November 13, 2026, 9:16 am | Read time: 4 minutes

Just in time for the winter sports season, the winners of the World Ski Awards 2026 have been announced. For the 14th time, the best ski areas, ski hotels, and other winter sports offerings have been honored. The winners are decided by both industry experts and the public. TRAVELBOOK presents three of the awarded winter destinations.

The Best Ski Resort in the World: Val Thorens, France

The title for the best ski area in the world once again goes to France. Val Thorens in the French Alps has secured the coveted award at the World Ski Awards 2026 for the fourth consecutive time and the eleventh time overall. This makes the winter sports resort one of the most successful participants in the awards for years.

What makes the ski area special is primarily its location. Val Thorens is situated at 2,300 meters and is considered the highest ski resort in Europe. Its altitude provides good conditions for a long ski season. The Val Thorens-Orelle ski area covers about 150 kilometers of slopes and is part of the vast Les 3 Vallées ski network. This network connects winter sports resorts such as Courchevel and Méribel and offers a total of around 600 kilometers of slopes. This means both beginners and experienced skiers can enjoy themselves. The 2026/27 ski season in Val Thorens is set to begin on November 21 and last until May 2.

A day ski pass for the entire Les 3 Vallées ski network costs between 75.70 and 84.20 euros for adults, and between 62 and 69 euros for children and teenagers aged 5 to 17 during the 2026/27 winter season.

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The Best Freestyle Area in the World: Laax, Switzerland

If you love trying tricks and jumps on skis or a snowboard, Laax in Switzerland is the place to be. The ski area in the canton of Graubünden was once again named the best freestyle resort in the world at the World Ski Awards 2026. Laax has secured this title every year since 2021! The ski area has long made a name for itself in the international freestyle scene. Professionals regularly gather here for competitions, such as the Laax Open.

The offerings for freestylers are extensive: Five snow parks with more than 90 obstacles provide opportunities for different skill levels. Beginners can try smaller jumps and obstacles, while advanced skiers can train on challenging courses. Laax is particularly known for its massive halfpipe. It is 220 meters long, 22 meters wide, and has walls seven meters high, making it one of the largest facilities of its kind worldwide.

A day ski pass for adults in Laax costs between 53 and 97 Swiss francs, depending on the day this season.

The Best Ski Hotel in the World: W Verbier, Switzerland

The best ski hotel in the world is also located in Switzerland. The luxury hotel W Verbier is part of the international W hotel brand and combines modern design with the atmosphere of an alpine chalet. It features 123 rooms and suites, equipped with fireplaces and private balconies. After a long day on the slopes, guests can relax in the wellness area with heated indoor and outdoor pools, a sauna, and a hammam.

The hotel is located at about 1,500 meters in the Swiss winter sports resort of Verbier in the canton of Valais, directly at the ski lifts. From here, guests have access to the Les 4 Vallées ski area, one of the largest contiguous ski areas in Switzerland. Around 400 kilometers of slopes are available to winter sports enthusiasts there. In addition to classic descents, the region is particularly known for its freeriding opportunities. Those staying at W Verbier have the slopes practically right at their doorstep.

Room rates start at around 420 euros per night but can be significantly higher depending on demand and the time of year.