Skiing Holidays for Beginners

A beginner skier learning to parallel turn
A single snowboarder plans his route down the Chamoisiere

Learn to ski on our beginners ski holiday

If you're a first-time skier travelling alone or in a small group, you have come to the right place. Welcome to The Ski Gathering — beginners ski holidays. Specifically designed for people people who want to learn to ski or snowboard. OUr beginners ski and snowboard holidays are the best way to ease into the world of skiing.

First Time Skiing? Let us take care of everything!

We have decades of combined experience providing first-rate ski holidays for beginners. So we understand that a first ski trip can seem a little daunting, Well fear not! We're here to help. From lessons to ski hire, transfers to clothing advice we will take care of it all! At The Ski Gathering, you won't be on your own — you'll be sharing with other guests who are in the same boat as you.

beginner skier in Bansko beginner skier in Bansko

Meet other first-timers on our Beginners' Holidays

Everyone is welcome, but these beginner-friendly trips are a great opportunity for inexperienced skiers and boarders to share their first or second trip with others who are in the same boat

Find out More

Beginners' Holidays 2018-2019

Everyone is welcome on our beginners' trips, you don't have to be a beginner. But we're encouraging first- and second-timers to come this holiday and meet other inexperienced skiers and boarders. As a beginner, it can be great to learn and ski/snowboard with others of your own ability. You're all in the same boat, enjoying the same experiences and you can learn from each other.

Find out about skiing and snowboarding - which is right for you?. If you're thinking the latter, you can also find out what to expect from your first week as a snowboarder.

See What's Included

March 2019

Sat 23 Mar 2019
4 night short break
Chalet Hotel Du Bois
Chamonix
4 nights
Twin
Female Only
Last Minute Offer
£485
£395
Sat 23 Mar 2019
Chalet St Joseph
Meribel Les Allues
7 nights
Fully Booked
Sun 24 Mar 2019
Chalet Chez Claude
Morzine
7 nights
Fully Booked
Thu 28 Mar 2019
Flexible Dates Available!
The Alpine Loft
Les Gets
7 nights
Budget Single
Male Only
Last Minute Offer
£345
Quad
Male Only
Last Minute Offer
£245
Thu 28 Mar 2019
Flexible Dates Available!
3 night short break
The Alpine Loft
Les Gets
3 nights
Budget Single
Male Only
Last Minute Offer
£245
Quad
Male Only
Last Minute Offer
£165
Sun 31 Mar 2019
Flexible Dates Available!
4 night short break
The Alpine Loft
Les Gets
4 nights
Budget Single
Male Only
Last Minute Offer
£245
Quad
Male Only
Last Minute Offer
£185
Sat 30 Mar 2019
4 night short break
Chalet Chery Des Meuniers
Morzine
4 nights
Twin
£390
Sat 30 Mar 2019
Chalet St Joseph
Meribel Les Allues
7 nights
Single
Last Minute Offer
£750
£600
Twin
Last Minute Offer
£525
£420
Budget Triple
Last Minute Offer
£375
£300
Sun 31 Mar 2019
Luxury Holiday
The Alpine Lodge
Les Gets
7 nights
Single
Last Minute Offer
£1695
£595
Twin
Last Minute Offer
£995
£395
Quad
Male Only
Last Minute Offer
£795
£345

What's Included or not Included?

The prices shown are per person, except where it is explicitly stated otherwise. They include chalet accommodation with breakfast, afternoon tea and evening meals (except one staff night off). Some chalets offer inclusive wine and beer - see your chalet page for details. Flights are not included and all other extras such as ski passes, ski hire and lessons can typically be arranged through us at an additional cost. Book your flights and let us take care of the rest!

Chalet Package
Included in the price

Our basic prices cover bed & breakfast, plus afternoon tea and evening meals every day except the staff day off. Drinks packages vary between chalets.

Flights
Not included

Not included in the price. Choose the flights that suit you best and let us know your flight details so we can organise some airport transfers for you.

Airport Transfers
Not included. Available as an Add-on

Not included in the price unless otherwise stated for specific locations. We know all the best local suppliers, though, so please do just let us know if you would like us to arrange your transfers for you.

Ski / Snowboard Lessons
Not included. Available as an Add-on

Not included in the price, unless stated otherwise for certain specific packages. Let us know your requirements and we will find the best possible price for your ski and snowboard lessons.

Ski / Snowboard Hire
Not included. Available as an Add-on

Not included in the price, unless stated otherwise for certain specific packages. Let us know your requirements and we will find the best possible price for your ski hire.

Lift Pass
Not included. Available as an Add-on

Not included in the price, unless stated otherwise for certain specific packages. Let us know your requirements and we will find the best possible price for your liftpass.

See prices for all chalets

Beginners Package in Bansko

We have put together a package deal which includes ski pass, ski hire and 6 days of group lessons. These lessons are for 4 hours per day for beginners and 2 hours per day for improvers. The price is £375 for beginners (4 hours a day tuition) and £308 for improvers (2 hours tuition a day). For snowboarders, there is an extra fee of £17 per week because the rental centre charges more for snowboard hire.

This includes free overnight storage of the equipment at the rental centre each day, you can leave your normal shoes at the rental centre while you ski and change back into them ready for apres-ski. Please note this package applies to holidays in Bankso only.

Which Level Am I?

Level 1 - Beginners

If you have never skied, or you’ve skied once but are not yet able to do a snowplough on a gentle nursery slope, this is the group for you. Basically this is for absolute beginners. No experience necessary.

Level 2 - Improvers

This group is best for you if you have skied at least once before and know the basics. You can make changes in direction and control your speed to a stop using a snowplough on gentle slopes. You’ve started linking snowplough turns and have tried skiing on gentle blue runs.

The Social World of The Ski Gathering

#theskigathering

Some very nice guests have been posting up their favourite photos of The Ski Gathering Trips. Enjoy!

Share with other beginners

The perfect ski holidays for beginners. Meet other first-timers and share the experience together. You can have private one-to-one ski lessons, or join group lessons and share the banter with the other beginners. After your lessons, join the others for a debriefing over lunch, or take time out for yourself.

Get tips and advice

We'll be here to answer your questions and organise everything for you — your ski lessons, ski hire, lift pass for the ski lifts etc. Any questions? We're really friendly, just let us know. Also, don't forget: the rest of the group were beginners once, too. They will have loads of tips and advice on how to conquer the mountain.

Useful information for Beginners

Single skier executing a parallel turn on skis

What level of skier or snowboarder are you?

When booking ski lessons, organising ski hire, or simply choosing the right liftpass, it is important to have an idea of your own confidence and experience levels. This page provides as handy guide for anyone trying to gauge their own abilities as a skier or snowboarder. Beginner skier, novice, lower intermediate, upper intermediate, advanced skier or expert. This guide will help you decide which lessons, if any, are right for you.

Read More
A skier or snowboarder admiring the Alpine view

Skiing Versus Snowboarding: which is right for you?

Skiing versus Snowboarding is a classic debate, and usually a pretty predictable one. Ask a skier, and they'll tell you skiing rules. Ask a boarder... well, you can probably guess. It can be hard to get neutral, well-informed advice, with evangelists from both camps passionately insisting that their chosen sport is by far the superior. So I should begin by laying out my cards. I am one of the few people who do both to a pretty similar level.

Read More
An individual snowboarder mastering her new skills

All aboard: Week One as a Snowboarder

A Q&A with Phil Teare from The Ski Gathering. So you've taken the plunge and booked your first ever snowboarding holiday. Congratulations, that was a great decision - and one that will open up a whole new world of adventures for you! But what should you expect from your beginner's snowboarding holiday, and what happens next? This Q&A from The Ski Gathering will answer all your questions and put your mind at ease. Let's go!

Read More
Skis against a snowy background

The improver's guide to buying ski equipment and clothing

On a summer beach holiday, you might only pack your bathers, your passport and some currency. Not so in winter, sorry. There is a lot of stuff that goes into making ski holiday the awesome experience it is. But what should you buy, what should you borrow, and what should you hire? In this article we will break down all the essentials for you, letting you know about some of the best deals and best snowsports specialists in your local area.

Read More
Learner skiers race into Morzine Learner skiers race into Morzine

Company when you want it, freedom when you don't...

Who are our ski holidays for?

Beginner Skiers

Advanced Skiers

First-time Solos

Mixed-ability 2s & 3s

Adults Only

Friendly, sociable people :)

Confused? We're here to Help

We know just about everything there is to know about ski holidays for beginners. Here are just a few things we can help you with...

Ski Lessons

Ski lessons are a must on your first ski holiday. We'll chat to you and find out what sort of lessons will work best for you, then get everything booked for you. On your first morning, we'll show you where to meet your instructor.

Ski Hire

We'll explain what equipment you will need to hire, then arrange for delivery and fitting on your first morning at the chalet. For skiers, it's usually skis, poles and ski boots. For boarders it's a snowboard and boots only. Helmets are recommended for all and they can be hired, too.

Airport Transfers

For France, the main airport is Geneva — about an hour from Les Gets and Morzine. For our Bansko holidays, the best airport is Sofia, with Thessaloniki in Greece providing a handy alternative. Let us know which flights you have booked and we will arrange an airport transfer to suit.

Ski Lift Pass

A lift pass gives you access to the chair lifts and cable cars which get you onto the mountain. We can advise on which lift pass will best suit your needs and arrange for it to be delivered to the chalet when you arrive. One less thing to think about.

Packing List

Packing for a ski holiday can seem like a bit of a logistical operation. Use our handy packing list to make sure you don't forget anything. Don't forget your lip balm!

Anything Else...

All sound a bit confusing? We're here to help! Just get in touch any time and we will do our best to answer all your queries. When it comes to ski holidays for beginners, there are no stupid questions, so just fire away :)

How can we help?
A group of solo travelling skiers A group of solo travelling skiers

Got questions? We're happy to help...

Just Ask

Handy Packing List

Don't forget your lip balm...

Getting Organised

  • Passport (check expiry)
  • Ski Insurance and EHIC
  • Tickets & Boarding Passes
  • Currency (Euros)
  • Sunblock and Lip Balm
  • Swim-wear (some chalets have hot tubs & saunas)
  • Phone Chargers & Travel Adaptors
  • Any Medication (e.g. travel sickness)

For the Mountain

  • Ski Jacket
  • Salopettes (ski trousers)
  • Ski Goggles
  • Waterproof Ski Gloves
  • Thermals & Mid-Layers
  • Balaclava and Woolly Hat
  • Thick Ski Socks
  • Ski Helmet (can be hired)

How can we help?

info@theskigathering.com +44 (0)1654 634 123

Thanks for the message!

We will be in touch shortly.

A typical day with The Ski Gathering

Morning

As is the norm with any shared chalet holiday, all guests enjoy breakfast around the same time. Usually, this is in time for the keenest group members to reach the first ski lifts when they open around 9 a.m. When you're ready, we'll show you the way to your morning ski lessons. Very exciting...

On the Slopes

In lessons, you'll be starting off gently on the nursery slopes. Ski pistes are graded by difficulty and you will be building gradually up to blue runs. Reds can wait until next year. You can share lessons with a group of other beginners, or get private one-to-one tuition. Whatever works best for you.

Evening & Dinner

Join the others for aprés ski drinks in the resort centre, or head back to the chalet to get the first slice of the afternoon cake. We'll all have dinner together (six nights). Check in with the rest of the group for extra tips after your first day's lessons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a dating holiday?

No. The Ski Gathering does not offer "dating ski holidays" or "ski holidays for singles", as such. Instead, we tend to think of our ski trips as shared chalet holidays for individual skiers and sociable solo travellers.

Who will be there?

You will be sharing the chalet with other independent travellers just like you. Some will be beginners, others more experienced. There may also be some groups of two or three skiers who are of mixed abilities and so would like the chance to ski separately but with other people.

Do we have to 'join in'?

No. There are no formal or pre-arranged group activities. Nobody telling you how to have fun. It's totally casual. Meet other friendly people and do whatever makes a ski holiday awesome for you.

Which resorts can I choose from?

We currently offer ski holidays in Bansko, Chamonix Les Houches, Meribel, Morzine and Les Gets. All these resorts deserves to be near the top of any skier's bucket list, offering genuinely world-class skiing on- and off-piste. Read more...

Is there a single supplement?

No. Single skiers and snowboarders share a room so there is no single supplement to pay. A simple solution to an age-old problem. Read more...

Will I be sharing a bedroom?

In most cases, yes. That's how all of our guests can avoid the single supplement. There are some single bedrooms in certain chalets. Otherwise, you can opt to share a twin, triple, quad or five-bed room, depending on the chalet and its availability. See all chalets...

Are transfers included?

Airport transfers are typically not included in our chalet prices though this does vary from resort to resort, we are very happy to arrange your transfers for you.

When should I arrive?

The best time to arrive (when possible) is some time in the mid afternoon of the first day. If however you need to arrive in resort at another time we will do our best to accommodate you. The reason we recommend mid afternoon on the first day is because it give you an excellent chance to meet the other guests

Will there be children in my chalet?

No, unless specified there are no children on our holidays. Our adult only ski holidays are run in Bansko, Chamonix Les Houches, Meribel, Morzine and Les Gets. Currently the only holidays that may have children on them are our "Just Ski" holidays.

A single room in one of our chalets A single room in one of our chalets

No Single Supplement!

But what is a single room supplement, anyway?

The single-occupancy supplement is generally the biggest headache for individual skiers travelling alone. Usually, solos have to pay a premium for the empty bed, making ski holidays unaffordable for most singles and solo skiers. With The Ski Gathering, you'll be sharing a room so there is no single supplement. Sharing a triple or quad room, you pay slightly less than those sharing a twin.

Any Questions?

Where you'll be staying

We work with some of the very best chalet companies in The Alps to deliver the best service, the best accommodation, and the best value possible. Whether you choose to visit Bansko, Chamonix Les Houches, Meribel, Morzine and Les Gets, you should expect premium service and expert knowledge from all our staff in resort.

Les Houches, Chamonix
Chalet Hotel Du Bois in Chamonix Les Houches.

Chalet Hotel Du Bois

Our amazing hotel location in Chamonix Les Houches. With a restaurant, bar, swimming pool and sauna, this chalet hotel provides the perfect sociable space for a solo ski holiday. WIth a full restaurant menu and food included every night of your stay this location is great value! Read more...

  • Swimming Pool
  • Sauna
  • Food Every Night
See Chalet Details
Morzine, Portes du Soleil
Our solo ski holidays in Chalet Chery des Meuniers, Morzine.

Chery des Meuniers

Fifty metres from the bus stop, Chery des Meuniers combines a terrific location with unbeatable value. Facilities include an honesty bar, free wifi throughout, flatscreen TV, iPod dock and a secondary living area often used as a quiet den. Read more...

  • Up to 12 Guests
  • 50m to Bus Stop
  • Sauna
See Chalet Details
Morzine, Portes du Soleil
Chalet Ardoisiers in Morzine.

Chalet Ardoisiers

With a hot tub, sauna and a spacious detached lounge this chalet provides the perfect sociable space for a solo ski holiday. Space to mix when you want to socialise; space to escape when you're ready for some down time. Read more...

  • Up to 14 Guests
  • Sauna & Hot Tub
  • Great Social Areas
See Chalet Details
Morzine, Portes du Soleil
A singles ski holiday chalet chez claud in Morzine

Chez Claude

A welcoming chalet with indoor sauna and a log fire. A secondary living area upstairs provides space to spread out, call home, or take a moment's down time for yourself. Just 50m to nearest shuttle bus stop, you'll be on the slopes in minutes. Read more...

  • Up to 10 Guests
  • 50m to Bus Stop
  • Indoor Sauna
See Chalet Details
Meribel Les Allues, Three Valleys
A singles ski holiday Chalet exterior in Chalet St Joseph Meribel

Chalet St Joseph

This chalet ticks all the boxes for an amazing solo ski holiday. From the hot tub and sauna to relax after a day skiing or snowboarding or the boot warmer to dry your boots and make them toasty warm to the large living area with loads of comfortable seating; you won't be disappointed. Read more...

  • Up to 14 Guests
  • Free Shuttle Bus
  • Hot Tub & Sauna
See Chalet Details
Les Gets, Portes du Soleil
The Alpine Loft luxury chalet in Les Gets.

The Alpine Loft

We are proud to present our newly renovated loft chalet for 2018-2019. Expect the very best. Delicious Evening Meals. All-inclusive drinks throughout your stay. Village-centre location, just 300m from the ski lifts, plus the resort shops and bars. Read more...

  • Village Centre
  • 300m to Ski Lifts
  • Inclusive Drinks
See Chalet Details
Les Gets, Portes du Soleil
The Alpine Lodge luxury chalet in Les Gets.

The Alpine Lodge

In every sense a luxury chalet. Expect the best catering, prepared before your very eyes by head chef Raphael. Enjoy all-inclusive drinks in the expansive living area, or head for the outdoor hottub. Just 300m from the lifts, shops and slope-side aprés ski bar. Read more...

  • Village Centre
  • 300m to Ski Lifts
  • Inclusive Drinks
See Chalet Details
Les Gets, Portes du Soleil
Chalet Novelin Solo Ski chalet in Les Gets.

Chalet Novelin

The charming and popular Chalet Novelin. It features a hot tub, sauna and is just 150m from the pistes. Also: delicious Evening Meals and All-inclusive drinks throughout your stay. Perfect! Read more...

  • Hot Tub and Sauna
  • 150m to Pistes
  • Inclusive Drinks
See Chalet Details
Meribel, Three Valleys
Chalet Belmont in Meribel

Chalet Belmont

This luxury chalet offers our "Just Ski" package. This is less of a meet-up social trip than our usual solo holidays. You will be sharing a chalet with regular groups and couples. You can take room for yourself and there's no single supplement. Or bring 1-2 friends along to bunk-up with. Read more...

  • Just Ski Package
  • 1-3 booking together
  • Luxury Chalet
See Chalet Details
Bansko, Bulgaria
Chalet Garibaldi in Bansko

Chalet Garibaldi

A spacious, traditional chalet in the resort-centre 'old town' of Bansko. Sleeping 15 guests in eight ensuite bedrooms, and with a great location, Chalet Garibaldi is a dream for groups of solo skiers. Inclusive drinks with evening meals. Access to pool, steamroom and sauna. Read more...

  • Up to 15 Guests
  • Central Location
  • Amazing Value
See Chalet Details

The Ski Gathering

Single Ski Holidays

Resorts & Chalets

About Us