The world’s finest ski tourism brands have been unveiled at a red-carpet gala ceremony in Kitzbühel, Austria.

The leading figureheads, decision-makers and innovators of the ski industry gathered at the five-star A-ROSA Kitzbühel for the World Ski Awards 2018 to find out who among them had been crowned the best in their fields.

Winners at the gala ceremony included Europe’s highest resort, Val Thorens, voted World’s Best Ski Resort thanks to its vast network of snowsure slopes.

The perfect balance of contemporary design and Swiss tradition led to W Verbier collecting the trophy for World’s Best Ski Hotel, while Chalet Les Anges in Zermatt was named World’s Best Ski Chalet.

In the newcomer categories, understated luxury and home-from-home comforts helped Fahrenheit Seven Courchevel scoop World’s Best New Ski Hotel, while the unrivalled ski-in ski-out convenience of Chalet des Cascades (Les Arcs) led to it winning World’s Best New Ski Chalet.

In a special category to acknowledge his pioneering work revolutionising the Argentine ski resort of Chapelco, Juan Cruz Adrogué was awarded the trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism.

Taking place at A-ROSA Kitzbühel for the sixth consecutive year, World Ski Awards 2018 brought together representatives from ski nations across Europe, Asia, North America, South America and Australasia.

The prize-giving ceremony marked the climax of a three-day itinerary that included exclusive networking events, gourmet dinners, site-seeing tours and alpine activities.

World Ski Awards is globally recognised as the leading programme in the global ski sector. Votes are cast by industry professionals and the public in a range of categories, including best resorts, hotels, chalets and tour operators.

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 winter sports hospitality industry.

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

For more information about the World Ski Awards, visit the official website

World Ski Awards

World Ski Awards – the only global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in the ski hospitality industry – is the sister organisation of World Travel Awards currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Launched in 2013, World Ski Awards aims to drive up standards within the ski tourism industry by rewarding the organisations that are leaders in their field.

Votes are cast by professionals working within the ski industry – senior executives, travel buyers, tour operators, agents and media – and by the public (ski tourism consumers).

Votes are submitted online at the World Ski Awards website.