Val Thorens has once again confirmed its leading status: at the World Ski Awards 2026, the French resort received the title of the planet's best ski resort for the eleventh time, ahead of Deer Valley in the USA and Austria's Kitzbühel.
The vote, in which both industry professionals and the general public took part, showed sustained interest in the resort located at an altitude of 2300 metres — the highest in Europe. It is part of the Les 3 Vallées association, which offers around 600 kilometres of pistes linking Courchevel, Méribel and other resorts.
Notably, Switzerland dominated most of the other global categories. LAAX was once again named best freestyle resort, W Verbier — best ski hotel, and Chalet Zermatt Peak — best chalet. Swiss properties also took awards for novelty and sustainability.
This picture reflects differing priorities: Val Thorens wins thanks to its altitude, which guarantees reliable snow cover, its vast linked ski area and relatively affordable ski-pass prices. The Swiss victories highlight a focus on innovation, sustainability and premium service.
Val Thorens itself also noted successes off the slopes: the Pashmina Le Refuge boutique hotel was named the world's best ski boutique hotel. This confirms that the resort is developing not only its slope infrastructure but also its ancillary services.
In a changing climate and with growing competition, such awards indicate which qualities — altitude and scale, or design and ecology — are becoming key to attracting skiers in the coming years.