The 2025 World Ski Awards Show North America Has Ground to Gain
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The results of the 2025 World Ski Awards, presented by the World Luxury Media Group Limited (WLMGL), have been announced. These awards aim to highlight excellence in ski tourism globally. While the annual awards recognize leaders across the industry, the big story this year is the near-total monopoly Europe continues to hold on the top resort categories.
The global voting process, which includes industry professionals and ski consumers, delivered a stark message: North America is struggling to compete for the highest honors.
The World’s Best Resort: An Undeniable European Reign
When it comes to the ultimate prize, World's Best Ski Resort 2025, the outcome was predictable. Val Thorens, France, secured the title for the 10th time. This resort is objectively one of the best in the world. It’s the highest resort in the Alps and has direct access to the massive Les 3 Vallées area.
Other global categories saw similar results:
- World’s Best Ski Resort– Val Thorens (FRA)
- World’s Best Freestyle Resort – LAAX (CHE)
- World’s Best Ski Hotel– Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley (USA)
- World’s Best New Ski Hotel – Nikko Style Niseko HANAZONO (JAP)
- World’s Best Green Ski Hotel– rocksresort (CHE)
- World’s Best Ski Boutique – Hotel Pashmina (FRA)
- World’s Best Ski Chalet – Chalet Zermatt Peak (CHE)
- World’s Best New Ski Chalet– Cabane Tortin (CHE)
- World’s Best Ski Resort Company– Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel (AUT)
- World’s Best Ski Resort Group– Compagnie des Alpes (FRA)
- World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort – Ski Dubai (UAE)
- World’s Best Heli-Ski Operator – Northern Escape Heli-Skiing (CAN)
The Old World mountains are clearly showing that their history, sheer scale, and investment are keeping them a step ahead of the competition.
North America: The Steep Path to the Podium
The big takeaway from the main resort category is the minimal representation from North America.
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- United States: Only one US resort, Deer Valley Resort, was even nominated for the World's Best Ski Resort title. While Deer Valley maintained its streak as the United States’ Best Ski Resort 2025 for the 13th time, the lack of other major US contenders, such as Jackson Hole, Palisades Tahoe, or Alta, is a huge omission.
- Canada: Similarly, Canadian resorts, which are legendary for their massive terrain and deep powder, were also lightly represented. The most notable North American win came from Northern Escape Heli-Skiing, which took home World's Best Heli-Ski Operator 2025. This is a great win for those who want to point it out, but it's a specialty category.
This is a wake-up call. The US ski industry, while thriving, needs to compete on a global scale. We’ve seen athletes go full throttle on heavy, world-class lines right here in North America. The terrain is there, so why isn't the recognition?
The US Salvation: Hospitality Wins
Fortunately, North America redeemed itself in the luxury and hospitality categories. Deer Valley's Stein Eriksen Lodge was named the World's Best Ski Hotel 2025. The lodge is known for its impeccable, five-star service and atmosphere. This proves that North America can absolutely dominate the luxury experience.
Ultimately, the 2025 World Ski Awards confirm that North America has a lot of ground to cover to challenge Europe’s resort dominance. While we celebrate the victories for luxury and heli-skiing, we’re left wondering when a US resort will finally take the World's Best crown.
