Industry News
Val Thorens has again claimed the title of World’s Best Ski Resort, marking the tenth time in thirteen years the French Alps destination has earned the top global honor. The recognition was announced by the World Ski Awards, reaffirming Val Thorens’ position as one of the most dominant resorts in modern skiing.
Perched high in the Tarentaise Valley in southeastern France, Val Thorens sits above roughly 2,300 meters (7,545 feet), making it the highest-altitude ski resort in Europe. Its elevation gives it one of the continent’s longest and most reliable winter seasons, often stretching from November into May.
The resort is also a core hub of the renowned Les 3 Vallées, the world’s largest interconnected ski area. The massive network links seven major resorts, including Courchevel, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, and others, delivering nearly 640 kilometers (about 398 miles) of groomed runs served by one of the most advanced lift systems on the planet.
World Ski Awards cited Val Thorens’ resort facilities, lodging offerings, and lift infrastructure as key reasons for its continued dominance. Organizers said the 2025 awards cycle drew a record number of votes from both industry professionals and the public, reflecting strong engagement heading into the winter season.
In addition to the resort’s overall win, several properties across the global ski landscape were also recognized. In the United States, Stein Eriksen Lodge at Deer Valley earned the title of World’s Best Ski Hotel, while Val Thorens’ five-star Hôtel Le Pashmina was named World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel for 2025.
Japan also featured prominently in this year’s awards, with Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO taking top honors as the World’s Best New Ski Hotel, adding to the continued global expansion of luxury ski infrastructure in Asia.
For Val Thorens, the latest recognition strengthens a legacy built on altitude, scale, and consistent reinvestment in mountain access and guest experience. As resorts worldwide compete for terrain innovation and luxury development, Val Thorens continues to set the benchmark that others chase.
