World’s Best Ski Resort 2020 is in France

The resort in the French Alps came top after beating competition from countries including Switzerland, Austria and Japan at the World Ski Awards

Winners of this year’s World Ski Awards, which recognise and reward excellence in ski tourism, have been unveiled as the industry faces an unprecedented winter season.

The World’s Best Ski Resort went to Val Thorens in Savoie, Europe’s highest ski resort, thanks to its winning combination of snowsure pistes and extensive slopeside accommodation in Les 3 Vallées. It has held the title since 2016.

Vincent Lalanne, director of the Val Thorens Tourism Office, says: “The fact that we’re selected again as World’s Best Ski Resort is both an honour and responsibility to meet the needs of our clients and our local community who are the driving force behind the resort’s success. We remain focused on our pursuit to reinvent ourselves each season and impatiently await the return of holidaymakers as soon as the situation allows it.”

Awards were also announced on a country-level, including crowning the best hotels and chalets in France.

France’s Best Ski Hotel – Fahrenheit Seven Val Thorens

With a spectacular alpine location at 2,300m and views over the mountains, Fahrenheit Seven is right on the slopes at Val Thorens. It has stylish rooms and cosy bars, and the ski-in, ski-out location right next to the main bubble makes it ideal for family holidays and holidays with friends. fahrenheitseven.com/en/

France’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel – Hotel Pashmina

A luxury retreat, also in Val Thorens, Hotel Pashmina has 43 rooms and suites, eight ‘cosy homes’ and two chalet apartments. You can also experience a night close to the stars in the Igloo Pod, located on a rooftop. Enjoy unrivalled views at Le Base Camp restaurant and Michelin-star cuisine at Les Explorateurs. hotelpashmina.com/en/

France’s Best Ski Chalet – Le Chalet Mont Blanc

Located in the Chamonix Valley, Le Chalet Mont Blanc is a chic and modern chalet retreat facing Mont Blanc, set within a hectare of beautiful landscape. It has 12 executive style bedrooms, 16 bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi. Le Chalet also has a massage room, cinema and wine cellar and a Michelin-star experienced chef who can prepare dinner for guests. lechaletmontblanc.com

Meanwhile triumphant ski travel providers include Leo Trippi (World’s Best Ski Travel Agent) and TUI (World’s Best Ski Tour Operator).

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 a category named the winner.

Sion Rapson, Managing Director, World Ski Awards, says: “The World Ski Awards 2020 programme received a record number of votes cast by the public. This shows that the appetite for booking a ski holiday has never been stronger and bodes well for the industry as the global recovery begins.”

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, ski resorts are currently closed in France but are hoping to be allowed to re-open in January 2021.

For a full list of winners, visit worldskiawards.com

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