6 February 2025
Crans-Montana is a well-known destination for many different reasons, and one of them is its vast ski area with 140 kilometres of sunny and varied pistes, which are suitable for all levels. And the experts agree, the resort hasn't forgotten about beginner skiers!
We've put together a mini-guide for beginner skiers, which includes advice and tips, and a list of blue pistes in the Crans-Montana area which are suitable for your first experience on skis.
The best place to start is Snow Island on the Severiano Ballesteros golf course, or the Snow Garden at Arnouva, two areas specially designed for young skiers and beginners.
Snow Island is an ideal place for families in winter, with two button lifts and two magic carpet lifts on gently sloping pistes, perfect for safe first experiences skiing or snowboarding. You can also enjoy other activities here, such as snowtubing and sledging, or relax at the indoor and outdoor refreshment areas, with views over a majestic Alpine panorama.
Bonus: From December to March, Bibi the marmot, Crans-Montana’s famous mascot, moves onto the golf course and welcomes children of all ages to his house, where a wide range of activities and entertainment is on offer from Crans-Montana Tourism and Congress.
As well as Snow Island, the Snow Garten at Arnouva is an ideal option for beginner skiers. There are three magic carpet lifts, as well as routes of varying levels, for a gentle introduction to skiing or snowboarding. If you're feeling confident, try the Verdets blue piste just a few metres away, which you can reach via the Verdets ski lift.
Bonus: Although the area is in the Crans-Montana ski area, it is easy to reach via a ski lift from the resort. There is a restaurant with a terrace overlooking the Snow Garten, which offers a menu that will appeal to everyone, and this is an ideal stop before heading back to the slopes.
Whichever place you choose, you can learn with ski instructors (advance booking is required) or with whoever is teaching you to ski, and enjoy an unforgettable day in the mountains. Take a look at our offers to help you start skiing with the very best tuition, and by learning the correct techniques.
Take advantage of special rates with the Pass Step One
Do your first turns with the Pass Step One and make the most of your family break in Crans-Montana:
You’ll find all the practical information you might need here
Once you've mastered the basics, try to gradually improve on the blue pistes: Verdets, Les Planches (located a few metres from the Snow Garten at Arnouva), before heading up to Cry d’Er on the Boulevard and Mérignou.
For beginners who want to push themselves, there are another 4 blue pistes to explore around Aminona :
These pistes are only accessible from Violettes, a part of the resort which doesn't have any beginner pistes. You'll have to take red pistes (medium level) to get to them, the Cabane de Bois then the Barmaz. You can get back to Violettes via Le Plat piste (be careful though, you need speed on this piste to avoid getting stuck on the flat!). We therefore don’t recommend these 2 pistes to beginners who haven't yet mastered turning and braking.
1. Ensure you’re well-prepared
2. Make sure you have suitable and comfortable equipment
3. If possible, go on a sunny day
4. Don’t try to learn on your own
5. Don’t force things: it can take several lessons to learn the basics before you can manage to take to the slopes beyond the training area.
6. Don’t give up!
So grab your skis… and off you go! And good luck!
