World Ski Awards 2015 Yearbook by World Travel Awards

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SKI TOURISM

2015 YEARBOOK

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The new Business-Class at the ski resort. It’s not a car. It’s not a plane. It’s better. It’s the most comfortable ride from the bottom to the top ever. It’s the cosiness of supple, genuine leather padding that tells passengers they’ve chosen the right ski resort. It’s the deep warmth of the heated seats on the body that tells the skier that the next run is the best. It’s the option of having a bubble you can operate yourself to choose whether to be protected from or experience the weather up close. And this is precisely what the LEITNER Premium Chair offers.

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INNOVATION SINCE 1888

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK 2015

A WARM WELCOME TO SKI TOURISM’S EVENT OF THE YEAR AND THE 2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK. The last 12 months have been an exhilarating journey for myself and our international organisation. It has been just under a year since we were here to stage our 2014 Gala Ceremony in the legendary home of alpine skiing, Kitzbühel, and in that time the reaction to the World Ski Awards programme has been nothing short of phenomenal. The World Ski Awards was developed in response to a demand from the ski industry for a programme that was fair and transparent; a programme with a mission to serve as the definitive benchmark of excellence, and to help to foster a new era of development and growth within ski tourism. Over the course of the last 12 months we have been inundated with reports from many of our winners detailing how their World Ski Awards triumph has directly contributed to greater consumer confidence, has raised ski arrival numbers, increased hotel and chalet occupancy and bolstered revenues. Whilst equally pleasing and humbling, these reports have given vindication to our mission. This year has seen the World Ski Awards positioning as the only global awards programme to celebrate the pinnacle of the winter sports hospitality industry, and the most valuable and prestigious accolades in the industry, firmly cemented. Over 1.4 million votes were cast from 137 different nations, reflecting a staggering 42 per cent year-on-year growth. There can be no doubt that the World Ski Awards winners are truly deserving

of their achievements. Honours cannot be influenced and we are stringently transparent - each winner is quite simply the finalist with the most global votes and the sheer quantity of votes does more than ratify the worthiness. This year’s World Ski Awards Gala Ceremony will undoubtedly be the ski tourism event of the year. The seniority of attendance – reflecting many of the industry’s leading global figureheads, decision makers and key innovators – is without precedence. Please be sure to make the most of your time in Kitzbühel and engage with your peers to exchange knowledge, ideas and best practise principles. The World Ski Awards is the only time that the world comes together and together we can ensure that the industry grows, develops and prospers. Last year it was a true honour to recognise Charlie Locke, Owner and President of Lake Louise, Reto Gurtner, CEO, Chairman of the Board of Directors and architect of Weisse Arena Gruppe and Akio Shinya, the Head of the Niseko Avalanche Research Institute with very special World Ski Awards Academy accolades for Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism. Each a shining example of ski tourism excellence and an inspiration to us all.

Of course none of this would be possible without the generous support of our partners and supporters. In particular, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our fabulous host A-ROSA Kitzbühel, our Premier Partners Kitzbühel Tourismus, Bergbahn Kitzbühel, Leitner Ropeways, Demac Lenko, and Prinoth, Mercedes, iSKI, Tirol, Casino Kitzbühel and our Supporting Partners Rass und Dorner, Europcar, and HNA. I hope that the World Ski Awards continues its journey as a power of good to this remarkable industry of ours: a ski tourism industry which gives employment, prosperity and enjoyment to so many people in all corners of the world. Enjoy ski tourism’s event of the year! Sion Rapson Managing Director, World Ski Awards

This year, we will be welcoming another remarkable ski legend to the World Ski Awards Academy and we have no doubt that all the 2015 winners will in turn serve to drive up standards within the ski industry by acting as examples of excellence and together raising the collective benchmark. 2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Pure holiday.

Just around the corner, yet surrounded by breathtaking nature. Combining class and comfort: quintessentially A-ROSA. Experience pure well-being and leisure thanks to award-winning SPA treatments, an outstanding selection of sport and recreation opportunities, exquisite cuisine and the best entertainment for all ages. Get away from it all and find your home away from home â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s closer than you think.

A-ROSA Resort und Hotel GmbH, Am Kaiserkai 69, 20457 Hamburg, www.a-rosa.de

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK 2015

WELCOME AT THE A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL The A-ROSA Kitzbühel’s charm is visible from miles away, being nestled among the Alps and looking out on the “Hahnenkamm” and the “Streif ”, two legendary icons of the renowned winter sports town Kitzbühel, which is spectacularly beautiful at every season. Whether you love action or are seeking for relaxation, the most legendary town for sports in the Alps with its chic flair offers endless opportunities for everyone. Throughout the year the A-ROSA resort is the perfect place to enjoy a holiday in the Alps for both body and soul. If you value the luxury of moments of peace, you will find this destination a hideaway of incomparable beauty and a true heaven of inspiration. It is our aim to satisfy your every wish. Built in the style of a Tirolean castle, the A-ROSA Kitzbühel crowns the sunny side of the valley and overlooks one of Austria’s most beautiful 9-hole golf courses. The view sweeps over the expansive greens towards the “Wilder Kaiser” and on to the famous “Streif ” ski run. Let this extraordinary place sweep you off your feet with its combination of international flair, dedicated warmhearted service and genuine Tyrolean lifestyle. We are very much looking forward to welcoming you at the A-ROSA Kitzbühel! Uwe Schramm General Manager // A-ROSA Kitzbühel 2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

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2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK 2015

WELCOME Following the successful World Ski Awards in 2013 and 2014, the Kitzbühel Tourism Board was deeply honoured to accept the invitation to host the World Ski Awards again from 20th-22nd November 2015. The two last years, playing host to the spearheads of the international tourism industry, and then, on top of that, winning the award for the second time, “Austria’s Best Ski Resort“, made all of us in Kitzbühel very proud, and we cannot wait to welcome this prestigious and important event back to Kitzbühel in 2015. Kitzbühel’s attitude, “Home of skiing is home of the World Ski Awards”, as well as its slogan, “the legendary City of Sports in the Alps”, fits the World Ski Awards perfectly. Kitzbühel is already known as, being the home of many legends, having produced a number of winners and sporting heroes, year after year. This heritage is one of the reasons why Kitzbühel is the perfect stage for hosting sporting events and also the place for making history. Kitzbühel knows only too well that a strong brand is supported by excellence, with the best example of this being the honour of being chosen to host the World Ski Awards for a second time. To a successful reunion in Kitzbühel! Gerhard Walter Director Kitzbühel Tourism 2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Kitzbuehel „The legendary City of Sports in the Alps“. The home of skiing is the home of the World Ski Awards from 20-22 November 2015 in Kitzbuehel.

www.kitzbuehel.com Foto: Medialounge ÂŠ Gams-Logo-Design: Alfons Walde 1933 / VBK Wien

A-Rosa Kitzbühel welcomed World Ski Awards in 2014

2014 WORLD SKI AWARDS SKI TOURISM’S EVENT OF THE YEAR

VIP guests enjoy an unforgettable day of private skiing and networking

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World Ski Awards premieres Red Bull’s “Streif – One Hell of a Ride”

Guests enjoy the networking Champagne Reception ahead of the Gala Ceremony

Anne Varden, General Manager, Quality Spa _ Resort Norefjell, joins in the party

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Savour endless beauty!

KitzSki - Enjoy the outstanding variety of slopes at full length

15 runs from peak to valley - 60 in total KitzSki - State-of-the-art cable cars with highest comfort levels

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KitzSki calling!

KitzSki - Fantastic skiing - overwhelming excitement on 170 km of slopes

From Kitzb端hel to Land Salzburg KitzSki - starting from November to beginning of May

150 days of skiing pleasures

Uwe Schramm, General Manager, A-ROSA Kitzb端hel with Signe Reisch, President, Kitzb端hel Tourism and Charlie Locke, Owner and President Lake Louise

Akio Shinya, Head of the Niseko Avalanche Research Institute

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Dr. Josef Burger, CEO, Bergbahn AG Kitzbuhel

Ville Aho, CEO & Co-owner, Ruka Ski Resort

Chris Pickering, Executive Director, HTM Hokkaido Tourism Management

Celine Renaud, Leo Trippi savours success

The Vale Niseko celebrate alongside World Ski Awards sponsor Christian Vonach, Chief Executive, iSKI

Kitzbuhel Tourism celebrate their victory

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Val Thorens on top of the world

Russ Olsen, CEO, Stein Eriksen Lodge and wife Debi

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Bo Halvardsson, Resort Director, Trysil

Akia Shinya awarded for Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism

Chris Kirkland, Bighorn, Revelstoke with ski tourismâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s biggest honour

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Pure holiday.

A-ROSA Resort und Hotel GmbH, Am Kaiserkai 69, 20457 Hamburg, www.a-rosa.de

World Ski Awards profile:

CHARLIE LOCKE, OWNER AND PRESIDENT, LAKE LOUISE SKI AREA

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LAKE LOUISE SKI AREA OWNER CHARLIE LOCKE WAS RECOGNISED FOR HIS OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SKI TOURISM AT THE WORLD SKI AWARDS 2014, AND WE HERE TAKE A LOOK AT THE LIFE OF ONE THE TRUE ORIGINALS OF SKI HOSPITALITY. A well-known entrepreneur, Charlie Locke was born in, and has lived, worked and played in the Canadian Rockies all of his life. He received his B. Comm. from the University of Calgary in 1968. Just a year before, in 1967, at the age of 21, he became a Member of the Association of Canadian Mountain Guides, illustrating his lifetime affinity with the mountains. During the late 60s and early 70s he worked primarily in the Banff National Park as a professional Mountain Guide. During this period he completed over forty first ascents, including the first ascent of the North Face of Mt. Temple (the Eiger of the Rockies), and the first traverse of the 23 peaks surrounding Moraine Lake and Lake Louise, a feat that has never been repeated even though it was done more than 50 years ago. In 1967, he and some friends completed, over a period of 21 days, the first successful ski traverse over the glaciers from Jasper to Lake Louise. In the 70s, he continued to climb and guide, but also established parallel careers in ranching and the investment business. During this time, he and his wife, Louise, invested in and helped finance some of the early ski lifts at Lake Louise. These lifts connected the then Temple Ski Area with the Whitehorn Ski Area, after which the resort became known as The Lake Louise Ski Area. In 1981 the Lockes bought out their partners, assuming full ownership of the resort, and wrote and received approval for a Long Range Plan. During the next

30 years, Locke was the guiding force in establishing Banff and Lake Louise as a major international ski destination. By the late 90s, Locke owned six resorts in Western Canada and two in Quebec, operating these resorts under the umbrella name of Resorts of the Canadian Rockies (RCR), Canada’s largest snow-minded resort-operating company. In 2003, the Lockes sold their shares in RCR, but kept the crown jewel of that company, Lake Louise, which today they manage through their holding company, The Locke Stock & Barrel Company. Locke has maintained his other interests and investments, including a ranch and feedlot near Cochrane, Alberta, and various oil and gas interests, and other investments. The Lockes split their time between the ranch and Lake Louise.

His mission is to foster the same reverence he has for the mountains in his daughters, grandchildren, and in all future generations, while nurturing a viable and vibrant business. He and his family are committed to leaving a legacy that honours and preserves the awe-inspiring environment and to ensuring that all visitors to Lake Louise have the best vacation and recreational experience possible. Though his two daughters, Kimberley, a lawyer, and Robin, who has an MBA, are actively involved in the management of the Ski Resort, Charlie has no plans to slow down anytime soon.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on skiing at head over to the official website at www.skilouise.com.

The Lockes are also founding donors to the Hunter Centre for Entrepreneurship & Innovation. During Locke’s career his companies have been recognised as being amongst Canada’s 50 Best Managed, he was named Entrepreneur of the year – tourism, and in 2014 was recognised at the World Ski Awards as the individual in the Americas who contributed the most to ski tourism. Locke’s unique background has facilitated communication and cooperation with Parks Canada for realistic, long-range ski area development that is consistent with safeguarding a healthy, sustainable Banff National Park.

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Rass & Dorner GmbH · Paß-Thurn-Straße 21 · A-6372 Oberndorf / Kitzbühel Tel. +43 (0) 5356 / 666 89 • info@specialevents.at • www.specialevents.at

FULL-SERVICE CONCEPT AUDIO LIGHTING MULTIMEDIA STAGING

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SOPHISTICATED CHARM, MAJESTIC SCENERY

Built in the style of a Tyrolean castle, the 5-star resort is perched on the sunny side of the valley, right on one of Austria’s most beautiful 9-hole golf courses. With its turrets and bay windows made of natural stone, the shingle roof and wooden shutters, the complex blends harmoniously into the landscape. From the balconies and terraces, the view reaches over the large greens of the “Wilder Kaiser”and the “Streif”, one of the most famous ski slopes of the Alps. Inside, the 115 rooms and 36 suites convince with modern comfort and splendid views. Exclusive gastronomy as well as the SPA-ROSA, a variety of sports, activity and entertainment venues: the A-ROSA Kitzbühel offers the perfect setting for a sporty feel-good holiday any season.

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SPA-ROSA The wellness area at the A-ROSA Kitzbühel is a true haven of relaxation. It is very generous in size with 3,000 sqm and includes seven saunas, a Hamam steam bath, a Rasul, an ice grotto, an extensive and fully-equipped gym, one yoga room, 16 treatment rooms as well as one indoor and outdoor pool (heated all year). The SPA-ROSA offers treatments from different countries and cultures, massages, facial and body beauty treatments with Caribbean oils and Japanese silk extracts. In Austria’s first Kanebo Sensai Lounge guests enjoy exclusive beauty treatments that were traditionally reserved for the Japanese royal family. For a truly exquisite, individual SPA experience, guests can book the 75 sqm Private SPA-Suite. The SPA-ROSA hairstyling salon by Kérastase makes for the perfect hairstyle.

CULINARY ART The heart of the resort is the “Market Place” featuring an attractive bar, a grand piano with a large open fireplace. It is the ideal place for a cozy coffee break with fine pastries or a chilling cocktail hour at the end of the day. The bar spreads out onto a large terrace which overlooks the “Wilder Kaiser” to one side and the “Hahnenkamm” with the “Streif ” slope to the other side.

The Front Cooking Restaurant “Streif” offers delicious breakfast and dinner buffets and fresh dishes that are prepared in front of the guests. Theme nights provide variety. The à-la-carte restaurant “Steakhouse Kaps” serves meat specialties that delight all senses. High value is placed on a detailed menu full of flavor highlights and an exquisite quality of food. Tender Black Angus carpaccio, savory steaks or delicious homemade burgers are being served. A special feature is the charcoal grill “The Big Green Egg” asian clay oven in which all steaks are grilled to perfection in front of the guests.

SPORTS AND ACTIVE RECREATION Kitzbühel is famous for its prominent international guests as well as many cultural and sports events which take place every year and all year round: 170 km excellent snow-secure skiing slopes promise ski-fun until Easter.

From May on, the magnificent greens invite to play golf at the foot of the majestic mountains. Furthermore, superb lakes, well-kept tennis courts and a wide network of trails are highlights for hikers, bikers and horseback riders. Directly at the resort, guests play golf at

the course of the Golfclub Kitzbühel, which was awarded several times as one of “Austria’s most beautiful 9 hole golf courses”. In addition, the A-ROSA Kitzbühel offers training facilities with modern workout equipment, personnel training and a daily program of courses.

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

“CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SKI TOURISM”

WORLD SKI ™ AWARDS WINNER WALL PLAQUE Receiving a World Ski Award™ is a world-class achievement that provides you, the Winner, with the ideal marketing tool to promote your winning products and services ahead of your competitors. The World Ski Awards™ Winner Wall Plaque is perfect for display outside premises, in receptions, ticket halls or anywhere you want the public to see that you have been voted the best of the best within World Ski Awards.

CONSTRUCTION The wall plaque is produced from a base of 30 pound High Density Urethane (HDU) which is then coated with a cold applied, real metal coating. This patented LuminOre® Metalizing Process is up to seventy-five percent real metal and is in use worldwide as an architectural and industrial coating. LuminOre® is well established, reliable and extremely durable. After application, it has all the properties of cast or sheet metal but without the limitations.

OPTIONS

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SHIPPING The Winner Wall Plaque is made to order. Delivery can be expected approximately six weeks from receipt of payment.

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10 x 10.5 inches 25.4 x 26.7 centimetres

Contact your World Ski Awards™ contact or contact us by: Email: awards@worldskiawards.com Phone: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000

WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

World Ski Awards spotlight on:

EUROPE

WITH THE EUROPEAN SKI SEASON GET TING UNDERWAY, WE BRING YOU THE LATEST NEWS FROM THE CONTINENT’S LEADING DESTINATIONS. First up is Val Thorens in France, last year recognised as the World’s Best Ski Resort by World Ski Awards. Always keen to offer its clients fantastic holidays, this winter Val Thorens is launching the VTPass. A first for French mountain resorts. A combination of a member’s card and the wellknown passbook that lets guests enjoy exclusive services, it is more than a simple voucher book; the VTPass is an essential way to get twice as much from your stay. Dedicated to holiday-

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makers wishing to forge even stronger links with their resort, this new tool is a real innovation for Val Thorens; the Val Tho must have. So clients can live their Val Thorens experience to the full, the resort is making their lives as easy as possible during their stay with a range of new, personalised services. For a stress-free holiday, Val Thorens will take care of everything. VTPass holders will have exclusive access to a resort expert via

the new telephone service; open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Looking for a magical family night out? Flowers to tell someone you love them? Or simply need to book a flight? A holiday assistant will take care of organising and booking it all for you.

LAAX Over in Switzerland, the next revolution begins. The gastronomic revolution that is! Ahead of the 2015 season seven new or updated establishments,

for example the La Siala outdoor restaurant, await guests in LAAX. Here, guests can enjoy seasonal and regional dishes while tuning into the fantastic view from the sun terrace out over the Graubünden mountain landscape. Relaxing in style is the order of the day at the rocks lounge in the valley. Also in a cool, fresh look: Piazza and Camino down in the valley, Café NoName at Crap Sogn Gion, the alpine chalet Tegia Miez by Alp Dado, and the Elephant on the Crap Masegn. Absolutely new to explore are the “culinary trail: mountain-view” and the very special “white carpet brunch”. Back on the slopes and LAAX, voted Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort at 2014 World Ski Awards, provides the stage for incredible freestyle sports and elite freestyle events. This season’s highlight is the LAAX Open 2016, which will draw the world’s best snowboarders to the Crap Sogn Gion. As well as the amateurs and rising stars, the next generation of jibbers and all the boarder families. From January 18th-24th, 2016, the LAAX OPEN guarantees for an entire week snowboarding at its best including competitions in half-pipe and slopestyle for both, women and men, and providing a total prize money of US$ 500,000.

ROSA KHUTOR In Russia, Rosa Khutor has signed a deal with the national tourism marketing organisation Visit Russia launching a strategic partnership aimed at developing domestic tourism in the destination, as well as the promotion of national tourism products. The agreement provides for the promotion of Russian skiing in the domestic market and abroad and defines the principles and procedures for cooperation in the implementation of joint projects. In particular, the parties have agreed on joint participation in activities, such as organising and carrying out in the Russian regions welcome tours for foreign representatives of the tourism industry, preparation of statements and information materials for the media, and the sending of experts to special business events . “Today, Rosa Khutor is the most modern and rapidly developing mountain resort in Russia. We have all the necessary infrastructure to receive visitors in winter and summer. I am confident that cooperation with Visit Russia will help increase the flow of tourists from foreign countries,” said Rosa Khutor executive director, Nikolai Shlentsov.

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

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World Ski Awards spotlight on:

KITZBÜHEL

KITZBÜHEL, HOST TO THE WORLD SKI AWARDS, IS THE MOST LEGENDARY SPORTS DESTINATION IN THE ALPS; A TOWN THAT EFFORTLESSLY COMBINES TRADITION WITH SOPHISTICATION. The celebrated Hahnenkamm, its long sporting tradition, and pioneering ventures into Alpine golf and winter sports have all contributed to Kitzbühel’s worldwide reputation. Today the town remains a place of contrasts, where rustic Tyrolean guesthouses rub shoulders with international designer boutiques. Visitors can experience Kitzbühel in many ways, from the alleyways in the medieval old town and the breathtaking pistes to the town’s elegant hotels and

scenic hiking trails. Tyrol’s most sophisticated resort attracts visitors from all over the world, including celebrities, with its traditional character combined with modern flair. International events like the Snow Polo World Cup and, of course, World Ski Awards, multi-award-winning restaurants serving up creative cuisine, and a stateof-the-art conference centre all show how Kitzbühel manages to move with the times while staying true to its roots.

SKI HISTORY Kitzbühel has been writing skiing history for 120 years, with the town boasting the ideal location and climate. In the long-established ski region around the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Nordstau weather effect ensures virtually guaranteed snow from December to April. Thanks to the grass cover up to the summits, skiing is possible even with small amounts of snow. There are also 820 snow cannons to create the perfect conditions for winter sports. And even if you don’t come

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

The future of snow

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to Kitzbühel to ski, you’ll find plenty to do with winter hiking, snowshoe walks, and horse-drawn carriage rides, or simply stroll around the picturesque town centre. In addition to sports there are lots of events that make Kitzbühel a fascinating winter destination. For example, the town’s advent celebrations with a traditional Christmas market and the New Year’s Eve fireworks on the Rasmusleiten create a romantic and magical atmosphere. High-profile events like the Hahnenkamm Races and the Valartis Snow Polo World Cup reflect Kitzbühel’s more sophisticated and international side.

OFF PISTE Away from there slopes there is also plenty to do in Kitzbühel. For example, the town loves food. With eleven restaurants and 18 Gault Millau toques, it has the greatest density of these prestigious awards in Tyrol. And when it comes to food, the cosmopolitan town has preserved its sense of authenticity and tradition. From hearty Tyrolean specialities to creative cuisine with international flair, Kitzbühel’s chefs cater for a range of discerning tastes. Kitzbühel is also the ideal destination for those who want to pamper body, mind and soul. With its pure mountain air, alpine climate and breathtaking scenery, it’s the perfect setting for a healthy and relaxing break. From traditional Alpine wellness to modern beauty treatments, Kitzbühel has it all combining luxury and relaxation as no other resort can. The town has a wide selection of sports and wellness hotels offering treatments that range from peat baths to sports massage. As well as the beauty parlours, day spas and yoga studios, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities to boost their energy levels. Kitzbühel’s lakes, waterfalls and ‘places of energy’ are also popular destinations for an active yet tranquil getaway.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on visiting Kitzbühel head over to www.kitzbuehel.com.

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Photo : © C. Cattin - OT Val Thorens

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EUROPE

ANDORRA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Grau Roig Hotel Hotel & Spa Xalet Bringué Palomé Hotel ANDORRA’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Chalet Hostal de Sant Pere Chalet Motxo Els Llacs ANDORRA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Hotel Himalaia Soldeu Hotel Nordic Hotel Plaza Hotel Princesa Parc Hotel Ski Plaza Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa ANDORRA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Grandvalira Vallnord

AUSTRIA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Aurelio Lech Elizabeth Art Hotel Gasthof Post Hotel Madlein Hotel Rasmushof Kitzbühel Hotel Tannenhof Kristiania Lech Schloss Igls St Antoner Hof Thurnher’s Alpenhof

Ski Nominees 2015 AUSTRIA’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Aurelio Club Chalet Chalet 1597 Chalet Artemis, St Anton Chalet Illimani, St Anton Chalet Maria Schnee, St Anton Chalet-N, Lech Maierl-Alm The Chalet, at 11° East Überhaus Villa Schönbichl AUSTRIA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 A-ROSA Kitzbühel Arlberg Hospiz Hotel Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt Hotel Almhof Schneider Hotel Arlberg Hotel Cervosa Hotel Edelweiss & Gurgl, Obergurgl Hotel Salzburgerhof Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol SPA-HOTEL Jagdhof Sporthotel Silvretta Montafon Top Hotel Hochgurgl AUSTRIA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Ischgl Kitzbühel Lech/Zürs Mayrhofen-Hippach Obergurgl-Hochgurgl Saalbach-Hinterglenn SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental St. Anton am Arlberg

BULGARIA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Alpin Hotel Boutique Hotel Iva & Elena Club Hotel Yanakiev E&OE

Hotel Tanne Bankso Ice Angels Hotel Villa Gella BULGARIA’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Chalet Jora Chalet Mila Villa Gella Villa Stresov BULGARIA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Festa Winter Palace Hotel Orlovetz Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko Lucky Bankso Premier Luxury Mountain Resort Yastrebets Hotel Wellness & Spa BULGARIA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Bansko Borovets Pamporovo Vitosha

CZECH REPUBLIC’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Grund Resort Golf & Ski Hotel Bedriska Hotel Praha Hotel Savoy Hotel Sněžka CZECH REPUBLIC’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Clarion Hotel Spindleruv Mlyn Harmony Club Hotel Horal Špindlerův Mlýn Hotel Horizont

CZECH REPUBLIC’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Pec pod Sněžkou Ski Areál Herlíkovice – Bubákov Ski Areál Ještěd Ski Areál Kopřivná Ski Areál Kouty Skiareál Lipno Skiareál Špindlerův Mlýn Spartak Rokytnice Špičák - Železná Ruda Sportovní Areál Harrachov

FINLAND’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Hotel Iso-Syöte Hotel RukaVillage Hotel Ylläshumina Seita Holiday Resort FINLAND’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Fjell Top Cottages Ruka Penthouse Rukan Salonki Villa Vietto FINLAND’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki Holiday Club Ylläs Saaga Hotel Pikku-Syöte Rantasipi Rukahovi Hotel Sokos Hotel Levi FINLAND’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Iso-Syöte Levi Pyhä Ruka Salla Yllas

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

In the 1920s winter tourism took Tyrol by storm. As skiers got thirsty on the slopes, remote alpine villages had to come up with something they could source locally. They started mixing raspberry juice with glacier water and a dash of lemon, and skiwasser, an alpine thirst quencher was born. Now you can enjoy this classic alpine drink anywhere you like. Skiwater is an organic lemonade made with freshly pressed organic raspberries, mountain spring water, a dash of lime juice and just enough fruit sugar.

Skiwater is made with alpine spring water from an Austrian source at 1,100m (3,600 ft) above sea level which is then carbonated for a refreshing sparkle.

Our organic raspberries are cold-pressed directly after picking. We only use fresh produce from the latest harvest.

To bring out the full fruitiness of our raspberries we blend them with a mix of lime and lemon juice and add â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just enough â&#x20AC;&#x201C; fruit sugar. 330ml bottle

SKIWATER Beverages GmbH Rennweg 18, 6020 Innsbruck | Austria | info@skiwater.at | Firmenbuch: FN 408194 k

Ski Nominees 2015

FRANCE’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Cheval Blanc Grandes Alpes Private Hotel & Spa Hotel Le K2 Hotel Manali La Portetta Le Chalet Zannier Le Kaila Le Kilimandjaro Le Mélézin FRANCE’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Bellacima Lodge Chalet Bergerie Chalet du Crat, Val d’Isere Chalet Edelweiss, Courchevel 1850 Chalet Emilie Chalet Gentianes, Courchevel 1850 Chalet Grande Corniche, Les Gets Chalet Kaila Chalet le Blanchot Chalet le Coquelicot Chalet Le Petit Chateau, Courchevel Chalet Le Rocher, Val d’Isere Chalet Les Brames, Meribel Chalet Lhotse, Val d’Isere Chalet Marco Polo, Val d’Isere Chalet Poudreuse Chalet Quezac Chalet Ręves de Montagne Chalet Shemshak, Courchevel Le Chardon Mountain Lodges Lodge SHL

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FRANCE’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Altapura Hotel Christiana Hôtel de Charme Les Airelles Koh-I Nor Hotel Val Thorens La Portetta Le Blizzard Le Lana Le Palace des Neiges Les Barmes de L’Ours L’Apogée Courchevel FRANCE’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Chamonix Mont-Blanc Courchevel La Plagne Les Arcs Les Deux Alpes Megeve Meribel Serre Chevalier Tignes Val d’Isere Val Thorens

GERMANY’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Atlas Posthotel Hotel Sonne Füssen Hotel Staudacherhof Hotel Zugspitze GERMANY’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Chalet Haus Hamburg Country Home Pitzner Country House Staudacherhof

GERMANY’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Alpenhof Murnau Hotel Berchtesgaden Resort Das Kranzbach Dorint Sporthotel GarmischPartenkirchen Hotel Exquisit Reindl´s Partenkirchner Hof Schloss Elmau GERMANY’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Berchtesgaden Garmisch-Partenkirchen Oberstdorf Spitzingsee-Tegernsee Willingen-Upland

ITALY’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Adler Mountain Lodge Hotel Adler Dolomiti Hotel Chalet del Sogno Hotel Col Alto Hotel Hermitage Spa & Beauty Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence Saint Hubertus Resort Valcastello ITALY’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Chalet la Petitta Chalet lo Miéte San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge

ITALY’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Alpin Royal Cristallo Hotel, Cortina D’Ampezzo Grand Hotel Bagni Nuovi Grand Hotel Savoia Hotel Alpenpalace Hotel Andreus Hotel Sassongher Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel ITALY’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Cervinia Cortina d’Ampezzo Courmayeur Madonna di Campiglio Sestriere Val Gardena

NORWAY’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Herangtunet Boutique Hotel Juvet Landscape Hotel Nermo Hotell Skarsnuten Hotel Storfjord Hotel NORWAY’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Havsdalsgrenda Lyngen Lodge Skjelbreid Poirée NORWAY’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Dr Holms Hotel Fleischer’s Hotel Park Inn Trysil Mountain Resort Quality Spa & Resort Norefjell Radisson Blu Resort Trysil Radisson Blue Lillehammer Hotel Thon Hotel Skeikampen

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Ski Nominees 2015 NORWAY’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Geilo Hafjell Hemsedal Hovden Norefjell Trysil

POLAND’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Hotel ART&SPA Zakopane Hotel Crocus Hotel Skalny Hotel Zabala POLAND’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Aries Hotel & Spa Grand Hotel Stamary Hotel Bania Thermal & Ski Hotel Belvedere Hotel Litwor POLAND’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Białka Tatrzańska – Kotelnica Czarna Góra Czorsztyn-Kluszkowce Dwie Doliny Jaworzyna Krynicka Karpacz – Śnieżka Korbielów – Pilsko Szczyrk Szklarska Poręba – Szrenica Zieleniec

RUSSIA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Grand Hotel & Spa Rodina Hotel Belarus Peak Hotel

RUSSIA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Grand Hotel Polyana Mercure Rosa Khutor Park Inn Rosa Khutor Radisson Hotel Rosa Khutor Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel Swissotel Sochi Krasnaya Polyana Tulip Inn Rosa Khutor RUSSIA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Gornaya Karusel Mount Cheget Mount Elbrus Rosa Khutor Zavjalikha

SLOVAKIA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Hotel FIS Jasná Hotel Liptovský Dvor Hotel Mikulasska Chata Hotel Tri Studničky SLOVAKIA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Grand Hotel Kempinski Grand Hotel Praha Grandhotel Starý Smokovec Hotel Patria

SLOVENIA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Gostinsko-nastanitveni objekt Hotel Celjska koča Hotel Krvavec Skipass Hotel Šport hotel Pokljuka SLOVENIA’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Chalet Planina Julian Alps Ribniška koča Ruška koča SLOVENIA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Hotel Arena Hotel Golte Hotel Planja Ramada Resort Kranjska Gora SLOVENIA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Cerkno Golte Kranjska Gora Krvavec Mariborsko Pohorje Rogla Vogel

SPAIN’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Hotel La Morera Hotel Val de Ruda La Almunia del Valle Meliá Royal Tanau Boutique Hotel SPAIN’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 AC Baqueira Ski Resort HG Alto Aragón Hotel & Spa Aragon Hills Hotel Himŕlaia Baqueira Hotel La Pleta Meliá Sol y Nieve Parador de Artíes Val de Neu SPAIN’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Aramón Cerler Aramón Formigal Astún Baqueira Beret Candanchú La Molina Masela Sierra Nevada

SLOVAKIA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Jasná Nízke Tatry PARK SNOW Donovaly Ski Bachledova SKI PARK Kubínska hoľa Ski Park Ružomberok – Malinô Brdo Snow Paradise Veľká Rača Oščadnica Štrbské Pleso Tatranská Lomnica Vrátna Free Time Zone Winter Park Martinky

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The Aurelio*****S Hotel in the exclusive resort of Lech am Arlberg can make dreams come true. The premium Aurelio SPA with its 1000mÂ˛ tempts to endless relaxation and offers a wide range of massage and cosmetic treatments with luxurious products. Our 3 toques awarded chef Christian Rescher will enchant all your senses with Austrian and international dishes a la `Natural Art Cuisine`. Always worth a visit!

Hotel Aurelio*****S Tannberg 130 A-6764 Lech am Arlberg holiday@aureliolech.com +43 (0) 5583 2214 www.aureliolech.com

Fotos: rol.art images, Alexander Gliederer www.nothegger-salinger.at

Skiing holidays in Kitzbühel THE RASMUSHOF – WHERE THE „STREIF MYTH” IS ALIVE

he Rasmushof is a Tyrolean family business that is closely connected with Austrian traditions, and above all, with the history of the famous Hahnenkamm race. Located at the end of the Streif downhill course and right by the ski piste, the "Streif myth" is ever present here. Ski in/ski out is the order of the day in winter, and the charming centre of Kitzbühel with plenty of opportunities for shopping is only a few minutes’ walk away. On the large sun terrace and from the cosy rooms, the view of the

Kitzbühel mountains is breathtaking. In the comfortable, rustic rooms, the manager, Signe Reisch, and her team will treat you to honest, down-to-earth dishes from Tyrol and all over Austria. In addition, the wine cellar has over 400 different wines available. The hospitality in the Rasmushof is honest and unaffected. In the informal and relaxed atmosphere, everyday life is quickly forgotten – all year round, since the Rasmushof is open 365 days a year.

❧ • family-run 4-star hotel

• located directly in the finish area of the famous Streif downhill run • right by the ski slope

• ski in / ski out to your heart‘s content

• all rooms and suites with balconies and stunning views of the Kitzbühel mountains • cosy rooms, large sun terrace

• Kitzbühel’s biggest wine cellar (100 m2) with over 400 different wines

• “Rasirena” relaxation area with sauna, steam bath and Kneipp hydrotherapy... • only a few minutes’ walk to the centre of Kitzbühel • within 90 minutes’ drive of Munich, Innsbruck and Salzburg airports

A-6370 Kitzbühel · Hermann-Reisch-Weg 15 · Tel. +43/(0)5356/65252 · office@rasmushof.at · www.rasmushof.at

Ski Nominees 2015

SWEDEN’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Buustamons Fjällgĺrd Hotel Granen Hotell Fjällgĺrden Ĺre SWEDEN’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Duveds Semesterby Skutan Ski Lodge The Villa - Copperhill Private Lodge SWEDEN’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Copperhill Mountain Lodge Holiday Club Ĺre Hotel Diplomat Ĺregĺrden Tott Hotel SWEDEN’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Åre Branäs Funäsfjällen Hemavan Tärnaby Sälen Vemdalen

SWITZERLAND’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Backstage Hotel Vernissage Chalet d’Adrien Hotel Firefly Hotel Guarda Golf Hotel Paradies Matterhorn Focus Romantik Hotel Chesa Grischuna The Omnia

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SWITZERLAND’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Bella Coola Chalet Chesa Falcun, Klosters Chalet Grace, Zermatt Chalet Maurine Verbier Chalet Seven Chalet Truffe Blanche Chalet Zermatt Peak Chesetta, St Moritz Etoiles de Montagne Hidden Dragon Les Anges, Zermatt The Lodge, Verbier Tivoli Lodge, Davos SWITZERLAND’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Badrutt’s Palace Carlton Hotel St Moritz Grand Hotel Zermatterhof Gstaad Palace InterContinental Davos Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains Kulm Hotel St Moritz Mont Cervin Palace Nira Alpina Reffelalp Resort Rixos Flüela Davos The Alpina Gstaad The Cambrian, Adelboden The Chedi Andermatt Tschuggen Grand Hotel W Verbier SWITZERLAND’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Davos Klosters Engelberg Gstaad LAAX Saas Fee St Moritz Verbier Wengen Zermatt

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

RUKA WOULD NOT BE RUKA WITHOUT THE AHO FAMILY The first daredevils had been skiing in the Ruka woods in the 1940s, and the first slopes had been cleared on the side of the hill in the early 1950s. Alongside with growth of the Ruka ski resort, the Aho children have grown up and taken turns as managers of the family business. In 1999, equal shares of the ownership of Rukakeskus Ltd were transferred to his five children. Two years ago, Ville Aho succeeded his brother Kari Jussi Aho and sister Miia Porkkala as managing director. Miia Porkkala still holds a position in the company management, and the eldest son Kari Jussi Aho is Chairman of the Board.

WE HAVE NEEDED EACH OTHER, RUKA AND I Having become a major shareholder in 1973, Dr Aho turned his mind on the future of the Ruka resort. New slopes and holiday homes were built, and the newly-opened airport in Kuusamo gave Ruka a welcome boost.

THE STORY OF RUKA AND THE AHO FAMILY BEGAN IN 1967, WHEN DOCTOR JUHANI AHO BOUGHT HIS FIRST LIT TLE PIECE OF KUUSAMO: A SITE ON LAKE KITKA JÄRVI SHORE, AND A PERMANENT ROOM AT HOTEL RUKAHOVI. HERE BREAKING TRAVEL NEWS PICKS UP THE TRAIL.

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Today, there are 34 slopes, 21 lifts and about 25,000 beds at Ruka compared to two lifts and 500 beds in 1973. Ruka now has the longest ski season in Europe, over 200 days every year and 400,000 annual skier days. “Ruka means a lot to me. This place has needed me as much as I have needed it,” says Dr Aho, 85.

Turning Ruka into the most popular Finnish ski resort has not been easy. The beginning was hard, Dr Aho’s ideas were doubted and envied, and there were power struggles over what should be done and by whom. Despite all that, Dr Aho made a promise to himself and to the residents of Kuusamo. “I promised I would turn Ruka into the biggest and most popular ski resort in Finland,” adds Aho. Few believed in his vision, but Juhani Aho was a man of his word. He took daring risks on behalf of Ruka, the place that his family had grown to love so well. He went so far that he had a prenuptial written in order to protect the family home in Espoo, South Finland. “I was investing millions in Ruka, mainly money I had borrowed after I had already invested my own,” continues Aho. In Kuusamo, Juhani Aho was regarded as a bold and daring man, and for a reason. Because of huge investments, the company was very close to bankruptcy in late 70s, and then in early 90s when the company’s debt was three times higher than turnover. Today, the Aho children still invest in Ruka, but at a somewhat lesser risk.

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

“Jussi made decisions based on his intuition, but for us, financial figures are important. There is no need to take extravagant risks anymore,” says Ville Aho.

ECOSIGN GIVES NEW DIRECTION New milestone in development of Ruka was in 1999, when Miia met Paul Mathews from Ecosign Mountain Planners. Ecosign was soon hired to prepare Master Plan for Ruka. “Ecosign has had a tremendous effect in development of Ruka. Paul saw things in a new way and suggested a compact pedestrian village with underground parking, totally new concept in Finland. We thought he was crazy,” Ville says. By 2012 after five years of construction and €100 million, the Ruka pedestrian village with 320 car underground parking, 1500 beds, 15 restaurants and ten shops was finalized. “The village is the new heart of Ruka Ski Resort. This time we were wise enough not to invest alone, but sold the units to private owners. And with Ecosign’s hotbed philosophy, these beds will be in commercial use forever, but not in our balance sheet,” Ville adds.

FROM FATHER TO CHILDREN Under the new leadership, the goal has remained the same: to keep on improving the operations of Ruka Ski Resort, and see to it that it will be transferred to the third generation of the family in the future. “We aim to turn Ruka into a year-round, international tourist resort. I strongly believe that the real boom in Lapland tourism is only just beginning. We want to have our share of this growth, now more than ever before,” Ville Aho states. The strategy of Ruka is firmly based on skiing, and the will to provide the best service a tourist can hope for in Finnish Lapland. “Alpine skiing still form the core of our business, but Ruka has so much to offer besides skiing. Dozens of activities and the unspoiled nature around Ruka are the basis for our bold goal to be the best ski resort in the world for families. Our biggest growth potential lies in international visitors,” Ville Aho concludes.

MORE INFORMATION Find out more about Ruka at www.ruka.fi.

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2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

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FACTUAL, PROMOS, EVENTS AND MORE

World Ski Awards profile:

RETO GURTNER, CHAIRMAN, WEISSE ARENA GRUPPE

Having studied economics in St. Gallen and law in Bern, Gurtner, now one of the leading lights of the international ski tourism industry, had originally planned to become a commercial lawyer. Yet when his father, Walter Gurtner, died in 1983 Reto, then aged only 25, took over the family business. His father had bequeathed to his family his lifeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s work â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the cable car running from the base station in Laax to the Crap Sogn Gion. In 1996 Gurtner merged this with the transport facilities in Flims to form Weisse Arena Gruppe. Inspired by the surfer scene in California, the entrepreneur became an admirer of the snowboarder subculture in Europe. While others were mockingly dismissive of what was then a still new sporting trend, the visionary Gurtner both recognised and unlocked its potential, putting the freestyle scene at the very heart of his business. For the father of two, innovation plays a central role in the company. Gurtner is renowned for taking risks, for blazing new trails rather than retreading old ground and for developing ideas that crucial step further. In the meantime, the holiday region has become an alpine business model encompassing much more than the original cable car line.

HAVING BEEN RECOGNISED WITH THE TROPHY FOR OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO SKI TOURISM AT THE WORLD SKI AWARDS 2014, WE HERE TAKE A LOOK AT THE CAREER OF SKI HOSPITALITY PIONEER RETO GURTER.

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While other companies are happy to outsource, Gurtner is committed to a holistic approach to service provision. Thanks to this integrated structure, Weisse Arena Gruppe can offer their guests everything from a single source: from accommodation, bars and restaurants through the ski and snowboarding schools and the Freestyle Academy to lift tickets and high-quality hire equipment.

WEISSE ARENA GRUPPE Today Weisse Arena Gruppe, headquartered in Laax in the Swiss canton of Graubünden, is an integrated service company operating in the tourism and leisure sector, and regards itself as a provider of alpine leisure experiences. The group includes the original cable car and lift company, as well as hotel and gastronomy businesses, a sports equipment sale and rental business, a ski and snowboarding school, the Freestyle Academy, Europe’s first freestyle indoor hall, a bike rental and guided tour business and a management company. It is responsible for marketing the Flims Laax Falera tourist destination. The names LAAX and Flims are used for the brand positioning of the winter and summer programmes, respectively, throughout the year. The destination has been awarded the Families Welcome quality seal by the Swiss Tourism Federation, while LAAX has repeatedly been recognised by Mountain Management with the Best Ski Resort Award in the Fun & Snowpark category, and came out top for the second year running in the Switzerland’s Best Ski Resort category as part of the World Ski Awards 2014.

SEASON 2015 There’s always something new in LAAX. And not always just in the valley or on the pistes, but sometimes in between. For example, the 2015/2016 season sees the new 3.3-kilometre ten-seater La Siala cable car replace the old three-person chairlift. The fully glazed cable cars designed by Pininfarina (the company famous for designing Ferraris) take guests from the Alp Sogn Martin base station up to the La Siala mountain station in just nine minutes. The journey is a real experience.

MORE INFORMATION Under the leadership of Reto Gurtner, Weisse Arena has transformed the quiet hamlet of Laax into one of Switzerland’s most integrated ski resorts. The company, a former ski lift operator, has bought or developed everything from accommodation and restaurants to the ski school and car parks at the mountain. To find out more head over to the official website at www.laax.com.

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

World Ski Awards spotlight on:

THE AMERICAS

WORLD SKI AWARDS BRINGS YOU THE L ATEST DISPATCHES FROM DESTINATIONS ACROSS THE AMERICAS. The US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame announced that Deer Valley Resort founder Edgar Stern has been elected to the Hall of Fame Class of 2015. Stern’s induction will take place in Aspen, CO, on April 9th, 2016, with a special enshrinement ceremony weekend for all 2015 inductees at the US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum in Ishpeming, MI, the following September. “Each member of the Hall of Fame’s Class

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of 2015, including Edgar Stern, was a remarkable leader as an athlete or sport builder,” said US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame chairman Tom Kelly. “So much of what all of us enjoy in our sport today has emanated from the outstanding honoured members of the Hall of Fame.” With the addition of the Class of 2015, Stern will be among 410 honoured members. As an extraordinary visionary, Stern revolutionized the ski industry by combining the sport

of skiing with the service, food and amenities of a fine hotel. Deer Valley Resort opened December 26th, 1981, with the business philosophy that has come to be known throughout the industry as the “Deer Valley Difference.” That business philosophy included such amenities as valet ski service, parking lot shuttles, on-site child care, complimentary ski check, immaculately groomed and uncrowned ski slopes and the finest on-mountain cuisine to be found anywhere.

Stern is also responsible for luring the US Ski Team to Park City, UT, and his efforts to make Deer Valley one of the premier resorts in the country played a pivotal role in the 2002 Olympic Winter Games. Deer Valley is regarded as a preeminent venue for the international freestyle community and has played host to international and world competitions for 17 consecutive years, welcoming some of the world’s best ski athletes to its slopes. Stern passed away in 2008, but his legacy remains the cornerstone of the “Deer Valley Difference.” Numerous worthy organisations have and continue to be the beneficiaries of Stern’s time and resources, including Ballet West, the National Ability Centre, Utah Special Olympics, Kimball Art Centre, the Salt Lake Symphony and more.

LAKE LOUISE SKI RESORT At Lake Louise Ski Resort, sports fans are looking forward to the opening of a brand new Sushi Bar, Kuma Yama, or ‘Mountain that bears live on’. Located in what is currently the stunning Great Bear Room, the venue will see a renovation by a top regional designer into an incredibly unique ski resort dining experience. Kuma Yama echoes the awe-inspiring Banff National Park and the breath-taking log lodge of the Ten Peaks where it is nestled, with natural materials, colours and features inspired by the local environment and complemented by a menu and presentations demonstrating traditions of quality sushi and the Canadian Rockies. . The menu will feature AAA Alberta beef tataki, nigiri, sashimi and custom Maki rolls designed and named after the world-famous runs and terrain. Kuma Yama will also cater to special diets with gluten free, vegan and vegetarian options available. Stop into Kuma Yama for yummy, healthful lunches, or linger for a lovely Après Ski experience.

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Stray from the herd.

+1 435-649-1000

D EERVA L L E Y.C O M

AMERICAS

ARGENTINA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Aldebaran Hotel & Spa Arelauguen Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa Correntoso Lake & River Hotel Design Suites Hotel Bariloche El Casco Art Hotel Rio Hermoso Hotel ARGENTINA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa Virgo Hotel & Spa ARGENTINA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Batea Mahuida Caviahue Cerro Bayo Cerro Castor Cerro Catedral Chapelco Ski Resort La Hoya Las Leńas

CANADA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Adara Hotel Hotel Quintessence Nita Lake Lodge Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Skoki Lodge Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Sun Peaks Lodge Sundial Boutique Hotel

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Ski Nominees 2015 CANADA’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Akasha Alpine View Chalet Big Sky Chalet Bighorn, Revelstoke Eagle’s Nest Kadenwood 2939 Le Chalet des Franciscains Pinnacle Ridge 21 Taluswood - The Heights The Heli Chalet CANADA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Post Hotel & Spa Sunshine Mountain Lodge The Fairmont Banff Springs The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Whistler The Rimrock Resort Hotel CANADA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Banff Norquay Big White Ski Resort Fernie Alpine Resort Red Mountain Resort Revelstoke Mountain Resort Sun Peaks Resort Sunshine Village Ski & Snowboard Resort The Lake Louise Ski Resort Tremblant Whistler Blackcomb Whitewater Ski Resort

CHILE’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Hotel Antumalal Hotel Nevados M-I Lodge Mountain Hotel Pirimahuida Hotel CHILE’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Gran Hotel Termas de Chillan Hotel Portillo Hotel Puerta del Sol Hotel Valle Nevado CHILE’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Nevados de Chillán Portillo Valle Nevado

UNITED STATES’ BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Amangani Camel’s Garden Hotel Goldener Hirsch Inn Hotel Terra Jackson Hole Rusty Parrot Lodge The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera Washington School House UNITED STATES’ BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Casa Nova, Deer Valley Deer Field Estate, Utah Ski Dream Home Top of Mill, Aspen Villa Elisa

UNITED STATES’ BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole Four Seasons Resort Vail Lake Placid Lodge Montage Deer Valley Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch St Regis Deer Valley Stein Eriksen Lodge The Arrabelle at Vail Square The Little Nell The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Whiteface Lodge UNITED STATES’ BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Alpine Meadows Alta Aspen Snowmass Beaver Creek Big Ski Resort Canyons Resort Crested Butte Deer Valley Resort Jackson Hole Mammoth Mountain Park City Mountain Resort Snowbird Squaw Valley Steamboat Stowe Sun Valley Telluride Vail

2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Wine for Winners!

Leo Auman

weingut@aumann.at +43 2252/80502 Oberwaltersdorferstrasse 105 A-2512 Tribuswinkel Wine Tasting and Sale: Mo-Sa: 9-18 h

World Ski Awards spotlight on:

ASIA & AUSTRALASIA

A F T E R A N OT H E R S U C C E S S F U L S E A S O N , W O R L D S K I AWA R D S B R I N G S YO U T H E L AT E S T S K I H E A D L I N E S F R O M AC R O S S A S I A A N D AU S T R A L A S I A . In Japan, Pacific Century Premium Developments and Hyatt Hotels Corporation have entered into an agreement for a Park Hyatt hotel and residences in Niseko, Japan. Expected to open in 2019, Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono will join Park Hyatt Tokyo as the brand’s second hotel in the country. Located in one of Asia’s foremost ski resort destinations, Park Hyatt Niseko,

Hanazono will provide convenient access to New Chitose Airport, allowing guests to stay connected to the main hubs of Japan and international destinations. The hotel will also feature approximately 100 branded residences and will offer the first Park Hyatt residences in Japan. The property will operate a rental program that will allow participating owners, when not occupying their residences, to

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have Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazano rent their residences. “The agreement marks a key milestone in our Hokkaido project where we have long term plans to develop this area into a world-class resort destination,” said Robert Lee, PCPD deputy chairman. “With this collaboration, we believe the project will be well received and the resort development will become a tourism landmark in Niseko,

Hokkaido upon its completion, which will support the long-term growth of the local community. Park Hyatt Niseko, Hanazono and its residences will be a pivotal part of PCPD’s resort and residential development in Niseko. The entire development, which will be undertaken in phases, has a site area of approximately 789,000 square meters and a developable gross floor area of approximately 620,000 square meters.

SLOPESTYLE Boasting seven terrain parks and Australia’s biggest half-pipe, Perisher has cemented itself as the number one park riding destination in the southern hemisphere. Terrain Park manager, Charles Beckinsale, who is internationally renowned for his innovative park designs and riding success, will continue to manage Perisher parks this season. “We are looking at the strongest start we have had in recent years with the cold temps allow-

ing the snowmakers to blow lots of snow on the Front Valley Park, couple that with the jibs looking fresh after their summer maintenance. Things are looking good,” said Charles. The park crew have been busy in the workshop building new features to add to the rail fleet, which is already the largest in the southern hemisphere; the new features will make their way into the seven parks throughout the season. The PlayStation Slopestyle Park will be the venue for the biggest park events in the country. With the ever changing features, the park will host the Subaru Junior National Freeride Championships, where six-to-18 year olds will compete in ski and snowboard Slopestyle, Half-pipe and Cross disciplines, with one person to be crowned the Junior National Champion.

Skiers and Boarders showcasing their skills at an International level. Perisher chief executive Peter Brulisauer said: “Perisher’s PlayStation Terrain Park ranks among the best in the world and is the premier Slopestyle Park in the Southern Hemisphere. Due to the great work the Perisher Terrain Park team have been doing the facility is truly world-class. This is attracting skiing and snowboarding Olympic and World Champions to Perisher to gain valuable training time and compete in a world class event.” Parks at Perisher are not just for the pros, anyone wanting to develop their park riding abilities can choose from a range of different park set ups spread across the resort which include jumps, rails, boxes and a mini half-pipe.

Looking to the world Stage, The Mile High is the top ranked Slopestyle event in the southern Hemisphere and on the World Snowboard Tour. It will see the best of World and Olympic Slopestyle

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South Korea’s Ski Resort “YongPyong”

Overview YongPyong Resort is nestled in the highest basin area of the Greater Baekdu Mountain Range, a region blessed with valuable ecological varieties and health benefit of 700 meters above sea level together with stunning natural beauties. The 17 million square meter scale resort boasts worldclass ski slopes, golf courses, a water park, and a large variety of accommodations, numbering over 2,300 rooms. As the cradle of Korea’s modern skiing culture, YongPyong Resort has greatly contributed to the development of Pyeongchang as the hub of winter sports in East Asia.

The Alpine Skiing Venue for the 2018 Winter Olympic Games We are extremely delighted to have this chance to host the 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in YongPyong. YongPyong is located at the heart of Pyeongchang and has already gained the respect and recognition of the international sport authorities by successfully hosting a number of winter sporting events in our slopes to the standard of international racing events, including the 1999 Asian Winter Games, the FIS Alpine Skiing Continental Cup and the FIS Alpine Skiing World Cup in 1998, 2000, 2003, and 2005. Harnessing extensive experience and careful preparation, YongPyong will create an amazing Olympic atmosphere in which the global community can unite to celebrate and to share the many moving and unforgettable moments of the Winter Games.

Accommodations

Food & Beverage

Choose from the esteemed Dragon Valley Hotel, the casual elegance of North American Style condominiums, or the moderately priced youth hostels. Various types of rooms are available from Korean traditional-style Ondol (heated flooring) rooms to luxurious suites. Deluxe Hotel 1

Condominiums 7

Youth Hostel 1

Total 2300 rooms

Korean traditional foods to various cuisines from around the world are available in YongPyong. Enjoy our Korean salad, supplied by regional organic producers or our fresh seafood, caught from the East Sea. If you’re looking for something other than Korean foods, enjoy a selection of luxurious Western and other Asian style restaurants.

Dragon Bar

Dragon Vally Hotel (195 rooms)

Tower Condominium (208 rooms)

Greenpia Condominium (328 rooms)

Villa Condominium (411 rooms)

Cafeteria ‘Gelande’

Wastern Restaurant ‘Cafe Chalet’ Terrace

Lobby Lonuge

Korean Restaurant ‘Doraji’

The Best Ski Ground in Korea We are proud to present the best ski surfaces in Korea. Every skier will find world-class skiing in YongPyong. Fine quality, abundant s now a nd nat ura l s c e n e r y surrounding the ski grounds make for the perfect ski experience. 3 million acres of skiing grounds; slopes of 28 unique runs, 14 lifts, and a 3.7km gondola lift create prime conditions for skiing. Our facilities around slopes, including Dragon Plaza, Dragon Peak, the Half Pipe, and Terrain Park will make your leisure time more enjoyable and exciting.

Ski House(Dragon Plaza)

Grand Terrain Park

This newly built ski-house has the largest capacity in Korea.

Facilitated with international capacity for Terrain Park. Excitement is fully ahead of you with rails.

Gondola

World Class Games

Enjoy 40minute of cable car riding longest of 3.7km ride in Asia, with spectacular scenery of the East Sea and Mt. Balwang.

YongPyong has hosted international events such as the World Cup Alpine Ski Games four times since 1998 as well as the 1999 Winter Asian Games, which have elevated its status to one of its own kind within the Korean sports community.

YongPyong Ski and Board School

‘Peak Island’ Waterpark & Spa

• We have over 300 Korea’s finest ski and board instructors to provide guaranteed learning for skiers of all levels. • We employ video recording devices to review one’s skiing form and posture. Our ski and board school has a monthly seminar to update the latest skiing techniques and trends.

• YongPyong Ski and Board School provide a variety of lesson options from personalized private lessons to group lessons up to 15 people. • Our Kids Ski School runs in a special, secure place for the safety of children. Our focus is on entertainment, education, and safety.

• For non-Korean speaking skiers, we provide separate classes in multiple foreign languages.

Rental Ski Rental

Snow Board Rental

Ski Wear

4,000sets

1,000sets

Peak Island is YongPyong’s water park located at the 700 meters above sea level. From the extreme slide to lazy spas, you can enjoy exciting and unique experiences in Peak Island all year round.

NISEKO ASIA’S INTERNATIONAL RESORT

Niseko will once again return in force to the World Ski Awards in 2015 with nominations in all four Japanese categories - as well as the two “World’s Best New...” categories. This comes hot on the heels of the resort’s remarkable domination of the awards in 2014. Forgotten what happened last year? Here’s a quick recap…

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Last year at World Ski Awards Sekkakan (Niseko) was recognised as Japan’s Best Ski Chalet, while the title of Japan’s Best Boutique Ski Hotel went to The Vale (Niseko). During the Gala Ceremony Japan’s Best Ski Hotel also went to The Hilton (Niseko), while Niseko itself took the title of Japan’s Best Ski Resort. On top of that The Vale went on to win the award for World’s Best Boutique Ski Hotel, elevating Niseko from country-wide domination to the global playing field. Not bad for a resort that, from an international standpoint, is barely ten years old. So what has led to such a reputation for this small resort in Northern Japan? The Snow - Niseko’s Powder Snow enjoys something of a fabled reputation around the world but it really does have to been seen to be believed. Winter 2014/15 was a bit of a “below average” season...only 11 metres of snowfall! Snow in Niseko is not measured in centimetres and it is rarely anything other than epic. Despite only being 1,300m high, Niseko United boasts some of the world’s finest powder snow on tap for months. And the season runs and runs - opening around the end of November the lifts run until early May, by which time you can ski in the morning and raft in the afternoon! The Food - Michelin starred restaurants where you can get a ten course meal for under €100, tiny eateries hidden under eaves, French, Japanese, Italian and more all crammed into an area which you can cover by foot in 15 minutes. People come for the snow and they come back for the cuisine. The Rooms – Just 15 years ago Niseko was a relatively sleepy Japanese ski resort with ageing buildings and dwindling numbers. Since the turn of the century all that has changed. Properties like The Vale and Ki

Niseko have taken accommodation up to global standards. More four star plus hotels and buildings are going up each year as a result of increasing demand from visitors for beds and high-end service. The Service - First came the snow, then the buildings and now the service. As guest profiles change and people come with more disposable income, the demands on the resort are changing. Not content with simply skiing, guests are looking for more restaurants, better service and amenities in the hotels and chalets and apres-ski activities like shopping and spas. And Niseko has had to become more family friendly too - with ski schools serving not only “powder hunters” but kids and complete beginners. Local management companies have risen to the challenge, providing highend service with a Japanese twist to guests from all over the world. So where to from here for Niseko? Regardless of the results in the 2015 awards (and we wouldn’t bet against another clean sweep!) Niseko is on the global map. Guest numbers are on the rise from every country, but perhaps most importantly the new skiers from Asia are now being joined by the traditional markets from Europe and America. Reports of muddy slopes or resorts struggling with lack of snow in European and American resorts won’t come out of Niseko and more and more skiers are casting an envious glance towards Niseko where they know they will get guaranteed snow, a chance to experience unique Japan and, now, world-class service.

MORE INFORMATION For more information on visiting Niseko head over to the official website at www. niseko.ne.jp. Photos copyright Hokkaido Tourism Management.

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ASIA & AUSTRALASIA

AUSTRALIA’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Astra Alpine Lodge Denman Hotel & Spa Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge Perisher Valley Hotel QT Falls Creek AUSTRALIA’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Blowhard Rockpool Lodge Sequoia Penthouse Thredbo Ski In Ski Out Chalets Ultima Icebreaker AUSTRALIA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Breathtaker Hotel Pension Grimus Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa AUSTRALIA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Falls Creek Mt Buller Mt Hotham Perisher Thredbo

JAPAN’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Aburaya Tousen Hotel Grand Phenix Okushiga Hotel La Niege Higashikan Kasara Koharu Resort Hotel and Suites LOFT Niseko Mokunosho MUSE Niseko Nozawa Grand Hotel Ryokan Sakaya Shiki Niseko The Vale Niseko JAPAN’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Glasshouse Niseko Morino Lodge One Happo Phoenix One Sekka Kan JAPAN’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Akakura Kanko Resort & Spa Hakuba Tokyu Hotel Hilton Niseko Village Naeba Prince Hotel Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel The Green Leaf Niseko Village JAPAN’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Appi Kogen Hakuba Myoko Naeba Ski Resort Niseko United Rusutsu Resort Shiga Kogen

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Ski Nominees 2015

NEW ZEALAND’S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2015 Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel Browns Boutique Hotel Eichardt’s Private Hotel Matakauri

SOUTH KOREA’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Alpensia High1 Resort Muju Deukyusan Phoenix Park YongPyong

NEW ZEALAND’S BEST SKI CHALET 2015 Alpine Resort Wanaka Apartments at Cardona Alpine Resort Azur Luxury Lodge Porters Ski Lodge Riverrun Wanaka Villas Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet NEW ZEALAND’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Crowne Plaza Queenstown Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa Millbrook Resort Peppers Bluewater Resort The Hermitage The Rees Hotel NEW ZEALAND’S BEST SKI RESORT 2015 Cardrona Alpine Resort Coronet Peak Mackenzie Winter Mt Hutt Ohau Snow Fields Porters The Remarkables Treble Cone SOUTH KOREA’S BEST SKI HOTEL 2015 Alpensia Pyeongchang Suites High1 Hotel Hotel Tirol InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort Kangwon Land Hotel 2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

ELP THE M!

“ RE A C H I N G O

IL D R

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U P EL

SERGE BETSEN ACADEMY

BRINGS EDUCATION AND HEALTHCARE TO DISADVANTAGED CHILDREN IN CAMEROON THROUGH RUGBY.

Registered Charity in Cameroon, UK, France and the USA

contact@sergebetsenacademy.org | www.sergebetsenacademy.org

Our Mission at Serge Betsen Academy The work of our centres is based on the winning formula: Rugby – Education – Health Serge Betsen Academy (SBA) was created when Serge returned to his native country, Cameroon. Returning to his homeland after 18 years in France, Serge was amazed to discover that they play rugby there, too. “The appeal of rugby lies in its ability to bring people from various backgrounds together.” He decided to create the Charity in 2004, with the following objectives: - Introduce rugby to underprivileged children in Cameroon - Use rugby to teach values and standards to help children build their own future - Support the children’s education and provide access to basic healthcare 11 years already and what an adventure We have helped hundreds of children, responded to some difficult medical situations. We gave a roof to some of the children, we drilled wells and built a water tower and provided clean water for two villages. Today we have 5 centers in Cameroun and help around 500 children. Our mission is to provide access to simple but essential things like food, clothing, shoes, books, medical treatment as well as places to play and exercise.

BAFIA L’EAU CLAIRE

ETOUDI JARDIN-‐EDEN ZOETELE

Ski Nominees 2015 WORLD NOMINIEES WORLD’S BEST NEW SKI CHALET 2015 Chalet Dalmore Chalet Jejalp, Morzine Chalet Mont Tremblant, Meribel Eden Rock Hahnenkamm Lodge Haus Alpina Mon Izba Nozomi Views Sirocco Terrazze WORLD’S BEST NEW SKI HOTEL 2015 Club Med Val Thorens Sensations Hotel des Dromonts Ki Niseko Nira Montana The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe Zaborin WORLD’S BEST SKI TOUR OPERATOR 2015 Alpine Adventures Bramble Ski CANUSA Club Reisen Stumböck Consensio Crystal Ski Dolomite Mountains Fish & Pips Inghams Langley Mogul Ski World Neilson Ski.com Skican SkiJapan.com Skiworld Snowcapped Tours Sunweb Travelplan Ski

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WORLD’S BEST SKI RESORT COMPANY 2015 Aspen Snowmass Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel Boyne Resorts Compagnie des Alpes SkiStar Vail Resorts Weisse Arena Gruppe WORLD’S BEST SKI TRANSFER OPERATOR 2015 EdelSwiss Limousine Company Europe Transfer Fly Ski Shuttle Mountain Rescue Transfers Ski-Lifts skicab.com Snowbound Transfers SnowDrone Transfers

WORLD’S BEST SKI TRAVEL AGENT 2015 Aeroski Reisen ALS Camel Snow Firefly Collection House of Travel Ski Iglu Leo Trippi LUEX Luxury Chalet Book Oxford Ski Company Simply Val d’Isčre Ski In Luxury Ski Solutions SkiBoutique SNO Summit Retreats Whistler Central Reservations

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Ski Nominees 2015

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2015 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK

Kitzbuehel â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Best ski resort in the world 2013 and 2014! The home of skiing is the home of the World Ski Awards from 20-22 November 2015 in Kitzbuehel.

www.kitzbuehel.com Foto: Michael Werlberger ÂŠ Gams-Logo-Design: Alfons Walde 1933 / VBK Wien

Pure holiday. Just around the corner, yet surrounded

by breathtaking nature. Combining class and comfort: quintessentially A-ROSA. With more than 500 km of hiking trails in the near

surroundings of the A-ROSA Kitzb端hel the Resort is the perfect Hideaway for a summer holiday. Get away from it all and explore the stunning soft grass mountains and fall under the spell of the magical Alps

A-ROSA Resort und Hotel GmbH, Am Kaiserkai 69, 20457 Hamburg, www.a-rosa.de

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS We wish to express our sincere gratitude to our Partners and Supporters. In particular, we extend a heartfelt “thank you” to our fabulous Host Hotel, A-ROSA Kitzbühel, our Event Partners, Kitzbühel Tourismus, Mercedes, Bergbahn Kitzbühel, Leitner Ropeways, Prinoth, Demac Lenko, iSKI, Tirol and Casino Kitzbühel; as well as our Supporting Partners, Rass und Dorner, Europcar, Aigner, Leo Aumann and HNA Tourism.

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