Asian resorts deliver at World Ski Awards in Kitzbuhel

Niseko leads the charge with another clean sweep.

Saturday’s World Ski Awards ceremony in Kitzbuhel, Austria has reconfirmed Niseko’s status as Japan’s best ski resort and one of the finest in the world. Niseko recorded a clean sweep in the Japan category, claiming wins for Japan’s Best Ski Resort (Niseko United), Japan’s Best Ski Chalet (Sekka Kan), Japan’s Best Ski Hotel (Hilton Niseko Village) and Japan’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel (The Vale).

More admirably, it scored an all-important win in the World category, with The Vale beating a strong field of international contenders to take out World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel. Also holding their heads high were Ki Niseko (World’s Best New Ski Hotel) and Nozomi Views (World’s Best New Ski Chalet) – both making it through to the final 6 in their respective categories.

Niseko Village Resort Operations Director Eiichi Tanaka receives the Award for Japan’s Best Ski Resort on behalf of Niseko United. Image: World Ski Awards.

Niseko United and Hilton Niseko Village have now won their class every year since the Awards’ inception in 2013. The remaining winners in the Japan category also managed wins for the second year running.

Niseko’s dominance is a sign that the resort’s international reputation remains stronger than ever, still well ahead of other major contenders like Rusutsu, Myoko Kogen, Nozawa Onsen and Hakuba’s Happo One.

The competition for accolades in the Korea category was more balanced, despite there being only two awards up for grabs. South Korea’s Best Ski Resort went to YongPyong – host of the slalom and giant slalom ski events for the 2018 Winter Olympics, while the top honour for the country’s best ski hotel went to InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort.

YongPyong’s accepts with the award for South Korea’s Best Ski Resort

World Ski Awards Winner (Asia)

For a full list of event nominees and awards recipients, visit the official website of the World Ski Awards.

Japan

Japan’s Best Ski Resort: Niseko United
Japan’s Best Ski Hotel: Hilton Niseko Village
Japan’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel: The Vale
Japan’s Best Ski Chalet: Sekka Kan

South Korea

South Korea’s Best Ski Resort: YongPyong
South Korea’s Best Ski Hotel: InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort