Val Thorens in France has been named ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’ for 2024 by the World Ski Awards.
The prestigious accolade has been earned following votes cast by ski industry professionals and ski consumers, who also nominated their favourite hotels, chalets and freestyle resorts.
Val Thorens, which at 2,300m (7,545ft) is the highest ski resort in Europe, is recognised for ‘setting the global standard for lift infrastructure, resort facilities and slopeside accommodation’.
The lofty French resort’s image is further burnished by a hotel there – Le Pashmina – winning ‘World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel’.
The awards highlighted its ‘exquisite facilities and ski-to-door access’.
The organisers said that ‘Switzerland’s reputation as a hospitality world-leader has been reinforced with victories in two key categories’ – W Verbier captures the ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’ gong and Chalet Zermatt Peak in Zermatt claims’ World’s Best Ski Chalet’.
Switzerland also claims victory in the ‘World’s Best Freestyle Resort’ category, with LAAX top of the podium.
Ski Dubai is hailed ‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort’.
In the newcomer categories, Japan’s MUWA Niseko takes the title for ‘World’s Best New Ski Hotel’, while Méribel’s Chalet Harmony – ‘offering a rare blend of luxury, privacy and proximity to the slopes and resort centre’ – is named ‘World’s Best New Ski Chalet’.
In America, Deer Valley Resort in Utah is named best ski resort, Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley the top ski hotel and the Stein Eriksen Residences the No.1 boutique hotel.
Down under, it’s Thredbo in New South Wales that claims the ski resort gong and Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa Hotel that is named Australia’s Best Ski Hotel 2024.
Other notable accolades include Leo Trippi winning ‘World’s Best Ski Travel Agent’, Sunweb collecting ‘World’s Best Ski Tour Operator’ and Schneebeben taking ‘World’s Best Ski Transfer Operator’.
Sion Rapson, Managing Director of World Ski Awards, says: ‘We are thrilled to unveil the best ski organisations of 2024 – the resorts, chalets, hotels, agents and travel providers that are lifting the global ski sector to new heights.
‘This year’s winners reflect the dynamic nature of our industry, showcasing an ideal blend of luxury, innovation and sustainability.
‘This year, we received a record number of votes from ski tourism consumers all around the world – most encouraging on the eve of the upcoming season.’
For more visit worldskiawards.com.
