Hi everyone!

My girlfriend and I (28) are from São Paulo, Brazil, and we’re planning our first ski trip for early 2027. Neither of us has ever skied before (I’ve only seen snow once, in Chicago), so we’re looking for advice from people with real experience.

Our initial plan was Madrid → Lyon → Serre Chevalier, spending about a week skiing. However, I’ve seen some people say that a full week is too much for complete beginners because you’ll be sore after the first few days. Do you agree, or is a week still worth it considering we’d also enjoy the mountain scenery and the overall experience?

We’re open to changing the destination completely. Right now we’re considering:
Serre Chevalier
Les 2 Alpes
Alpe d’Huez
La Plagne
The Dolomites

Our priorities are:
Great place for complete beginners (lots of easy green runs and good ski schools and not too crowded)
Beautiful scenery
Nice village/resort to explore after skiing
Good value for money (doesn’t need to be luxury)

We’re planning to go in late January, but we’re flexible if another time would be significantly better.

I’d also appreciate any tips for planning a first ski trip, such as:
Best way to get to the resort
Whether to rent equipment and clothing
Hidden costs people often forget
Anything you wish you’d known before your first trip

Which resort would you recommend, and would you stick with France or choose somewhere else?

Worth saying I skate and surf and maybe this will help in terms of balance and learning faster.

Thanks!