5 of the best ski resorts in Europe

Best for beginners: Mayrhofen, Austrian

For your very first outing to the mountains, you’ll be after two things: gentle runs free from egotistical experts bombing past you, and an Alpine atmosphere that’s authentic enough to give you a taster of what a skiing holiday is really like. Mayrhofen in Austria has both of these by the bucket. You may have to ride a lift to reach the slopes, but once you’re there, the benefits are clear. With quiet, nursery slopes situated on one side of the valley and wide, gentle runs on the other, it’s everything and more that beginners require while getting the hang of skis. The best bit? These slopes are wonderfully under-used, making your first skiing experience as stress-free and laid-back as it should be. Mayrhofen’s appeal doesn’t stop there, though. The resort’s buzzing nightlife is sure to give you the skiing bug, with popular bars the White Lounge – an igloo with deck chairs – and the mountain-side Freiraum proving Mayrhofen’s status as a party town. The perfect way to reward yourself after a hard day’s skiing.