Daily Mail: For the ultimate winter sports holiday pick a winner from the 2021 World Ski Awards, which names the best chalets, hotels and resorts, from Switzerland to Utah

Thu 20 January 2022

Verbier in Switzerland has been named the 'World's Best Ski Resort' for the first time, knocking France's Val Thorens off its perch. 

Verbier received the illustrious title at the 2021 World Ski Awards, which were voted for by ski industry professionals and by the public in a range of categories, including best resorts, hotels, chalets and tour operators. This year, more than 2.2million people cast their votes.

It was a double victory for Verbier, with the five-star W Verbier ranked as the 'World's Best Ski Hotel' for the sixth consecutive year. Other major winners at this week's online awards ceremony included Switzerland's Chalet Zermatt Peak, which sits 'in the shadow of the majestic Matterhorn', and was named the 'World's Best Ski Chalet'; and Austria's 'exquisite' Aurelio Lech, which was awarded the 'World's Best Ski Boutique Hotel' gong. For the ninth year running, Deer Valley was named America's best ski resort, while Thredbo won the gold medal for Australia's best ski resort.

Verbier, which is the gateway to the 4 Vallées ski area, impressed the judges with its 'world-class terrain, charming chalets and a thriving après scene'.

An awards statement said: 'Perched on a sunny plateau at an altitude of 1,500 metres in the heart of the Swiss Alps, with its slate-roofed chalets, Verbier has carefully maintained its charm as an alpine village.'

It's noted that 'with nearly 100 lifts and more than 400km (248.4 miles) of ski runs for all levels of expertise' the resort is 'a must for skiers from all over the world'. 'Its "après-ski" is a real institution that welcomes a cosmopolitan clientele of all generations, not to mention the unforgettable nightlife,' it added.

Val Thorens, the highest resort in Europe at 7,546ft (2,300m), had been awarded the best-resort gong seven times in the awards' nine-year history. Until now, only Kitzbühel had managed to steal the main title away from the French resort.

Val Thorens was, however, named 'France's Best Ski Resort' of 2021. Making it all the more attractive, the resort's Hotel le Pashmina was chosen as the 'Best Ski Boutique Hotel in France' for 2021.

According to the awards, the five-star hotel is 'one of the most beautiful mountain hotels, with lots of light, big spaces, soft materials and lively colours'. The hotel is also home to chef Josselin Jeanblanc and his Michelin-star restaurant 'Les Explorateurs'.

Vincent Lalanne, director of Val Thorens Tourist Office, said: 'We are really honoured to be awarded the accolade of "Best Ski Resort in France", thanks to our community of Val Thorens fans. We also want to congratulate Verbier for winning the "World's Best Ski Resort" title, which we've achieved seven times.

'We are also delighted to once again be able to receive and welcome British visitors now that the French Government has allowed leisure travel to resume.'

In the newcomer category, the gong for the 'Best New Ski Hotel' went to The Vale Rusutsu, positioned at the base of the 'world-class ski slopes' of Japan's Rusutsu Resort. The hotel was designed 'with nature as its focus' and features 'luxury condominium-style apartments'. Meanwhile, Chalet Face a Face in Val d'Isère, France, reigned supreme as the 'Best New Ski Chalet', winning over the judges with its 'understated opulence'.

Winners also included Switzerland's Laax - home to the world's biggest halfpipe ('World's Best Freestyle Resort'); Ski Dubai, with its 'impressive array of snow-based activities' ('World's Best Indoor Ski Resort'); Bergbahn AG Kitzbuhel ('World's Best Ski Resort Company'); Bella Coola Heli Sports, Canada ('World's Best Heli-Ski Operator'); Rocksresort, Switzerland - with 'urban, eco-conscious styling amid a stunning natural environment' ('World's Best Green Ski Hotel'); Schneebeben ('World's Best Ski Transfer Operator'); Leo Trippi ('World's Best Ski Travel Agent') and Tui ('World's Best Ski Tour Operator').

Awards were also announced on a country level, with the best resorts, hotels and chalets from the world's leading ski tourism destinations receiving accolades.

The winners included the Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko, which won the title of Bulgaria's best ski hotel; Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa Hotel, which was named Australia's best ski hotel; Hotel Plaza - recognised as Andorra's best ski hotel; and A-Rosa Kitzbuhel, which earned the title of Austria's best ski hotel.

Among the other country-level winners were Oberstdorf, which was awarded the gong for Germany's best ski resort; Club Med Grand Massif Samoens Morillon - celebrated as France's best ski hotel; and Montana Lodge & Spa, which took the award for Italy's best ski hotel.

Over in North America, Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside was named Canada's best ski hotel, while Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley received the 'United States' Best Ski Hotel' accolade.

Sion Rapson, Managing Director of the World Ski Awards, said: 'Our winners represent the very best of the global ski tourism sector and my congratulations to each of them. The ninth annual World Ski Awards programme received a record number of votes from ski consumers across the world. This shows that the appetite for ski tourism has never been stronger and bodes well as the global recovery gathers momentum.'

For more information visit worldskiawards.com.