Best In Travel Magazine // Issue 118 // Best in Ski edition

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World Ski Awards winners revealed Inside the world’s finest ski chalet Ski trip of a lifetime to Japan

SPRING SKIING

World’s best late-season resorts

the premier chalet in the swiss alps

Switzerland's World’s Best Ski Chalet

World's Switzerland’s Best Ski Chalet Best Ski Chalet Best Ski Chalet Chalet Zermatt Peak has once again been recognised as the World’s Best Ski Chalet at the World Ski Awards, recognised for its architecture, location and world-class food and service.

discover more at chaletzermattpeak.com

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EUROPEAN SKI TOURISM BOUNCES BACK FROM COVID-19 SHUTDOWN

The loosening of government restrictions on travel has allowed the ski industry to begin its recovery from the pandemic.

There is no denying the past two years have been rocky for the ski industry, with the European market hit by some of the toughest restrictions anywhere in the world. Even within hospitality, which has generally been hard hit by the pandemic, the sector has been among the worst affected. As we move into the last weeks of the 2022 winter ski season, however,

the clouds are beginning to clear and a feeling of optimism is flooding the slopes once again.

The good news has been led by France, a vital market for ski tourism and home to some of the most popular slopes in Europe. The destination lifted most of its remaining Covid-19 restrictions in mid-March, meaning resorts are starting to

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look a lot like they did before the pandemic.

Masks will still be needed on public transport (which includes gondolas and cable cars) but the vaccine pass that caused so much unrest late last year has been scrapped. This means skiers will no longer have to show proof of vaccination to get into bars or nightclubs once they are done on the slopes.

Many ski resorts were already reporting a big increase in bookings following the removal of some of the tightest restrictions – including the need for even the fully-vaccinated to show proof of a negative test to travel to France – earlier in the year. The award-winning Val Thorens has been a beneficiary, with lifts working at full capacity in recent weeks.

Packed with great spring snow, the highest resort in Europe is part of the Three Valleys ski area, which has over 600 kilometres of pistes and four glaciers to explore. With everything from the gentle greens next to the village centre to the steep moguls on the Cîme de Caron - there is something for everybody.

Over in Switzerland, a similar loosening of Covid-19 rules has buoyed the market. Along with much of Europe, visitors no longer need to provide proof of vaccination, recovery or a negative test – or complete a passenger locator form to enter the country. There are also no restrictions on the size of private gatherings in Switzerland, and large events, including those in ski resorts, will no longer have to apply for authorisation. With the Easter holidays now just a couple of weeks away, the

market is poised to seize its first chance to fully recover in nearly two years.

The chic destination of Verbier – honoured with the title of World’s Best Ski Resort by voters at the World Ski Awards – has been doing its bit to make up for lost time. Now the slopes are buzzing once again, the location has welcomed the opening of an outpost of 67 Pall Mall, the London wine-lovers’ club. Having taken over the Vie Montagne restaurant, the property is set to offer 3,000+ vintages to oenophiles this spring. It is sure to be a hit with visitors from all over Europe.

In Austria, too, ski resorts are beginning to feel a lot more like normal. Gone is the need to show a green pass to buy a lift ticket, while guests can also freely enter restaurants and bars. No masks are required in the most settings, though they are still needed in cable cars and gondolas as they are classed as public transport. The Alpine resort of Kitzbühel has been quick to celebrate the change in circumstances, welcoming the return of the Hahnenkamm downhill earlier this winter. The most famous annual race in Alpine skiing saw the bravest racers head to the top of the Streif downhill track for the World Cup event as the resort welcoming thousands of guests. An outstanding festival atmosphere shone the spotlight on the return of the hospitality sector – and with the resort open until the end of April there is still plenty of time to visit.

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Winner of “World’s Best Ski Travel Agent” for eight consecutive years.

Providing exceptional luxury ski chalets & tailor-made mountain trips across Europe and beyond.

To find out more visit our website or contact our travel team on: +41 81 385 1882 www.leotrippi.com

VAIL RESORTS LEADS SKI RECOVERY IN AMERICAS The industry giant has further consolidated its position as skiers return to the slopes

As the North American ski industry recovers from the Covid-19 deep freeze, Vail Resorts has been leading the way. The giant recently entered into an agreement to purchase Seven Springs Mountain Resort in Pennsylvania.

As a part of the acquisition, Vail Resorts will also acquire Hidden Valley Resort and the operations of Laurel Mountain Ski Area.

The purchase price for the ski areas, plus a hotel, conference centre and other related operations, is approximately $125 million, subject to certain adjustments.

“We are incredibly excited to have the opportunity to add Seven Springs to our 10

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family of resorts along with Hidden Valley and Laurel Mountain,” said Kirsten Lynch, chief executive of Vail Resorts. “As a company, we have been focused on acquiring resorts near major metropolitan areas as we know many skiers and riders build their passion for the sport close to home. These great ski areas in Pennsylvania are a perfect complement to our existing resorts, creating a much stronger connection and compelling offering to our current and future guests in Pittsburgh, as well as those in other critical markets such as Washington, DC, Baltimore and Cleveland.”

Seven Springs is Pennsylvania’s premier fourseason family resort. It is located one hour

CHAPELCO

southeast of Pittsburgh and is among the largest ski resorts in Pennsylvania with 285 skiable acres and 750 vertical feet. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, Seven Springs offers significant resort amenities, including a 418-room hotel, conference centre, a fullservice spa and tubing.

Hidden Valley offers 110 skiable acres and 470 vertical feet, with 26 slopes and trails and two terrain parks. Laurel Mountain offers 70 skiable acres and 761 vertical feet.

BEAVER CREEK

At the same time, Beaver Creek ski resort in Colorado has welcomed the opening of the new 250-acre McCoy Park. The expansive terrain has been designed to provide the ultimate experience for learner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders seeking the perfect terrain to learn new skills. Featuring 17 new trails serviced by two quad lifts, as well as dedicated family-learning terrain, McCoy Park offers beginner skiing and snowboarding in a tranquil bowl environment.

Further south, ski pioneer Américo Astete has seen a statue unveiled in his honour at Chapelco Ski Resort in Argentina. The sculpture was placed last year outside the 1,700 metre Graeff Refuge, but was only revealed to 98-year-old Argentine during one of his regular hikes on Chapelco mountain.

On discovering the statue, Astete said he felt honoured and joked: “They could have made it a little younger! I feel young despite my 98 years.”

During the intimate ceremony, his son Juan Carlos Astete told LM Neuquén: “He was very well, he enjoyed it, he was moved. He was grateful and was even inside the shelter.”

The Argentinian artist Miguel Ángel Villalba made the sculpture using steel, polyester resin and ground quartz. It sits on one of the historic double chairlifts, one of the first lifts in Chapelco. Américo Astete regularly skied in the local area until the age of 92.

Another emotional moment was the planting of a lenga tree to replace one cut down a few years ago because it was next to the slopes.

The species, characteristic of the Patagonian Andean forest, was planted on the side of the Graeff refuge by Américo and his family.

The McCoy Park investment is a commitment to guest experience and the third instalment of the Signature Parks Collection: dedicated learning areas that provide beginner terrain mimicking the setting of advanced trails, granting guests of all ski levels a chance to explore more of the mountain on terrain they are comfortable skiing.

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Japan's incredible Rusutsu Resort

ASIA & OCEANIA SKI INDUSTRY POISED FOR RECOVERY

As borders gradually reopen, the ski tourism industry in Asia and Oceania is looking to make up for lost time With the Olympic Games Beijing 2022 now done and dusted, the ski tourism industry in Asia is seeking to leverage the publicity generated by the event. Japan has been leading the way, with the destination enjoying one of its best seasons in recent memory.

Pictures of chairlifts disappearing under metres of snow have been filling social media in recent weeks, and bookings have been piling up in response. Lotte Arai Resort in the Niigata prefecture has been a particular highlight, seeing more than 21 metres of snow since the start of the season. Further north in Iwate 12

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prefecture, Geto Kogen is claiming more than 24 metres of snow this winter.

For this reason, Japan has become a bucketlist destination for powder seekers from around the globe – and now is the time to book.

Despite borders still being closed to tourists in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the Japan National Tourism Organisation (JNTO) has told Australian travellers to start planning holidays ahead of a planned reopening. “The border is opening step-by-step, with business travellers and international students currently

able to enter, so we know consumer travel is the next logical step,” said JNTO Sydney office executive director, Yoko Tanaka. “We cannot wait to welcome Australians back to Japan and now is the time to start planning a trip.”

anticipated to take until October this year, the dropping of Covid-19 travel restriction has been brought forward to May, with an influx of guests from visa waiver countries expected.

Arrivals from visa waiver countries will no longer need to isolate on arrival or provide a negative pre-departure test. However, a negative rapid antigen test will still be required on arrival and on day five or six.

After two difficult seasons without international tourists, officials are now planning for a return to business as usual for the 2022/23 ski season. Rusutsu – which was honoured as Japan’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards earlier this year – is in prime position to capitalise on the recognition. Blessed with heavy snowfall from early in the season, it is a great option for a snowy Hokkaido getaway which is a little less crowded than Niseko. The snow-blessed resort is only about 30-minutes from Niseko by car, so it makes a good day trip option either for those looking to try out a different resort or the perfect location for a longer Hokkaido powder holiday. Rusutsu also offers well-groomed ski terrain ideal for beginners and intermediate riders, while more experience pros will appreciate the untouched trails.

Mt Hutt – honoured with the title of New Zealand’s Best Ski Resort at the World Ski Awards – has enjoyed a remarkably good lockdown, with domestic guests taking the opportunity to enjoy the facilities. The destination has traditionally relied more on New Zealand-based skiers than the international market, and with overseas travel not an option for the last two years, Mt Hutt has had seen record numbers flock to the slopes. With new markets now opening, the location is poised to grow its recent successes internationally. After a big investment in its state of the art eight-seater Nor’ West Express chairlift last year, Mt Hutt is currently installing new TT10 snowmaking fan guns which will produce more snow in marginal weather conditions, the resort recently confirmed.

NEW ZEALAND

Ski tourism operators in New Zealand are also celebrating after prime minister, Jacinda Ardern, confirmed plans to reopen borders would be accelerated. With the process initially 13

POWDER HEAVEN AT RUSUTSU RESORT, JAPAN Rusutsu Resort is one of the largest ski resorts in Hokkaido, situated in the northern region of Japan. Located just a 45-minute drive from Niseko and 90 minutes from central Sapporo and New Chitose Airport, Rusutsu Resort is a multi-award-winning year-round destination overlooking the iconic Mt Yotei.

In the winter season, Rusutsu Resort is renowned for deep powder snow, beautiful panoramas and extensive terrain, whilst the 14

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Green Season offers four 18-hole golf courses, a large amusement park and a wide range of outdoor seasonal activities.

The vast ski area offers three distinct mountains interconnected via a network of 18 ski lifts.

Guests can enjoy 37 long, wide trails, which feature immaculate grooming, pristine powder and some of Hokkaido’s finest lift-accessed tree-skiing. Experts can experience heliskiing on the majestic Mt Shiribetsu, boasting

unrivalled access to some of Hokkaido’s deepest powder and steepest terrain. Rusutsu receives an incredible average of over 15 metres of snow per season and is renowned for receiving light, fresh powder almost every day.

Located at the base of the ski area, the interconnected Rusutsu Resort Hotel & Convention, The Westin Rusutsu Resort, and the newly-opened The Vale Rusutsu offer a wide variety of accommodation options. Rusutsu is the perfect place for guests looking to unwind with spacious rooms/suites, a wide variety of restaurants and a vast array of

wellness options. Experience the new onsen hot spring facility and soak in the tranquil outdoor bath complete with incredible panoramic vistas.

Delight in delicious locallysourced seasonal produce at the restaurants, which highlight Hokkaido’s freshest flavours. The relaxed resort lifestyle is perfect for a rejuvenating break.

Remarkable scenery, a multitude of attractions and unique Japanese charm have helped Rusutsu become increasingly recognized as Hokkaido’s premier destination. Perfect for either a day trip or an unforgettable holiday!

For more details visit rusutsu.com 15

CESA DEL LOUF, ITALY

Overlooking the enchanting panorama of the Belluno Dolomites, Cesa del Louf is an ancient Dolomite farm restored to its former glory, and a place to feel part of nature, surrounded by the atmosphere of the past with the comforts of the present.

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The farmstead lies on the doorstop of the incredible resort of Arabba, part of the Sella Ronda circuit and the Dolomiti Superski, one of the most renowned ski areas in the world. It is also an enchanting place even for those who love the mountains in summer thanks to the many paths starting from the town and reaching the surrounding peaks.

Meticulous detail has gone into renovating the property, with recycled materials to respect the original appearance and ancient charm of the old structure, whilst also including modern technological systems.

The chalet can accommodate ten guests in five suites and up to nineteen guests with additional beds in the mezzanine and adjoining rooms. The rooms have been furnished with extreme attention to both style and functionality.

On the ground floor, a wellness area includes a sauna, steam bath, swimming pool, ensuring guests maximum relaxation.

For more information visit cesadellouf.it

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LATE SEASON SKIING The world's best ski resorts for spring powder

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Zermatt, Switzerland Resort height: 1,620m Slopes: 1,620-3,820m Usual closing: Late April (open all year round on glacier) With slopes stretching to almost 4,000 meters and a backdrop of the Matterhorn, Zermatt’s snowsure slopes come into their own late season.

360km of slopes provide some of the most extensive intermediate and advanced terrain in Europe, and this is before you factor in the off-piste options. Skiing takes place in four main sectors – Rothorn, Gornergrat, the Matterhorn Glacier Paradise and across the Italian border in Cervinia – all of which are connected by a fantastic lift system.

For the ultimate chalet experience and unrivalled views stay at Chalet Zermatt Peak.

Late season is also time to tackle the legendary Chamonix-Zermatt Haute Route – a six-day offpiste itinerary through the very heart of the Alps, taking in such peaks as the Rosa Blanche and Pigne d’Arolla, and Monte Rosa. This is ski touring at its finest, high in the mountains, from hut to hut, with long climbs and stunning descents, only once dropping to valley level.

More info chaletzermattpeak.com zermatt.ch 19

LATE SEASON SKIING

Val d’Isère/Tignes, France Resort height: 1,850/2,100m Slopes: 1,550-3,455m Usual closing: First weekend in May (Tignes stays open till one week later) The mighty Espace Killy, encompassing Tignes and Val d’Isère, is home to some of the most snow sure terrain in the Alps. And after a spring dump, the off-piste and touring are arguably amongst the finest in the world. The area benefits from the same Atlantic depressions as neighbouring French resorts, whilst also receiving heavy falls of snow from low pressure systems from the Mediterranean.

The snow coverage tends to be one of the best in Europe and conditions normally facilitate good skiing right to the end of the season at the beginning of May. Val d’Isère blends chocolate-box chalets with high-end hotels, making it a firm favourite with both British and French holidaymakers, whilst neighbouring Tignes is a ski purist’s paradise, aimed at those who want to maximise their time on the slopes.

More info valdisere.com en.tignes.net 20

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LATE SEASON SKIING

Val Thorens, France Resort height: 2,300m Slopes: 1,260-3,230m (Three Valleys) Usual closing: Early May Europe’s highest resort at 2,300 metres, Val Thorens has one of the longest and most reliable ski seasons anywhere, with 99 percent of the slopes above 2,000 metres. It also forms part of the gargantuan Three Valleys network, offering endless skiing with neighbouring Méribel and over to Courchevel. The trio ensure constant investment in the lift network, making it increasingly easy to get from run to run and valley to valley.

Val Thorens also works tireless to improve its off-slope facilities. The resort is home to some world-class luxury accommodation, including the super cool, super modern, Altapura. It has all the charm of a traditional ski chalet, with a hip twist.

More info valthorens.com 22

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LATE SEASON SKIING

Lake Louise/ Sunshine Village, Canada Resort height: 1,540m Slopes: 1,630-2,730m Usual closing: Mid May One of North America’s largest ski areas, Lake Louise also enjoys a season that often runs into late May, making it the longest non-glacial ski season in North America – an impressive seven months of skiing.

Lake Louise offers jaw-dropping scenery, with its magnificent lake doubling up as an outdoor ice rink in the winter months. The larger town of Banff and ski areas Sunshine Village and Mt Norquay are close by, with shuttle buses running between all three.

Beginner and intermediate skiers will find a wealth of long and gentle runs, whilst expert skiers can enjoy endless chutes, glades and remote bowls, backed by dramatic Rocky scenery.

More info skilouise.com

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LATE SEASON SKIING

Levi, Finland Resort height: 200m Slopes: 200m-530m Usual closing: Mid May What Levi lacks in vertical drop it compensates with season length, boasting a mega 200 days of snow per year from October to May. Even into late spring you can enjoy fine Arctic powder days and glorious off-piste. The ski area is regarded as the most extensive in Finland and offers snowsure, uncrowded skiing in an area of exceptional natural beauty. However Levi is more than just a ski destination, and the off-slope activities are the big allure. Try dog-sledding and ice fishing, and if you get the timing right, there’s a decent chance of spotting the Aurora Borealis. At the Northern Lights Village you can sleep in glass-roofed luxury cabins amid a wintry forest.

More info levi.fi 26

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VERBIER

World’s Best Ski Resort

With its infinite playground, the destination of Verbier – Val de Bagnes – La Tzoumaz offers visitors a total of 300km² of fun and adventure across six charming, yet varied locations.

Accessible Le Châble, cosmopolitan Verbier, wild Upper Val de Bagnes, authentic Bruson, discreet Vollèges or family-friendly La Tzoumaz: each has a unique quality that you can use as a starting point for your immersion in the Pays des Bagnes!

Whether you’re seeking a gourmet getaway, a family holiday or an active sporty stay, experience the joys of the mountains in winter in any number of ways. Everywhere you look, nature is in a thick white blanket. All kinds of skiing (alpine, freeride, touring) have found their home in the 4 Valleys. Switzerland’s and 28

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World's Best Ski Resort

the World’s Best Ski Resort – Verbier also includes several legendary slopes and peaks you can climb up or slide down.

Both traditional and trendy, the art of living (art de vivre) has gained an excellent reputation here thanks to a host of top-quality venues.

And as a lively, dynamic destination, our heart beats to the rhythm of our winter events calendar: Polaris Festival, Verbier Art Summit, Verbier Xtreme as well as the Patrouille des Glaciers. Sporty, relaxing, traditional, stylish, natural, friendly and extreme – the Val de Bagnes guarantees moments of pure joy and excitement in the heart of the Valais. verbier.ch

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LAAX is freestyle through and through, and every freestyler’s heart beats faster when thinking of LAAX. Here they can find the world’s biggest halfpipe, a mini-pipe, an Olympic-sized Pro Kicker Line, five snow parks and the brand new Free60 natural snow park, which is built in unprepared terrain for deepsnow dreams.

As a hotspot for freestyle, the valley has plenty to offer. Freestyle Academy – Europe’s first indoor freestyle hall – offers a perfect alternative when weather conditions are poor.

It is also the perfect meeting point for laid-back training sessions after dark, and serves as summer training space in preparation for winter and the next snow fall. Freestyle is not just a trend in LAAX, it is tradition and our lifestyle.

Since 2005, LAAX has hosted Europe’s most important snowboarding event – the famous LAAX OPEN, formerly known as the Burton European Open. During the event snowboard stars from all over the world compete in LAAX. laax.com

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World’s Best Freestyle Resort 30

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World's Best Freestyle Resort

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rocksresort

World’s Best Green Ski Hotel World's Best Green Ski Hotel

rocksresort is a multiple-awardwinning resort in LAAX with a responsible and sustainable approach to resources and the environment. Only natural and regional materials were used to build the resort’s ‘cubes’. Several of the rocksresort buildings are constructed as ‘Minergie’ buildings and adhere to certified energy efficiency standards.

Measures such as the generation of electricity through regional hydro32

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power and the reuse of heat waste that is produced by the buildings itself have ensured a decrease in the energy demand and ecological foot print of the rocksresort. In summer, outside in the rocksresort PARK there is a special area with wild flowers which attract bees, and hosts information boards, so that even the youngest of children can learn about these important winged insects. rocksresort.com

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W VERBIER World’s Best Ski Hotel

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World's Best Ski Hotel

Perched at 1,531 metres, W Verbier is just steps away from the main Verbier ski lifts, and offers immediate access to more than 400 km of ski, biking and hiking terrain.

W Verbier mixes contemporary urban alpine design and the hottest W Happenings. The stylish 123 rooms and suites, each with fireplace, Signature W bed and private balcony are perfect for an intimate escape after an exhilarating day outside. The luxury W escape has a whole range of facilities from clean juice, energetic cuisine in Arctic Juice & Cafe to finest cocktails customized by the mixologists at W Living Room. Other limitless possibilities include a palette of flavours to experience at the bistronomic W Kitchen and the exclusive Eat-Hola Tapas Bar. Guests are invited to recharge and detoxify in 800 square metres of relaxing surroundings in Away® spa. A perfect haven to pause and rewind, the signature spa features nine treatment rooms, a shimmering heated indoor/outdoor WET pool and a 24/7 FIT gym. With its 300 square metres of functional event spaces, W Verbier offers everything under one roof.

Whatever guests need to amp up their stay, all they need to do is ask. From the Mountain Concierge to the renowned and exclusive Whatever/Whenever service, W Verbier team is available to make it happen 24/7.

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THE VALE RUSUTSU

World’s Best New Ski Hotel

World's Best New Ski Hotel

The Vale Rusutsu is the first and only luxury condominium development in the awardwinning and world-famous Rusutsu Resort in Hokkaido, Japan.

capped mountains. Accommodation includes 182 guest rooms in the form of one, two and three bedroom units and two expansive fourbedroom penthouse suites.

Perfectly positioned at the base of the ski slopes, The Vale Rusutsu is a modern condominium hotel, fully furnished with spacious living and dining areas, kitchen, and bedrooms, all overlooking the stunning snow-

Exquisitely designed with nature as its focus, The Vale Rusutsu is meticulously constructed to bring in the morning light and evening hues with its floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing guests to enjoy the beauty of nature in all

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its glory from dawn to dusk. Fusing luxury with functionality, it is an all-season hotel that provides a seamless ski-in/ski-out experience for their guests during winter with access to five-star amenities such as spa and onsen, as well as summer activities in the popular Rusutsu amusement park, and four golf courses during the green season.

The Vale Rusutsu is set to rival the best luxury ski hotels in the world and has been announced as the winner of ‘World’s Best New Ski Hotel 2021’ by World Ski Awards. thevalerusutsu.com

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AURELIO LECH

World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel

World's Best Ski Boutique Hotel

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Surrounded by the impressive mountain landscape and situated at about 1,500 meters, the Aurelio overlooks the historic Alpine hideaway of Lech am Arlberg.

Traditional and modern combine in unique ways to create an exquisitely comfortable and sumptuous homely mountain retreat in an enviable ski-in, ski-out location.

Offering both a luxury hotel and a chalet, Aurelio offers a range of accommodation options, with 18 individually arranged rooms and suites reflecting the natural alpine and the feeling of staying in a private residence.

The Aurelio SPA includes a 23-metre pool. herbal steam rooms, saunas and gym, whilst

the gourmet restaurant is created by “4 Hauben” awarded chef, Christian Rescher and his protégée, Markus Niederwanger, with the wonderful delicacies using Austrian products with international influences.

The imposing peaks surrounding Lech, such as the Rüfikopf, the Omeshorn and the Kriegerhorn drape the winter in a majestic white. Infinite possibilities, on the sweeping slopes as well as through hiking and snowshoeing paths through pristine nature, are waiting to be discovered. And for those who want to venture further, Lech, Oberlech and Zürs are connected with St. Anton and the rest of Arlberg via the Flexenbahn gondolas. aureliolech.com

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CHALET ZERMATT PEAK

World’s Best Ski Chalet

World's Best Ski Chalet

For the second year in a row, Chalet Zermatt Peak has been awarded ‘World’s Best Ski Chalet’ at the World Ski Awards.

Perched above the enchanting village of Zermatt, with breathtaking views of the Matterhorn, this exclusive property is a bastion of architectural design and luxury.

The privately-run chalet is laid out over six opulent floors. It boasts five individually designed suites with floor-to-ceiling windows, and the most awe-inspiring views in Zermatt.

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The master suite includes a large whirlpool bath, partner powder room and walk-in wardrobe. The spacious modern open-plan living area features floor-to-ceiling windows, a glass roof, wrap-around sofa, open fireplace and unobstructed views of the village and the Matterhorn.

The property comes fully staffed, and an in-house gourmet chef creates daily menus. Dinner is served in the dining area under an ornate crystal chandelier. The underground wine cellar holds one of the region’s finest private collections.

The Wellness Centre offers the perfect combination of style and relaxation to restore guests’ inner balance and peace of mind.

Guests can enjoy either a dry Finnish or a wet Swedish sauna, bio steam in the hammam or relax in the bubbles and jets of the large indoor-outdoor whirlpool. An in-house wellness therapist is on hand, ensuring guests enjoy the ultimate in relaxation. Each guest receives a personalized activity and wellness programme, plus complimentary daily massages.

Chalet Zermatt Peak can only be booked as a whole, enabling guests to luxuriate in the privacy of having the property entirely to themselves. chaletzermattpeak.com

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PHOTOS: YVES GARNEAU

CHALET FACE À FACE

World’s Best New Ski Chalet

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Chalet Face à Face, a brand new alpine retreat, has been awarded World’s Best New Chalet 2021 at the 9th annual World Ski Awards. With its unique quality and rustic touches, it's no wonder Chalet Face à Face champions this year's newest chalets.

A newly renovated mountain haven, Chalet Face à Face sleeps up to 14 guests and is enriched with authentic alpine architecture, stylish furnishings and ambient lighting. Perfectly positioned next to the iconic ski slopes of Val d’Isère, its ski-in ski-out location allows you to maximise your time on the mountain.

Chalet Face à Face is the perfect home for entertaining a large family or group of friends.

This French retreat offers multiple twin/double bedrooms accompanied by calming en-suites and a fun bunk bedroom ideal for children.

Climb to the top floor and be welcomed by a beautiful open-plan living and dining area with

floor-to-ceiling windows boasting striking views of the peaks.

Following an action-packed day on the slopes, make use of the chalet’s tranquil spa with a swimming pool, steam shower and sauna, ideal for rejuvenating tired muscles, or seek outdoor serenity in the hot tub nestled on the terrace. The dining area is a fabulous setting for a delicious evening meal hosted by Bramble Ski’s private chef. Spend the rest of the evening cosied up on the sofa next to the roaring fire or enjoying a movie night in the chalets dedicated cinema room.

Bramble Ski is one of the most prominent luxury ski operators in the Alps, with properties in Val d’Isère, Méribel, Lech, St Anton, Verbier and Zermatt, renowned for its unparalleled service and exclusive properties. brambleski.com

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KITZSKI BERGBAHN AG KITZBÜHEL

World’s Best Ski Resort Company 44

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World's Best Ski Resort Company

SKIING IN KITZBÜHEL, KIRCHBERG AND MITTERSILL

KitzSki is known for its diversity and high quality of slopes. The impeccably groomed slopes and 57 comfortable cable cars and lifts at KitzSki are ideal for pleasure skiers, racers, freestylers, families and children. In addition to the 233 kilometres of slopes, the extensive ski resort also offers numerous opportunities for more gentle winter sports such as winter hiking, night skiing, tobogganing and ski touring on the slopes.

The cosy P3 Lounge was created at one of KitzSki’s most beautiful viewpoints.

Large glass windows open up stunning views of the surrounding mountains from inside the lounge. In total, KitzSki boasts 60 mountain restaurants and mountain huts for an enjoyable refreshment stop. www.kitzski.at

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SKI DUBAI

World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort

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World's Best Indoor Ski Resort

Ski Dubai has garnered the distinction of the ‘World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort 2021’ for a recordbreaking six years in a row at the prestigious World Ski Awards, which are the definitive benchmark of excellence in the ski hospitality industry.

Launched in 2005, Ski Dubai was the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and quickly established itself as one of the region’s most popular and iconic attractions. Over the last 15 years, it has evolved into a lifestyle brand and a world-class experience for the local community, snow sports enthusiasts, as well

as tourists from around the globe.

Ski Dubai is continuously enhancing the guest experience and features five ski slopes, a familyfriendly snow park complete with a variety of fun activities and the popular Penguin Encounter, which is home to a colony of King and Gentoo penguins.

Ski Dubai has also been fueling a growth in sporting tourism within the region and fostered a winter sports culture in the UAE, where more than 80,000 people are introduced to skiing and snowboarding each year.

The state-of-the-art facility

has also established itself as a hub for international competitions, such as The World Cup and Para Snowboard World Cup. In November 2021, Ski Dubai hosted a series of races sanctioned by FIS, the global governing body for Olympic-eligible ski and snowboard competitions, which saw five athletes qualify for the Beijing Winter Olympics.

Ski Dubai not only allows guests to experience snow in the heart of the desert but, it has also cemented its position as a globallyrecognised sports facility. skidxb.com 47

World's Best Ski Tour Operator

TUI

World’s Best Ski Tour Operator TUI offers a broad range of ski holidays in Europe’s most popular ski areas, entirely tailored to guest needs. Whether you prefer a luxury or budget hotel, a family-friendly hotel or adults-only accommodation, bed and breakfast or all inclusive, a cosy cottage or a flat, or perhaps a TUI BLUE hotel that focuses on wellness, delicious cuisine and authentic experiences: TUI can offer you a ski trip that perfectly suits you.

In addition, TUI offers security and flexibility with the Exchange Guarantee, which allows changes to your booking to another time or a different destination free of charge, up to 28 days prior to your departure. It’s also easy to book your ski pass and equipment in advance with TUI, so you can start your holiday with complete peace of mind. The only thing you have to do is put on your skis and enjoy the slopes. tui.com

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LEO TRIPPI

World's Best Ski Resort Company

World’s Best Ski Travel Agent

With a presence in the Swiss Alps dating back to 1882, Leo Trippi is highly knowledgeable and experienced in providing luxury chalets and tailormade mountain trips around the world.

It is the World Ski Awards winner of ‘World’s Best Ski Travel Agent’ for the eighth consecutive year.

Whilst the cornerstone of its chalet portfolio is based around the most exclusive resorts in the Alps, including Zermatt, Verbier, St. Moritz and Courchevel, Leo Trippi has also expanded further afield to include 50

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luxury homes in the USA and Japan, as well as outstanding lodges in the Arctic.

When it comes to booking a luxury ski holiday, Leo Trippi believes that is not just about choosing the right property but also making sure that the service and experience match this. Working with trusted partners, the company can arrange everything from the fundamentals such as airport transfers and ski lessons through to the elaborate, such as supercar tours across the Swiss Alps or exhilarating heli-ski safaris.

Leo Trippi’s CEO, Oliver Corkhill, commented “We are delighted to have been awarded World’s Best Ski Travel Agent for the eighth year in a row, particularly with all the challenges the travel industry has faced in the last couple of years. We have been resilient and worked hard as a team to go above and beyond for our guests and this seems to have paid off. We listen to feedback and are continually making improvements to our website and client experience. With a pent-up demand to travel, we’re really excited to see what the 2022/23 season brings.” leotrippi.com

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SCHNEEBEBEN

World’s Best Ski Transfer Operator

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World's Best Ski Transfer Operator

Choose between a one day trip or a whole weekend skiing.

Every Saturday Schneebeben brings you to its legendary Schneebeben-dates in the best ski resorts in the Alps. The comfortable coaches take you to the ski areas from over 100 departure points in Germany.

Arrive at the valley station in the early morning and have the whole day to let off steam on the slopes. The ski areas provide varied pistes of all difficulties. Freestylers and freeriders can enjoy the finest Alpine hotspots.

In the afternoon, Schneebeben hosts a fantastic After-Snow-Party with a DJ. After that the day travellers get a cool drink on the way home to crown a legendary skiing day. Weekend travellers head from the After-Snow-Party to the hotel and have a second skiing adventure the next day. After that the coaches brings guests home. schneebeben.de

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A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL Austria’s Best Ski Hotel

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Nestled in an idyllic mountain landscape of Wilder Kaiser, the five-star A-ROSA Kitzbühel resort is enthroned high above the Gamsstadt, away from the hustle and bustle of the luxury ski resort, yet very close and right in the middle of it. A refuge for high demands in front of a majestic backdrop.

Arrive, take a deep breath, relax. A stay at A-ROSA Kitzbühel means switching off, letting yourself go and enjoying all the comforts that a luxury vacation brings. There are many feelings of happiness that reveal themselves here: romantic fireside evenings after an active day of winter sports and blissful moments on the panoramic terrace, racy cocktails at the bar, special pampering moments in the award-winning wellness & spa area and, in addition, exceptional cuisine of international standard.

Built in the style of a Tyrolean castle, the renowned house presents itself with lived hospitality and the most modern comfort. The furnishings and design, with their urban and traditional touches, are perfectly in tune with the zeitgeist of the Alpine lifestyle. The perfect setting for an unforgettable vacation experience with the whole family, a romantic five-star weekend with your sweetheart or a luxurious wellness and sports stay with friends - the typical Kitzbühel lifestyle is omnipresent here. www.a-rosa-resorts.de 55

KITZBÜHEL

Austria’s Best Ski Resort

A sophisticated lifestyle and idyllic nature, quaint traditions and a modern approach to life: you would be hard-pressed to find a place that combines these contrasts as well as Kitzbühel.

The sports capital of the Alps became worldfamous thanks to the legendary Hahnenkamm ski race, but that is only one of the things that draws people to Kitzbühel. The incomparable charm of Kitzbühel and its holiday villages Reith, Aurach and Jochberg, the excellent infrastructure including top hotels and restaurants, the variety of sporting activities and the captivating landscapes are what really make Kitzbühel unique.

Kitzbühel and the whole region enchant winter visitors with not only thrilling downhill descents and varied slopes; fabulous winter activites can be experienced even without the need for skis. The natural landscape is a tranquil winter paradise for pleasure lovers, one that can be discovered along a variety of trails: Winter walkways lead to Kitzbühel‘s most beautiful locations and vantage points. Pleasure hikers are not just limited to walking in the valley, but can also conquer routes high in the mountains with cable car assistance. The reward after a wintry expedition? A break for refreshments at one of the 60 mountain huts in the region, of course. Because as we all know, fresh air makes you hungry!

www.kitzbuehel.com

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WORLD SKI AWARDS 2021 WINNERS & NOMINEES ASIA & OCEANIA AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Thredbo – Winner Falls Creek Hotham Mt Buller Perisher AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa Hotel – Winner Breathtaker Hotel & Spa Hotel Pension Grimus The Sebel Pinnacle Valley AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Astra Falls Creek – Winner Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel Perisher Valley Hotel QT Falls Creek Ramada Resort Dinner Plain Mt Hotham The Denman Hotel Thredbo AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Sequoia Penthouse Thredbo – Winner Blowhard Cedar Cabin - The Eastern Thredbo Village Feathertop Château Oak Apartment – The Eastern Thredbo Village Rockpool Lodge Ski In Ski Out Chalets CHINA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Vanke Lake Songhua Resort – Winner Beidahu Ski Resort Beijing Huai Bei International Ski Resort

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Beijing Nanshan Ski Resort Changbaishan Wanda International Resort CuiYunShan International Resort Sun Mountain Yabuli Thaiwoo Ski Resort Wanlong Ski Resort JAPAN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Rusutsu Resort – Winner Appi Kogen Furano Ski Resort Hakkaisan Hakuba Valley Karuizawa Prince Hotel Ski Resort Kiroro Resort LOTTE Arai Resort Manza Onsen Ski Resort Myoko Kogen Ski Resort Naeba Ski Resort Niseko United Sapporo Teine Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort Shizukuishi Ski Resort JAPAN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido – Winner Akakura Kanko Hotel Chatrium Niseko Hilton Niseko Village Hotel Appi Grand Karuizawa Prince Hotel East LOTTE Arai Resort Naeba Prince Hotel Park Hyatt Niseko Hanazono Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel Shin Furano Prince Hotel Sierra resort Hakuba Skye Niseko The Green Leaf Niseko Village The Westin Rusutsu Resort

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JAPAN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Ki Niseko – Winner Aburaya Tousen HakuVillas MUSE Niseko Nozawa Grand Hotel The Kamui Niseko The Vale Niseko Villa Rusutsu Yu Kiroro Zaborin JAPAN'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Aspect – Winner Hakuchozan Kozue One Happo Phoenix One NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Mt Hutt – Winner Cardrona Alpine Resort Coronet Peak Mt Dobson Ohau Snow Fields Porters Roundhill The Remarkables Treble Cone Tūroa Whakapapa NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences – Winner Chateau Tongariro Hotel Crowne Plaza Queenstown Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa Millbrook Resort Peppers Bluewater Resort The Hermitage Hotel

NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Matakauri Lodge – Winner Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel Blanket Bay Browns Boutique Hotel Eichardt's Private Hotel NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Azur Luxury Lodge – Winner Distinction Wanaka Serviced Apartments Porters Lodge Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet SOUTH KOREA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 YongPyong Resort – Winner Alpensia Bears Town High1 Ski Muju Deukyusan Phoenix Snow Park Vivaldi Park Ski World SOUTH KOREA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Dragon Valley Hotel – Winner High1 Grand Hotel High1 Palace Hotel Holiday Inn & Suites Alpensia Pyeongchang Hotel Tirol InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort

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WORLD SKI AWARDS 2021 WINNERS & NOMINEES EUROPE ANDORRA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Vallnord – Pal Arinsal – Winner Grandvalira ANDORRA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Hotel Plaza – Winner Holiday Inn Andorra Hotel Hotel Himalaia Soldeu Hotel Màgic Pas Hotel Nordic Hotel Princesa Parc Hotel Ski Plaza & Wellness Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa The Bringué Hotel ANDORRA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 The Xalet Bringué Hotel & Spa – Winner Hotel Diana Parc Hotel Màgic Ski Palomé Hotel ANDORRA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Ski Chalet Alpine Residence – Winner Chalet Motxo Els Llacs Neilson Chalet Hotel Casale AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Kitzbühel – Winner Lech Zürs am Arlberg Mayrhofen-Hippach Obergurgl-Hochgurgl Saalbach Hinterglemm SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental St. Anton am Arlberg

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AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 A-ROSA Kitzbühel – Winner Arlberg Hospiz, St. Christoph Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt Hotel Almhof Schneider Hotel Arlberg Hotel Cervosa Hotel Salzburgerhof Kaiserhof Kitzbühel Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol SPA-HOTEL Jagdhof TOP Hotel Hochgurgl AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Aurelio Lech – Winner Elizabeth Arthotel Hotel Rasmushof Kitzbühel Kristiania Lech Raffl’s St. Antoner Hof Severin*s – The Alpine Retreat Thurnher's Alpenhof AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Hahnenkamm Lodge, Kitzbühel – Winner Alpegg Chalets Arula Chalets Aurelio Club Chalet Chalet 1551 Chalet Mimi Chalet N Eden Rock House Hannes Schneider, Stuben Maierl-Alm Sweet Little Home The Chalet, at 11° East Überhaus Villa Schönbichl Villa Villekulla BULGARIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Bansko – Winner Borovets Pamporovo Vitosha

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BULGARIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Aparthotel Lucky Bansko SPA & Relax – Winner Grand Hotel Bansko Hotel Orlovetz Hotel Rila Borovets Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko Premier Luxury Mountain Resort Regnum Bansko Apart Hotel & Spa Yastrebets Hotel Wellness & Spa BULGARIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Alpin Hotel – Winner Boutique Hotel Iva & Elena Club Hotel Yanakiev Ice Angels Hotel BULGARIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Villa Gella – Winner Chalet Jora Chalet Mila Snomads Chalet Diana-Ross Villa Stresov CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Skiareál Špindlerův Mlýn – Winner Pec pod Sněžkou Ski Areál Herlíkovice – Bubákov Ski Areál Ještěd Ski Areál Kopřivná Ski Areál Kouty Skiareál Lipno Spartak Rokytnice Špičák Sportovní Areál Harrachov CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Harmony Club Hotel – Winner Clarion Hotel Spindleruv Mlyn Hotel Horizont Orea Resort Horal

CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Hotel Savoy Špindlerův Mlýn – Winner Grund Resort Golf & Ski Hotel Bedriska Hotel Praha Hotel Sněžka FINLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Levi – Winner Pyhä Ski Resort Ruka Ski Resort Salla Ski Resort Iso-Syöte Yllas FINLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 KIDE Hotel by Iso-Syöte – Winner Break Sokos Hotel Levi Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki Hotel Hullu Poro Hotel Pikku-Syöte Ruka Ski Chalets ApartmentHotel Scandic Rukahovi FINLAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Hotel Iso-Syöte – Winner Hotel Chalet Ruka Peak Hotel Ylläshumina Luxury Lodge L7 RukaVillage Ski-Inn Hotel & Apartments Seita Holiday Resort FINLAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Rukan Salonki Chalets – Winner Fell Top Cottages

FRANCE'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Val Thorens – Winner Avoriaz 1800 Chamonix Mont-Blanc Courchevel La Plagne Les Arcs Les Deux Alpes Megève Méribel Serre Chevalier Tignes Val d'Isère Valloire FRANCE'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon – Winner Altapura Club Med Val Thorens Sensations Four Seasons Hotel Megève Hotel Christiana Hôtel TAJ-I MAH Le Blizzard Le Lana Le Palace des Neiges Les Barmes de l'Ours L’Apogée Courchevel FRANCE'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Hotel Pashmina – Winner Airelles Val d'Isère, Mademoiselle Aman Le Mélézin Cheval Blanc Courchevel Grand Hôtel du Soleil d’Or Hotel des Dromonts Hôtel Le Coucou Le Chalet Zannier Le K2 Palace Le Kaila Le Taos Les Airelles, Courchevel Les Chalets du Mont d’Arbois, Megève, A Four Seasons Hotel L’Armancette Portetta Hotel The Grandes Alpes Hotel

FRANCE'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Le Chalet Mont Blanc – Winner Alpaca Chalet Alice Chalet Astilla Chalet Babylon Chalet BANKSY Tribute Chalet Colombe Chalet des Cascades Chalet Ipaka Chalet Joux Plane Chalet Kipnuk Chalet La Bergerie Chalet Le Chardon Chalet Le Grenier Chalet Marco Polo Chalet Noémie Chalet ORCA Chalet ORSO Chalet Peace & Love Chalet Quezac Chalet Rêves de Montagne Chalet Sakami Chalet Tango Charlie, Tignes Val d’Isère Chalet Ubud Chalet Verdet Chez Bugi La Datcha Val Thorens Le Petit Château Rock n’ Love Shemshak Lodge SHL Lodge GERMANY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Oberstdorf – Winner Berchtesgaden Garmisch-Partenkirchen Spitzingsee-Tegernsee Willingen

GERMANY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Schloss Elmau – Winner Alpenhof Murnau Das Kranzbach Dorint Sporthotel GarmischPartenkirchen Hotel Exquisit Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden Reindl´s Partenkirchner Hof GERMANY'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Hotel Staudacherhof – Winner Atlas Posthotel Hotel Sonne Füssen Hotel Zugspitze GERMANY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Country Home Pitzner – Winner Chalet Haus Hamburg Moarhof anno 1665 Staudachers Cottage ITALY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Dolomites Val Gardena – Winner 3 Zinnen Dolomites Cervino Ski Paradise Cortina d’Ampezzo Courmayeur Mont Blanc Madonna di Campiglio Seiser Alm Sestriere ITALY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Montana Lodge & Spa – Winner Alpenpalace Luxury Hideaway & Spa Retreat Alpin Royal Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cortina d’Ampezzo Grand Hotel Savoia Hotel Andreus Hotel Sassongher Le Massif Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel QC Terme Bagni di Bormio

ITALY'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Saint Hubertus Luxury Resort & Spa – Winner ADLER Lodge RITTEN ADLER Spa Resort DOLOMITI Hotel Chalet del Sogno Hotel Col Alto Hotel Hermitage Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence Olimpionico Hotel San Luis Hotel ITALY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Cesa del louf – Winner Chalet Être Chalet lo Miéte Chalet LV/01 Dolce Vita Chalet LV/02 Perla Chalet Majon Chalet Monterosa Rifugio Solander White Deer San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge NORWAY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Geilo – Winner Hafjell Hemsedal Hovden Norefjell Trysil NORWAY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Radisson Blu Resort Trysil – Winner Dr. Holms Hotel Fleischer's Hotel Fýri – Resort of Hemsedal Norefjell Ski & Spa Thon Hotel Skeikampen Vestlia Resort Geilo

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WORLD SKI AWARDS 2021 WINNERS & NOMINEES NORWAY'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Nermo Hotell – Winner Herangtunet Boutique Hotel Juvet Landscape Hotel Lyngen Lodge Skarsnuten Hotel Storfjord Hotel NORWAY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Havsdalsgrenda – Winner Skjelbreid Poirée POLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Kotelnica Bialczańska – Winner Czarna Góra Czorsztyn-Kluszkowce Dwie Doliny Muszyna Wierchomla Jaworzyna Krynicka Karpacz – Śnieżka Korbielów – Pilsko Krynica Szczyrk Szklarska Poręba – Szrenica POLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Zakopane – Winner Aries Hotel & Spa Grand Hotel Stamary Hotel Belvedere Hotel Czarny Potok Resort SPA & Conference Nosalowy Dwór Resort & Spa Nosalowy Park Hotel & Spa POLAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Hotel Crocus – Winner Gronie Ski & Bike Hotel Sabala Hotel Skalny

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ROMANIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Sinaia – Winner Arena Platos Paltinis Azuga Poiana Brașov Predeal Straja Vatra Dornei Vidra Transalpina RUSSIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Rosa Khutor – Winner Gazprom resort Krasnaya Polyana Mount Cheget Mount Elbrus Zavyalikha RUSSIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi – Winner Grand Hotel Polyana Green Flow Hotel Hotel Tulip Inn Rosa Khutor Mercure Rosa Khutor Park Inn by Radisson Rosa Khutor Radisson Hotel, Rosa Khutor Rosa Ski Inn Hotel Rosa Springs Sochi Marriott Krasnaya Polyana Hotel Swissotel Resort Sochi Kamelia RUSSIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Grand Hotel & Spa Rodina – Winner Elpida Boutique Hotel Hotel Rosa Khutor Chalet Sport Inn Hotel & Wellness

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SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Jasná Nízke Tatry – Winner Bachledka Ski & Sun Resort PARK SNOW Donovaly SKI PARK Kubínska hoľa Ski Park Ružomberok – Malinô Brdo Snow Paradise Veľká Rača Oščadnica Tatranská Lomnica Vrátna Malá Fatra Winter Park Martinky

SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Hotel Rozka – Winner Hotel Cerkno Hotel Krvavec Skipass Hotel Šport hotel Pokljuka

SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras – Winner Grandhotel Praha Grandhotel Starý Smokovec Hotel Patria Salamandra Hotel & Resort

SPAIN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Baqueira/Beret – Winner Aramón Cerler Aramón Formigal Astún Boí Taüll Candanchú Masella Sierra Nevada

SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Hotel FIS Jasná – Winner Hotel Liptovský Dvor Hotel Mikulášska chata Hotel Pošta Hotel Tri Studničky SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Krvavec – Winner Cerkno Golte Kranjska Gora Mariborsko Pohorje Rogla Vogel SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Ramada Resort by Wyndham Kranjska Gora – Winner Hotel Arena Hotel Montis Hotel Natura

SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Chalet Planina – Winner Ruška Koča

SPAIN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Rafaelhoteles By La Pleta – Winner AC Baqueira Autograph Collection Aragon Hills Hotel & Spa HG Alto Aragón Hotel Mim Baqueira Hotel Val de Neu Meliá Sol y Nieve Parador de Artíes SPAIN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Meliá Royal Tanau Boutique Hotel – Winner El Lodge Hotel Chalet Val de Ruda Hotel La Morera La Almunia del Valle

SWEDEN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Åre – Winner Bjorkliden Branäs Funäsfjällen Hemavan Tärnaby Riksgränsen Sälen Tänndalen Vemdalen SWEDEN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Hotel Bügelhof – Winner Copperhill Mountain Lodge Holiday Club Åre Hotel Åregården SWEDEN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Eriksgårdens Fjällhotell – Winner Buustamons Fjällgård Fjällnäs Hotel Granen Hotell Fjällgården Åre SWEDEN'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Skutan Ski Lodge – Winner Åre Timberlodge The Villa - Copperhill Private Lodge SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Verbier – Winner Crans-Montana Davos Klosters Engelberg Gstaad LAAX Saas-Fee/Saastal St. Moritz Wengen Zermatt

SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 W Verbier – Winner Badrutt's Palace Carlton Hotel St. Moritz Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & Spa Grand Hotel des Bains Kempinski St. Moritz Grand Hotel Zermatterhof Gstaad Palace Kulm Hotel St. Moritz Mont Cervin Palace Nira Alpina Riffelalp Resort 2222m The Alpina Gstaad The Cambrian The Chedi Andermatt Tschuggen Grand Hotel Arosa SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Ultima Gstaad – Winner Backstage Hotel Vernissage Guarda Golf Hotel & Residences Hotel Firefly Hotel Le Grand Bellevue Hotel Matterhorn FOCUS Le Chalet d'Adrien Rixos Flüela Davos Romantik Hotel Chesa Grischuna The Omnia Valsana Hotel Arosa SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Chalet Zermatt Peak – Winner Chalet Marmottière Chesa el Toula Haus Alpina The Lodge, Verbier Tivoli Lodge, Davos Ultima Crans-Montana

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WORLD SKI AWARDS 2021 WINNERS & NOMINEES THE AMERICAS ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Chapelco Ski Resort – Winner Batea Mahuida Catedral Alta Patagonia Caviahue Ski Resort Cerro Bayo Cerro Castor La Hoya Las Leñas ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Llao Llao Hotel & Resort – Winner Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa Virgo Hotel & Spa ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa – Winner Aldebarán Hotel & Spa Correntoso Lake & River Hotel Design Suites Bariloche El Casco Art Hotel Las Balsas Río Hermoso Hotel de Montaña CANADA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 The Lake Louise Ski Resort – Winner Banff Sunshine Village Big White Ski Resort Fernie Alpine Resort Panorama Mountain Resort RED Mountain Resort Revelstoke Mountain Resort Sun Peaks Resort Tremblant Whistler Blackcomb Whitewater Ski Resort

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CANADA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside – Winner Fairmont Banff Springs Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise Fairmont Chateau Whistler Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler Post Hotel & Spa The Rimrock Resort Hotel CANADA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 The Josie – Winner Adara Hotel Hotel Quintessence Nita Lake Lodge Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Skoki Lodge Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Sun Peaks Lodge Sunshine Mountain Lodge CANADA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Whiteworth Chalet – Winner Alpine View Chalet Amanderu Estate Belmont Estate Big Sky Chalet Revelstoke Bison Lodge CHILE'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Portillo – Winner Corralco Nevados de Chillán Valle Nevado CHILE'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Hotel Termas Chillán – Winner Hotel Portillo Hotel Valle Nevado Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa

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CHILE'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Hotel Posada Farellones – Winner Hotel Antumalal Hotel Nevados MI Lodge Las Trancas UNITED STATES' BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Deer Valley Resort – Winner Alta Aspen Snowmass Beaver Creek Big Sky Resort Breckenridge Crested Butte Jackson Hole Mammoth Mountain Park City Snowbasin Resort Snowbird Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows Steamboat Stowe Mountain Resort Sun Valley Telluride Vail

UNITED STATES' BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley – Winner Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vale Grand Hyatt Vail Limelight Hotel Ketchum Montage Deer Valley Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa Sun Mountain Lodge The Arrabelle at Vail Square The Blake The Little Nell The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch The St. Regis Deer Valley The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa, Avon, Vail Valley W Aspen Waldorf Astoria Park City Westgate Park City Resort & Spa UNITED STATES' BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 The Lodge at Blue Sky – Winner Amangani Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge Goldener Hirsch Hotel Terra Jackson Hole Lake Placid Lodge Stein Eriksen Residences Washington School House Hotel

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WORLD SKI AWARDS 2021 WINNERS & NOMINEES WORLD WORLD'S BEST SKI RESORT 2021 Verbier (Switzerland) – Winner Åre (Sweden) Bansko (Bulgaria) Baqueira/Beret (Spain) Chapelco Ski Resort (Argentina) Deer Valley Resort (United States of America) Dolomites Val Gardena (Italy) Geilo (Norway) Jasná Nízke Tatry (Slovakia) Kitzbühel (Austria) Kotelnica Bialczańska (Poland) Krvavec (Slovenia) Levi (Finland) Mt Hutt (New Zealand) Oberstdorf (Germany) Portillo (Chile) Rosa Khutor (Russia) Rusutsu Resort (Japan) Sinaia (Romania) Skiareál Špindlerův Mlýn (Czech Republic) The Lake Louise Ski Resort (Canada) Thredbo (Australia) Val Thorens (France) Vallnord – Pal Arinsal (Andorra) Vanke Lake Songhua Resort (China) YongPyong Resort (South Korea) WORLD'S BEST FREESTYLE RESORT 2021 LAAX (Switzerland) – Winner Avoriaz 1800 (France) Breckenridge (United States) Les 2 Alpes (France) Mammoth Mountain (United States) Mayrhofen (Austria) Seiser Alm (Italy) The Lake Louise Ski Resort (Canada) Whistler Blackcomb (Canada)

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WORLD'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2021 W Verbier (Switzerland) – Winner A-ROSA Kitzbühel (Austria) Aparthotel Lucky Bansko SPA & Relax (Bulgaria) Club Med Grand Massif Samoëns Morillon (France) Dragon Valley Hotel (South Korea) Grand Hotel Kempinski High Tatras (Slovakia) Harmony Club Hotel (Czech Republic) Hotel Bügelhof (Sweden) Hotel Plaza (Andorra) Hotel Termas Chillán (Chile) KIDE Hotel by Iso-Syöte (Finland) Llao Llao Hotel & Resort (Argentina) Montana Lodge & Spa (Italy) Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa Hotel (Australia) Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside (Canada) Radisson Blu Hotel & Residences, Zakopane (Poland) Radisson Blu Resort Trysil (Norway) Rafaelhoteles By La Pleta (Spain) Ramada Resort by Wyndham Kranjska Gora (Slovenia) Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi (Russia) Schloss Elmau (Germany) Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley (United States of America) The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Hokkaido (Japan) The Rees Hotel, Luxury Apartments & Lakeside Residences (New Zealand) WORLD'S BEST NEW SKI HOTEL 2021 The Vale Rusutsu (Japan) – Winner Berghotel Biberkopf (Austria) Fenix Furano (Japan)

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Higashiyama Niseko Village, a Ritz Carlton Reserve (Japan) Montage Big Sky (United States) Pendry Park City (United States) The Cloudveil (United States) WORLD'S BEST GREEN SKI HOTEL 2021 rocksresort (Switzerland) – Winner Holzhotel Forsthofalm (Austria) Hotel Terra Jackson Hole (United States) KIDE Hotel by Iso-Syöte (Finland) Les Neiges d'Antan (Italy) Mountain Design Hotel Eden Selva Naturhotel Forsthofgut (Austria) Naturhotel Leitlhof (Italy) Ski-Hotel Mondschein – since 1739 (Austria) Thaiwoo Element Hotel (China) The Crystal Lifestylehotel (Austria) The Gradonna Mountain Resort (Austria) Valsana Hotel Arosa (Switzerland) Vigilius Mountain Resort (Italy) WORLD'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2021 Aurelio Lech (Austria) – Winner Alpin Hotel (Bulgaria) Astra Falls Creek (Australia) Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa (Argentina) Eriksgårdens Fjällhotell (Sweden) Grand Hotel & Spa Rodina (Russia) Hotel Crocus (Poland) Hotel FIS Jasná (Slovakia) Hotel Iso-Syöte (Finland) Hotel Pashmina (France) Hotel Posada Farellones (Chile)

Hotel Rozka (Slovenia) Hotel Savoy Špindlerův Mlýn (Czech Republic) Hotel Staudacherhof (Germany) Ki Niseko (Japan) Matakauri Lodge (New Zealand) Meliá Royal Tanau Boutique Hotel (Spain) Nermo Hotell (Norway) Saint Hubertus Luxury Resort & Spa (Italy) The Josie (Canada) The Lodge at Blue Sky (United States of America) The Xalet Bringué Hotel & Spa (Andorra) Ultima Gstaad (Switzerland) WORLD'S BEST SKI CHALET 2021 Chalet Zermatt Peak (Switzerland) – Winner Aspect (Japan) Azur Luxury Lodge (New Zealand) Cesa del louf (Italy) Chalet Planina (Slovenia) Country Home Pitzner (Germany) Hahnenkamm Lodge, Kitzbühel (Austria) Havsdalsgrenda (Norway) Le Chalet Mont Blanc (France) Rukan Salonki Chalets (Finland) Sequoia Penthouse Thredbo (Australia) Ski Chalet Alpine Residence (Andorra) Skutan Ski Lodge (Sweden) Villa Gella (Bulgaria) Whiteworth Chalet (Canada)

WORLD'S BEST NEW SKI CHALET 2021 Chalet Face à Face (France) – Winner Chalet Bacchus – Courchevel Moriond (France) Chalet La Godille (France) Chalet Rock and Roll (France) ZEMS Lodge (France) WORLD'S BEST SKI RESORT COMPANY 2021 Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel (Austria) – Winner Aspen Snowmass (United States) Compagnie des Alpes (France) Prince Hotels, Inc. (Japan) SkiStar (Sweden) Vail Resorts (United States) WORLD'S BEST INDOOR SKI RESORT 2021 Ski Dubai (UAE) – Winner Alpincenter Bottrop (Germany) Chengdu Snow Park (China) Guangzhou Snow Park (China) Harbin Sunac Snow Park (China) Madrid SnowZone (Spain) Ski Egypt (Egypt) Snow Factor (Scotland) Snowplanet (New Zealand) SnowWorld Landgraaf (Netherlands)

WORLD'S BEST SKI TOUR OPERATOR 2021 TUI – Winner Bramble Ski Club Reisen Stumböck Consensio Crystal Ski Dolomite Mountains Kaluma Travel Liquid Snow Tours Point da Neve Ski.com Skiworld SnowTrex Sunweb The Boutique Chalet Company Travelski WeSki White Mountain Chalets WORLD'S BEST SKI TRAVEL AGENT 2021 Leo Trippi – Winner Camel Snow Destination Ski Explore Niseko Firefly Collection Iglu Ski Impera Villas LUEX Luxury Chalet Book Oxford Ski Company Powderlife Simply Val d’Isère Ski In Luxury/Ultimate Luxury Chalets Ski Line Ski Solutions SkiBoutique Whistler Reservations Whistler’s Official Destination Website

WORLD'S BEST HELISKI OPERATOR 2021 Bella Coola Heli Sports (Canada) – Winner Arctic Heli Skiing (Iceland) Hokkaido Backcountry Club (Japan) Mica Heliskiing (Canada) Northern Escape Heli-Skiing (Canada) Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing (Canada) Stellar Heliskiing (Canada) Whistler Heli-Skiing (Canada) WORLD'S BEST SKI TRANSFER OPERATOR 2021 Schneebeben – Winner EdelSwiss Limousine Company Fly Ski Shuttle Innsbruck Airport Taxi – Gangl Transfers Munich Ski Shuttle Ski-Lifts SkyExpress SnowDrone Transfers

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