Famous for its Tour de France hairpins, Alpe d'Huez is quietly one of France's best places to learn: a huge, south-facing bowl of gentle greens and blues sits directly above the village, with sunshine statistics resorts half its size would kill for and free beginner lifts to start on. Graduate to the long, easy-angled sectors towards the Sarenne once your turns click. High altitude keeps the snow reliable. Book February weeks outside the French school holidays — the half-term crush is real.
Featured in Ten ski resorts where beginners won't feel silly · Mountain