The world’s best ski resorts and hotels

Verbier in Switzerland took the top honours at the World Ski Awards 2021

1. World’s best ski resort: Verbier, Switzerland

Verbier was named the world’s best ski resort at the World Ski Awards 2021

Verbier was named the world’s best ski resort at the World Ski Awards 2021
(Image credit: Verbier Tourisme)

Verbier in Switzerland was voted the world’s best ski resort at the World Ski Awards 2021 – the first time it has won the top gong. Known as “the cradle of Swiss skiing”, Verbier is a paradise for winter sports with its highest lift reaching 3,330m. The village is home to slate-roofed chalets, luxurious accommodation and some of the best gastronomy in the Alps.

The ninth annual World Ski Awards attracted a record number of votes and the appetite for ski tourism “has never been stronger”, said Sion Rapson, managing director of the awards. This “bodes well as the global recovery gathers momentum”.

verbier.ch

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2. World’s best ski hotel: W Verbier, Switzerland

W Verbier was named the world’s best ski hotel

W Verbier was named the world’s best ski hotel
(Image credit: marriott.com)

It was a double celebration for the resort of Verbier. For the sixth consecutive year the W Verbier was named both the best ski hotel in Switzerland and the best ski hotel in the world. This luxurious hotel boasts “contemporary alpine design” and is located directly next to the Verbier Cable Car, said BusinessClass.com. It offers ski-to-door access and facilities include a spa area with indoor pool and heated outdoor pool.

marriott.com

3. World’s best new ski hotel: The Vale Rusutsu, Japan

The Vale Rusutsu was named the world’s best new ski hotel

The Vale Rusutsu was named the world’s best new ski hotel
(Image credit: nisade.com)

The Vale Rusutsu is a ski-in, ski-out development which promises “world-class service and facilities” in one of Hokkaido’s premier powder destinations, Powderlife said. Rusutsu has always been one of Hokkaido’s “best-kept secrets” and this state-of-the-art condominium development is located at the base of Rusutsu’s slopes.

nisade.com

4. World’s best ski boutique hotel: Aurelio Lech, Austria

Aurelio Lech was named the world’s best ski boutique hotel

Aurelio Lech was named the world’s best ski boutique hotel
(Image credit: aureliolech.com)

The stunning Aurelio is a modern alpine-style hotel situated right on the lower slopes of Lech in Austria, said Scout. This exclusive boutique is expensive, but “worth it”. The tagline for this luxury five-star should be “at your service”, said Michelle Tchea on The Hotel Guru. “Your wish is the Aurelio’s command – go hiking with alpacas, have a luxury car shuttle service to nearby mountains – throw anything at them and you will get it. One of the best.”

aureliolech.com

5. World’s best ski chalet: Chalet Zermatt Peak, Switzerland

Chalet Zermatt Peak was named the world’s best ski chalet

Chalet Zermatt Peak was named the world’s best ski chalet
(Image credit: chaletzermattpeak.com)

The small ski village of Zermatt in Switzerland is the “very essence” of the term “winter wonderland”, said the Travelling King travel blog. Everywhere you look “all you can see is snowy peaks, pine trees and cosy wooden ski chalets”. Sitting in the shadow of the majestic Matterhorn, Chalet Zermatt Peak was awarded the world’s best ski chalet gong. It’s a stunning ski destination that “pays homage to architectural design and embraces luxury”, Prestige reported.

chaletzermattpeak.com

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Mike Starling is the former digital features editor at The Week. He started his career in 2001 in Gloucestershire as a sports reporter and sub-editor and has held various roles as a writer and editor at news, travel and B2B publications. He has spoken at a number of sports business conferences and also worked as a consultant creating sports travel content for tourism boards. International experience includes spells living and working in Dubai, UAE; Brisbane, Australia; and Beirut, Lebanon.