Start Here
Beginner's
Guide
Everything you need to know before your first day on the Swiss slopes — from gear to getting off the lift.
Terrain
Slope Difficulty
| Colour | Refference | Steepness | Description | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Green | < 15° | Very gentle, wide and groomed — ideal for first steps. | Complete beginners, young children | |
| Blue | 15–25° | Easy but with some gradient. Good for building confidence. | Beginners who can already stop | |
| Red | 25–40° | Intermediate. Steeper sections, sometimes moguls. | Confident intermediate skiers | |
| Black | > 40° | Expert. Very steep, icy patches, off-piste possible. | Advanced and expert skiers only |
Equipment
- Skis: For beginners, rent. Shorter skis (chin height) are easier to control.
- Boots: The most important piece — should fit snugly. Always get fitted professionally.
- Helmet: Non-negotiable. Always wear a certified ski helmet on Swiss slopes.
- Goggles: Protect from UV, wind, and snow glare at altitude.
- Gloves: Waterproof, insulated mittens or gloves. Avoid cotton.
- Layers: Moisture-wicking base layer, insulating mid layer, waterproof shell.
- Sunscreen SPF 50+: UV radiation doubles at altitude — this is mandatory.
Lifts
- Magic Carpet: Conveyor belt — step on, stand still. Perfect for first-timers.
- Ski tow / J-bar: Grab the bar, let it pull you. Don't sit — lean forward.
- T-bar: Share with one other skier. Place under your bottom and glide.
- Chairlift: Wait at the line, scoot forward when the chair arrives, sit and put the bar down. Raise tips to get off.
- Gondola / Cable car: Take off skis, carry them in. Hold them vertically.
- Always check your poles are clear before the lift moves. Never duck under a running lift.
Safety
- FIS Code: Ski in control at all times and be able to stop safely.
- Always give way to skiers below you — they have right of way.
- Do not stop in the middle of a run or beneath a blind crest.
- When stopping, always move to the side of the piste.
- Beginners should stick to marked, groomed runs (green & blue).
- Off-piste: Never ski off-piste without a guide and avalanche equipment.
- Carry a piste map and check the weather before heading out.
Costs
- Ski pass: CHF 50–80/day at most resorts. Multi-day passes give good savings.
- Rental: CHF 30–55/day for skis, boots, and poles. Book online for discounts.
- Lessons: CHF 40–70 for a group lesson (highly recommended for beginners).
- Food on the mountain: Expensive — CHF 20–40 for a meal. Bring snacks.
- Many resorts offer half-day passes — great for beginners who tire quickly.
- Switzerland Rail + lift pass combos (Swiss Travel Pass) can save significantly on transport.
Season
- December–January: Fresh snow, festive atmosphere, but can be very cold and busy over Christmas.
- February: Peak season — best snow quality, school holidays mean crowds.
- March: The sweet spot. Longer days, warmer temps, softer spring snow and fewer crowds.
- April: Slush lower down, but high-altitude resorts like Zermatt and Saas-Fee still good.
- For beginners: March is ideal — warmer, calmer, and more pleasant for learning.
- Book accommodation 3–6 months ahead for school holiday periods.
First Day Tips
- Book a lesson — even one 2-hour group lesson changes everything.
- Start on the magic carpet and nursery slope before attempting any runs.
- Take breaks every hour — fatigue is the main cause of beginner injuries.
- Learn to fall safely: fall sideways, keep arms up, skis across the slope.
- Don't be embarrassed — every expert was once exactly where you are.
- Stop before you're exhausted. Half-day on day one is perfectly normal.
- Stay hydrated — mountain air is dry and you lose water faster than you think.
Where to Go