World Ski Awards 2026 names Val Thorens the world’s best ski resort
The World Ski Awards 2026 has announced Val Thorens in France as the world’s best ski resort. The awards were revealed on 10 November 2026 and apply to ski destinations, hospitality providers and travel operators worldwide.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Val Thorens named World’s Best Ski Resort for 2026
- Timing
- Announced on 10 November 2026
- Who is affected
- Ski resorts, hotels, chalets and travel operators globally
The details
- Announced by
- World Ski Awards
Announcement of the 2026 winners
The 14th edition of the World Ski Awards revealed its winners on 10 November 2026. The programme, organized by World Ski Awards, recognises achievements across ski tourism, hospitality and related travel services. Winners were selected through a year‑long voting process involving industry professionals and consumers.
Top resort and hospitality awards
Val Thorens in France received the title of World’s Best Ski Resort, highlighting its ongoing infrastructure upgrades and smart‑resort innovations. Swiss destinations also featured prominently, with LAAX winning World’s Best Freestyle Resort and rocksresort earning World’s Best Green Ski Hotel. In the accommodation sector, W Verbier was named World’s Best Ski Hotel and Chalet Zermatt Peak took World’s Best Ski Chalet.
- Grand Hotel Belvedere (Switzerland) won World’s Best New Ski Hotel
- Chez Madeleine (Switzerland) won World’s Best New Ski Chalet
- Pashmina Le Refuge (France) won World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel
Travel operators and service providers
The awards also recognised companies delivering ski travel and support services. Sunweb was named World’s Best Ski Tour Operator, while Leo Trippi received World’s Best Ski Travel Agent. Northern Escape Heli‑Skiing (Canada) and SkyExpress (Japan) were honoured in the heli‑ski and transfer categories respectively.
- Compagnie des Alpes (France) retained World’s Best Ski Resort Group
- Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel (Austria) won World’s Best Ski Resort Company
- Ski Dubai (UAE) earned World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers planning a ski holiday can consider Val Thorens as a top‑rated destination for the 2026 season
- Bookings at award‑winning hotels such as W Verbier may see increased demand, so early reservation is advisable
Cost and documents
- No new fees or documentation requirements are introduced by the awards announcement
- Existing travel insurance and visa arrangements remain unchanged
What you need to do
- Monitor accommodation availability at the highlighted properties if travelling to France or Switzerland
- Check operator websites for any promotional offers linked to their award status
Who this affects
-
Ski resorts worldwide
The awards rank resorts and can influence visitor perception and marketing
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Luxury ski hotels and chalets
Awarded properties gain visibility and may experience higher booking volumes
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Ski travel operators and agents
Recognition highlights leading service providers in the ski holiday market
Frequently asked questions
Which ski resort won World’s Best Ski Resort 2026?
Val Thorens in France was named World’s Best Ski Resort for 2026 by the World Ski Awards.
When were the World Ski Awards 2026 winners announced?
The winners were announced on 10 November 2026 as part of the 14th annual World Ski Awards programme.
What hotel won World’s Best Ski Hotel in 2026?
W Verbier in Switzerland received the World’s Best Ski Hotel award for 2026.
Did any Swiss destination win a sustainability award?
Yes, rocksresort in LAAX, Switzerland, was honoured with the World’s Best Green Ski Hotel distinction.
Which company was recognised as World’s Best Ski Tour Operator 2026?
Sunweb was awarded the title of World’s Best Ski Tour Operator for 2026.
