November 14, 2022, 4:29 pm | Read time: 4 minutes
In many major ski resorts, the season has already begun, and skiers and snowboarders are excited to finally carve their turns down the slopes again. But which of the thousands of ski resorts worldwide is the best for this? For those still undecided about their next ski vacation destination, the ranking from “Skiresort.de” might offer some inspiration: Hundreds of ski resorts worldwide were tested and rated in 18 categories.
When “Skiresort.de” crowns the best ski resorts in the world, it is considered a coveted industry award. As the world’s largest ski resort testing portal, it has been awarding the top slopes around the globe for the 24th time. With an overall score of 4.9 out of 5 possible points, an Austrian ski resort takes first place, securing the top spot for the tenth consecutive time. TRAVELBOOK introduces the winner and highlights other ski resorts rated and awarded in the 5-star category. It should be noted that none of the world’s best ski resorts are in Germany, and the winning location often polarizes opinions.
Overview
The Methodology of the Award
The ski experts at “Skiresort.de” evaluate the slopes for their award of the world’s best ski resorts based on 18 criteria. From the size of the ski area to snow reliability, family-friendliness, hut offerings, and environmental friendliness: The individual ratings are exclusively based on on-site inspections. A maximum of 5 stars can be awarded per category.
The Best Ski Resort in the World Is in …
… Kitzbühel. With an overall test score of 4.9 out of 5 possible stars, the KitzSki resort once again secures the top spot, as it has in previous years. “Satisfied guests, motivated staff, and a stunning natural backdrop–the enthusiasm for skiing is palpable throughout the Kitzbühel ski area. This form of authenticity and the legendary World Cup atmosphere of Kitzbühel give KitzSki a unique character,” says Oliver Kern in the test report. The founder of “Skiresort.de” should know, having visited more than 900 ski resorts in over 30 countries.
More than 200 kilometers of slopes, 57 lifts, and 1,160 snow cannons: KitzSki scores particularly well with its vastness, diverse range of slopes, snow reliability, lifts and cable cars, and well-groomed slopes. The ski area is suitable for beginners, experts, families, and even freeriders. According to the “Skiresort” evaluation, KitzSki also meets factors such as cleanliness and hygiene, orientation, information, and environmentally friendly ski operations 100 percent.
The Winning Location Polarizes
The legendary Kitzbühel in Tyrol: This is the Eastern Alps, slopes, Hahnenkamm races, golf courses, alpine pastures, Stanglwirt, iconic hostess Rosi, boutiques with traditional and couture clothing, cozy chalets, luxury wellness hotels, lots of sports, and lots of parties. A mix that comes at a price–real estate prices have been soaring for years, and Kitzbühel attracts the international jet set not only during the season. According to the real estate company “Engel & Völkers,” current square meter prices for condominiums in Kitzbühel range from an astounding 9,800 to 10,600 euros. In prime locations, prices can even reach between 18,000 and 25,000 euros per square meter.
While nature lovers in Kitzbühel might toast with Almdudler alongside the Magnum champagne high society, it’s no surprise that the luxury ski resort polarizes. Even Bavarian comedian Harry G jokes about the “Kitzeria,” where “the snow is only good for the nose”:
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Other 5-Star Ski Resorts in Austria
Austria not only secures the top spot among the world’s best ski resorts but also dominates the list of 5-star ski resorts, which have impressed with ratings of at least 4.5 out of 5 stars. In addition to the leader in Kitzbühel, there are 15 other top-rated ski resorts in Austria:
- Ischgl/Samnaun
- Skiwelt Wilder Kaiser-Brixental
- Ski Arlberg
- Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis
- Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang Fieberbunn
- Sölden
- Hochzillertal/Hochfügen
- Zillertal-Arena
- Schladminger 4-Berge-Skischaukel
- Silvretta Montafon
- Mayrhofen
- Obertauern
- Gurgl
- Hochkönig
- Snow Space Salzburg
The 5-Star Ski Resorts Worldwide
In addition to the slopes in Austria, ski resorts in Italy, Canada, France, Switzerland, and the USA are also among the best in the world according to “Skiresort”:
- St. Moritz – Corviglia (Switzerland)
- Laax (Switzerland)
- Zermatt (Switzerland)
- Madonna di Campiglio (Italy)
- Plan de Corones (Italy)
- Les 3 Vallées (France)
- Tignes/Val d’Isère (France)
- Whistler Blackcomb (Canada)
- Vail (USA)
- Telluride (USA)
- Beaver Creek (USA)