Hit the Slopes with Confidence: Best Free Ski Lifts for Beginners in the French Alps

Skiing is a fantastic winter sport that offers a thrilling experience for people of all ages and skill levels. However, the cost of skiing can add up quickly, with expenses such as lift tickets, gear rentals, and ski lessons. For beginner skiers, the cost of ski lift tickets can be a significant barrier to entry. This is where free ski lifts for beginners in the French Alps come in handy.

Having access to free ski lifts for beginners can make skiing more affordable and accessible for everyone. Ski resorts in the French Alps recognize the importance of offering beginner-friendly slopes and ski lifts to encourage people to try skiing and fall in love with the sport. By providing free ski lifts for beginners, ski resorts make it easier for novice skiers to learn and progress without breaking the bank.

With free ski lifts for beginners, you can focus on honing your skiing skills without worrying about the cost of lift tickets. Additionally, beginner-friendly ski lifts tend to be less crowded, providing a more relaxed and comfortable learning environment. This means that you can take your time and build your confidence on the slopes at your own pace.

Free ski lifts in the 3 Valleys ski area

In the Three Valleys, each ski resort offers a few free lifts for beginners. Val Thorens provides free beginner carpets at the base of the slopes.

In Méribel, the Chalets gondola and a few carpets and chairlifts, such as the Inuits, are free. Quite a few of the green slopes in Meribel are actually free, see here the map and follow the pink star. 7 free lifts spread in Méribel-Mottaret & Méribel are available to encourage beginners to avoid purchasing a lift pass. There is also a heavily discounted ski pass for beginners, see here the ski areas.

In Courchevel, the bottom of the slopes lifts are free, such as Bellecôte or Cospillot in Courchevel 1850 or Belvédère in Moriond. In Courchevel 1850, beginner skiers can enjoy free access to Bellecôte, Étoiles, and Cospillot chairlifts, as well as the Golf carpet. Part of the Jardin Alpin opens for free, offering access to green and blue slopes. In La Tania, the Troïka carpet in the Easy Rider zone is free. The unique charm of La Tania adds to the experience. In Le Praz, beginner skiers can enjoy the Envolée carpet with stunning views of the lake and traditional village.

In Courchevel Village, Les Roys chairlift and Grandes Combes gondola provide access to blue slopes. In Courchevel Moriond, beginner skiers can enjoy free access to the Mickey chairlift in the Easy Rider zone and the Moriond gondola in the base area. With ten free lifts to choose from, there are plenty of opportunities for beginner skiers to learn and progress in Courchevel.

In Les Menuires you have several beginner carpets to get you to the top of the snow front and ski down to the bottom. Also available is a half-price ski pass (usually called easy rider) where you have access to green and blue pistes in the ski area.

Good to know: For children below the age of five, the ski pass is free (also over 75) in the 3 Valleys

In Val d’Isère, Beginner skiers in Val d’Isère can take advantage of three free lifts to help them learn and improve their skiing skills. Located at the Centre and Daille base areas, these lifts offer free access to the slopes. The Solaise area offers the Savonnette chairlift and Village gondola, while the Daille area offers the Lanches chairlift. These free lifts provide a fantastic opportunity for novice skiers to learn and progress in a comfortable and affordable way. 

It’s a great way for beginner skiers to learn and enjoy skiing without having to worry about the cost of lift tickets.

In Tignes, beginner skiers can take advantage of several free areas to discover and learn skiing in a safe and stress-free environment. These areas are identified and served by free ski lifts, including four carpets at Claret, Centre, Boisses 1&2, two chairlifts at Lavachet and Grande Pareï, and three gondolas at Bollin, Almes, and Rosset. These free areas are perfect for beginner skiers who want to improve their skills without having to worry about the cost of lift tickets.

Alpe d’Huez: 3 green runs are accessible for free thanks to 4 lifts offered to all skiers: Petit Rif Nel 1 and Petit Ecole ski lifts, Grenouilles carpet, and Télécentre lift.

If you are under 5 years old or over 72 years old, congratulations, you don’t have to pay anything!

Les 2 Alpes: Free slopes for beginners of all ages at Les Deux Alpes! On the lower part of the ski area, there are 5 FREE ski lifts for beginners. Perfect for your first ski or snowboard runs: take advantage of them! Try out the brand new Bosquet and Vikings carpets, open from 9am to 5pm.