World Ski Awards, a global initiative to acknowledge excellence in ski tourism, has revealed its 12th annual programme winners, who have been recognised for setting the global standard for lift infrastructure and resort facilities and slopeside accommodation.

Europe’s highest ski resort, Val Thorens in France, which has been declared the ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’, is among the top winners.

Switzerland’s reputation as a hospitality world-leader was reinforced with victories in two key categories: W Verbier captured ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’ and Chalet Zermatt Peak claimed ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’.

In the newcomer categories, Japan’s Muwa Niseko fought off entrants in Aspen and St. Moritz to take the title for ‘World's Best New Ski Hotel’.

Méribel’s Chalet Harmony – offering a rare blend of luxury, privacy and proximity to the slopes and resort centre – was named ‘World’s Best New Ski Chalet’.

The results follow a year-long search for the world’s leading ski travel, tourism and hospitality brands. Votes were cast by ski industry professionals and ski consumers, with the nominee gaining the most votes in each category named the winner.

Sion Rapson, Managing Director of World Ski Awards, said: “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.”

Switzerland’s LAAX, with its unlimited freeriding terrain, was named ‘World’s Best Freestyle Resort’. Ski Dubai was hailed ‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort’.

Leo Trippi was voted ‘World’s Best Ski Travel Agent’, with Sunweb collecting ‘World’s Best Ski Tour Operator’ and Schneebeben taking ‘World’s Best Ski Transfer Operator’.

With its exquisite facilities and ski-to-door access to Les Trois Vallées, Hôtel Le Pashmina, Val Thorens took the title for ‘World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel’.

The harmonious mix of architecture and nature helped LAAX’s rocksresort to the title of ‘World’s Best Green Ski Hotel’. Canada’s Northern Escape Heli-Skiing collected ‘World’s Best Heli-Ski Operator’.

The pan-European dominance of Compagnie des Alpes was acknowledged with the award for ‘World’s Best Ski Resort Group’.

The state-of-the-art facilities of Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel led to its recognition as ‘World’s Best Ski Resort Company’.

World Ski Awards 2024 Winners

• World's Best Ski Resort 2024 – Val Thorens, France
• World's Best Freestyle Resort 2024 – LAAX, Switzerland
• World's Best Ski Hotel 2024 – W Verbier, Switzerland
• World's Best New Ski Hotel 2024 – MUWA NISEKO, Japan
• World's Best Ski Boutique Hotel 2024 – Hôtel Le Pashmina, Val Thorens
• World's Best Green Ski Hotel 2024 – rocksresort, LAAX, Switzerland
• World's Best Ski Chalet 2024 – Chalet Zermatt Peak, Switzerland
• World's Best New Ski Chalet 2024 – Chalet Harmony, Méribel, France
• World's Best Ski Resort Company 2024 – Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel. Austria
• World's Best Ski Resort Group 2024 – Compagnie des Alpes, France
• World's Best Indoor Ski Resort 2024 – Ski Dubai, UAE
• World's Best Ski Tour Operator 2024 – Sunweb
• World's Best Ski Travel Agent 2024 – Leo Trippi
• World's Best Heli-Ski Operator 2024 – Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, Canada
• World's Best Ski Transfer Operator 2024 – Schneebeben

The World’s Top 3 in each category have also been revealed. Awards were also announced on a country-level, featuring the best resorts and hospitality providers from the world’s best ski tourism destinations. – TradeArabia News Service