Val Thorens Takes Top Title At 2025 World Ski Awards,

The World Ski Awards, the only global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in ski tourism, has announced the winners of its 13th annual programme.

Val Thorens, Europe’s highest resort, was named ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’ in recognition of setting the global standard for lift infrastructure, resort facilities and slopeside accommodation. Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley in Utah was voted ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’, and Chalet Zermatt Peak claimed the stellar title of ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’. Hôtel Le Pashmina took the title for ‘World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel’ thanks to its exquisite facilities and ski-to-door access to Les Trois Vallées.

In the newcomer categories, Japan’s Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO, the first lifestyle brand of the historic Okura Nikko Hotel Group, fought off entrants from Val-d’Isère and the Austrian Tyrol to claim the title for ‘World's Best New Ski Hotel’. Cabane Tortin – an off-grid retreat above Verbier – 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, says: “We are thrilled to unveil the best ski organisations of 2025 – 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. We have 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 as ‘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 SkyExpress taking ‘World’s Best Ski Transfer Operator’.

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’, and Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel took the title of ‘World’s Best Ski Resort Company’.

Global Category Winners: Resorts and Hotels

The top World's Best accolades showcased dominance in both established and emerging markets:

The victory for the Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley marks a significant win for North American luxury, securing the title of World's Best Ski Hotel against stiff European competition. The property is renowned for its Norwegian-inspired design and unparalleled service in Utah's Deer Valley.

In the luxury accommodation sector, Chalet Zermatt Peak continued its reign, once again being named World's Best Ski Chalet, reinforcing Switzerland's reputation for ultimate mountain exclusivity. Meanwhile, Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO in Japan secured the World's Best New Ski Hotel title, highlighting the growing status of Hokkaido's powder snow region on the global luxury circuit.

Service and Operations Excellence

The awards also recognized the companies that make ski travel seamless and accessible:

• World's Best Ski Tour Operator was awarded to Sunweb.

• World's Best Ski Travel Agent went to Leo Trippi.

• Northern Escape Heli-Skiing took the prize for World's Best Heli-Ski Operator, affirming Canada’s standing as a premier destination for backcountry adventures.

• SkyExpress was voted World's Best Ski Transfer Operator.

• On the operational side, Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel (Austria) won World's Best Ski Resort Company and Compagnie des Alpes (France) was named World's Best Ski Resort Group, recognizing their massive scale and investment in mountain infrastructure.

Noteworthy National Winners

Alongside the global prizes, several national champions were recognized for setting benchmarks in their home countries:

• Austria: Kitzbühel won Austria's Best Ski Resort, with Schlosshotel Kitzbühel taking the hotel prize.

• United States: Deer Valley Resort was named the USA's Best Ski Resort, pairing perfectly with the global victory for the Stein Eriksen Lodge.

• Canada: The Lake Louise Ski Resort secured the title of Canada's Best Ski Resort.

• Japan: Rusutsu Resort was recognized as Japan's Best Ski Resort.

• Switzerland: Verbier was voted Switzerland's Best Ski Resort, complementing the success of the W Verbier and Chalet Zermatt Peak in global categories.

The comprehensive list of winners across all categories confirms a strong year for the ski industry, with investment in luxury, freestyle terrain, and sustainability driving the trends for the 2025 season.