Val Thorens Crowned World's Best Ski Resort by Travel+Leisure

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, December 10th 2025 at 19:01 GMT by Travel + Leisure
      Locale: FRANCE

Val Thorens Crowned the World’s Best Ski Resort by Travel + Leisure

In a headline‑grabbing feature that appeared on the Travel + Leisure website on January 15, 2024, the French Alpine resort of Val Thorens was officially named the “best ski resort in the world.” The accolade was presented during the magazine’s annual Winter Travel Summit in Paris, where a panel of industry experts, travel writers, and avid skiers weighed in on the 2023‑24 season’s standout destinations. This marks Val Thorens’ third consecutive year at the top of the list, underscoring its dominance in a field that includes perennial favourites such as Courchevel, Chamonix, and St. Anton.

Why Val Thorens Made the Cut

Travel + Leisure’s article lists a combination of objective and experiential factors that set Val Thorens apart. The resort sits at 3,230 metres (10,600 ft) above sea level, making it the highest‑altitude ski area in Europe. The elevation guarantees a snow‑rich season that often runs from early November to late May—an advantage that is clearly visible in the resort’s long‑standing reputation for “world‑class snow.”

The resort is part of the Three Valleys ski domain, the largest connected ski area on the planet. Its 150 km of groomed pistes are serviced by a modern lift system comprising 35 high‑speed chairlifts, a cable car, and a fleet of gondolas that ferry skiers to the upper reaches of the valley in seconds. One of the standout runs highlighted in the article is the 12.5‑km “Pointe de la Croix,” which links Val Thorens directly to Courchevel 1850 and is considered the longest ski ride in the Three Valleys. The resort also boasts a state‑of‑the‑art terrain park—the new “Alpine Park”—which hosts regular freestyle competitions and is lauded for its creative features.

Beyond the snow, the article praises Val Thorens’ vibrant après‑ski scene, with a wide array of restaurants, bars, and cafés that cater to all tastes. For travellers who wish to stay close to the action, the resort’s official website (linked in the article) lists more than 150 accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to self‑contained apartments. Accessibility is also highlighted: a dedicated shuttle service connects Val Thorens with the nearest train stations in Bourg‑Saint‑Maurice and Moutiers, while the closest airport—Grenoble—offers direct flights from Paris and other major hubs.

Sustainability Efforts

An increasingly important part of the article is Val Thorens’ environmental credentials. The resort has implemented a comprehensive waste‑recycling program and is partnered with the “Skiing for a Better Future” foundation to offset its carbon emissions. In the words of the resort’s general manager, “our commitment to sustainability is not a trend—it’s a necessity, and it’s part of why we keep pushing forward.” Travel + Leisure cites the resort’s green initiatives as a key criterion in their ranking.

Expert Commentary

The feature includes quotes from several key voices. Travel + Leisure’s senior editor, who spearheaded the 2023 ski‑resort panel, praised Val Thorens for “its unparalleled vertical drop, the breadth of its ski routes, and the cosmopolitan vibe that draws skiers from every corner of the globe.” Meanwhile, the resort’s general manager reiterated that the award validates the “relentless dedication of our staff and the constant investment in infrastructure.” Readers’ feedback—collected via the magazine’s online polls—also reflected a 92 % satisfaction rate among those who had visited Val Thorens in the past two seasons.

Comparison with Other European Destinations

The article includes a concise comparison chart (linked to the magazine’s “World’s Best 25” page) that pits Val Thorens against other top resorts. While Courchevel boasts a slightly larger lift network, Val Thorens surpasses it in vertical drop (1,200 m) and the length of its longest run. Chamonix offers more challenging terrain for advanced skiers, but Val Thorens’ mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced runs makes it a one‑stop destination for families and groups with diverse skill levels. The comparison also notes that Val Thorens’ high‑altitude location ensures a more reliable snow cover than many of its competitors.

Practical Information for Travelers

The article links to the official Val Thorens visitor guide, which provides up‑to‑date information on lift tickets, ski schools, and seasonal events. For those interested in planning a trip, Travel + Leisure offers a downloadable “Ski‑Resort Checklist” that includes recommended gear, travel tips, and a packing list tailored to alpine conditions. Additionally, the piece highlights the resort’s new “Kids’ Zone,” a dedicated area for children with ski lessons and supervised play, making Val Thorens a family‑friendly choice.

What the Award Means

Travel + Leisure predicts that the award will translate into a 10–15 % increase in visitor numbers for the 2024‑25 season. The article notes that, based on past trends, each year that a resort tops the magazine’s list correlates with a measurable boost in bookings, especially among international tourists who rely on Travel + Leisure’s rankings when selecting winter destinations. For Val Thorens, the recognition reaffirms its status as a leader in alpine skiing and encourages continued investment in both infrastructure and sustainability.

In Summary

Travel + Leisure’s feature paints a comprehensive picture of why Val Thorens has earned its crown as the world’s best ski resort. From its record‑high altitude and expansive, modern lift network to its diverse terrain, vibrant après‑ski culture, and strong commitment to environmental stewardship, the resort delivers on every front that matters to today’s skiers and snowboarders. The article’s references to the resort’s official website, the Three Valleys portal, and the magazine’s “World’s Best 25” list provide readers with avenues for deeper exploration, ensuring that anyone looking to plan a trip—or simply curious about the industry—has the information they need. As Winter 2024–25 approaches, Val Thorens stands ready to welcome a new wave of visitors, fortified by the confidence that comes from being recognised as the pinnacle of alpine recreation.