Where to Ski And Snowboard - Val Thorens is world’s best ski resort

Val Thorens is world’s best ski resort

19th November 2013, by Abi Butcher

Ski resort Val Thorens was built in 1971 but has recently made massive improvements

Val Thorens has been named the best ski resort in the world. The French resort, one of eight that make up the Three Valleys, was awarded the prestigious title at the World Ski Awards in Kitzbühel, Austria on Saturday night (16 November).

Val Thorens was also named the best resort in France — by the public, ski and travel industry professionals. Earlier this month, it was picked up the title of most improved ski resort at the UK’s World Snow Awards.

“We are very honoured to receive these awards rewarding the work done by the entire resort to take Val Thorens to the top,” said Grégory Guzz, director of Val Thorens Tourist office.

“We are very grateful to be recognised [in this way] and will make sure to do everything to keep meeting our clients expectations.”

At 2,300m Val Thorens is the highest resort in the Alps, and a firm favourite with the Brits. It was purpose built in 1971, but in recent years has been enjoying somewhat of a makeover with the arrival of several new five-star hotels, Michelin-starred restaurants and La Folie Douce, the famous chain of après-ski bars that started in Val d’Isère.

In this year’s edition of Where to Ski and Snowboard, Dave Watts and Chris Gill say of the resort: “For the enthusiast looking for the best snow available and fast lifts to whizz you around, it’s difficult to beat.”

The World Ski Awards were launched last year as the sister organization to the World Travel Awards — known as “the Oscars of the travel industry”. They included some 180 ski resorts from 20 different countries around the world, and among the other winners was Lake Louise (Canada’s best ski resort), Cortina d’Ampezzo (best ski resort in Italy), Kitzbühel (best ski resort in Austria), Laax (best ski resort in Switzerland) and Deer Valley (best resort in the USA).

Val Thorens is opening some runs this weekend, thanks to good recent snowfall, and the rest of the ski area on 6 December.

For a full list of World Ski Awards winners, visit worldskiawards.com