Val Thorens, Europe's highest ski resort, has once again claimed the title of world's best ski resort at the annual World Ski Awards. The French Alpine destination, perched at 2,300 metres, beat Deer Valley in Utah and Austria's Kitzbühel to take the top spot for the 11th time. All three resorts also won their respective national titles in the 14th edition of the awards, which are decided by votes from ski industry professionals and the public.
The resort is part of the vast Les 3 Vallées ski area, which links around 600 kilometres of pistes across resorts including Courchevel and Méribel. Its altitude and reliable snow record have made it a favourite among European skiers, and the award reinforces its position as a benchmark for the continent's ski industry.
Swiss hospitality dominates the podium
While Val Thorens took the resort crown, Switzerland swept the hotel and chalet categories. W Verbier was named the world's best ski hotel, ahead of France's Le Fitz Roy and Utah's Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley. The Grand Hotel Belvedere, a restored 1912 property in the car-free village of Wengen, won best new ski hotel, beating Italy's Aman Rosa Alpina and France's Rosewood Courchevel Le Jardin Alpin.
Switzerland also claimed the best ski chalet award with Chalet Zermatt Peak, followed by France's Chalet Harmony and Canada's Wedge Mountain Lodge & Spa. The best new ski chalet title went to Chez Madeleine, with France's Chalet des Légendes and Japan's Meigetsu at Aki Niseko completing the top three.
The Swiss dominance extends beyond traditional hospitality. LAAX, the freestyle resort in the canton of Graubünden, was named the world's best freestyle resort, ahead of France's Les 2 Alpes and Canada's Whistler Blackcomb. LAAX also took the green ski hotel award with rocksresort, which edged out Austria's Naturhotel Forsthofgut and Italy's Naturhotel Leitlhof.
Indoor skiing also featured prominently. Ski Dubai was named the world's best indoor ski resort, ahead of Qianhai Snow World in Shenzhen, China, and Norway's SNØ Oslo. The inclusion of SNØ, a year-round indoor snow centre in the Norwegian capital, highlights the growing appeal of indoor skiing in Europe, particularly for those who want to practice without travelling to the Alps.
The awards come as European ski tourism continues to evolve. While classic Alpine destinations remain strong, there is increasing interest in affordable ski options, with nine of the ten most budget-friendly resorts in Europe located in France. This trend is likely to influence how resorts market themselves in the coming seasons.
For those planning a ski holiday, the results offer a useful guide to the continent's best offerings. Val Thorens remains the benchmark for high-altitude skiing, while Switzerland's hotels and chalets set the standard for comfort and service. The awards also reflect a broader shift towards sustainability, with green credentials becoming a key factor in the rankings.
As the ski season gets underway, the World Ski Awards provide a snapshot of the industry's current leaders. Whether you're drawn to the vast slopes of Les 3 Vallées, the freestyle parks of LAAX, or the car-free charm of Wengen, Europe continues to offer some of the world's most compelling ski destinations.
