World Ski Awards 2016 Yearbook

Celebrating Excellence in Ski Tourism

4 TH A N N U A L

2016 YEARBOOK worldskiawards.com worldskiawards

The LEITWOLF. A Step Ahead.

Meets the current cleanest exhaust emission standard “Stage IV/Tier 4 final” Unrivaled area coverage with a 14.8 ft (4.5 m) track width Unique parallel offset of the tiller Optimal efficiency thanks to intelligent power distribution

PRINOTH AG . I-39049 Sterzing . Tel. +39 0472 722622

AUTOMATIC winch with a pulling capacity of 9,920 lb (4.5 tons)

Powerful despite lower emissions. The LEITWOLF delivers perfect pistes – while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. The undefeated number one equipped with the most innovative engine technology for sustainable, efficient and technically perfect slope preparation. www.prinoth.com

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

A WARM WECLOME TO SKI TOURISM’S EVENT OF THE YEAR AND TO THE 2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK Recent statistics from our friends at the United Nations World Tourism Organization are reporting a 4% growth in the first 6 months of the year, an increase of 34 million tourists when compared to the same period in 2015. And with figures showing over 400 million ski visits recorded worldwide during the past season, it is with a mounting sense of optimism that I welcome you to the 4th annual World Ski Awards.

Of course, in an ever-changing and challenging world, our industry is acutely sensitive and the balance between maturation (of regions, ski resorts and hospitality products) must be checked with both continuous development and redevelopment.

And the ski industry as a collective must continue to work hand-in-hand with governments and key stakeholders to minimise risks, respond effectively to challenges and to continue to build confidence in the ski and mountain tourist.

It is now 3 years since the inaugural World Ski Awards was staged here in in Kitzbühel, the most legendary sports town in the Alps!

As many of you will know, the World Ski Awards was developed in direct response to a demand from the industry for a programme that was fair, transparent and above all honest.

Our mission was to develop an annual programme that would serve as the definitive benchmark of excellence, and to help to foster a new era of growth within ski tourism.

It is with an enormous sense of pride, that I can say that our somewhat lofty mission has – in our own small way been vindicated.

Over the course of the last 4 years we have been thrilled (and humbled in equal measure) with quantifiable 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. And long may this continue.

World Ski Awards has this year focused on cementing its position as ski tourism’s event of the year, and the most valuable and prestigious programme in the industry. This is a position I believe we have now firmly made our own.

Over the course of the 16 week voting window, an astonishing 1.6 million votes were cast from 142 countries, representing a sharp increase on the figures from last year.

With this in mind, there can be no doubt that this year’s World Ski Awards winners will be 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 more than ratifies the worthiness.

The annual World Ski Awards programme would not be possible without the generous support of our partners and supporters. In particular, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our fabulous Host Hotel, A-ROSA Kitzbühel, and to our Premier Partners; Kitzbühel Tourismus, Bergbahn Kitzbühel, Leitner Ropeways, Demaclenko, and Prinoth, Tirol and Casino Kitzbühel. Also to the very generous support of our Supporting Partners; Skiwater, Leo Auman, Sportalm, Rass und Dorner, Europcar, and HNA. Please be sure to make the most of your time in Kitzbühel and engage with your peers to exchange knowledge, ideas and principles of best practice. The World Ski Awards is the only time that the ski hospitality world comes together, and only by working together can we ensure that the industry continues to grow, develops and prospers.

Sion Rapson Managing Director, World Ski Awards

Sadly, Stein he passed from this world just a few short weeks later, but his memory will lives on as one of our industry’s true greats” Remove he and will lives on as one of our industry’s true greats and an on-going inspiration down the generations.

This year, we will be welcoming another remarkable figure to the World Ski Awards Academy who will carry the flame in Stein’s honour. And we have no doubt that ALL the 2016 winners will do the same, driving up standards within the ski industry by acting as individual examples of excellence and together raising the collective benchmark.

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

3

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 – it’s closer than you think.

A-ROSA Kitzbühel, Ried Kaps 7, 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria DSR Hotel Holding GmbH, Lange Strasse 1a, 18055 Rostock, www.a-rosa.de

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

WELCOME AT THE A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL The A-ROSA Kitzbühel’s charm is visible from far away with its traditional Tyrolean castle style architecture, and nestled among the Tyrolean Alps, looking out on the “Hahnenkamm” and the famous “Streif ”: two legendary icons of the renowned winter sports town Kitzbühel, which is spectacularly beautiful in every season.

W hether you love action and outdoor sports or are seeking relaxation, the most legendary town for sports in the Alps with its chic flair offers endless opportunities for everyone. Throughout the year our A-ROSA Resort is the perfect place to enjoy a blissful holiday for body and soul. If you value moments of peace and tranquility you will find this destination a hideaway of incomparable beauty and a true haven of inspiration. It is our aim to satisf y our guest’s every wish in the entire facility.

The A-ROSA Kitzbühel crowns the sunny side of the valley and overlooks one of Austria’s most beautiful 9-hole ski 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

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

5

Partytime

BY CASINO KITZBÜHEL

Feiern im

Casino!

Ob ein gemütlicher Dinner & Casino Abend, feierlicher Geburtstag oder lustiger Polterabend das Casino Kitzbühel ist der perfekte Ort für jeden Anlass!

Ein prickelndes Spielangebot, kulinarischer Hochgenuss und die einzigartige Atmosphäre sorgen für einen unvergesslichen Abend.

Serviceline: +43 (0)5356 62 300 - 110

kitzbuehel.casinos.at

facebook.com/casinos.kitzbuehel

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

WELCOME Kitzbühel and skiing belong together as the mountain to the valley, the bull to the cow or the fish to the water. Our passion for skiing has created a great place for skiing. We are very lucky and grateful, that The World Ski Awards now brings really the whole world to Kitzbühel and Kitzbühel to the world. It is the only global initiative to recognise, reward and celebrate excellence in ski tourism. So, we do think, that the World Ski Awards does belong to Kitzbühel.

It is excellency, that is in both our intention. It is wonderful, that we are able to host the event now for the 4th time and have become kind of a family of ski-freaks. The A-ROSA Kitzbühel offers a really fabulous setting for the most elegant and emotional prize giving ceremony, when the best in ski resort, ski hotel, ski boutique hotel and ski chalet will be announced. As we had the honour to be amongst the winners, I can reassure everyone, that it is very motivating and rewarding.

We as a ski-area acknowledge very much the contribution by the World Ski Awards to the popularity and success of the ski business. It gives a lot of motivation, incentives, new ideas and kicks to industry providers, us ski resorts and gastronomy, which in the end brings profit to the ski tourist.

A tribute especially to Sion Rapson for his professional organisation. It is a pleasure to work with him. I do hope, that we continue our coopertaion for our passion skiing and wish all the best.

Sincerely yours, Signe Reisch President Kitzbühel Tourismus

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

7

Kitzbühel – Truly unique. All year round.

Don’t dream it, book it. booking.kitzbuehel.com

Foto: Michael Werlberger Š Gams-Logo-Design: Alfons Walde 1933 / VBK Wien

sportalm.at

A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL

SOPHISTICATED CHARM, MAJESTIC SCENERY Throughout the year, Kitzbühel is a meeting place for athletes and connoisseurs who particularly appreciate the sublime nature and international flair of the “Gamsstadt” paired with authentic Tyrolean way of life. One of the best addresses in town is the A-ROSA Kitzbühel.

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 passes 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 varie-

16

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

4 T H A N N UA L

ty of sports, activity and entertainment venues: the A-ROSA Kitzbühel offers the perfect setting for a sporty feelgood holiday in any season.

S PA - R O S A The wellness area at the A-ROSA Kitzbühel is a haven of relaxation. It is very generous in size with 3,000 sqm and includes seven saunas, a Hamam steam bath with Rasul, an ice grotto, an extensive and fully-equipped gym, a yoga room, 16 treatment rooms, an indoor and an outdoor pool (heated all year). The SPA-ROSA offers treatments from different countries and cultures, including Hamam, Asian and Hawaiian 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 which 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 Kéra¬stase makes for the perfect hairstyle.

C U L I N A RY D E L I G H T S AT A - R O S A The heart of the resort is the “Market Place” featuring an attractive bar, a grand piano with a large open fireplace and – behind glass walls – the Smokers’ Lounge. 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 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, children will find their favorite dishes in a separate breakfast nook.

Kaps“ with its flickering open fires, long tables and a terrace overlooking the lake, boasts a unique rustic yet contemporary ambiance. High value is placed on a detailed menu full of flavor highlights and an exquisite quality of food.

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 and there is no better spot in Kitzbühel where you may view the famous skiing slope better than from the terraces of the A-ROSA Resort.

ST E A K H O U S E K A P S The à-la-carte steakhouse serves meat specialties that delight all your senses.

The à la Carte restaurant „Steakhouse

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

17

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 hotel lobbies, receptions, sales counters in fact anywhere you want the public to see that you have been voted the best of the best within World Ski Awards, the most comprehensive and recognised Ski awards programme in the world.

OPTIONS

1

Black raised

2

Brass recessed

Keyhole mounting brackets are pre-installed and suitable screws are supplied that are appropriate for most installations.

CONSTRUCTION

PRICING

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.

£498.00 Includes free delivery

DIMENSIONS 10 x 10.5 inches 25.4 x 26.7 centimetres

WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

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

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

4 TH A N N U A L

1

2

Your perfect winter in

Most Improved Resort

❆❆

❆❆❆

94-2014 19 Where to Ski ❆❆

Austria

❆❆❆

World's best Ski Resort 2013 2014 2015 2016

❆❆❆❆❆

!

es

tim

Kitzbühel

4

Kitzbühel

.uk

WORLD SKI AWARDS SPOTLIGHT ON:

EUROPE With the largest and most developed ski tourism market on earth, Europe continues to lead the sector. Here we take a look at the key players and consider some of the biggest headlines for the year ahead.

The Alps are by far the largest inbound ski market on the planet, capturing nearly half of worldwide attendance in 2015. It is also the most intensely equipped region of the industry, totalling more than 10,000 lifts across central Europe.

Austria was a pioneer in ski tourism and resorts have never ceased to improve.

With more than â‚Ź7 billion spent since the year 2000, Austrian operators have been investing massively, showing the most updated lift infrastructure of the industry. Equipment can be luxurious, with eight-seater detachable chairlifts with heated seats common, alongside

22

bubbles and underground parking. The industry now also covers more than 60 per cent of the slopes with snowmaking.

In the western part of the country, Tyrol is likely to be the most densely ski-resort populated area in the world. With 79 ski areas and 480 major lifts, Tyrol captures 49 per cent of Austrian ski visits. Large ski resorts can also be found in Vorarlberg, Salzburg and Carinthia.

Compared to past seasons, Austrian ski resorts benefited from an increase of foreign guests last year, more than compensating for the sharp decline of Russian customers. According to figures from the

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

4 T H A N N UA L

Laurent Vanat Ski Report, traditional German, Dutch and UK clients were up – possibly a switch from Switzerland due to the rise of the Swiss currency.

But the Broomfield-based company announced earlier the inclusion of five international destinations for this year’s pass holders.

With 53.9 million ski visits in 2015, French ski resorts are another major European player, though the industry is still primarily driven by the domestic market.

The domestic market is very mature, with a stable number of skier visit, while there are about two million foreign skiers who visit France each winter season and the figure is growing. The British represent one quarter, followed by the Italians, Belgians, Germans and Russians.

The Epic Pass now includes resorts in France (Les 3 Vallees, Paradiski and Tignes-Val d’Isere), Italy (Skirama Dolomiti Adamello Brenta), Switzerland (Four Vallees) and Austria (Arlberg).

SEASON AHEAD Vail Resorts has added several European locations to its Epic Pass for the 2016-17 season. The season-long ski pass already includes local Colorado resorts including Beaver Creek, Breckenridge, Keystone, Vail as well as nine others around the United States and one in Australia.

“There is nothing in the ski industry today that can compare to the value of the Epic Pass,” Kirsten Lynch, Vail Resorts’ chief marketing officer, said. “Whether you ski five days or 100, no pass is tailored to the way skiers and snowboarders actually want to access the best mountain in the world like the Epic Pass.”

Vail Resorts announced the purchase of Whistler Blackcomb Ski Resort in British Columbia for more than $1 billion last month. The world-renowned Canadian ski area will be added to the Epic Pass ticket package for the 2017-18 season.

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

23

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

Where the “Streif” myth W W W. R A S M U S H O F. AT

truly comes alive Foto rol.art images

ANDORRA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Chalet Hostal de Sant Pere Chalet Motxo Els Llacs ANDORRA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Holiday Inn Andorra Hotel Hotel Himalaia Soldeu Hotel Nordic Hotel Plaza Hotel Princesa Parc Hotel Ski Plaza Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa The Bringué Hotel ANDORRA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Grandvalira Vallnord

AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Aurelio Lech Elizabeth Art Hotel Hotel Madlein Hotel Rasmushof Kitzbühel Hotel Tannenhof Kristiania Lech Schloss Igls St Antoner Hof Thurnher's Alpenhof

28

AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 A-ROSA Kitzbühel Arlberg Hospiz Hotel Best Western Premier Kaiserhof Kitzbühel Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt Hotel Almhof Schneider Hotel Arlberg Hotel Cervosa Hotel Salzburgerhof Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol SPA-HOTEL Jagdhof Top Hotel Hochgurgl AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 arlberg1800 RESORT Ischgl Kitzbühel Lech Zürs am Arlberg Mayrhofen-Hippach Obergurgl-Hochgurgl Saalbach-Hinterglenn SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental St. Anton am Arlberg

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

WORL

A R DS

ANDORRA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Grau Roig Hotel Palomé Hotel The Xalet Bringué Hotel & Spa

AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Aurelio Club Chalet Chalet 1597 Chalet Illimani, St Anton Chalet Maria Schnee, St Anton Chalet-N, Lech Eden Rock Hahnenkamm Lodge Maierl-Alm The Chalet, at 11° East Überhaus Villa Schönbichl

SK I A

W

EUROPE

D

2016

BULGARIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Alpin Hotel Boutique Hotel Iva & Elena Club Hotel Yanakiev Ice Angels Hotel BULGARIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Chalet Jora Chalet Mila Villa Gella Villa Stresov BULGARIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Festa Winter Palace Hotel Orlovetz Hotel Rila Borovets Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko Lucky Bankso Premier Luxury Mountain Resort Yastrebets Hotel Wellness & Spa BULGARIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Bansko Borovets Pamporovo Vitosha

CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Grund Resort Ski & Ski Hotel Bedriska Hotel Praha Hotel Savoy Hotel Sněžka

CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Clarion Hotel Spindleruv Mlyn Harmony Club Hotel Hotel Horizont Orea Resort Horal CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 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 2016 Chalet Ruka Peak Hotel Iso-Syöte Hotel Ylläshumina RukaVillage Ski-Inn Hotel & Apartments Seita Holiday Resort FINLAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Fjell Top Cottages Rukan Salonki FINLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Break Sokos Hotel Levi Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki Holiday Club Ylläs Saaga Hotel Pikku-Syöte Hotelli Hullu Poro Rantasipi Rukahovi Hotel Ruka Ski Chalets ApartmentHotel

4 T H A N N UA L

SKI NOMINEES 2016 FINLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Iso-Syöte Levi Pyhä Ruka Salla Yllas

FRANCE'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Aman Le Mélézin Cheval Blanc Grandes Alpes Private Hotel & Spa Hotel des Dromonts Hotel Le K2 Hotel Manali La Portetta Le Chalet Zannier Le Kaila Le Kilimandjaro FRANCE'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Bellacima Lodge Chalet Atlantique Chalet Dalmore Chalet du Crat, Val d'Isere Chalet Edelweiss, Courchevel 1850 Chalet Gentianes, Courchevel 1850 Chalet Grande Corniche, Les Gets Chalet Jejalp, Morzine Chalet La Bergerie 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 Mont Tremblant, Meribel Chalet Montana, Val d’Isere Chalet Quezac

Chalet Rêves de Montagne Le Chardon Mountain Lodges Lodge SHL Shemshak Lodge, Courchevel FRANCE'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Altapura Club Med Val Thorens Sensations Hotel Christiana Hotel Les Airelles Koh-I Nor Hotel Val Thorens Le Blizzard Le Lana Le Palace des Neiges Les Barmes de L'Ours L’Apogée Courchevel FRANCE'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 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 2016 Atlas Posthotel Hotel Sonne Füssen Hotel Staudacherhof Hotel Zugspitze GERMANY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Chalet Haus Hamburg Country Home Pitzner Country House Staudacherhof Moarhof anno 1665

GERMANY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Alpenhof Murnau Hotel Das Kranzbach Dorint Sporthotel GarmischPartenkirchen Hotel Exquisit Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden Reindl´s Partenkirchner Hof Schloss Elmau GERMANY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Berchtesgaden Garmisch-Partenkirchen Oberstdorf Spitzingsee-Tegernsee Willingen-Upland

ITALY'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Adler Mountain Lodge Hotel Adler Dolomiti Hotel Chalet del Sogno Hotel Col Alto Hotel Hermitage Spa & Beauty Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence Nira Montana Olimpionico Hotel Saint Hubertus Resort Valcastello

ITALY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort Alpin Royal Cristallo Hotel Spa & Ski, Cortina D'Ampezzo Grand Hotel Savoia Hotel Andreus Hotel Sassongher Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel QC Terme Bagni di Bormio ITALY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Cervinia-Valtournenche Ski Resort Cortina d’Ampezzo Courmayeur Mont Blanc Madonna di Campiglio Seiser Alm Sestriere Val Gardena

ITALY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Chalet Être Chalet la Petitta Chalet lo Miéte San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

29

Vue et terrasse panoramiques Restaurant Le Diamant Noir

★ Chef Eric Samson ★ Spa Valmont & Cinq Mondes ★ L’HÔTEL 5★ LE PLUS HAUT D’EUROPE

73440 Val Thorens ★ Tél +33(0)4 79 31 00 00 info@hotel-kohinor.com ★ www.hotel-kohinor.com

France's Best Ski Hotel

4 T H A N N UA L

EUROPE NORWAY'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Herangtunet Boutique Hotel Juvet Landscape Hotel Nermo Hotell Skarsnuten Hotel Storfjord Hotel NORWAY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Havsdalsgrenda Lyngen Lodge Summit to Sea Skjelbreid Poirée NORWAY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Dr Holms Hotel Fleischer's Hotel Norefjell Ski & Spa Park Inn by Radisson Trysil Mountain Resort Radisson Blu Resort Trysil Thon Hotel Skeikampen Vestlia Resort Geilo NORWAY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Geilo Hafjell Hemsedal Hovden Norefjell Trysil

POLAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Hotel ART&SPA Zakopane Hotel Crocus Hotel Skalny Hotel Zabala

POLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Aries Hotel & Spa Grand Hotel Stamary Hotel Bania Thermal & Ski Hotel Belvedere Hotel Czarny Potok Resort & SPA Hotel Grand Nosalowy Dwór Hotel Litwor POLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Białka Tatrzańska – Kotelnica Czarna Góra Czorsztyn-Kluszkowce Dwie Doliny Jaworzyna Krynicka Karpacz – Śnieżka Korbielów – Pilsko Krynica Lysa Gora Szczyrk Szklarska Poręba – Szrenica Zieleniec

RUSSIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Grand Hotel & Spa Rodina Peak Hotel Sport Inn Hotel RUSSIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Grand Hotel Polyana Mercure Rosa Khutor Park Inn by Radisson Rosa Khutor Radisson Hotel Rosa Khutor Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi Rosa Ski Inn Hotel Swissotel Resort Sochi Kamelia Tulip Inn Rosa Khutor

SKI NOMINEES 2016 RUSSIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Gornaya Karusel Mount Cheget Mount Elbrus Rosa Khutor Zavjalikha

SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Alpska perla Hotel Celjska koča Hotel Krvavec Skipass Hotel Šport hotel Pokljuka

SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Hotel FIS Jasná Hotel Liptovský Dvor Hotel Mikulasska Chata Hotel Tri Studničky SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Grand Hotel Kempinski Grand Hotel Praha Grandhotel Starý Smokovec Hotel Patria SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 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

SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Chalet Planina Ribniška koča Ruška koča Tilnik Farm SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Hotel Arena Hotel Golte Hotel Planja Ramada Resort Kranjska Gora SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Cerkno Golte Kranjska Gora Krvavec Mariborsko Pohorje Rogla Vogel

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

31

algarve

A

P L ACE T HAT FEEL S L IK E I T WA S MADE FO R YO U. B E CAU S E

I T

WA S

Estrada da Quinta do Lago 8135-106 Almancil Telephone +351 289 350 700 www.conradhotels.com

4 T H A N N UA L

EUROPE SPAIN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 El Lodge Hotel Chalet Val de Ruda Hotel La Morera La Almunia del Valle Meliá Royal Tanau Boutique Hotel SPAIN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 AC Baqueira Ski Resort HG Alto Aragón Hotel & Spa Aragon Hills Hotel Himàlaia Baqueira Hotel La Pleta Hotel Val de Neu Meliá Sol y Nieve Parador de Artíes SPAIN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Aramón Cerler Aramón Formigal Astún Baqueira/Beret Candanchú Masela Sierra Nevada

SWEDEN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Buustamons Fjällgård Fjällnäs Hotel Granen Hotell Fjällgården Åre SWEDEN'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Montana Timberlodge Skutan Ski Lodge The Villa - Copperhill Private Lodge SWEDEN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Copperhill Mountain Lodge Holiday Club Åre Hotel Åregården Tott Hotel SWEDEN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Åre Branäs Funäsfjällen Hemavan Tärnaby Sälen Vemdalen

SKI NOMINEES 2016

SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Backstage Hotel Vernissage Chalet d'Adrien Hotel Firefly Hotel Guarda Ski Hotel Paradies Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad Matterhorn Focus Rixos Flüela Davos Romantik Hotel Chesa Grischuna The Omnia SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Bella Coola Chalet Grace, Zermatt Chalet Les Anges, Zermatt Chalet Maurice, Zermatt Chalet Maurine Verbier Chalet Truffe Blanche Chalet Zermatt Peak Chesetta, St Moritz Etoiles de Montagne Haus Alpina Hidden Dragon Mon Izba Sirocco The Lodge, Verbier Tivoli Lodge, Davos

SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 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 The Alpina Gstaad The Cambrian, Adelboden The Chedi Andermatt Tschuggen Grand Hotel W Verbier SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Davos Klosters Engelberg Gstaad LAAX Saas Fee St Moritz Verbier Wengen Zermatt

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

35

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

LEITNER’S NEW 3S EISGRAT ON THE STUBAIER GLACIER STARTS OPERATIONS

The new 3S Eisgratbahn from Leitner meets the highest requirements in terms of performance, efficiency and environmental sustainability and represents a new generation of technology.

The first 3S gondola lift with two connected sections entered into operation in October. It is the world’s first 3S gondola lift which uses the ground-breaking DirectDrive.

On the occasion of the maiden trip of the new 3S Eisgratbahn the Wintersport Tirol AG & Co. Stubaier Bergbahnen KG published an article in an important local newspaper describing the project as a milestone: It read: “With the new 3S Eisgratbahn we not only realised a ground-breaking project in Austria’s ropeway business within a very short

38

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

construction period - but we also did the largest individual investment of a ski area spending €64 million.

“This project could be realised within less than 16 months thanks to a wellthought-out planning and an exemplary collaboration of all decision-makers, construction companies and employees of the Stubaier Gletscherbahnen.

“It really is a milestone.”

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Find out more on the official website at www.leitner-ropeways.com.

LEITWOLF: THE LEADER OF THE PACK

The Leifwolf is the leader of the pack and is always one step ahead of the rest.

This is true both in a pack of wolves and on the slope. With a track width of 4.5 metres, the Leitwolf is wider than comparable vehicles and has the best climbing ability and highest grooming performance in the industry thanks to the large track working surface. Amazing tilling results give it an extra edge.

With its successful introduction in North America, the pack leader has successfully crossed the pond and is now wowing ski resorts in Canada and the USA with its minimal exhaust emissions.

Its features are unbeatable. With its unique parallel offset, the tiller can achieve perfect results even in difficult driving conditions. The trailing configuration of the tiller can be selected and adjusted between parallel offset and free trailing mode depending on the

situation, guaranteeing a perfect finish.

The Leitwolf ’s automatic winch also puts it streets ahead. Power and manoeuvrability are the key ingredients in steep terrain or when moving large amounts of snow.

The winch is ideally suited to the vehicle and the central position of the winch pivot point ensures neutral driving behaviour. Even with lateral stresses above the side mirrors, the Leitwolf maintains its lateral stability and offers various possibilities for the preparation of steep slopes and difficult terrain.

A step ahead – the name speaks for itself.

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Find out more at www.prinoth.com.

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

39

THE FUTURE OF SNOW

SNOW

High efficiency snowmaking systems: fan guns, low energy lances, pump houses, control software and tailor made turnkey solutions to make a powder snow paradise of every ski area.

www.demaclenko.com

NEW DEMACLENKO INSTALLATIONS FOR THE FIS WORLD CUP VAL GARDENA-GRÖDEN

The World Cup races in Val Gardena have been among the best known highlights of the Alpine ski circus since the 1970s.

Every year, countless athletes from far and wide take on the daredevil ride along the Saslong, greeted at the finished by enthusiastic spectators. After a number of phases of the project in recent years, Demaclenko has focused this year on installing a new pump station and cooling system in order to meet the rising requirements.

Thanks to the high-performance pump system which has been customised with precision, the snowmaking system can now be guaranteed to operate with even greater efficiency, permitting the production of snow whenever it is needed.

The new Ciaslat pump station, which is not far from the Camel Humps, has a total output of 1 MW at a delivery

rate of 225 l/s and can be extended to perform at twice that capacity through additional expansion. Six cooling towers, which lower the water to the ideal temperature before feeding it directly to the snow guns, ensure selective production of snow.

plan the season for all our partners, such as the International Ski Federation FIS, the publicity agencies, as well as television broadcasters“, said Rainer Senoner, chairman of the Val Gardena-Gröden organising committee, confirming the excellent cooperation with Demaclenko.

“Through the agreement and the cooperation with Demaclenko, we have secured a partnership which will guarantee that our international event always goes ahead.

MORE INFORMATION Find out more on the official website at www.demaclenko.com.

“There is an even greater guarantee of snow thanks to the latest machines installed on the Saslong.

“This means, firstly, that we are guaranteed that we can hold the World Cup races in Val Gardena properly and, secondly, that we can

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

41

PRODUCTION PARTNERS

GREAT STORIES BIG OR SMALL DESERVE TO BE TOLD SAY MORE THAN WORDS WITH FILM...

AT PLANET CARAVAN, WE EXPLORE THE WORLD AROUND US AND BEYOND, DOCUMENTING LIFE WITH AUTHENTICITY AND BEAUTY FAITHFUL TO THE TRUTH YET UNAFRAID TO BE EXPERIMENTAL IN OUR APPROACH, WE ENGAGE, CHALLENGE AND INSPIRE THROUGH COMPELLING STORYTELLING WITH PRIMETIME BROADCAST EXPERIENCE FILMING ACROSS 5 CONTINENTS, OUR CLIENTS RANGE FROM TOP DESIGNERS TO HUMAN RIGHTS ORGANISATIONS IF YOU HAVE AN EXCITING FILM PROJECT YOU WOULD LIKE REALISED GET IN TOUCH sapphire@planetcaravan.co.uk (+44)7775336283

FACTUAL, PROMOS, EVENTS AND MORE

VAL THORENS

UNVEILS €839 MILLION INVESTMENT PROGRAMME

Leading French ski resort Val Thorens is undertaking a decade-long, near €1bn overhaul to ensure it remains the destination to beat in European ski hospitality. Here we find out more.

French ski resort Val Thorens plans to invest €839 million improving its ski areas, lifts, slopes, and accommodation over the next decade. Also in line for improvement are the amenities at the resort, with more than €440 million already spent making the destination one of the best in the world.

Pierre Josserand, pioneering chief executive of the Val Thorens Ski Lift Company, explained: “Above all building a new resort means developing a vision, a vision that imagines a new space, organises it, animates it, and gives it scope for the future".

44

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

4 T H A N N UA L

“For an ideal ski area, that vision has to be global and sustainable.”

Renowned for the quality of its snow and up-to-the-minute ski lifts, Val Thorens is a snow sports paradise. Carving, off-piste, ski touring, snow park, boarder cross, télémark skiing, there’s something to suit everyone at Val Thorens.

With 99 per cent of the ski area situated above 2,000 metres, Val Thorens offers excellent conditions so you can enjoy yourself to the max.

It is also a doorstep skiing resort; ski out of your accommodation and you’re already on the slopes! Between its powder snow fields and perfectly groomed runs, performance doesn’t even come into it; the Val Thorens ski area offers great snow sports to beginners and experienced skiers alike, whatever their ability level.

Val Thorens Ski Lift Company (SETAM) will invest from €2 to 30 million each year until the end of the decade to make the location even better. For example, four ‘magic carpet’ areas for beginners are under construction, while a new panoramic cable car - Téléphérique Cime Caron – is on the agenda.

Some 12 redesigned chairlifts, two new slopes, a range of new fun zones and a new ‘Funslope’ (a first in France) will also be built, along with a one kilometre ski cross stadium and a newly designed snow park. SETAM has also been involved in planning decisions with local authorities which will see

new types of accommodation added in the coming years, while the existing hotel stock will be renovated moving forward.

Overall, Val Thorens seeks to offer the best hospitality for each client, whatever their budget, allowing them to share unique, personalised, thrilling and long-lasting experiences.

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Val Thorens guarantees snow coverage and groomed for excellent skiing, the slopes, all 600 kilometres of them are easily accessible and easy to navigate thanks to the elaborate and cutting edge cable car network of the Three Valleys, you will never have to wait long for a ride to your chosen landmark for the day’s descent.

Find out more at www.valthorens.com.

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

45

WORLD SKI AWARDS SPOTLIGHT ON:

THE AMERICAS

Second only to the Alps in terms of visitor numbers, ski tourism in the Americas continues to diversify in order to meet the changing demands of visitors. Here we take a look at the long-term trends impacting on the region and take in some of the headlines from 2016.

The United States continues to represent one of the world’s largest ski markets in 2016, seeing increased attendance figures across its many resorts. Skiing in the destination, however, continues to be dominated by several big players, operating several mostly integrated resorts. In addition, it has numerous independent ski areas of varying sizes.

Nevertheless, due to closures and other misfortunes, the number of ski areas has been steadily decreasing over the years.

At the beginning of the 1980s, there were over 700 ski areas in operation, whereas there are only about 470 in operation today.

46

In spite of its huge population, the actual yearly participation rate is estimated at only three to four per cent of possible skiers.

Aside from the 2008 crisis, weather conditions have shaped, more than anything else, the change in skier visits over the years, according to figures from Laurent Vanat Ski Report. While the United States still welcomes more than 55 million skiers each year, this is down from a high of 60 million a few years ago.

Similar patterns have been seen in the Canadian ski industry in recent years, leading to detailed studies on the demographics

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

of ski tourism. As a result, several operators have diversified their activities and some of the major resorts now offer numerous summer activities that enable them to balance out visits for both seasons. The idea of a year-round resort has been highly developed and promoted. Some resorts near metropolitan areas have developed water rides and other such summer activities, which even allow them to use some of the lifts during the summer, as well as to sell year round passes.

In total nearly 17 million people ski in Canada each year.

4 T H A N N UA L

In South America, Argentinean ski areas are estimated to generate around 1.5 million skier visits per year, mostly concentrated in the top seven resorts.

The biggest of these is Cerro Catedral, located in a national park near San Carlos de Bariloche, which is considered a pioneer in South America. It operates as a four season resort and is today the most international and fully-equipped ski area in the country.

SEASON AHEAD Just last month Utah-based Powder Mountain announced the addition of two new lifts that will provide access to over 1,000 acres of new terrain. The news means this will be the largest lift-serviced expansion in North American history.

At the same time, the resort is also capping season and day passes, which will increase the amount of acreage per skier.

Powder Mountain will thus have the lowest skier density of any major ski area in North America.

The two new lifts (said to be installed in December) will come with six miles of new roads and a new town. The roads will connect the existing resort to the new town location - which rests on a saddle at 8,600 feet intersecting the top three bowls. The new town was modelled after the Swiss town of Wengen and will be similar in size to downtown Aspen and Telluride.

chased CNL Lifestyle Properties. The agreement provides for the company’s acquisition of Northstar California Ski Resort, 15 attraction properties and five small family entertainment centres for aggregate consideration valued at approximately $456 million.

“We are extremely pleased to announce this transaction, which is the culmination of a twoyear process of disciplined underwriting, due diligence and negotiations,” commented EPR Properties president Gregory Silvers. “This portfolio of high quality ski and attractions assets builds on our expertise in the segment, where we have a track record of delivering consistent and reliable cash flows.”

Back in North America, EPR Properties announced earlier this month it pur-

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

47

ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa Virgo Hotel & Spa ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Batea Mahuida Caviahue Cerro Bayo Cerro Castor Cerro Catedral Chapelco Ski Resort La Hoya Las Leñas

CANADA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Adara Hotel Hotel Quintessence Nita Lake Lodge Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Skoki Lodge Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Sun Peaks Lodge Sundial Boutique Hotel Sunshine Mountain Lodge

48

CANADA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Post Hotel & Spa The Fairmont Banff Springs The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Whistler The Rimrock Resort Hotel CANADA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Big White Ski Resort Fernie Alpine Resort Red Mountain Resort Revelstoke Mountain Resort Sun Peaks Resort Sunshine Village The Lake Louise Ski Resort Tremblant Whistler Blackcomb Whitewater Ski Resort

CHILE'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Hotel Antumalal Hotel Nevados Hotel Posada Farellones M-I Lodge Mountain Hotel Pirimahuida Hotel

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

WORL

A R DS

ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Aldebaran Hotel & Spa Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa Correntoso Lake & River Hotel Design Suites Hotel Bariloche El Casco Art Hotel Las Balsas Rio Hermoso Hotel

CANADA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Alpine View Chalet Big Sky Chalet Bighorn Crescendo Kadenwood 2927 Kadenwood 2939 Pinnacle Ridge 21 Taluswood - The Heights

SK I A

W

AMERICAS

D

2016

CHILE'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Gran Hotel Termas de Chillan Hotel Portillo Hotel Puerta del Sol Hotel Valle Nevado The Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa CHILE'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Corralco Nevados de Chillán Portillo Valle Nevado

UNITED STATES' BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Amangani Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge Goldener Hirsch Inn Hotel Terra Jackson Hole Lake Placid Lodge Rusty Parrot Lodge The Lodge & Spa at Cordillera Washington School House UNITED STATES' BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Bachelor Gulch Deerfield Estate Game Creek Chalet, Vail Gore Creek Place, Vail Ski Dream Home Teluride Mountain Village Luxury Home Top of Mill, Aspen Villa Elisa

UNITED STATES' BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole Four Seasons Resort Vail Montage Deer Valley Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch St Regis Deer Valley Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley The Arrabelle at Vail Square The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe The Little Nell The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa UNITED STATES' BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Alta Aspen Snowmass Beaver Creek Big Ski Resort Crested Butte Deer Valley Resort Jackson Hole Mammoth Mountain Methow Valley Ski Area Park City Snowbird Squaw Valley - Alpine Meadows Steamboat Stowe Mountain Resort Sun Valley Telluride Vail

there’s something to be said for moments that require no words.

deervalley.com

+ 1-435-649-1000

LIVE IT UP

LIVE IT BIG

Set in a natural cirque at an altitude of 2,300 metres, Val Thorens invites you to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, where you can admire breath-taking panoramas, maximum sunshine levels and snow cover from November to May.

With 600 kilometres of non-stop snowsports at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, discover a new run every day and endless new routes!

6 glaciers, 6 equipped summits above 3,000 metres, views over 1,000 French, Swiss and Italian Alpine summits from Cime Caron (3,200 metres): reach for the heights and recharge your batteries in Europe’s highest ski resort.

Not only is «Val Tho» proud to be a doorstep skiing resort, its fast ski lifts were also designed to save you wasting any time in queues, getting you back up where you really want to be: you’ll spend more time skiing here than anywhere else!

Open from 26th November 2016 to 1st May 2017

LIVE IT ALL

LIVE IT TOGETHER

You’ll find all the different disciplines in this snowsport’s paradise: carving, panoramic skiing, off piste, ski touring, snowpark, boardercross, telemark… as well as a sports and well-being centre for even more enjoyment!

Here, the joy of wide-open spaces will exhilarate both beginners and die-hard skiers.

Discover a melting pot of activities where you can try your hand at unusual experiences such as the longest toboggan run in France, mountain biking on snow and ice driving. There’s room for all styles and tastes in Val Thorens !

Then, after a day on the slopes, get together with your family, friends or other half, in a cosy studio apartment or 5-star luxury hotel, enjoying regional specialities or gastronomic delights…

And in the evening, live concerts ranging from jazz to electro, the biggest nightclub in the Alps and around forty themed bars welcome you to soak up the resort’s international, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

INFORMATION & BOOKING +33 (0)4 79 00 01 06 | www.valthorens.com

WORLD SKI AWARDS SPOTLIGHT ON:

ASIA PACIFIC With plans for the Winter Olympics boosting interest in skiing in both China and South Korea, the market is beginning to realise its potential across Asia. Here we find out more.

Annual visitor numbers in ski tourism have remained stable at around 400 million visits per year over the past decade, with mature markets plateauing and emerging destinations continuing to develop. With more than three billion inhabitants, Asia has by far the most room to grow. At present the region combines countries with a long ski histories and others that are still completely untouched.

China, for example, has seen explosive growth, particularly since the turn of the millennium. The last few winter seasons witnessed considerable de-

52

velopment, according to figures from the Laurent Vanat Ski Report, with 12 million skier visits recorded over the 2014-15 season. It therefore seems that China will soon rank among the big players of the industry. The successful Beijing bid for the 2022 Olympic Winter Games has generated further enthusiasm for the industry, with the Chinese government recently indicating that this should encourage 300 million Chinese to participate in winter sports.

South Korea – which will host the next Winter Olympics, at PyeongChang in 2018 – has seen its ski tourism industry

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

develop rapidly since the mid-1970s. The country now has 18 ski resorts, mostly equipped to international standards.

Korean resorts are based on the North American model and are very capital intensive. As all ski resorts have been created from scratch, they require significant investment in roads and utilities, not to mention the need to build the entire base area infrastructure.

At present around six million people ski in South Korea each year. Winning the bid for PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympic Games should contribute to an increase in the popularity of skiing, if this

4 T H A N N UA L

is supported by efforts of the government and the private sector to promote winter sports. Resorts may look forward to the excitement that this event will create. In addition, the high-quality equipment at Korean ski destinations, meeting the highest of international standards, offers an attractive alternative to European resorts for skiers throughout the entire Asian continent. Prices are also more attractive than in Japan, and Korean ski areas offer a great deal of fun, with several ski resorts operating their lifts nearly around the clock.

SKI SEASON YTL Hotels’ Niseko Village on the island of Hokkaido in the north-east of Japan, is gearing up for a thriving winter season with the launch of significant ski infrastructure, including new lifts and gondolas and the hiring of 90 international staff across the resort. As part of Niseko United - voted Japan’s Best Ski Resort in the World Ski Awards three years running - Niseko Village has seen its visitor numbers increase steadily from 209,700 in 2009 to 484,330 room nights in 2015.

To support the growing visitation of the resort, YTL Hotels has invested in two all-season lifts.

The state-of-the-art Village Express and Upper Village Gondola are both unprecedented construction designs for a major ski resort in Japan and in another move to cater for Niseko Village’s growing popularity; a new ski run will also open ensuring the slopes remain as uncrowded as ever.

For YTL Hotels, these developments and the recruitment of international and Japanese staff are part of an ongoing strategy to provide a world class ski destination with an authentic Japanese flavour, giving guests access to the best facilities and multi-lingual staff with service experience at global industry standard. The increase in visitor numbers to Niseko Village also supports recent reports of the wider Niseko area defying the country’s trend of a shrinking population, with the local economy booming, attracting residents, workers and travellers from around the world.

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

53

2 0 14

CHICAGO

WASHINGTON

NEW YORK

2 0 15

BORDEAUX

LONDON

PARIS

MARSEILLE

WHERE MYTH MEETS LUXURY Officially the World’s Leading Luxury Resort, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort has heralded a new standard of luxury accommodation in Danang, Vietnam. With its own private bay on the Son Tra Peninsula, enjoy the very best of Vietnam at the luxury hillside resort and spa. Famed architect Bill Bensley has reimagined Vietnamese design, history and myth with his characteristic whimsy, creating a panoramic retreat over our four resort levels - Heaven, Sky, Earth and Sea. From the moment you arrive, you’ll be pampered by the unparalleled personalised service and luxurious amenities.

DAVOS

DUBAI

KOH SAMUI

SINGAPORE

DANANG

HONG KONG

BALI

BEIJING

NANJING

SHANGHAI

SYDNEY

BORA BORA

Live the InterContinental life.

YONGPYONG RESORT PREPARES FOR WINTER OLYMPICS 2018 ROLE

Yongpyong Alpine competition venue will play host the Pyeongchang Winter Olympic Games in 2018. Completed in 1998, the location has hosted four FIS Alpine World Cups Games and is considered the best of its kind. Located at the heart of Yongpyong Resort, World Ski Awards here takes a tour of this unique location.

56

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

4 T H A N N UA L

The Yongpyong Resort is located at a very inhabitable range of 700 meters above sea level. Yongpyong is found at the eastern edge of Asia, about 200 kilometres from Seoul, capital of South Korea. With an annual snowfall average of 250cm, the surrounding area possesses a beautiful environment, which allows for the enjoyment of a wide array of winter sports including skiing from mid-November to early April.

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

57

58

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

4 T H A N N UA L

On its 4,300 acres, guests will find a 45-hole golf course, some 28 ski slopes, premium hotels, European-style condominiums and many other leisure facilities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. Established in 1975, Yongpyong was the first modern facility of its kind in South Korea.

Yongpyong Resort has an impressive twenty-eight ski slopes, including the popular Rainbow Slopes, and offers excellent facilities for skiers. The park’s fifteen ski-lifts include a 3.7 kilometre cable-car and the resort’s Dragon Plaza is the largest ski complex in Asia, offering a variety of services for skiers and snowboarders.

Yongpyong Resort has hosted a number of international competitions, including the World Cup Ski Competition and the Asian Winter Games. It is consequently one of the most popular ski resorts in Korea, and is frequented by many tourists.

Yongpyong Resort is a two-hour drive away from Seoul, but the resort runs shuttle buses from Seoul during peak season. Visitors traveling from the Daegu and Yeongnam regions can take the Jungang and Jungbu Inland Expressways, and arrive at Yongpyong Resort within three hours.

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Find out more about Yongpyong Resort at www.yongpyong.co.kr.

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

59

World’s No 1 Travel Industry News Resource

Breaking Travel News (BTN) has over the last 15 years established itself as the world’s leading online news and information service for senior travel industry thought leaders. Everyday BTN’s readers visit the daily feed of market intelligence, trend analysis, exclusive video interviews and breaking news in order to keep their fingers on the travel pulse.

Visit www.breakingtravelnews.com for the latest travel industry news or read on your mobile at breakingtravelnews.mobi

BREAKINGTRAVELNEWS.COM

4 T H A N N UA L

ASIA AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Astra Alpine Lodge Denman Hotel & Spa Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge Perisher Valley Hotel QT Falls Creek AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Blowhard Feathertop Château Rockpool Lodge Sequoia Penthouse Thredbo Ski In Ski Out Chalets Ultima Icebreaker AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Breathtaker Grand Mercure Chalet Mount Buller Hotel Pension Grimus Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa The Man from Snowy River Hotel AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Falls Creek Mt Buller Mt Hotham Perisher Thredbo

SKI NOMINEES 2016

CHINA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Bei Da Hu Ski Resort Beijing Huai Bei International Ski Resort Changbaishan Wanda International Resort Genting Resort Secret Garden Nanshan Ski Village Sun Mountain Yabuli Thaiwoo Ski Resort Vanke Lake Songhua Resort

JAPAN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Aburaya Tousen Chalet Ivy Hotel La Neige Higashi-kan Ki Niseko Kimamaya Boutique Hotel LOFT Niseko MUSE Niseko Nozawa Grand Hotel Ryokan Sakaya Shiki Niseko The Vale Niseko Zaborin JAPAN'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Gustav's Hideaway Kozue Morino Lodge One Happo Phoenix One Sekka Kan

JAPAN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Akakura Kanko Resort & Spa Hakuba Tokyu Hotel Hilton Niseko Village Naeba Prince Hotel Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel Sierra resort Hakuba The Green Leaf Niseko Village

NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Chateau Tongariro Hotel Crowne Plaza Queenstown Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa Millbrook Resort Peppers Bluewater Resort The Hermitage The Rees Hotel

JAPAN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Appi Kogen Hakuba Myoko Kogen Ski Resort Naeba Ski Resort Niseko United Rusutsu Resort Shiga Kogen

NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Cardrona Alpine Resort Coronet Peak Mt Hutt Ohau Snow Fields Porters Roundhill The Remarkables Treble Cone

NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2016 Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel Blanket Bay Browns Boutique Hotel Eichardt's Private Hotel Matakauri NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2016 Apartments at Cardona Alpine Resort Azur Luxury Lodge Distinction Wanaka Serviced Apartments Porters Alpine Lodge Riverrun Wanaka Villas Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet

SOUTH KOREA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2016 Alpensia Pyeongchang Suites Dragon Valley Hotel High1 Hotel Hotel Tirol InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort Kangwon Land Hotel SOUTH KOREA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2016 Alpensia Bears Town High1 Resort Muju Deukyusan Phoenix Park Yongpyong Resort

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

63

ICON OF VAL THORENS AND THE GLOBAL SKI INDUSTRY

PIERRE JOSSERAND At the age of 74, Pierre Josserand, chairman of SETAM, the Val Thorens Ski Lift Company, has been a pioneer for the French ski industry worldwide.

64

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

4 T H A N N UA L

He arrived in Val Thorens in 1969, as a young engineer from the famous Ecole Nationale des Arts & Métiers. He started to work with Pierre Schnebelen to create a ski resort in France that could offer 365 skiing days each year. Some 40 years later, and retired for seven years, Josserand has built a model resort at Val Thorens.

The resort now has 25,000 beds, 300,000 clients generating 2,000,000 overnight stays per winter, and has seen the best occupancy ratio in Europe for the past 15 years.

It is important to emphasise that, in 1969, no one in France believed in the creation of Val Thorens. The French government, most politicians, and the department councils were against the project, which was depicted as "crazy”.

There was no road, no life, and the locals said: “Even the cows would not go up to eat the grass.”

Against everyone, and climbing to Val Thorens either by foot or by helicopter, Josserand managed to convince banks and promoters to build the resort. The first ski lift was built in 1971, when Pierre came with his whole family. At that time there were 11 meters of snow in Val Thorens and most of the time the road was closed at least once a month. There were five families living in Val Thorens at the beginning and they are still running different business in the resort today. All the people who currently work and live in Val Thorens still call them: ‘The Pioneers’.

Josserand has been, and still is, a visionary for several reasons. Not least of these was his choice to build Val Tho-

rens in a field, which looks like a birds’ nest, at some 2,300 meters above sea level and to turn this inauspicious location into Europe’s highest ski resort.

He rationalised the implementation of the lifts to build big and fast and to minimise their numbers. Val Thorens is a model of efficiency for this. Josserand also knew that innovation was the key to success. He set up a technical office early in the development of the resort dedicated to innovation, which was unique in the 1970’s.

In the early 1980s, he decided to create the first business-to-business travel agency hosted by a ski lift company, to attract tour operators from the entire world. Nowadays, Val Thorens Tours sends one in every two clients to Val Thorens, which has become the most international resort in France with 70 per cent foreign skiers. It is the strict reverse of the average of all other French ski resorts.

He decided to invest in different accommodation when he saw that Val Thorens needed some types of hospitality to cope with a changing market.

He built the first three star hotel, the first five star hotel, and, most recently, SETAM has invested in the new Club Med project.

PIERRE JOSSERAND Josserand is a very humble person. He has a great vision and is also a great manager who knows how to build a team. He knows everyone in the resort and takes time, each day of the winter, to come and discuss the development of Val Thorens with those who live

Pierre Josserand at the inauguration of the Stade et Funitel de Thorens and work there. He is much respected in the resort and, moreover, has been awarded by the French Legion d’Honneur.

His experience and knowledge have been used by ski lift companies, constructors, resorts and politicians to improve the ski lift industry. Beyond the boundaries of France, Josserand has been consulted on ski resorts projects in Canada, USA and China, while also being called upon to assist big cities in France to build lifts in urban areas.

He is discrete but always in motion.

Even now, although he is retired, he still wants to innovate and create new projects for the resort.

From 2010 to 2020, Val Thorens has an investment plan of €839 million to improve the ski area and the accommodations. He always has new ideas and is still motivated to set SETAM up as a leading and innovative ski lift company.

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

65

Celebrating Travel Excellence Since 1993

GRAND FINAL

GALA CEREMONY 2016

2 December 2016

Olhuveli Beach & Spa Resort Maldives

worldtravelawards.com

wtravelawards

worldtravelawards

4 T H A N N UA L

WORLD

WORLD'S BEST FREESTYLE RESORT 2016 Avoriaz Breckenridge Hemsedal LAAX Lake Louise Ski Resort – Showtime Terrain Park Les Deux Alpes Mammoth Mountain Mayrhofen Snowpark Seiser Alm Whistler Blackcomb WORLD'S BEST HELI-SKI OPERATOR 2016 Bella Coola Heli Sports Hokkaido Backcountry Club ( Japan) Selkirk Tangiers Helicopter Skiing (Canada) Skeena Heliskiing (Canada) Stellar Heliskiing (Canada) Whistler Heli-Skiing (Canada) WORLD'S BEST INDOOR SKI RESORT 2016 Alpincenter Bottrop (Germany) Madrid SnowZone (Spain) Ski Dubai (UAE) Snej.com (Russia) Snow Factor (Scotland) Snowplanet (New Zealand) SnowWorld Landgraaf (Netherlands)

WORLD'S BEST NEW SKI CHALET 2016 Chalet Aconcagua Chalet Laurus Chalet Pont du Cam House Hannes Schneider, Stuben Moarhof anno 1665 Rock n’ Love The Ecurie Hakuchozan ( Japan) WORLD'S BEST NEW SKI HOTEL 2016 Element Basalt - Aspen Hotel Pashmina Hotel Terminal Neige Totem Le Taos San Luis Hotel The Westin Rusutsu Resort Villa Rose WORLD'S BEST SKI RESORT COMPANY 2016 Aspen Snowmass Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel Boyne Resorts Compagnie des Alpes SkiStar Vail Resorts Weisse Arena Gruppe

SKI NOMINEES 2016

WORLD'S BEST SKI TOUR OPERATOR 2016 Alpine Adventures Alpine Elements Bramble Ski CANUSA Club Reisen Stumböck Consensio Crystal Ski Dolomite Mountains Fish & Pips Inghams Langley Mogul Ski World Neilson Premiere Neige Ski Holidays Ski.com Skican SkiJapan.com Skiworld Snowcapped Travel Sunweb Travelplan Ski

WORLD'S BEST SKI TRAVEL AGENT 2016 Aeroski Reisen Alpine Answers Camel Snow Dive Fish Snow Holidays Firefly Collection House of Travel Ski HTM Niseko Iglu Ski Leo Trippi LUEX Luxury Chalet Book LuxVacation.com Oxford Ski Company Simply Val d’Isère Ski In Luxury Ski Solutions SkiBoutique SNO Whistler Central Reservations

WORLD'S BEST SKI TRANSFER OPERATOR 2016 EdelSwiss Limousine Company Europe Transfer Fly Ski Shuttle Ski-Lifts SnowDrone Transfers

2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS

67

FANTASTIC SAINT PETERSBURG WELCOMES YOU! Due to dynamic actions of the Government of Saint Petersburg focused on development of tourist industry, objects of city’s tourist infrastructure received a number of awards justifying its high international status and quality of services rendered.

Opinions of tourists happen to be the most important assessment of the work done. We will keep on doing our best to ensure that travelling to Saint Petersburg provides true pleasure to guests in future and contributes to forming a bright and appealing image of the city where one wants to come back to over and over again.

A.Mushkarev, Chairman, St. Petersburg Committee for tourism development

www.v it-pe rsb g.

To stroll around royal park-and-palace ensembles St. Petersburg like an Empress wears a rich necklace — a necklace of royal summer residences located in the suburbs of the city.

Peterhof impresses by its numerous fountains, cascades and park pavilions .

The Catherine palace in Tsarskoe Selo is best known for the Golden Enfilade of state rooms that includes the world-famous Amber Room.

Pavlovsk is a cozy royal palace with unique chinaware, and amazing landscape park.

To touch the Russian Imperial history Saint Petersburg is the city of the white nights, draw bridges, royal palaces, museums and theatres, the cultural capital of Russia. It is the second largest city in Russia and the third one in Europe (after Moscow and London).

At 313, Saint Petersburg is quite young, yet the city has an impressive history. For a long time St. Petersburg remained the capital of the Russian Empire, and it was St. Petersburg that laid the foundation of socialist regime in the country

To get warm in winter The best opera and ballet performances, theatre and music festivals are performed at the season when the rivers and canals stand still, covered with the white armour of ice. Incredible Pancake week is a tasty period — to eat Russian dishes and to feel the spirit of Russia.

To crown it all the museums in winter are not overcrowded and the prices in the hotels decrease. Winter is time for magnificent balls that allow their guests to feel themselves like an Emperor

To discover the city’s specialties Russia in miniature museum, the deepest Metro in the world, the most symmetrical street, the real Egyptian sphinx and much more…

The presentation of tourist potential of St. Petersburg will be held on 8th November in the Russian Embassy in London in the framework of the exhibition World Travel Market, which opens from 7 to 9 November 2016.

Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016 From 01 to 30 November in Saint Petersburg the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» will be held.

Since its foundation St. Petersburg has become not only the capital city but also a kind of trendsetter in architecture, culture, history, and the art of cooking.

Due to the fact that in the period of construction St. Petersburg the most famous and most talented European artists of the time were invited. With them our city began the tradition of cooking dishes from different European countries.

Chefs from France, Italy and Germany creatively reworked old recipes of Russian cuisine, so many Russian dishes and recipes have found an European tradition.

Later the influence of Petersburg’s cuisine began spreading across the territory of Russia, contributing to the diversity of traditional recipes from various regions of the country.

Nowadays we can confidently talk about the special Petersburg style of Russian cuisine imbued with the spirit of history, traditions, culinary experiments and innovations.

The program of the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» includes themed dinners in restaurants, parties, workshops and master classes, shows in cooking the meals of Petersburg cuisine’s, activities for children and a special children’s menu, as well as exhibitions, competitions and much more.

The full program of the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» you can see on St. Petersburg Official City Guide www.visit-petersburg.ru

Festival of Lights Festival of Lights is becoming one of the most exciting gala events of Saint Petersburg in autumn.

The festival brings together artists, painters and musicians and thousands of visitors who enjoy all patterns of light on different historical monuments. This autumn the festival takes place on November, 04-05th.

The festival will bring to life miraculous breathtaking art by newest 3D-mapping and audiovisual technologies.

To feel the city’s soul Modern St. Petersburg, crisscrossed by numerous rivers and canals, stands on more than 100 islands, which are linked to one another by more than 400 bridges. This is why the city is often called “the Venice of the North”.

Nearly every building in the downtown is considered to be a historic monument, hence the city’s definition — “open-air museum”. Its historical centre, palace and park ensembles are inscribed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Churches and cathedrals Saint Petersburg was planned as a Westoriented city and has always been renowned for its hospitality. Peter the Great encouraged foreigners, especially from Europe, to come to the new capital: they brought a new way of life, knowledge and traditions. To make foreigners feel comfortable in the city Peter the Great and his successors paid much attention to the construction of churches and cathedrals for people of various religions.

Though Saint Petersburg is known as a city of different creeds, it is the Orthodoxy that has long been the official religion of Russia.

That is why special emphasis was laid on orthodox churches. The world’s best architects built churches and cathedrals in Saint Petersburg. Sublimity of St.Isaac’s Cathedrals, proportion of the Nikolsky (St.Nicholas’) Cathedral, smartness of the Church of Resurrection of Christ (Spas-na-Krovi) always attract visitors of the city. The beauty and splendor of their inner decorations make indelible impressions upon guests’ minds.

To immerse yourself in St. Petersburg romantics During the “white nights” the Petersburgers flock to the banks of the Neva to see the sun set. The “white nights” period lasts from May to July. Countless festivals and concerts are held in the parks and on the city’s squares and embankments: Scarlet Sails school leavers festival, River Carnival, Festival of Ice Crackers, Festivals of garden art. During such days the city marks its anniversary – on May 27th. Every day from May to October sometime after two o’clock in the morning the multi-tonne wings of the bridges swing gently upwards to let vessels on the river pass.

Following the scenery of the «War and Peace» «War and Peace» is a British-American historical period drama television serial first broadcast on BBC One on 3 January 2016. It is a six-part adaptation of «War and Peace» by famous Russian author Leo Tolstoy, written by Andrew Davies and directed by Tom Harper. The serial stars are Paul Dano, Lily James and James Norton in the leading roles. A lot of scenes were shot in Saint Petersburg.

On web-site http://www.visit-petersburg.ru/en/ route/71/ all guests of Saint Petersburg can find a free route «Following the scenery of the «War and Peace» and get acknowledged with the places in Saint Petersburg that have become the scenery for War&Peace TV show by BBC.

To travel without visa The travelers arriving to St. Petersburg by sea (ferry or cruise ship) can get 72 hours visa-free entry and stay in the city if they have the tour program (voucher). The passengers can acquire the voucher on the board of a ship.

There are just 4 steps to visa-free entry: 1. Purchase an airline ticket to Helsinki There are more than 10 airlines that provide direct flights from European cities to Helsinki

2. Book a ferry cabin St. Peter Line ferries sail from Helsinki every two days according to schedule (at approximately 6 p.m.). Travel time is about 13–15 hours. Estimated time of arrival in Saint Petersburg is 9 a.m. the following day. The ferry sails back from Saint Petersburg 3 days later.

3. Book a transfer from the seaport of Saint Petersburg The ferry company will provide a transfer service to the city centre and also to some hotels. It is a paid service, but it is mandatory if you would like to purchase a visa-free cruise travel. The transfer fee is 25 euro.

4. Select a hotel to stay in the city centre After selecting a cabin and booking the transfer service you can select a hotel in the city centre from the list of hotels.

Please note that to use the visa-free stay option, you may only choose a hotel to stay from the list of hotels included in your tour group program.

Your travel agent will provide you with the full list of the hotels available for booking and the room prices, or, if you book a St. Peter Line Company ferry online, you can select a hotel online.

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 Kitzbühel 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 Kitzbühel, Ried Kaps 7, 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria DSR Hotel Holding GmbH, Lange Strasse 1a, 18055 Rostock, www.a-rosa.de

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS We wish to express our sincere gratitude to our very generous partners and supporters. In particular, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our fabulous Host Hotel,A-ROSA Kitzbühel, and to our Premier Partners; Kitzbühel Tourismus, Bergbahn Kitzbühel, Leitner Ropeways, Demaclenko, and Prinoth, Tirol and Casino Kitzbühel. Also to the very generous support of our Supporting Partners; Skiwater, Leo Auman, Sportalm, Rass und Dorner, Europcar, and HNA.

PREMIER PARTNERS

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

WORLD SKI AWARDS Momentum House, Lower Road London, SE1 8SJ, United Kingdom

78

T +44 (0)20 7925 0000 F +44 (0)20 7925 2552

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

awards@worldskiawards.com www.worldskiawards.com

Copyright © World Ski Awards 2016

Asia’s international ski resort

HOK K A IDO T OURISM M A N AGEMEN T Operator of Niseko’s premier brands

With over 13 years of operations in Niseko we have the connections and experience in Japan and internationally to ensure the success of your Niseko venture

nisekocentral.com

kiniseko.com

gondolasnowsports.com

www.htmniseko.com

experienceniseko.com