Daily Mail: The 2019 World Ski Awards names the best chalets, hotels and resorts

Tue 26 November 2019

Val Thorens in France has claimed the title of ‘World’s Best Ski Resort’ for the sixth time in seven years, thanks to its vast network of snow-sure slopes.

The ski resort, which is the highest in Europe at 10,560 feet, was handed the gong at the seventh annual World Ski Awards, which was held at the five-star A-Rosa Kitzbühel hotel in Austria and voted for by industry experts and members of the public in a range of categories, including best resorts, hotels, chalets and tour operators.

Other notable repeat winners included the five-star W Verbier in Switzerland, ranked as the ‘World’s Best Ski Hotel’ for the fourth consecutive year thanks to ‘contemporary urban design amid a spectacular alpine setting’; Switzerland’s Laax (‘World’s Best Freestyle Resort’, again); Deer Valley, named again as America's best ski resort, and Chalet Les Anges in Zermatt, named ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’ for the third year running.

Chalet Les Anges costs from CHF70,000 (£54,000) for an off-peak week and up to CHF185,000 (£143,000) for a New Year week and includes 'magnificent dinners' prepared by the chef, Perrier-Jouët Champagne, children's supper every day and luxury accommodation for up to 14 guests.

In the newcomer categories, the breath-taking Le Chalet (Chamonix) was named ‘World’s Best New Ski Chalet’, whilst over on the opposite side of Mont-Blanc in Italy, Le Massif (Courmayeur) scooped ‘World’s Best New Ski Hotel’.

Winners also included Japan’s Ki Niseko, which has staggering views of volcano Mt Yotei (‘World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel’); Ski Dubai (‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort’); Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel (‘World’s Best Ski Resort Company’); Bella Coola Heli Sports, Canada (‘World’s Best Heli-Ski Operator’); Valsana Hotel & Appartements, Switzerland (‘World’s Best Green Ski Hotel’); Ski-Lifts (‘World’s Best Ski Transfer Operator’); Leo Trippi (‘World’s Best Ski Travel Agent’) and Sunweb (‘World’s Best Ski Tour Operator’).

The best chalet in France award went to Consensio’s Shemshak Lodge in Courchevel 1850, which costs from €49,000 (£42,000) per week on a fully exclusive basis. This price includes use of all the chalet facilities, food and beverage and an in-resort chauffeur.

The chalet boasts an entire floor dedicated to wellness and relaxation with a sauna, Hammam, massage room and state-of-the-art gym.

Furthermore, there is a large heated swimming pool with views of the valley and a separate hot tub.

Meanwhile, in a special category to acknowledge his pioneering work in the ski industry, Kimihito Kamori was honoured with ‘Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism’.

The World Ski Awards 2019 brought together representatives from ski nations across Asia, Europe, Oceania and The Americas.

The prize-giving ceremony marked the climax of a three-day itinerary that included exclusive networking events, gourmet dinners, sight-seeing tours, as well as private skiing on Kitzbühel’s legendary Hahnenkamm. 

Sion Rapson, Managing Director, World Ski Awards, said: ‘Kitzbühel, the home of legends, has proven a world-class host on what has been a magnificent evening of triumph for the ski tourism industry.

‘We have had the privilege of recognising the leading organisations from across the world and my congratulations to each of them.’