In news that will surprise pretty much no-one, Val Thorens has been named the worlds best ski resort at the World Ski Awards.
This is the 8th time in 11 years that Val Thorens has won, which reflects the passion that consumers have for Val Thorens given they’re actively involved in the selection process. That plus the fact that the resort offers probably one of the best Alpine playgrounds for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities.
Val Thorens is the highest ski resort in Europe at 2,300m, and is part of Les 3 Vallées, the largest interconnected ski area in the world with over 600 km of pistes and 162 lifts.
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.”
Fun fact: Val Thorens has been awarded ‘Best Ski Resort in France’ 10 times.
However the 2022 and 2021 award for best ski resort went to Verbier in Switzerland, and way back in 2015, Kitzbuhel also scooped the prestigious award.
In fact this year, these 3 resorts rounded out the top 3 ski resorts on the list.
In other categories, Laax in Switzerland won the best freestyle resort, with Mammoth Mountain in the USA and Lake Louise in Canada making up the rest of the top 3.
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.
Read our guide: How much does a ski/snowboard trip cost in Europe
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.
Looking for the best packages to Val Thorens, the world’s best ski resort, this year?
SkiWorld offer excellent packages which include everything you need, including chalets, flights and more. Check out Val Thorens deals on SkiWorld.
Snowtrex offer some of the lowest ski packages anywhere online, with lift pass included. Check out Val Thorens deals on Snowtrex.
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