# Val Thorens Named World's Best Ski Resort at 2026 World Ski Awards French resort secures top honor for eleventh time, leading global rankings in winter sports. - **Source:** [Euronews – Latest](https://www.euronews.com) - **Published:** 2026-11-11 - **Topic:** [culture](https://brifing.si/c/culture) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/e8543f88-533c-479c-9c79-f3afa12df8d0 ## Val Thorens Secures Top Title Val Thorens has been officially named the world’s best ski resort at the 14th annual World Ski Awards. This marks the eleventh time the French Alpine destination has claimed the top honor. The resort, situated at 2,300 metres, outperformed major international competitors like Utah’s Deer Valley and Austria’s Kitzbühel in the 2026 rankings. ## Global Selection Process The winners were determined through a combination of votes from ski industry professionals and the general public. Each category winner was selected based on receiving the highest number of votes during the nomination period. This democratic process ensures that the awards reflect both expert opinion and the preferences of frequent winter sports travelers. ## Integration with Les 3 Vallées Val Thorens is a key component of the expansive Les 3 Vallées ski area. This massive network connects approximately 600 kilometres of pistes, including access to neighboring resorts like Courchevel and Méribel. Its high altitude and vast terrain connectivity remain primary factors in its consistent appeal to skiers from across the globe. ## Swiss Dominance in Hospitality Switzerland performed exceptionally well in the accommodation categories during the 2026 ceremony. W Verbier secured the title for best ski hotel, while Chalet Zermatt Peak was recognized as the world’s best ski chalet. Additionally, the Grand Hotel Belvedere in Wengen won the award for the best new ski hotel of the year. ## Boutique and Green Recognition Beyond traditional resorts, the awards highlighted excellence in niche hospitality segments. Pashmina Le Refuge won the boutique hotel category, offering convenient ski-in, ski-out access. Meanwhile, Switzerland’s rocksresort in LAAX was honored as the best green ski hotel, reflecting a growing industry focus on sustainability alongside high-end luxury and premium guest service experiences. ## Freestyle and Indoor Facilities LAAX in Switzerland was named the world’s best freestyle resort, surpassing competitors like Canada’s Whistler Blackcomb. In the indoor category, Ski Dubai took the top spot, beating out Qianhai Snow World in China and SNØ Oslo in Norway. These categories highlight the diversification of the global ski industry beyond traditional mountain slope environments. ## Context of Alpine Tourism The World Ski Awards serve as a benchmark for the winter tourism sector, influencing travel trends for the upcoming season. With winners spanning from France and Switzerland to the United States and China, the results demonstrate the geographic breadth of modern ski culture and the intense competition for international winter sports market share. ## Future Industry Outlook As the 2026 season progresses, these awards provide a roadmap for travelers seeking top-tier facilities. The recognition of both established resorts and new properties, such as the Grand Hotel Belvedere, underscores the industry's ongoing investment in infrastructure. Stakeholders will continue to monitor these rankings as indicators of quality and operational excellence worldwide. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.euronews.com/2026/11/11/whats-the-worlds-best-ski-resort-val-thorens-in-france-takes-the-title-ahead-of-deer-valle — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._