Skiing doesn’t come naturally to human beings. It’s not like walking or running—and it’s not even as intuitive as swimming. You don’t have to know how to ski to survive; it’s not a necessary part of life. That said, skiing is definitely a way of life for a lot of people, especially out west. Because everyone starts out as a beginner, it’s important to find the perfect place to get your ski-legs, so to speak.

If you’re interested in learning, check out one of these three top North American resorts for learning how to ski:

Aspen Snowmass, Colorado

Aspen is obviously one of the biggest names in the alpine sports world. It’s one of the first skiing resorts that comes to mind whenever anyone thinks of snow skiing or snowboarding. Even though Aspen itself is a behemoth, Snowmass is actually a fantastic place for beginners to learn how to ski.

Snowmass features much gentler slopes than the rest of Aspen, and they’re ideal for novice skiers. Not to mention, the fact that all of the ski instructors are extremely knowledgeable and are happy to help newbie skiers at every turn.

Okemo, Vermont

On the other side of the country, Okemo in Vermont serves as a great hub for skiers on the East Coast of all abilities. Whether you’re just starting out in the alpine sports, or you’re a seasoned snow-pro, you’ll be able to find a run that fits your speed.

One of the biggest draws for this particular skiing spot is the access to unique, heated chairlifts to transport newbie skiers up the mountain in comfort.

Big Sky Resort, Montana

With over 800 acres of beginner skiing, Big Sky Resort in Montana is a spectacular fit for first-time skiers. In addition to dozens of rolling hills that beckon beginners to conquer them, Big Sky also offers lessons with some of the best professional skiing instructors in the business.
There are, of course, dozens of great ski lodges around the country, but these three are particularly conducive to getting beginners on their feet—and on their skis!