Val Thorens, the highest ski resort in Europe at 2,300m, has again been named ‘Best Ski Resort in the World’ at the annual World Ski Awards, the only global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in ski tourism. 

This is the 8th time in 11 years it has won which reflects the passion that consumers have for Val Thorens given they’re actively involved in the selection process.
Verbier and Kitzbühel are the other destinations to have awarded this accolade in the past decade, too.  In addition, Val Thorens has been awarded ‘Best Ski Resort in France’ 10 times.

Val Thorens wins so often as it has a loyal and enthusiastic clientele, guaranteed snow, state-of-the-art infrastructure and a “Live United” philosophy which makes the Savoyard resort unique.

Every year, 216 destinations from 26 counties apply and try to win awards in various categories. More than 2.3 million people - both consumers and ski industry professionals – then vote online for their favorite resort.

Vincent Lalanne, director of Val Thorens Tourist Office, says, “This award represents the hard work of all resort staff whom I would like to salute for their involvement, teamwork and imagination. We’re very proud to win again and I would like to thank our customers from all over the world for their unfailing support. We’re dedicated to delivering excellence and continually developing the resort to ensure a fantastic holiday experience for everyone.”

This season, Val Thorens will open early on November 18, 2023 due to the signifiant early snowfall.

The resort celebrated its 50th anniversary last season. It opened the €40 million Le Board sports, wellness and business centre which is a marquee new development right in the heart of the village. Other major investments include two new state-of-the art lifts linking Val Thorens with Orelle which are now in operation in both winter and summer. Last season, a Perspex tunnel was built so that foot passengers even avoid getting their feet wet as they travel between the resorts.

Val Thorens is part of Les 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world with 600 km of pistes and 162 lifts.