Val Thorens triumphs at 2014 World Ski Awards at A-ROSA Kitzbuhel

In a night of high drama at A-ROSA Kitzbuhel, Austria, the title of World’s Best Ski Hotel went to Stein Eriksen Lodge of the United States, while host Bergbahn Kitzbuhel was recognised as the World’s Best Ski Resort Company.

The 2014 Gala Ceremony welcomed over 200 leading representatives from the ski hospitality sector, with partners Audi, Leitner, Prinoth, Demac Lenko, and iSki all contributing to a spectacular occasion.

They joined Bergbahnen Kitzbuhel, Kitzbuhel Tourismus and A-ROSA Kitzbuhel in supporting the event, as World Ski Awards returned to the Alpine resort for the second year.

The World Ski Awards Academy presented three prestigious Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism Awards during the evening.

Val Thorens ski resort

In Europe, Reto Gurtner, President of the Management Board, LAAX, was celebrated for his contribution to ski tourism in Switzerland, while the President of Lake Louise Ski Resort, Charlie Locke, was recognised in North America.

In Asia, Akio Shinya, Chief of the Niseko Avalanche Research Institute, was honoured for a lifetime dedicated to improving safety in the mountains of Japan.

Speaking at the close of the 2014 Gala Ceremony World Ski Awards Managing Director, Sion Rapson, said: “It has been an honour to return here to A-ROSA Kitzbuhel for the 2014 World Ski Awards Gala Ceremony."

He added: "This has been a truly special evening for us all at World Ski Awards and it has been a privilege to recognise the outstanding contributors to our ever expanding industry.”

Elsewhere the title of World’s Best Ski Tour Operator went to Crystal Ski Holidays, World’s Best Ski Travel Agent was awarded to Leo Trippi and InterContinental Davos took the title of World’s Best New Ski Hotel.

Voters also recognised Chalet Quezac as the World’s Best New Ski Chalet, Big Horn, Revelstoke, was voted the World’s Best Ski Chalet and World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel went to The Vale Niseko.

A full list of the 2014 World Ski Awards winners can be seen here.

sourced:traveldailynews.asia