near the Tourist station on Savelovskaya railway. Members of the Russian ski team traditionally train on the local slopes. The local Olympic reserve sports school, which has existed since the 60s of the last century, is also well known for its graduates.

All trails on the club’s territory are perfectly prepared and equipped with a modern snowmaking system, which allows you to extend the winter season and not depend on the vagaries of the weather. With the arrival of negative temperatures, snow cannons begin their work and sprinkle artificial snow on the slopes. The trails usually open in December and are accessible until the end of March.

Evening skating © Vladimir Golovin

During the construction of the complex, the natural relief was increased in height, and the height difference here reaches 98 meters. The longest route is 600 meters long. A four-chair lift takes you to its highest point. Nearby there is a simpler training track with a rope tow. There is also a special slope for children, equipped with a baby lift. A separate slope is allocated for especially important persons. The club also has a tubing track and a 5-kilometer ski track. The Urban Park snowpark has several jumps, various rails, spikes and bonks.

The territory of the club is prepared for a comfortable stay © Vladimir Golovin

On the territory of the club there is a whole town for guests with cottages and a comfortable two-story hotel. The club has everything you need for a good rest: sauna, spa complex, bowling alley, billiards, karaoke bar. You can also go to the indoor tennis court or skating rink.

The two free car parks can accommodate several hundred cars, but they can also be crowded.

Lifehacks:

It is best to purchase a seasonal ski pass in advance - in the summer, then it will cost 15% less.

The club website has a web camera that broadcasts online the condition of the slopes.

From 19:00 on Sunday, weekday prices apply; lifts operate until 24:00 on weekdays, and until 02:00 on weekends.

Sports Park "Sorochany"

Resort website: sorochany.ru

Address: Dmitrovsky district, Kurovo village, 45 km from MKAD

How to get there. When traveling by car, 37 km from the Moscow Ring Road after the village of Iksha, you need to turn right (signpost to Yaroslavl, Sofrino, Noginsk) and drive across the bridge. Immediately after the bridge in front of the village of Podosinki, turn left. After 10 km, near the village of Ilyinskoye, turn left again. 2 kilometers from this turn is the Sorochany resort. You can leave your car in the parking lot (to the right of the resort) and go through the underground passage to the resort territory.

There is also a train from Savelovsky railway station to Yakhroma station. Next by bus (route No. 42) to the village of Kurovo.

The third option is bus No. 401 from the Altufyevo metro station to the bus station in the city of Dmitrov, then bus No. 42 to the village of Kurovo.

Today “Sorochany” is one of the largest and most crowded sports parks not only in the Dmitrovsky district, but also in the Moscow region. It is located surrounded by other ski centers - Volena, Yakhroma Park, Stepanovo, Leonid Tyagachev Club. The resort was built on the initiative of Leonid Sorochan and opened in 2002.

The location chosen for the resort is very picturesque - virgin nature and living modernity are harmoniously combined here. The half-artificial mountain turned out to be unique - its height is 225 meters above sea level, and the height difference reaches 90 meters. The mountain can be seen from the surrounding area several kilometers away, and it stands out even against the backdrop of the hills of the Klinsko-Dmitrovskaya ridge.

The resort is equipped with the latest ski technology. A unique artificial snowmaking system has been installed here, which allows you to extend the season until mid-April and maintain the operability of the slopes in case of insufficient snow cover and temperature fluctuations.

The trails are constantly leveled with the help of snowcats, and they are all well lit. High-speed lifts prevent large queues from forming, although on weekends it can be very crowded. There are 2 chairlifts - the Austrian double-chair Doppelmayr with a length of 1350 meters and the Italian four-chair Leither with a length of 390 meters. In the 2018/2019 season, a service called “Passing ski slope" You can practice on the slalom course and time your progress. Periodically, the latest skis are tested on the slopes of the resort.

Are you cold or hungry? You can have a snack and warm up at the Panorama cafe or Virazh. The Izbushka restaurant has a more serious menu: it offers dishes of Russian and European cuisine.

You can stay the next day and spend the night in one of the cottages located nearby. The cottages are two-story, ranging from 60 to 80 square meters.

For ice skating enthusiasts, there is an open-air skating rink. You can also visit the sports ground, play tennis or table tennis, go tubing, fly on an airplane or paraglider.

Of the minuses: car parking is paid and expensive.

Lifehacks:

The optimal time to visit Sorochan is a weekday evening. There are few people, the slopes are lit, and the lifts are open until at least midnight.

The rental point has a storage room where you can leave your ski equipment until your next visit.

Valid for older skiers special promotion 80+. According to it, veterans receive a ski pass with 8 thousand rubles in their account.

Sports and entertainment park "Yakhroma"

Resort website: ya-park.ru

Address: Dmitrovsky district, 45 km from MKAD

How to get there:

By car: along Dmitrovskoye Highway 45 km from the Moscow Ring Road, turn left at the sign, after Volen Park you need to drive another 2 kilometers.

By train: to Yakhroma station from Savyolovsky station, then by bus or taxi.

Yakhroma Park is open to all lovers of active winter holiday, and skiers and snowboarders are a priority here. A good skier may find the slopes here a bit boring, but they are ideal for beginners. Experienced instructors teach skiing techniques to beginners here. Quite quickly they begin to enjoy skiing or snowboarding.

There are four ski slopes in the park with well-prepared trails that vary in difficulty. The height difference is relatively small, 65 meters. Although the park cannot boast of long trails or unique elevation changes, it has everything you need for family vacation with children or in company. If you don't have necessary equipment, then you can rent it. Ski season usually begins in early December and continues until the end of March.

When it comes to choosing a place to eat or just sit in warm company, Yakhroma Park is ahead. At Giom’s Club Restaurant you can not only eat, but also dance. Large selection of Italian pizza at the Ya-Pasta restaurant. The best way to spend an evening in pleasant company is at Giom’s Café & Apres Ski bar, and enjoy excellent coffee at Giom’s VIP Lounge. For a more thorough and varied menu, go to the reputable Boyarsky restaurant. In the Troll grill house on a Finnish grill you can cook your favorite dishes yourself and have fun with the whole company.

Yakhroma Park offers its guests comfortable accommodation in hotels, hotels and cottages located on its territory, in close proximity to ski slopes, attractions, bars, restaurants and cafes. There is plenty to choose from: cozy rooms at the Nirvana Hotel or cottages of three levels of comfort - “Chalet”, “Extra” and “Lux”.

Lifehacks:

You can purchase a lift pass that is valid throughout the season.

For thrills without skis, go to the Tobogan track, the only one in the Moscow region.

Lovers water procedures and relaxation go to the Orange Aqua Center or the Medved Bath House.

On the territory of the park there is a testing ground where testing and/or training in extreme driving on cars of all classes, including sports cars, is provided.

Sports Park "Volen"

Resort website: volen.ru

Address: Dmitrovsky district, Yakhroma, 45 km from MKAD

How to get there. By car, drive along Dmitrovskoye Highway 45 km from the Moscow Ring Road, turn left following the sign.

The second option is an electric train from Savelovsky station to Yakhroma station. Then from the station to the Volen park you can take minibus No. 9 or bus No. 9 (terminal) or take a taxi.

Also departs from the Altufyevo metro station intercity bus Moscow - Dmitrov No. 401. You can use it to get to Lenin Street in Yakhroma.

The Volen Sports Park became one of the first “civilized” ski resorts in the Moscow region, equipped in the Alpine style. It opened in 1998. During its existence, Volen has experienced periods of ups and downs. Soon after its opening, competitors appeared around with a high level of offers and quality of slopes. And although Volen lags behind its neighbors in terms of the length of the slopes, which does not exceed 400 meters, the park management manages to find new solutions to attract skiers and snowboarders to its slopes. One of them is a prudent pricing policy. The park provides significant discounts for children and adults.

Fourteen trails are marked from blue to black. Height difference up to 65 meters. There is a training slope for beginner skiers and children.

The park's infrastructure is constantly developing. There are separate tracks for boardercross and tubing.

On the territory of the park there is a large free parking lot, a rental point with modern ski equipment, a shop, ski service, and storage rooms.

You can have a snack at the Extreme grill bar, Wasabi sushi bar, and Bugel-Vugel bistro. Restaurants "Mont Blanc" and "Trattoria" offer European cuisine.

Hotel The Volen park includes the main hotel building with 59 rooms and 25 cottages in the form of “Finnish” and “Russian” houses - with and without a sauna. The hotel also has a conference room with 50 seats.

There are also a variety of opportunities for other activities active species recreation. On the territory there is a skating rink, a toboggan run, tubing tracks, and a cross-country ski track. You can also ride a snowmobile, ATV, buggy, go-kart, or fly in a light plane, helicopter, hang glider or paraglider.

The Volen Sports Park even has a special mogul track with bumps.

Sports complex "Stepanovo"

Resort website: volen.ru

Address: Dmitrovsky district, Stepanovo village, 50 km from MKAD

How to get there. By car along Dmitrovskoye Highway 45 km from the Moscow Ring Road, turn left at the sign “Volen”. Then another 3.5 kilometers past the Volen and Yakhroma parks to the Stepanovo complex. The landmarks are chairlifts and chalets. The second option is an electric train from Savelovsky station to Yakhroma station. You can take a taxi at the station.

The Stepanovo ski complex is located in secluded place in a picturesque forest at a distance of 5 kilometers from the Volen sports park. This subsidiary project of the Volen park was opened near the village of Stepanovo in 2000. The natural slope leading to the Volgush River was raised even further by adding imported soil. The result was a slope 1 kilometer long and a height difference of 110 meters. This figure is the highest in the Moscow region. Stepanovsky slopes are most loved by snowboarders.

On the main slope there is a route with several steep drops 900 meters long and a drop of 110 meters, and a second, simpler one, 850 meters long, runs along the cable car. On the central slope there is a trail with steep drops 700 meters long. On the Strekovsky slope there are two simple routes with a length of 550 and 580 meters and a drop of 50 meters.

The slopes are served by three chairlifts. One of them, a domestic-made double chair, is quite old and very slow. The other two are more modern and faster. Two lifts also serve the opposite slope on the other side of the river near the village of Strekovo. It is noticeably shorter and flatter. This slope is most suitable for beginners. It is usually descended from the village of Strekovo, where you can drive up to Stepanovo.

All tracks are illuminated with floodlights and equipped with snow cannons. The lifts are open until late. Under the cover of tall spruce trees, the snow here is preserved better and longer than in its neighbors. Fans of alpine skiing, snowboarding and secluded slopes often prefer Stepanovo to other, more crowded resorts. It is quiet here and there are relatively few people on the slope, which allows you to feel closer to nature and makes it possible to forget about the bustle of the city.

Near the upper station of the lift there is a two-story building in which there are changing rooms, rental, ski service, luggage storage, and a toilet.

The choice of food outlets in Stepanovo is not so varied, but you can still choose between the Pit Stop bistro, the Ski Cafe and the Caramel cafe.

Lifehacks:

You can also get to the Stepanov slopes from the village of Strekovo.

SC "Kant"

Resort website: kant.ru

Address: Electrolyte passage, possession 7, building 2. Art. metro station "Nagornaya"

How to get there. By car, from Varshavskoye Highway, take the exit to Krivorozhskaya Street, then to Proektiruemy Proezd. There is parking.

The Kant sports club has existed since 1989. Its developed infrastructure and convenient location in Moscow within walking distance from a metro station have made it highly popular among residents of the capital.

The sports complex is all-season and multidisciplinary; alpine skiing is one of its main areas. In addition, at Kant you can practice ski acrobatics, cross-country skiing, tennis, mountain biking, rock climbing and ice climbing.

During the winter season, 17 trails with a total length of 3,550 meters with a height difference of 55 meters and a slope length of up to 300 meters are being prepared on the territory of the complex. Of these, nine training tracks with progressive difficulty are intended for training. The remaining trails are intended for advanced skiers and athletes. When holding competitions, there is everything necessary to install a slalom track and a boardercross track. For ski acrobatics, a special springboard was built on one of the slopes, on which freestylers train. A mogul track is specially prepared for them.

The club also has a permanent snow park with a halfpipe and a cross-country ski track.

All year round at Kant, under the supervision of an experienced trainer, classes are held on the unique SkyTechSport ski simulator, which allows you to teach ski techniques to beginners, and for trained skiers to improve their skills.

The club holds various events and systematic classes for children and adults all year round. Over the course of a year, the complex is visited by up to 500 thousand people, more than 6,000 children and adults use the services of the ski school.

The sports club pays special attention to activities with children. There is a school for both entry level and sports training. Considerable attention is also paid to children with disabilities. Children's and Youth Sports School "Nagornaya" is a participant in the "Dream Ski" program and conducts charity programs for boarding school students, orphans, disabled children, children from large and low-income families.

Near the slopes there is a café and a snow bar where you can grab a quick bite. For a more substantial lunch and evening relaxation, there is the Alpine restaurant "Chalet". It offers not only typical Alpine dishes, such as meat on a hot stone, fondue, quiche Laurent, but also quite affordable business lunches. “Kant” has enough opportunities for a varied “after-ski” recreation. You can go to the solarium, sauna, gym, shaping room, tennis courts and billiards room. Or ride along a tubing track with two steep turns. There is also a large sports equipment store on the territory of the club.

Lifehacks:

You can leave your personal equipment in the storage room.

In the evenings, the Chalet hosts bard song concerts and other events.

"Snezh.com"

Resort website: snej.com

Address: Krasnogorsk, Krasnogorsky Boulevard, building 4

How to get there. Minibuses No. 1233k, No. 1120, No. 1175, buses No. 1095, No. 856 depart to the ski center. You can take trains in the Riga direction to Pavshino station. Or walk from the Myakinino metro station along the bridge over the Moscow River and further along Krasnogorsky Boulevard.

The all-season ski complex “Snezh.com” opened in March 2008. It is located in the Pavshinskaya floodplain a few kilometers from the Moscow Ring Road. This is the only year-round roofed slope in Russia and the largest such complex in Europe. Here you can ski in the snow at any time of the year. The temperature in the room is constantly maintained at about -3…–7°C. The thickness of the snow cover ranges from 50 to 90 centimeters, and the area of ​​snow cover is 22 thousand square meters. This is approximately the area of ​​four football fields. The ceiling height above the slope is 12 meters, and the roof does not “press” from above at all.

Both in winter and summer, the characteristics of the surface on the slope do not change. And it’s not just the temperature, but the fact that the snow here is not quite ordinary. It is obtained by crushing pieces of ice produced by three refrigeration machines into small crumbs. Geneglace. Each of them produces 30 tons of ice per day. Snow is produced outside and supplied to the slope through plastic pipes. This allows you to maintain a unique microclimate inside the complex. The coating is more slippery and, accordingly, faster. With a relatively small slope (no more than 28%), you can accelerate to high speeds, which is what athletes use in training.

High-speed Austrian lifts, even when the slope is fully loaded, do not allow queues to form. The slope, with a width of 60 meters, allows several hundred skiers and snowboarders to ride simultaneously. The total capacity of the complex, including changing rooms, rentals and a cafe, is 800 people.

“Snezh.com” provides everything you need, even small things. Inside the complex there are enough places where you can just have a snack and have a hearty lunch or dinner after skiing. There are restaurants, cafes and bars to suit a wide range of tastes. On the territory of Snezh.com there is a whole health and entertainment complex with an Olympic-size skating rink, an aqua zone with saunas and a swimming pool, a whole labyrinth for playing paintball, game rooms, a shooting range, a children's entertainment area, shops and a conference room.

Lifehacks:

It is not at all necessary to take your skis with you - there are storage lockers next to the rental where you can leave your equipment until your next visit.

Krylatskoe. "Lata Track"

Resort website: spusk.ru

Address: st. Krylatskaya, house 1

How to get there. From the metro stations “Molodezhnaya” or “Krylatskoye” on foot or by bus No. 829 to the stop “Ulitsa Krylatskie Kholmy, 5” (tubing) or further to the stop “Grebnoy Canal”.

From the Oktyabrskoe Pole and Sokol metro stations, bus No. 691 runs to the Krylatsky Most stop, then walk to the slope. Also from the Polezhaevskaya metro station, buses No. 271 or No. 391 go to the Krylatsky Most stop, then walk to the slope.

The height difference of the slopes is 55 meters. The complex has 5 slopes 300 meters long with a drop of 60 meters, 3 tubing runs (about 150 meters) with 2 rope tows. Snow cannons, snowcats, lighting and slope fencing. Children's ski town, snowboard park (length of the track is about 125 meters, various slides and jumps).

The complex has 2 large parking lots for 500 cars, 2 rentals, professional instructors, toilets and 4 catering points.

Krylatskoye, Lata Track © Pavel Pelevin

Krylatskoe. CSKA

Resort website: cska.ru/objects/13

Address: Rublevskoe highway, building 24, building 5

How to get there. Bus No. 688 or No. 733 departs from the Kuntsevskaya metro station to the Rublevskoye Shosse, 24 stop.

You can walk from the Molodezhnaya metro station in 15 minutes.

The sports ski base “Krylatskie Hills” is located in the Filyovsky Park area, next to the Moscow River.

The height difference is 45-50 meters. Two slopes 270-290 meters long, a children's (educational) slope - 50 meters. Two towing lifts, a suspended yoke (plate) and a baby lift for the youngest riders. Snow cannons, snowcats, rental, ski service, instructor services. There is a children's and youth sports school. Parking for 50-70 spaces, locker room. Snowboarders are not allowed here.

Resort website: srkvg.ru

Address: st. Kosygina, house 28

How to get there. From the metro station Sparrow Hills“You need to go out towards Kosygina Street and walk a little. Buses and minibuses depart from the Oktyabrskaya, Kyiv and Leninsky Prospekt metro stations to the Observation Platform stop.

The elevation difference on Vorobyovy Gory is 45 meters, there are three slopes, the longest is 230 meters. There are two rope tows and one double chair lift. The slopes are equipped with a snowmaking system, lighting and fencing. To the right of the chairlift are the tracks of the specialized youth sports school “Sparrow Hills” - short sports tracks 140-160 meters long, with a height difference of up to 30 meters. Rentals and instructors are available. The complex also includes a 72-meter downhill jump, several shorter practice jumps and a cross-country ski track.

There is only one trail for skiers, there is virtually no parking, the chairlift is very slow, and the slope may be closed for training or competitions. Be prepared for the fact that you will need to go somewhere else, for example, to Kant.

Address: Sevastopolsky proezd, opposite property 66

How to get there. From the Yasenevo metro station by trolleybus No. 85 or by minibus No. 85 to the Uzkoe Sports Complex stop (45 minutes).

The slope is located in the south-west of Moscow at the entrance to the Bitsevsky Forest park, opposite the Uzkoe estate. The slope is 200 meters long, the height difference is 40 meters, two towing lifts. A separate trail for beginners with a baby lift. Three tracks (one training), snowboard park. Snowmaking system, slope preparation, lighting. Youth sports school, rental, instructors, luggage storage, first aid station, cafe.

Nice place: the slopes are almost always in good condition, the lower station of one of the lifts is located in the forest, complete isolation from the city. The impression is slightly spoiled by the lack of a locker room and the not very cozy cafe.

Very close to the Moscow Ring Road, in new areas of Moscow, there are several small ski areas that are popular mainly with those who live nearby.

Resort website: rss-s.ru/about/gornolyzhnye-sklony/novo-peredelkino

Address: Projected passage No. 635, building 9, building 1

How to get there. By car from the Moscow Ring Road you need to go along the Kievskoye Highway, after 2 kilometers there will be a sign to the right to Solntsevo, then a few kilometers to the mountain on the left.

From the Yugo-Zapadnaya metro station you can take bus No. 707 or minibus No. 43 directly to the slope.

Located two kilometers from the Moscow Ring Road along the Kyiv Highway in the Solntsevo microdistrict. Every year, after the opening of the season, tournaments and competitions of various levels are held here with the participation of Russian athletes. The elevation difference is 50 meters, three tracks (the longest is 460 meters), a mogul track and one of the largest snowboard parks in Moscow: Half-Pipe, Big Air, Spine and a rail park. There is also a tubing track with a separate lift. For beginners there is a training slope and instructor services.

IN ski resort trail lighting, snowmaking and slope preparation are provided. Rental and maintenance services are provided. There is a storage room, a cafe, and parking on site. Novo-Peredelkino's feature is an all-season overpass for hovercraft jumping.

There is actually only one slope for skiers - the sports complex is the main training base of the Stolitsa children's and youth sports school and for classes with an instructor, the snowboard park is closed for just skiers.

Northern Butovo

Resort website: rss-s.ru

Address: st. Starokachalovskaya, house 22

When asked to recommend resorts for learning to ski, you need to keep the following in mind. The fact is that, in my opinion, going to the Alps to learn how to ride is not entirely correct. Let me explain. It’s so great to relax and ride in the Alps that this is what you should go there for - to enjoy the ride. No skating training required big slides, any training slope is a fairly flat surface, which can be found on hills in the Moscow region, on the Volga, in the Urals, etc. It would be nice to have a chairlift too, so that you don’t get bored while learning - you can talk and relax while you go up, but with us you can easily learn on a rope tow. Our prices for instructors are lower; they will definitely supply skis/boards. But when you learn not to be afraid of the slope and calmly turn, then choose resorts where they will “install” equipment for you, for example, famous French instructors. Today we will talk about them. If you are not limited in funds and insist on starting training for you or your children in the Alps, well, then let’s go!

Today we are choosing resorts for beginners in France. France - the best place for learning to ski and snowboard in the Alps. For those who do not want to take an instructor, but want to ski on simple slopes, we also recommend these resorts, because skiing them does not require being a pro.

1. Avoriaz

There is no car traffic, driving from the hotel doors. An excellent choice of ski schools - Evolution 2, Avoriaz Alpine Ski & Snowboarding School, Ecole des Parents. The last school where children and parents are taught how to ride during their education.
Avoriaz is excellent family resort- there is a water park, an ice skating rink, and, most importantly, the Portes Du Soleil ski region, which consists of 650 km of trails for continuous skiing. It is located an hour from Geneva and lies on the territory of France and Switzerland. Inexpensive accommodation available.

2. Les Arcs

Convenient for beginners, because they recently opened a training area called three minutes from Les Arcs 1800. This space is specially designed to teach beginners how to ride, of any age. There is a complete guarantee of snow here due to the glacier and the snow remains for a very long time. Each Les Arcs resort has a choice of at least 2-3 ski schools, including Evolution 2

The village is chalet style, the slopes are gentle, very suitable for beginners. The resort is located an hour's drive from Geneva. Huge selection - more than a dozen ski schools, which is very, very much for such a thing small resort. One of the best is the BASS school. Les Gets has an ice skating rink, bowling alley and other family activities.

4. La Plagne

An amazingly beautiful mountain bowl, very flat in the middle part and it is this that attracts beginners for learning, because there are areas of very simple and beautiful skiing. La Plagne consists of complexes of apartments and hotels located right on the slopes, skiing from the doors of the hotels. Best schools -

National Geographic Traveler has compiled a selection of ski resorts where beginners will not be intimidated and where any beginner is guaranteed to be taught how to ski.

Trysil, Norway

The largest and most famous ski resort in Norway. Like a giant net, it stretches across three slopes of the volcano-like Mount Trysilfjellet (literally Mount Trysil). This arrangement of the slopes can be considered a clear advantage, because regardless of the skiing level of each member of your company, you can all use the same lifts. Routes of varying difficulty, although they initially run along different forest paths, are laid parallel to each other, so that they eventually connect at the bottom of the chair. This arrangement of the resort makes not only the trails easily accessible, but also any restaurant, bar or hotel. Of the many activities not related to skiing or snowboarding, the most interesting is “Star Hunt,” which is organized at night by a local astronomer enthusiast. Armed with a laser pointer, he takes romantics on a real walk through Milky Way. If you're lucky, you can also see in the sky northern lights.

Trails: 67 slopes (38 green and blue, 18 red, 11 black), 4 snow parks, 2 training areas, 3 ski areas for children
Season: from November to the end of April
Ski pass for a week: €344 – adult, teenagers 8-15 years old – €272
Equipment for the week: adults – from €80, children – from €50
How to get there: the nearest airports are in Oslo and Stockholm, from where there are shuttles (journey time 2–2.5 hours, cost €55 one way, €80 round trip)
Details: skistar.com/trysil

Livigno, Italy

Livigno Tourist Office

Our compatriots began to explore this sunny resort in the Alps on the border with Switzerland much later than many other popular ski destinations, however, it is in no way inferior to them, and was even recognized as the Best European Resort according to the results of the World Snow Awards 2012. The main feature is the long season - with November to May, and wide tracks, where beginners will feel comfortable. The resort is considered a family resort; there are traditionally many children here, open family hotels, a kindergarten, special “Family Weeks” are held and there is everything to put a beginner on skis, or take him to a new level: a dozen training areas, a squad of patient instructors, and a scattering of restaurants for relaxation. Experienced skiers won’t be bored either: Livigno gets a lot of snow, and here, unlike the rest of Italy, independent freeride without a guide is allowed and there are endless spaces for an exciting ski tour. And one more bonus: Livigno is a duty-free zone, so prices for goods here are significantly lower than in the rest of Italy.

Trails: 76 slopes (27 blue, 37 red, 12 black), 4 snow parks and 11 children's areas, 9 tracks (tapis roulant) for kids and beginners who do not yet know how to use ski lifts, 12 special fan zones
Season: from late November to May
Ski pass: €240 – for adults for 6 days in high season, €150 – in low season(children under 8 years old – free)
Equipment: from €200 – for adults, €50–€60 – per child
How to get there: The most convenient way is to fly to Bergamo airport in Milan, and then take a shuttle for €50 directly to the place (back on the same bus). Check the schedule on the website
Details: livigno.eu

Soldeu – El Tarter, Grandvalira, Andorra

Ministry of Tourism of Andorra

Two Pyrenean villages of Soldeu and El Tarter, connected by a system cable cars, together make up one ski resort. Its well-groomed and easy slopes are especially good for those who have not yet gained skiing experience. Many soft and compact fields in the vast Espiolets area, gentle slopes of the Riba mountain circus, comfortable slopes starting from the top of Llosada - even for beginners, skiing here will be varied. Seven of the ten local schools are united in the association Ski & Snowboard School Grandvalira - there are more than 250 instructors (among them many Russian-speaking) for any level of training, 5 training slopes, 2 schools for children and 4 ski kindergartens for the little ones. Two more large schools - Soldeu & El Tarter School and Pas de la Casa Grau Roig School - also have large staff experienced instructors. A bonus to skiing is shopping. Prices in duty-free Andorra are 20–40% lower than in Europe, and from January to February there are total sales.

Trails: 128 slopes (19 green, 49 blue, 42 red, 18 black), 3 snow parks
Season: from December to April
Ski pass: from €249
Equipment: from €79
How to get there: flight via Barcelona, ​​then by bus, many travel agencies, in particular Anex Tour, they make free transfers for their tourists (the journey takes 3–4 hours)
Details: grandvalira.com

Courchevel, Three Valleys, France

Photo: Courchevel Tourisme/David Andre

Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys, one of the world's largest ski areas. Beginners here, literally and figuratively, will find a place to turn around: a fifth of the resort’s perfectly groomed slopes are green, more than a third are blue, and there are so many lifts that there is no need to stand in queues. In the villages of Courchevel there are special gentle areas for beginner skiers and snowboarders - they are called ZEN and are located close to free rope tows and travelators. For those who are just getting acquainted with the equipment, it is better to choose Courchevel 1850, where there are as many as 5 ski lifts and more than 10 green and blue runs ending in the center of the village - this is convenient if you get tired quickly. Nearby is a family snow park where neophyte freestylers can test themselves on light slides, rails and jumps. Courchevel-Morion, facing the sun, is also not bad - there are 3 ski lifts, 17 green and blue slopes and a separate, fenced-in “splash pool” for added tranquility. There are many schools at the resort, and many Russian-speaking instructors. And if you get tired of skiing, go to the center active entertainment Courchevel 1850 – Courchevel Aventure, where you can ride snowmobiles, cheesecakes, funny Savoyard sleighs and even a snowcat.

Trails: in the home zone there are 96 slopes (54 green and blue, 34 red, 8 black) and 5 ZEN zones, a snow park
Season: from December to the end of April
Ski pass: in the home zone, adults – from €157, children – from €126. If you buy two or three ski passes at the same time, you can get a discount of up to €15 on one ticket, and there are also family discounts. It also makes sense for beginners to buy a three-hour ski pass for €44 or a limited ski area mini-pass for €26
Equipment: from €120
How to get there: from Geneva airport intercity buses(alpski-bus.com or coach-station.com) and trains (sncf.fr) go to Moutiers, and then you can take a city bus to the resort
Details: courchevel.com

Val D'Isere, Espace Killy, France

Andyparant.com

In the idyllic Savoyard village of Val d'Isere, it's easy to fall in love with skiing forever, and at the same time avoid the trendy restaurants (don't miss the brand new Le Solstice at Le Yule chalet with its own dessert room, Japanese dinners at La Mourra and the fun, always crowded La Baraque). If you are traveling with a group, pay attention to the apartments in the newly opened Chalet Skadi with a spa and pool. It’s worth starting your training with the simple green trails of Le Village, which are located almost in the village at the foot of the mountain. Then you can feel like a hero and climb to a height of 2827 meters on Rocher de Bellevarde - several of the longest green slopes descend from here. It is possible that you will be taken to the famous high-mountain bar La Folie Douce, where après ski begins in the afternoon: dancers in feathers dance on the roof, and riders from all nearby slopes flock to the thundering music. There is a giant water park next to the ski lifts. On a sunny day, you can go dog sledding – the route runs through a deserted protected valley.

Trails: 153 slopes (87 green and blue, 40 red, 26 black), snow park
Season: from late November to May
Ski pass: adults - from €278, children and for skiers over 64 years old - from €228, includes one visit to the water park
Equipment: from €92
How to get there: The nearest airport is Geneva (180 km), from there you can take a train to the city of Bourg-St. Maurice, and then by shuttle
Details: valdisere.com

Gazprom, Krasnaya Polyana, Russia

Lori/LEGION MEDIA

The GTC Gazprom is perhaps the best resort in Russia where you can ski your first meters of alpine skiing. There are comfortable training routes here: you need to start on green routes C and E on the Psekhako plateau, then go to blue route D. The second option is green route I at the Pikhtovy shelter (by the way, there is a restaurant with the most delicious food, Khmeli Ice Suneli). Both places have children's slopes, rentals and the service of instructors from the only official school. There are many well-prepared blue pistes at Gazprom, but on holidays and weekends there may be queues for the lift due to the low price of the ski pass. There is room for advanced skiers too. The evening ski area is the most extensive in Krasnaya Polyana. Among the disadvantages is that in warm weather, due to the low location of the resort, the snow becomes limp faster than on the neighboring mountains. Then you can ride a husky sled, jump on a trampoline, visit a spa or Entertainment Center"Galaxy" with bowling alley and water park.

Trails: 22 slopes (3 green, 6 blue, 10 red, 3 black) and 2 children's slopes
Season: from late December to mid-April
Ski pass: adults - from 8650 rubles, children - from 6050 rubles.
Equipment: from 10,500 rub.
How to get there: from Sochi airport (Adler) by minibus or bus No. 105, No. 135 to the stop of the State Transport Center of Gazprom PJSC
Details: polyanaski.ru

Sölden, Ötztal, Austria

Ötztal Tourismus

small town in traditional Tyrolean style, it stretches along a mountain river, the banks of which are completely built up with hotels and private apartments. And from its two outskirts two gondola lifts start, taking you up to what the local travel agency proudly calls “our ten-thousander.” These are three three-thousand-meter peaks connected by a system of trails, tunnels and lifts into a single 50-kilometer Big 3 Rally route. The ski routes and slopes adjacent to the city are good for beginners (six ski schools will help you become aces). Thanks to the altitude, the season in Sölden begins when autumn fairs are still going on in the neighboring valleys, and ends when the apple trees are already blooming around the lower lift stations. The town is loved not only for skiing, but also for après ski. There are more than 20 mountain restaurants alone, and in the town itself there are entertainment establishments on every corner.

Trails: 142 slopes (67 blue, 48 red, 27 black), 2 snow parks
Season: from October to April
Ski pass: from €285
Equipment: from €130
How to get there: The nearest airport is Innsbruck (86 km). Then you can get there by bus (2 hours) or taxi (1.5 hours, €120–150). You can also get there from Munich (223 km): first by train to the town of Ötztal, and from there by taxi (from €50) or shuttle bus(1 hour, from €10)
Details: soelden.com

Zermatt, Switzerland

Photo: Olga Yakovina

Zermatt is one of the oldest Alpine resorts: the first winter season was opened here in the 20s of the last century. The town, quite large by alpine standards, is nestled at the bottom of a valley surrounded by a mountain circus. In the visibility zone is the most large cluster four-thousanders in the Alps: 38 peaks, the main one among which is the famous Matterhorn, which in Zermatt is visible from everywhere. Skiers and snowboarders have 360 ​​kilometers of marked slopes, including those on the Italian side of the resort in Cervinia: they are picturesque and not too difficult. You can ride not only in the Matterhorn area (here is the highest ski station in the Alps - 3883 meters), but also from neighboring peaks, all of them are connected by a web of slopes and lifts. In three skiing sectors there are special areas for beginners - you simply cannot find more beautiful training grounds for beginners in the Alps.

Trails: 132 slopes (35 blue, 83 red, 14 black), 2 snow parks
Season: all year round, high – from October to May
Ski pass: from €380, children under 9 years old ride for free. For beginners, it makes sense to take a special Wolli-Pass, which is valid only in sectors with training areas - from €165
Equipment: from €150
How to get there: Flight to Zurich or Geneva, then by train to Zermatt (3.5 hours), schedule and tickets - on the website sbb.ch
Details: zermatt.ch

Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy

Photo: Vitas Cherniauskas

The Dolomiti Superski ski region, which includes Val Gardena, is the largest in the world. With a single ski pass you can ski at 12 Italian resorts, which in total gives as many as 1,220 kilometers of pistes. Beginners don’t need that much yet, but the opportunity itself can’t help but make us happy. Moreover, the main ski stations located along the perimeter of the so-called ski carousel allow you to travel around the entire Sella Ronda rock mass in a day. Skiing in the region as a whole is not difficult: there are many flat slopes, and red and black slopes, as a rule, are duplicated by blue ones, so even skiers of different levels can ski together. The sunny weather, panoramas of the Dolomites and Italian cuisine, which is liked by everyone without exception, also speak in favor of heterogeneous companies and family holidays. By evening, South Tyrol stops pretending to be Italy and remembers its Austrian roots: après-ski booths open with lively music, a sea of ​​beer and schnapps. There are especially many of them in Selva, while Santa Cristina is a quieter place that is suitable for a family holiday.

National Geographic Traveler has compiled a selection of ski resorts where beginners will not be intimidated and where any beginner is guaranteed to be taught how to ski.

Trysil, Norway

The largest and most famous ski resort in Norway. Like a giant net, it stretches across three slopes of the volcano-like Mount Trysilfjellet (literally Mount Trysil). This arrangement of the slopes can be considered a clear advantage, because regardless of the skiing level of each member of your company, you can all use the same lifts. Routes of varying difficulty, although they initially run along different forest paths, are laid parallel to each other, so that they eventually connect at the bottom of the chair. This arrangement of the resort makes not only the trails easily accessible, but also any restaurant, bar or hotel. Of the many activities not related to skiing or snowboarding, the most interesting is “Star Hunt,” which is organized at night by a local astronomer enthusiast. Armed with a laser pointer, he takes romantics on a real walk through the Milky Way. If you are lucky, you will also be able to see the northern lights in the sky.

Trails: 67 slopes (38 green and blue, 18 red, 11 black), 4 snow parks, 2 training areas, 3 ski areas for children
Season: from November to the end of April
Ski pass for a week: €344 – adult, teenagers 8-15 years old – €272
Equipment for the week: adults – from €80, children – from €50
How to get there: the nearest airports are in Oslo and Stockholm, from where there are shuttles (journey time 2–2.5 hours, cost €55 one way, €80 round trip)
Details: skistar.com/trysil

Livigno, Italy

Livigno Tourist Office

Our compatriots began to explore this sunny resort in the Alps on the border with Switzerland much later than many other popular ski destinations, however, it is in no way inferior to them, and was even recognized as the Best European Resort according to the results of the World Snow Awards 2012. The main feature is the long season - with November to May, and wide trails where beginners will feel comfortable. The resort is considered a family resort, there are traditionally many children, family hotels are open, a kindergarten is open, special “Family Weeks” are held and there is everything to put a beginner on skis, or take him to a new level: a dozen training areas, a squad of patient instructors , and for relaxation there is a scattering of restaurants. Experienced skiers won’t be bored either: Livigno gets a lot of snow, and here, unlike the rest of Italy, independent freeride without a guide is allowed and there are endless spaces for an exciting ski tour. And one more bonus: Livigno is a duty-free zone, so prices for goods here are significantly lower than in the rest of Italy.

Trails: 76 slopes (27 blue, 37 red, 12 black), 4 snow parks and 11 children's areas, 9 tracks (tapis roulant) for kids and beginners who do not yet know how to use ski lifts, 12 special fan zones
Season: from late November to May
Ski pass: €240 – for adults for 6 days in high season, €150 – in low season (children under 8 years old – free)
Equipment: from €200 – for adults, €50–€60 – per child
How to get there: The most convenient way is to fly to Bergamo airport in Milan, and then take a shuttle for €50 directly to the place (back on the same bus). Check the schedule on the website
Details: livigno.eu

Soldeu – El Tarter, Grandvalira, Andorra

Ministry of Tourism of Andorra

The two Pyrenean villages of Soldeu and El Tarter, connected by a cable car system, together form one ski resort. Its well-groomed and easy slopes are especially good for those who have not yet gained skiing experience. Many soft and compact fields in the vast Espiolets area, gentle slopes of the Riba mountain circus, comfortable slopes starting from the top of Llosada - even for beginners, skiing here will be varied. Seven of the ten local schools are united in the Ski & Snowboard School Grandvalira association - there are more than 250 instructors (many of them Russian-speaking) for any level of training, 5 training slopes, 2 schools for children and 4 ski kindergartens for the little ones. Two more large schools - Soldeu & El Tarter School and Pas de la Casa Grau Roig School - also have a large staff of experienced instructors. A bonus to skiing is shopping. Prices in duty-free Andorra are 20–40% lower than in Europe, and from January to February there are total sales.

Trails: 128 slopes (19 green, 49 blue, 42 red, 18 black), 3 snow parks
Season: from December to April
Ski pass: from €249
Equipment: from €79
How to get there: flight through Barcelona, ​​then by bus, many travel agencies, in particular Anex Tour, provide free transfers for their tourists (3-4 hours on the way)
Details: grandvalira.com

Courchevel, Three Valleys, France

Photo: Courchevel Tourisme/David Andre

Courchevel is part of the Three Valleys, one of the world's largest ski areas. Beginners here, literally and figuratively, will find somewhere to turn around: a fifth of the resort’s perfectly groomed slopes are green, more than a third are blue, and there are so many lifts that there is no need to stand in queues. In the villages of Courchevel there are special gentle areas for beginner skiers and snowboarders - they are called ZEN and are located close to free rope tows and travelators. For those who are just getting acquainted with the equipment, it is better to choose Courchevel 1850, where there are as many as 5 ski lifts and more than 10 green and blue runs ending in the center of the village - this is convenient if you get tired quickly. Nearby is a family snow park where neophyte freestylers can test themselves on light slides, rails and jumps. Courchevel-Morion, facing the sun, is also not bad - there are 3 ski lifts, 17 green and blue slopes and a separate, fenced-in “splash pool” for added tranquility. There are many schools at the resort, and many Russian-speaking instructors. And if you get tired of skiing, go to the active entertainment center of Courchevel 1850 - Courchevel Aventure, where you can ride snowmobiles, cheesecakes, funny Savoyard sleighs and even a snowcat.

Trails: in the home zone there are 96 slopes (54 green and blue, 34 red, 8 black) and 5 ZEN zones, a snow park
Season: from December to the end of April
Ski pass: in the home zone, adults – from €157, children – from €126. If you buy two or three ski passes at the same time, you can get a discount of up to €15 on one ticket, and there are also family discounts. It also makes sense for beginners to buy a three-hour ski pass for €44 or a limited ski area mini-pass for €26
Equipment: from €120
How to get there: from Geneva airport, intercity buses (alpski-bus.com or coach-station.com) and trains (sncf.fr) go to Moutiers, and then you can take a city bus to the resort
Details: courchevel.com

Val D'Isere, Espace Killy, France

Andyparant.com

In the idyllic Savoyard village of Val d'Isere, it's easy to fall in love with skiing forever, and at the same time avoid the trendy restaurants (don't miss the brand new Le Solstice at Le Yule chalet with its own dessert room, Japanese dinners at La Mourra and the fun, always crowded La Baraque). If you are traveling with a group, pay attention to the apartments in the newly opened Chalet Skadi with a spa and pool. It’s worth starting your training with the simple green trails of Le Village, which are located almost in the village at the foot of the mountain. Then you can feel like a hero and climb to a height of 2827 meters on Rocher de Bellevarde - several of the longest green slopes descend from here. It is possible that you will be taken to the famous high-mountain bar La Folie Douce, where après ski begins in the afternoon: dancers in feathers dance on the roof, and riders from all nearby slopes flock to the thundering music. There is a giant water park next to the ski lifts. On a sunny day, you can go dog sledding – the route runs through a deserted protected valley.

Trails: 153 slopes (87 green and blue, 40 red, 26 black), snow park
Season: from late November to May
Ski pass: adults - from €278, children and for skiers over 64 years old - from €228, includes one visit to the water park
Equipment: from €92
How to get there: The nearest airport is Geneva (180 km), from there you can take a train to the city of Bourg-St. Maurice, and then by shuttle
Details: valdisere.com

Gazprom, Krasnaya Polyana, Russia

Lori/LEGION MEDIA

The GTC Gazprom is perhaps the best resort in Russia where you can ski your first meters. There are comfortable training routes here: you need to start on green routes C and E on the Psekhako plateau, then go to blue route D. The second option is green route I at the Pikhtovy shelter (by the way, there is a restaurant with the most delicious food, Khmeli Ice Suneli). Both places have children's slopes, rentals and the service of instructors from the only official school. There are many well-prepared blue pistes at Gazprom, but on holidays and weekends there may be queues for the lift due to the low price of the ski pass. There is room for advanced skiers too. The evening ski area is the most extensive in Krasnaya Polyana. Among the disadvantages is that in warm weather, due to the low location of the resort, the snow becomes limp faster than on the neighboring mountains. Then you can ride a husky sled, jump on a trampoline, visit the spa or the Galaxy entertainment center with bowling and a water park.

Trails: 22 slopes (3 green, 6 blue, 10 red, 3 black) and 2 children's slopes
Season: from late December to mid-April
Ski pass: adults - from 8650 rubles, children - from 6050 rubles.
Equipment: from 10,500 rub.
How to get there: from Sochi airport (Adler) by minibus or bus No. 105, No. 135 to the stop of the State Transport Center of Gazprom PJSC
Details: polyanaski.ru

Sölden, Ötztal, Austria

Ötztal Tourismus

A small town in a traditional Tyrolean style stretches along a mountain river, the banks of which are completely lined with hotels and private apartments. And from its two outskirts two gondola lifts start, taking you up to what the local travel agency proudly calls “our ten-thousander.” These are three three-thousand-meter peaks connected by a system of trails, tunnels and lifts into a single 50-kilometer Big 3 Rally route. The ski routes and slopes adjacent to the city are good for beginners (six ski schools will help you become aces). Thanks to the altitude, the season in Sölden begins when autumn fairs are still going on in the neighboring valleys, and ends when the apple trees are already blooming around the lower lift stations. The town is loved not only for skiing, but also for après ski. There are more than 20 mountain restaurants alone, and in the town itself there are entertainment establishments on every corner.

Trails: 142 slopes (67 blue, 48 red, 27 black), 2 snow parks
Season: from October to April
Ski pass: from €285
Equipment: from €130
How to get there: The nearest airport is Innsbruck (86 km). Then you can get there by bus (2 hours) or taxi (1.5 hours, €120–150). You can also get there from Munich (223 km): first by train to the town of Ötztal, and from there by taxi (from €50) or shuttle bus (1 hour, from €10)
Details: soelden.com

Zermatt, Switzerland

Photo: Olga Yakovina

Zermatt is one of the oldest Alpine resorts: the first winter season was opened here in the 20s of the last century. The town, quite large by alpine standards, is nestled at the bottom of a valley surrounded by a mountain circus. Within sight is the largest concentration of four-thousand-meter peaks in the Alps: 38 peaks, the main one among which is the famous Matterhorn, which in Zermatt is visible from everywhere. Skiers and snowboarders have 360 ​​kilometers of marked slopes, including those on the Italian side of the resort in Cervinia: they are picturesque and not too difficult. You can ski not only in the Matterhorn area (here is the highest ski station in the Alps - 3883 meters), but also from neighboring peaks, all of them are connected by a web of slopes and lifts. In three skiing sectors there are special areas for beginners - you simply cannot find more beautiful training grounds for beginners in the Alps.

Trails: 132 slopes (35 blue, 83 red, 14 black), 2 snow parks
Season: all year round, high – from October to May
Ski pass: from €380, children under 9 years old ride for free. For beginners, it makes sense to take a special Wolli-Pass, which is valid only in sectors with training areas - from €165
Equipment: from €150
How to get there: Flight to Zurich or Geneva, then by train to Zermatt (3.5 hours), schedule and tickets - on the website sbb.ch
Details: zermatt.ch

Val Gardena, South Tyrol, Italy

Photo: Vitas Cherniauskas

The Dolomiti Superski ski region, which includes Val Gardena, is the largest in the world. With a single ski pass you can ski at 12 Italian resorts, which in total gives as many as 1,220 kilometers of pistes. Beginners don’t need that much yet, but the opportunity itself can’t help but make us happy. Moreover, the main ski stations located along the perimeter of the so-called ski carousel allow you to travel around the entire Sella Ronda rock mass in a day. Skiing in the region as a whole is not difficult: there are many flat slopes, and red and black slopes, as a rule, are duplicated by blue ones, so even skiers of different levels can ski together. The sunny weather, panoramas of the Dolomites and Italian cuisine, which is liked by everyone without exception, also speak in favor of heterogeneous companies and family holidays. By evening, South Tyrol stops pretending to be Italy and remembers its Austrian roots: après-ski booths open with lively music, a sea of ​​beer and schnapps. There are especially many of them in Selva, while Santa Cristina is a quieter place that is suitable for a family holiday.