30 June 2026

Where to go for your first time skiing and how to learn (children and adults)

It’s never too late – and never too early – to take up skiing: aspiring skiers of all ages can fulfil their dream of strapping on skis and navigating the slopes. The important thing is to do it in the right setting and with the right instructors, and in this respect, no resort is better than Livigno for learning to ski.

But how, you might ask, aren’t Livigno’s slopes just for expert skiers and skilled downhill skiers? Not at all: there are plenty of lifts and runs dedicated to those who want to learn; you just need to choose the right place to put on your skis for the first time. Here are our tips.

1 – Choose ski schools with beginner slopes

Livigno has a huge number of ski runs and ski lifts (discover the most beautiful runs), but not all of them are suitable for those just starting out as beginners. To take your first steps on skis and make your first runs, you need gentle slopes, runs that aren’t too busy or with designated areas for beginners, and lifts suitable for beginners. The best ski areas for children and adults who are just starting out are those in the centre of Livigno, which have easy, gently sloping runs with plenty of space – ideal for gradually learning the basic techniques and building confidence, one run at a time. A calm and safe environment in which to ski is the first step towards learning to do it properly.

Discover the ski runs in the Valandrea Ski Area, suitable for all levels

2 – Ski lift, chairlift or magic carpet? The best ski lifts for learning

Aspiring skiers must learn not only how to ski down the slopes, but also how to use the ski lifts to reach the top of the slope. The first step with these special modes of transport is the magic carpet: it’s easy to use – you simply need to stand still whilst going up – and getting off isn’t particularly difficult either. Consequently, for those just starting out, it’s a good idea to choose a ski area with a magic carpet for children and beginners. The next step is to start using the T-bar lift, getting used to the seat, whilst using a chairlift requires more experience and there are minimum age and height restrictions.

At the Valandrea Ski Area, all the ski lifts are in one place, so you can choose according to your skill level: magic carpet, T-bar and chairlift all in one place

3 – Join a ski school in Livigno

Livigno’s ski schools are renowned throughout the Alps for their excellence. Professional ski instructors are on hand throughout the long ski season, with the significant advantage of being able to have an instructor who speaks your own language (including English, German, French and Polish), ready to guide every pupil through their first steps on skis and their subsequent progress. Enrolling with an instructor is the best way to learn to ski in Livigno, whatever your age: the wide range of options on offer provides plenty of choice , from adult ski courses and private lessons to children’s courses and dedicated ski instructors for those wishing to perfect their technique.

The Valandrea Ski Area’s ski school is open to everyone, young and old: come and learn to ski with our instructors

4 - Ski with the right ski pass

You’ll need a ski pass to ski, but a day pass isn’t necessarily the best option for your first few days on the slopes. If you’re taking part in an organised ski course, the course leaders will advise you on the most suitable type of ski pass, but bear in mind that there are specific rates for the magic carpets, special offers for skiing with children, morning passes (until 1.00 pm) and afternoon passes (from 12.30 pm) – which allow you to ski for half a day at a reduced price – and the points-based pass for skiing in Livigno.

The latter, in particular, involves purchasing a certain number of points which are deducted each time you use a ski lift. The lifts in the Valandrea Ski Area are as follows:

• Valandrea ski lift: 7 points per ride;
• Botarel chairlift: 18 points per ride.

At our ski pass counters inside the resort, you’ll find all the information you need and can purchase the Livigno ski pass in the way that suits you best.

5 - Choose a convenient ski area

Learning to ski can be fun, but also tiring, especially for young children. The quality of your day on the snow in Livigno also depends on the convenience of the place where you ski, which is why the Valandrea Ski Area offers a range of services for skiers that are highly appreciated by those who visit:

• a central location, with ski slopes in the centre of Livigno easily accessible by car (we’re outside the restricted traffic zone) and dedicated car park;
• a Livigno bus stop right in front of the ski area, with bus timetables available in real time on our website: click here to view them;
• direct access to the slopes and lifts via an escalator from the road, making it easier to carry your equipment;
• ski and boot hire available from our partner right next to the ski slopes;
• heated lockers available to book for storing personal belongings or leaving your equipment overnight to collect the next day (remember that the key to learning to ski is not to give up and to keep trying for several days in a row).

If you want to take up skiing, come to Livigno – we look forward to seeing you at Valandrea to have fun in the snow with us! Discover the ski area