If it’s your first time picking up the skis, gentle slopes and friendly ski schools will become your best friend.

Finland is the perfect place to ski - covered in crystal white snow December through to May, you’ll find plenty of ski resorts near Rovaniemi with quiet pistes and smaller ski areas. Surrounded by breath-taking nature and the possibility of seeing The Northern Lights illuminate the sky, there couldn't be a more picturesque place to learn how to ski.

Ounasvaara is the most central ski resort, with uncrowded slopes that won’t overwhelm you whilst you’re learning. If you head over to Rendi Park, you’ll find a training slope along with machines like a magic carpet and a snow carousel to help your balance. Ylläs is also another great resort to learn the tricks of the trade. Its English-speaking ski schools and wide runs will be sure to help build up your confidence.

Blessed with a long extensive snow season, it’s no surprise that Austria is well-known for being one of the best skiing destinations in the world. So why not start off at the top! Not too far from Innsbruck you’ll find Alpbach, a charming ski resort with easy terrain and an excellent choice of ski schools. With friendly locals and a good choice of bars and restaurants in the village, you can’t go wrong.

Ellmau, part of the SkiWelt ski area, is well-equipped for first timers. Also full of ski schools, if you progress and are ready for your next challenge, you can access 284km of pistes with the full SkiWelt ski pass. Finally, Lech has dedicated nursery slopes, as well as 133km of easy rolling blue runs for when you’re ready to take the next step.

For those that feel confident, but aren’t ready to tackle the black slopes just yet, there are many great resorts where you can find a good level in-between.

Just over an hour's drive from Vienna, the Mönichkirchen-Mariensee ski resort provides a great old-school skiing experience. Regularly visited by locals, this family friendly resort boasts ten slopes spanning 14 km varying in levels of difficulty.

Slightly further out you’ll find Hochkar, known as the largest, most reliable resort for snowfall in the Alpine foothills. With over 50% of its stunning slopes suitable for intermediates, this is your place if you want an Alps-like experience near Vienna.

If you want to be close to some of the best ski resorts in Italy, France, and even Switzerland, fly into Turin airport in Northern Italy. It’s a fantastic area to ski - think high-altitude slopes, no crowds, and stunning mountain views.

Via Lattea is a great area for intermediates with many red slopes. Why not visit Sauze d'Oulx, perfect for the night owls, or Sansicario, if you’re looking for a more tranquil setting. It is also home of the 2006 Winter Olympics Alpine village Sestrière - test your skill out on the former Olympic racetracks and see how you compare!

If skiing comes as naturally as walking to you, you’ll want a bit more of a challenge. Here are some of the most adrenaline-fueled slopes in the French and Swiss Alps, to give you the thrill of a lifetime.

Fly to Chambery to visit Courchevel, which makes up a third of the world’s largest ski area. If you’re looking for a bucket list worthy run, head over to the Grand Couloir in The Three Valleys. Not for the faint-hearted, although it’s a marked black run, it's actually an ungroomed off-piste route - 692m long, with a 350m altitude drop and an 85% maximum gradient.

Val d'Isère is also a must visit, considered to be a skier’s paradise. One of the most incredible places to ski, you’ll come across some of the most challenging terrain here - think open powder fields, freeride terrain and plenty of couloirs. This mega resort is also known as a hotspot for its après ski scene, with multiple uber-cool bars and restaurants featuring expansive terraces for DJ sets.

Buckle up your boots, it’s time to explore one of Europe’s most challenging ski resorts. Jet off to Geneva to find the beautiful town of Verbier. Located in the Four Valleys, there’s a vast 410 km long area to tackle, with 103 km of that being black pistes. Thrill seekers should head to the Chassoure Gondola to find ‘Tortin’, the hardest marked itinerary run.

Sitting on the border between Switzerland and France you’ll find Avoriaz, the only 100% pedestrian resort where all residences have ski-in/ski-out access. Head to the Hauts Forts sector for tonnes of off-piste variants, ginormous moguls, and a steep elevation of 2466m.

Book your winter wonderland escape today - and don’t forget to consider booking your airport parking, security FastTrack pass, or lounge access!