World Ski Awards 2017 Yearbook

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE IN SKI TOURISM 5 TH A N N U A L

2017 YEARBOOK

Kitzbühel

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THE BIG JOHN

THE LEGEND

JOHANN SCHEIBLHOFER

ERICH SCHEIBLHOFER

we are the wine With the most hours of sunshine and the highest temperature peaks Andau is known as hottest spot of Austria.

Given this in combination with the mineral gravel soils, ideal conditions for ripe and full-bodied wines are given.

Already Johann Scheiblhofer, founder of the winery, was well-known for his high-quality wines. His son, Erich Scheiblhofer, attracts a lot of attention with his distinctive stylistic wines these days. After his training as Viticulture Master, certified Winemanager and international oenologist, Erich Scheiblhofer gained practical experience in California and Australia. He created a new wine line with the goal of full-bodied and opulent red wines with great potential. The first vintage of these wines was 2000.

Even before that, father and son created their most famous cuvée “Big John”, which means a homage to his father for Erich. It is the type of wine Johann likes the most, dark colored, full-bodied, perfect drinking joy and great potential.

Thanks to its well-established teams in the spacious tasting rooms, which invite you 7 days a week to free tastings, Erich can devote to the cellar, which demands a lot of attention with its 3000 oak barrels.

With around 70 hectares own area in the best locations in Andau the winery is one of the bigger ones in Burgenland.

A positive attitude in combination with making wine with pleasure create a unique atmosphere at the winery. This is what makes it worth a visit.

WEINGUT SCHEIBLHOFER Halbturnerstraße 1a | AT-7163 Andau | TEL +43 (0)2176 2610 | E-MAIL office@ scheiblhofer.at

A WARM WELCOME TO SKI TOURISM’S EVENT OF THE YEAR AND THE 2017 WORLD SKI AWARDS YEARBOOK. The last five years have been a thrilling journey for myself and our international organisation. As we celebrate the 5th annual event here in the legendary Alpine resort of Kitzbühel, the World Ski Awards is now globally recognised as both ski tourism’s event of the year, and the most valuable and prestigious programme in the industry.

Back in 2013, our first event was staged in response to a demand from the ski industry for a programme that was fair and transparent; a programme with a mission to serve as the definitive benchmark of excellence, and to help to foster a new era of development and growth within ski tourism.

Over the course of the last five years we have been inundated with humbling reports from many of our winners detailing how their World Ski Awards triumph has directly contributed to greater consumer confidence, has raised ski arrival numbers, increased hotel and chalet occupancy and bolstered revenues.

Our 5th annual event has seen the World Ski Awards positioning as the only global awards programme to celebrate the pinnacle of the winter sports hospitality industry, and the most valuable and prestigious accolades in the industry, firmly cemented.

New for the 2017 programme will be a World Ski Award for the Best Green Ski Hotel. We are all aware that ski tourism will always have a large environmental impact, but more and more sustainability, ways of cutting carbon emissions and waste production are becoming a central philosophy as a means to safeguard the natural environment.

This year’s finalists are all shining examples of this essential new outlook.

After welcoming China to the fold in 2016, we now welcome Romania to the 2017 World Ski Awards programme as one of the world’s best ski destinations.

The annual award for Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism is the highest and most prestigious Ski Oscar and is presented to individuals who have made a monumental contribution to ski tourism – a positive, defining impact, over the course of a lifetime.

In the past, this honour has been bestowed upon the Canadian ski resort legend Charlie Locke; the CEO of the Bergbahn Kitzbühel Dr. Josef Burger; Switzerland’s inspirational Reto Gurtner; Japan’s mountain god Akio Shinya; the great Stein Eriksen and last year France’s ski tourism visionary Pierre Josserand.

This year, we will be welcoming another remarkable ski tourism legend to the World Ski Awards Academy and we have no doubt that all the 2017 winners will in turn serve to drive up standards within the ski industry by acting as examples of excellence and together raising the collective benchmark.

only time that the world comes together, and together we can ensure that the industry grows, develops and prospers.

Of course none of this would be possible without the generous support of our partners and supporters. In particular, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our fabulous Host Hotel – A-ROSA Kitzbühel, and to our Premier Partners – LEITNER Ropeways, PRINOTH, DEMACLENKO, Kitzbühel Tourismus, Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel, Tirol, BMW UNTERBERGER and Casino Kitzbühel.

Also to the very generous support of our Supporting Partners – Sportalm, Scheiblhofer and Rass & Dorner.

I hope that the World Ski Awards continues its journey as a power of good to this fabulous industry of ours: a ski tourism industry which gives employment, prosperity and enjoyment to so many people in all corners of the world.

Enjoy ski tourism’s event of the year!

Sion Rapson Managing Director, World Ski Awards

This year’s World Ski Awards Gala Ceremony will undoubtedly be the ski tourism event of the year. The seniority of attendance – reflecting many of the industry’s leading global figureheads, decision makers and key innovators – is without precedence. Please be sure to make the most of your time in Kitzbühel and engage with your peers to exchange knowledge, ideas and best practice principles. The World Ski Awards is the

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KitzbĂźhel

WELCOME TO THE A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL Kitzbühel offers ideal conditions for passionate skiers and anyone who wants to become one. Our favourable north-west orientation means that snow is guaranteed all the way down into the valley from December right through to April. The skiing area around the Kitzbüheler Horn, Bichlalm and Hahnenkamm boasts over 150 kilometres of groomed slopes, 18 kilometres of ski routes in varying degrees of difficulty and 120 kilometres of cross-country ski runs, along with an action-packed snowboard fun park. If whizzing through deep powder snow gets your adrenalin flowing, this is the place to be. It’s even possible to ski at night under floodlights on the Gaisberg mountain.

Our A-ROSA Kitzbühel is the perfect base for your unforgettable skiing holiday in the Tyrolean Alps. Opened in 2005, the resort achieved numerous highprofile awards, such as “Austria‘s Best Ski Hotel“ at the World Ski Awards 2013, 2014 and 2015. Those who aim for tiptop fitness should also aim for the right nutrition. Good health is more than just stamina and muscle development; training also takes place at the dinner table every day. All exercise is only as good as the nutrition that accompanies it.

But enjoyment is still the primary focus at A-ROSA – you are on holiday, after all.

We wish you a wonderful stay at our beautiful resort.

Uwe Schramm // General Manager

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Foto: Michael Werlberger © Kitzbühel-Schriftzug-Design: Alfons Walde 1933/VKB Wien

Kitzbühel, 365 days of Alpine lifestyle Regardless of the season, the most legendary city of sports in the Alps is a magnet for visitors with its beauty and diversity.

Don’t dream it, book it. booking.kitzbuehel.com

Austria's Austria's Best Resort Best Ski Ski Resort 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016

DEAR SKI COMMUNITY A very warm welcome again to all the skiing world, to the 2017 World Ski Awards, the 5th time here in Kitzbühel.

Or should I rather wish a cool welcome in the wonderful cool world of snow to all the cool people involved. Though indeed it is most warming to my skier’s heart to again have the elite of the skiing business in our home town. You will have the same feeling when you look at this year’s finalists. Thanks to the World Ski Awards, we get to know about innovation, creative design and ideas for comfort with the candidates for best new hotel; we learn that excellence does not have to exclude taking care of the environment, with the candidates for best green hotel; we gain awareness that the sport has a lot of potential through the finalists for best freestyle resort; we get inspiration and motivation through all the excellent candidates. It is again to thanks to Sion Rapson for having launched this event, which rightfully deserves the title of the Oscars of global ski tourism.

Kitzbühel Tourismus is very happy to host this cool event with all these excellent people coming to Kitzbühel.

We again will strive to provide the perfect setting for this event and hope to give everybody the feeling of being at home here with the World Ski Awards.

I do wish a rewarding three days for all participants, an exciting Gala ceremony at the great A-ROSA Kitzbühel and much snow for the coming skiing season.

Yours, Signe Reisch President Kitzbühel Tourism

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Feel Kitzbühel. Experience Kitzbühel.

Nestled between the Kitzbüheler Horn and Hahnenkamm mountains, the region Kitzbühel features almost unlimited options for a fun and active stay. Kitzbühel is a synonym for passion, one that gives rise to an unmistakable way of life, as these mountains inspire adventures that beg to be experienced!

The legend in the Alps. The most legendary city of sports in the Alps is an attractive and multi-faceted destination for all seasons. In summer and winter alike, Kitzbühel boasts a unique charm and an unmistakable blend of tradition, legend and idyllic landscape.

Kitzbühel has more to offer. There are a range of other activities, such as tobogganing, winter hiking and snowshoe hiking, romantic horse-drawn sleigh rides and simply strolling through the picturesque town centre, which offer a welcome alternative for those who haven’t come to the “Gamsstadt” of Kitzbühel simply for the skiing. The “Gamsstadt” is an enchanting place, featuring a medieval city centre that is both cosmopolitan and conscious of tradition. You can enjoy typical Tirolean hospitality in the alleys of the old town, which dates back over 700 years. The culinary offerings range from rustic local fare to international haute cuisine.

120 years of successful skiing history. It was Franz Reisch who left the first tracks in the snow on the Kitzbüheler Horn in 1893, triggering a full-on skiing boom. Today, Kitzbühel stands for pure skiing pleasure, with powder runs, mogul slopes, steep northern faces and delightful sunny slopes. The 68 slopes featuring 179 kilometres of pistes offer something for skiers of all abilities. There are also 13 marked ski routes with a total length of 36 kilometres and enthralling options for freeriders.

A name. A concept. A legend. Streif! The most spectacular downhill run in the world can be used for hiking in summer and for skiing in winter. However, anyone wanting to follow in the footsteps of the world’s best skiers should be a very experienced skier themselves.

The main sections of the Streif racing piste, such as the Mausefalle and Hausbergkante, are classified as “extremely difficult ski runs”.

Foto: Michael Werlberger, Markus Mitterer © Kitzbühel-Schriftzug-Design: Alfons Walde 1933/VKB Wien

Hence, Kitzbühel is famed far beyond the provincial borders as a winter destination boasting tradition and extraordinary charm. Around Christmas time, the region takes on the character of a winter fairy tale.

December is a particularly atmospheric time of year thanks to the Kitzbühel Advent,

The lovingly arranged Christmas Market fits perfectly with the picturesque winter backdrop of the town centre. The scent of hot roasted chestnuts and fruit punch fills the air.

Festive music and the heartening sound of children’s laughter can be heard all around. It is a time when everyday stress fades away, to be replaced by a sense of harmony and calm.

The Kitzbühel Advent runs from 30th November to 26th December, providing a tranquil setting for the most magical time of the year. There is a huge variety of options available at over 30 stands, ranging from regional culinary delicacies to genuine handcrafts.

Kitzbühel is unique. It is not just the view of the imposing mountain backdrop that defines the way of life in Kitzbühel. Instead, this is formed by an unmistakable combination of a unique ambience, typical Tirolean hospitality and the wide range of delights on offer.

The calendar of events boasts top-quality attractions including traditional sporting events, classical music, catchy music festivals and film festivals. The winter events range from the magical Kitzbühel Advent to the Snow Polo World Cup and the legendary Hahnenkamm Races.

where young and old alike are filled with a sense of wonder throughout the festive season!

Everything you need to know about Kitzbühel and the surrounding area is available at www.kitzbuehel.com

Christmas like it used to be. With Christmas decorations draped across the historic town centre and a dusting of winter snow, Kitzbühel brings back happy childhood memories. As a sense of calm descends on the historic town centre in the run up to Christmas, nostalgia and tradition are writ large. That’s just the way it should be – a tranquil experience for both guests and locals!

Our team at Kitzbühel Tourismus will be pleased to assist you for your individual vacation planning via: servus@kitzbuehel.com or +43 (0)5356 66 660.

Don’t dream it, book it. booking.kitzbuehel.com

VAL THORENS LEADS WINNERS AT 2016 WORLD SKI AWARDS A-ROSA Kitzbühel General Manager Uwe Schramm joins the celebrations

Legendary French ski destination Val Thorens was recognised as the World’s Best Ski Resort when the industry gathered in Kitzbühel for the 4th annual World Ski Awards last year.

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Chalet Pont du Cam take the prize for World’s Best New Ski Chalet 2016 at the World Ski Awards

The fourth instalment of the red-carpet event took place at the five-star A-ROSA Kitzbühel, welcoming the elite of the ski hospitality industry to Austria. Also among the winners were W Verbier, walking away with the title of World’s Best Ski Hotel, and LAAX, recognised by voters as the World’s Best Freestyle Resort.

Chalet Pont Du Cam was also honoured during the glittering ceremony, taking the title of World’s Best New Ski Chalet, while The Westin Rusutsu Resort took the trophy for World’s Best New Ski Hotel. Bergbahn AG Kitzbuhel was recognised as the World’s Best Ski Resort Company, and Ski-Lifts was awarded the title of World’s Best Ski Transfer Operator.

Clayton Kernaghan, owner of Hokkaido Backcountry Club, takes the title of World’s Best Heli-Ski Operator 2016

Guests were welcomed to a full weekend itinerary in Kitzbühel

In a first for World Ski Awards, Hokkaido Backcountry Club took the title of World’s Best Heli-Ski Operator.

An extensive programme of events took place over the weekend, seeing guests invited to engage in three days of exclusive networking events, private skiing, sight-seeing tours and a host of other activities.

World Ski Awards Managing Director, Sion Rapson, said: “The 2016 World Ski Awards has been our most successful to date, firmly cementing our position as the global benchmark for ski hospitality. It has been a pleasure to recognise so many industry leaders to Kitz and I hope their recognition, both by their peers and members of public ski community, will inspire them to aim ever higher in the pursuit of excellence.”

In a unique presentation, the World Ski Awards Academy honoured Pierre Josserand, pioneer of the Val Thorens ski resort in France, with the title of Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism.

Hosts Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel celebrate the title of World's Best Ski Resort Company 2016 at the World Ski Awards 2017 WORLD SKI AWARDS

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World Ski Awards presents the trophy for World's Best Ski Transfer Operator to Richard Smith, Managing Director, Ski-Lifts

Sion Rapson, World Ski Awards Managing Director, welcomes guests to the event

Industry leaders from around the globe attend the World Ski Awards

Pierre Josserand is recognised for his Outstanding Contribution to Ski Tourism

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The team from Val Thorens celebrates at the World Ski Awards

LAAX chairman Reto Gurtner walks away with the award for World's Best Freestyle Resort 2016

Voting for the 2016 Gala Ceremony saw a record number of ballots cast by leading ski tourism professionals.

These were tallied alongside the votes of hundreds of thousands of ski consumers from around the world, with the winners revealed at A-ROSA Kitzbühel.

The event saw industry leaders from around the world gather in Austria, including delegates from the Chinese ski community attending for the first time.

On a night of high drama, Switzerlandbased tour operator Leo Trippi successfully defended the title of World’s Best Ski Travel Agent, while Bighorn claimed the title of World’s Best Ski Chalet, and The Vale Niseko was honoured with the prize for World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel.

Nicolas Pascal, sales director, and Pierre-Henri Bovsovers, general manager, at W Verbier pick up the trophy for World’s Best Ski Hotel

During the event Ski Dubai was also honoured with the title of World’s Best Indoor Ski Resort, while Sunweb walked away with the trophy for the World’s Best Ski Tour Operator.

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KitzbĂźhel

A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL

SKIING, HIKING, GOLF, OR WELLNESS – AT A-ROSA KITZBÜHEL EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE Kitzbühel is a meeting place for the athletes and connoisseurs of the world, those who particularly appreciate the sublime nature and international flair of the “Gamsstadt” paired with an authentic Tyrolean way of life.

One of the best addresses in town is the A-ROSA Kitzbühel, where even the little ones have their own events programme at ROSINIS, the A-ROSA kids’ club.

Built in the style of a Tyrolean castle, the five-star resort overlooks one of Austria’s most beautiful nine-hole golf courses. With its turrets and bay windows made of natural stone, the shingle roof, and wooden shutters, the complex blends harmoniously into the landscape. Inside, the 115 rooms and 36 suites welcome weary travellers with modern comfort

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and splendid views. The vista sweeps towards the Wilder Kaiser and on to the famous Streif ski run.

Kitzbühel is famous for its prominent international guests as well as the many cultural and sports events which take place all year round. During winter – when everything is cloaked in glittering white snow – hardly any other place radiates as much charm as this sophisticated Alpine village and its surroundings. Countless kilometres of downhill runs and dozens of crosscountry skiing trails are just waiting to be discovered. And should this all sound overly strenuous, you can always just watch the professionals in action.

These include the World Cup skiers in their daredevil descent on the Streif downhill course during the annual Hahnenkammrennen Alpine ski race.

The activity programme during the warmer months is just as gripping.

From May onwards, the magnificent greens invite guests to play golf at the foot of the majestic mountains.

Directly at the resort, guests can play golf at the Golfclub Kitzbühel, which has been recognised as one of Austria’s most beautiful nine-hole golf courses by Golf Guide several times.

Furthermore, superb lakes, well-kept tennis courts, and a wide network of trails are highlights for hikers, bikers, and horseback riders alike.

S PA- R O S A SPA-ROSA, the wellness area at the A-ROSA Kitzbühel, is a haven of relaxation. It is very generous in size, with 3,000 sqm of space, and includes seven saunas, a Hamam steam bath with Rasul, an ice grotto, an extensive and fully-equipped gym, a yoga room, and sixteen treatment rooms, as well as an indoor and an outdoor pool (heated all year).

The SPA-ROSA offers treatments from different countries and cultures, including Asian and Hawaiian massages, facial and body beauty treatments with Caribbean oils, and

Japanese silk extracts. In Austria‘s first SENSAI Lounge guests enjoy beauty treatments which were traditionally reserved for the Japanese royal family.

The heart of the resort is the Market Place featuring an attractive bar and a grand piano, as well as a large open fireplace. It is the ideal place for a cosy coffee break with fine pastries or a relaxing cocktail hour at the end of the day. The bar spreads out onto a large terrace which overlooks the Wilder Kaiser to one side and the Hahnenkamm with the famous Streif slope to the other.

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N A-ROSA Kitzbühel sits nestled among the Alps and looks out on the Hahnenkamm and the Streif, two legendary icons of the renowned winter sports town. Throughout the year Kitzbühel’s sophisticated flair entices sports enthusiasts as well as those seeking rest and relaxation.

Please visit www.a-rosa-resorts.de for further information on visiting this one of a kind location.

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Celebrating Excellence in Ski Tourism

WORLD SKI ™ AWARDS WINNER WALL PLAQUE Receiving a World Ski Award™ is a world-class achievement that provides you, the Winner, with the ideal marketing tool to promote your winning products and services ahead of your competitors.

The World Ski Awards™ Winner Wall Plaque is perfect for display outside premises, in hotel lobbies, receptions, sales counters in fact anywhere you want the public to see that you have been voted the best of the best within World Ski Awards, the most comprehensive and recognised Ski awards programme in the world.

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Black raised

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Brass recessed

Keyhole mounting brackets are pre-installed and suitable screws are supplied that are appropriate for most installations.

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The wall plaque is produced from a base of 30 pound High Density Urethane (HDU) which is then coated with a cold applied, real metal coating. This patented LuminOre® Metalizing Process is up to seventy-five percent real metal and is in use worldwide as an architectural and industrial coating. LuminOre® is well established, reliable and extremely durable.

After application, it has all the properties of cast or sheet metal but without the limitations.

£498.00 Includes free delivery

DIMENSIONS 10 x 10.5 inches 25.4 x 26.7 centimetres

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SHIPPING The Winner Wall Plaque is made to order. Delivery can be expected approximately six weeks from receipt of payment.

ORDER NOW Contact your World Ski Awards™ contact or contact us by: Email: awards@worldskiawards.com Phone: +44 (0) 20 7925 0000

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Enjoy up to 200 days of skiing each season!

Skiing pleasure from 14. 10. 2017 to 01. 05. 2018

kitzski.at

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WORLD SKI AWARDS SPOTLIGHT ON:

EUROPE With the new SkiArena Andermatt-Sedrun nearing completion and LAAX showcasing its rocksresort, we here take a tour of the biggest developments in European ski hospitality.

Plans to connect the two Swiss ski resorts of Andermatt and Sedrun are nearing completion ahead of the 2017/18 season. With three new lifts completed, the two ski areas will be connected by lifts and runs in one direction this winter. The full inter-connection in both directions is expected to be finished in time for next winter, with another four lifts due to be added in the summer.

The new joined resort will have around 120 kilometres of ski runs, while it will offer a total skiable area of around 120 square kilometres. Work

on upgrading and connecting the two areas began in 2015 and in total 14 lifts are involved, several of which have already opened. Work will include seven new lifts, six lift refurbishments, and one lift modification. At the same time, snow-making facilities, slopes and restaurants are also being built and improved. Most of the new lifts are fast, comfortable, high-capacity chairlifts, including two six-seater chairs installed last season. One of the new lifts was even designed by Porsche.

In total, the work is expected to have

a price tag of CHF130 million.

The scale of the project is unlike anything seen in Europe in recent years, and is comparable to the ski area construction projects during the build up to the Sochi Olympics in Russia in 2014.

The driving force behind the development is Samih Sawiris. The Egyptian billionaire has bankrolled the region to the tune of roughly ÂŁ2 billion in recent years, focusing on developing ski accommodation. This has included the construction of some 500 apartments,

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six four- and five five-star hotels and a further 25 custom premium chalets.

Guests and residents will be able to use the new state-of-the-art ski area as well as the leisure facilities of the hotels.

Seven of the apartment complexes have already been completed, along with the five-star Chedi hotel. A four-star Radisson Blu Hotel is due to be completed next, along with the accompanying Gotthard residences.

ROCKSRESORT Also creating a stir on the European ski scene this year is rocksresort at LAAX. Created by Design Hotels and located in the canton of Grisons, alpine life is being reinterpreted and celebrated with a passion. The rocksresort apartments feature luxurious furnishings and highquality dĂŠcor for discerning tastes.

The complex is just 90 minutes from either Zurich or Friedrichshafen airports, and offers a 70-bedroom boutique hotel, 160 apartments, six restaurants and 14 shops. All apartments get the services of the hotel

including housekeeping, catering, concierge service and ski hire.

The designers have kept to a strict environmentally-friendly approach throughout the project, sourcing only local and natural materials, and incorporating a climate-neutral heating system.

For this reason, rocksresort is nominated for the title of World’s Best Green Ski Hotel at the World Ski Awards.

The clear outer forms of the rocksresort are also reflected in the rockssuites. Only natural materials have been used for the furnishing, complementing the precise architectural lines. The bedrooms are lined with untreated, massive oak wood, the walls and floors in the living room are designed with slaked lime and concrete.

The winter season is characterised by activity, fresh air and good times with the family. In the rocksresort, guests practically fall from the room door to the LAAX lift station. rocksresort images courtesy: LAAX/Gaudenz Danuser

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Where the “Streif” myth W W W. R A S M U S H O F. AT

Foto rol.art images

truly comes alive Austria's Austria’s BestSki Ski Boutique Best Boutique Hotel Hotel

PRINOTH AG . I-39049 Sterzing . Tel. +39 0472 722622

The LEITWOLF. A Step Ahead.

Powerful despite lower emissions. The LEITWOLF delivers perfect pistes – while simultaneously reducing environmental impact. The undefeated number one equipped with the most innovative engine technology for sustainable, efficient and technically perfect slope preparation. www.prinoth.com

EUROPE ANDORRA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Grau Roig Hotel Palomé Hotel The Xalet Bringué Hotel & Spa ANDORRA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Chalet Motxo Els Llacs Neilson Chalet Hotel Casale ANDORRA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Holiday Inn Andorra Hotel Hotel Himalaia Soldeu Hotel Nordic Hotel Plaza Hotel Princesa Parc Hotel Ski Plaza Sport Hotel Hermitage & Spa The Bringué Hotel ANDORRA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Grandvalira Vallnord

AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Aurelio Lech Elizabeth Art Hotel Hotel Madlein Hotel Rasmushof Kitzbühel Hotel Tannenhof Kristiania Lech St Antoner Hof Thurnher's Alpenhof AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Aurelio Club Chalet Chalet 1597 Chalet Illimani, St Anton Chalet Laurus

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Chalet Maria Schnee, St Anton Chalet-N, Lech Eden Rock Hahnenkamm Lodge House Hannes Schneider, Stuben Maierl-Alm The Chalet, at 11° East Überhaus Villa Schönbichl AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 A-ROSA Kitzbühel Arlberg Hospiz Hotel Best Western Premier Kaiserhof Kitzbühel Bio-Hotel Stanglwirt Hotel Almhof Schneider Hotel Arlberg Hotel Cervosa Hotel Salzburgerhof Kempinski Hotel Das Tirol SPA-HOTEL Jagdhof Top Hotel Hochgurgl AUSTRIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 arlberg1800 RESORT Ischgl Kitzbühel Lech Zürs am Arlberg Mayrhofen-Hippach Obergurgl-Hochgurgl Saalbach-Hinterglemm SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser Brixental

BULGARIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Chalet Jora Chalet Mila Villa Gella Villa Stresov BULGARIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Festa Winter Palace Hotel Orlovetz Hotel Rila Borovets Kempinski Hotel Grand Arena Bansko Lucky Bankso Premier Luxury Mountain Resort Regnum Bansko Apart Hotel & Spa Yastrebets Hotel Wellness & Spa BULGARIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Bansko Borovets Pamporovo Vitosha

St. Anton am Arlberg

CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Grund Resort Golf & Ski Hotel Bedriska Hotel Praha Hotel Savoy Hotel Sněžka

BULGARIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Alpin Hotel Boutique Hotel Iva & Elena Club Hotel Yanakiev Ice Angels Hotel

CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Clarion Hotel Spindleruv Mlyn Harmony Club Hotel Hotel Horizont Orea Resort Horal

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CZECH REPUBLIC'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Pec pod Sněžkou Ski Areál Herlíkovice – Bubákov Ski Areál Ještěd Ski Areál Kopřivná Ski Areál Kouty Skiareál Lipno Skiareál Špindlerův Mlýn Spartak Rokytnice Špičák - Železná Ruda Sportovní Areál Harrachov

FINLAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Chalet Ruka Peak Hotel Iso-Syöte Hotel Ylläshumina RukaVillage Ski-Inn Hotel & Apartments Seita Holiday Resort FINLAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Fjell Top Cottages Rukan Salonki FINLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Break Sokos Hotel Levi Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki Holiday Club Ylläs Saaga Hotel Cumulus Resort Rukahovi Hotel Pikku-Syöte Hotelli Hullu Poro Ruka Ski Chalets ApartmentHotel FINLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Iso-Syöte Levi Pyhä Ruka Salla Yllas

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SKI FINALISTS 2017

FRANCE'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Aman Le Mélézin Cheval Blanc Grandes Alpes Private Hotel & Spa Hotel des Dromonts Hotel Le K2 Hotel Manali Hotel Pashmina Le Chalet Zannier Le Kaila Le Taos Portetta Hotel Villa Rose FRANCE'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Chalet Atlantique Chalet Dalmore Chalet du Crat, Val d'Isere Chalet Edelweiss, Courchevel 1850 Chalet Grande Corniche, Les Gets Chalet Jejalp, Morzine Chalet La Bergerie Chalet La Colombe Chalet Le Petit Chateau, Courchevel Chalet Le Rocher, Val d’Isere Chalet Les Brames, Meribel Chalet Lhotse, Val d’Isere Chalet Marco Polo, Val d’Isere Chalet Mont Tremblant, Meribel Chalet Montana, Val d’Isere Chalet Quezac Chalet Rêves de Montagne Chalet Valentine Le Chardon Mountain Lodges Lodge SHL Rock n’ Love Shemshak Lodge, Courchevel The Ecurie

FRANCE'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Altapura Club Med Val Thorens Sensations Hotel Christiana Hotel Les Airelles Hotel Terminal Neige Totem Le Blizzard Le Lana Le Palace des Neiges Les Barmes de L'Ours L’Apogée Courchevel FRANCE'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Chamonix Mont-Blanc Courchevel La Plagne Les 2 Alpes Les Arcs Megeve Méribel Serre Chevalier Tignes Val d'Isere Val Thorens Valloire

GERMANY'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Atlas Posthotel Hotel Sonne Füssen Hotel Staudacherhof Hotel Zugspitze GERMANY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Chalet Haus Hamburg Country Home Pitzner Country House Staudacherhof Moarhof anno 1665 Moarhof anno 1665

GERMANY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Alpenhof Murnau Hotel Das Kranzbach Dorint Sporthotel GarmischPartenkirchen Hotel Exquisit Kempinski Hotel Berchtesgaden Reindl´s Partenkirchner Hof Schloss Elmau GERMANY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Berchtesgaden Garmisch-Partenkirchen Oberstdorf Spitzingsee-Tegernsee Willingen-Upland

ITALY'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Adler Mountain Lodge Hotel Adler Dolomiti Hotel Chalet del Sogno Hotel Col Alto Hotel Hermitage Spa & Beauty Lagació Hotel Mountain Residence Nira Montana Olimpionico Hotel Saint Hubertus Resort Luxury Hotel & Spa San Luis Hotel

ITALY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Alpenpalace Deluxe Hotel & Spa Resort Alpin Royal Cristallo, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Cortina d’Ampezzo Grand Hotel Savoia Hotel Andreus Hotel Sassongher Miramonti Majestic Grand Hotel QC Terme Bagni di Bormio ITALY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Cervinia-Valtournenche Ski Resort Cortina d’Ampezzo Courmayeur Mont Blanc Madonna di Campiglio Seiser Alm Sestriere Val Gardena

ITALY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Chalet Être Chalet la Petitta Chalet lo Miéte San Lorenzo Mountain Lodge

2017 WORLD SKI AWARDS

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THE FUTURE OF SNOW

SNOW High efficiency snowmaking systems: fan guns, low energy lances, pump houses, control software and tailor made turnkey solutions to make a powder snow paradise of every ski area.

www.demaclenko.com

EUROPE NORWAY'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Herangtunet Boutique Hotel Juvet Landscape Hotel Nermo Hotell Skarsnuten Hotel Storfjord Hotel NORWAY'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Havsdalsgrenda Lyngen Lodge Summit to Sea Skjelbreid Poirée NORWAY'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Dr Holms Hotel Fleischer's Hotel Norefjell Ski & Spa Radisson Blu Resort Trysil Thon Hotel Skeikampen Vestlia Resort Geilo NORWAY'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Geilo Hafjell Hemsedal Hovden Norefjell Trysil

POLAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Hotel ART&SPA Zakopane Hotel Crocus Hotel Skalny Hotel Zabala

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POLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Aries Hotel & Spa Grand Hotel Stamary Hotel Bania Thermal & Ski Hotel Belvedere Hotel Czarny Potok Resort & SPA Hotel Grand Nosalowy Dwór Hotel Litwor POLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Białka Tatrzańska – Kotelnica Czarna Góra Czorsztyn-Kluszkowce Dwie Doliny Jaworzyna Krynicka Karpacz – Śnieżka Korbielów – Pilsko Krynica Lysa Gora Szczyrk Szklarska Poręba – Szrenica

ROMANIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Arena Platos Paltinis Azuga Poiana Brașov Predeal Ranka Sinaia Straja Vatra Dornei Vidra Transalpina

RUSSIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Grand Hotel & Spa Rodina Peak Hotel Sport Inn Hotel

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RUSSIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Grand Hotel Polyana Mercure Rosa Khutor Park Inn by Radisson Rosa Khutor Radisson Hotel Rosa Khutor Radisson Lazurnaya Hotel Rixos Krasnaya Polyana Sochi Rosa Ski Inn Hotel Swissotel Resort Sochi Kamelia Tulip Inn Rosa Khutor RUSSIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 All Season Resort Gorky Gorod Mount Cheget Mount Elbrus Rosa Khutor Zavjalikha

SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Hotel FIS Jasná Hotel Liptovský Dvor Hotel Mikulasska Chata Hotel Tri Studničky SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Grand Hotel Kempinski Grand Hotel Praha Grandhotel Starý Smokovec Hotel Patria

SLOVAKIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Jasná Nízke Tatry PARK SNOW Donovaly Ski Bachledova SKI PARK Kubínska hoľa Ski Park Ružomberok – Malinô Brdo Snow Paradise Veľká Rača Oščadnica Štrbské Pleso Tatranská Lomnica Vrátna Free Time Zone Winter Park Martinky

SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Alpska perla Hotel Krvavec Skipass Hotel Šport hotel Pokljuka SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Chalet Planina Ribniška koča Ruška koča Tilnik Farm SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Hotel Arena Hotel Golte Hotel Natura Ramada Resort Kranjska Gora SLOVENIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Cerkno Golte Kranjska Gora Krvavec Mariborsko Pohorje Rogla Vogel

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SKI FINALISTS 2017

SPAIN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 El Lodge Hotel Chalet Val de Ruda Hotel La Morera La Almunia del Valle Meliá Royal Tanau Boutique Hotel SPAIN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 AC Baqueira Ski Resort HG Alto Aragón Hotel & Spa Aragon Hills Hotel Himàlaia Baqueira Hotel La Pleta Hotel Val de Neu Meliá Sol y Nieve Parador de Artíes SPAIN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Aramón Cerler Aramón Formigal Astún Baqueira/Beret Candanchú Masella Ski Resort Sierra Nevada

SWEDEN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Buustamons Fjällgård Fjällnäs Hotel Granen Hotell Fjällgården Åre SWEDEN'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Montana Timberlodge Skutan Ski Lodge The Villa - Copperhill Private Lodge SWEDEN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Copperhill Mountain Lodge Holiday Club Åre Hotel Åregården Tott Hotel SWEDEN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Åre Bjorkliden Branäs Funäsfjällen Hemavan Tärnaby Riksgransen Sälen Vemdalen

SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Backstage Hotel Vernissage Chalet d'Adrien Hotel Firefly Hotel Guarda Golf Hotel Paradies Le Grand Bellevue, Gstaad Matterhorn Focus Rixos Flüela Davos Romantik Hotel Chesa Grischuna The Omnia SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Bella Coola Chalet Aconcagua Chalet Les Anges, Zermatt Chalet Maurine Verbier Chalet Truffe Blanche Chalet Zermatt Peak Chesetta, St Moritz Etoiles de Montagne Haus Alpina Hidden Dragon Mon Izba Sirocco The Lodge, Verbier Tivoli Lodge, Davos

SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Badrutt's Palace Carlton Hotel St Moritz Chalet RoyAlp Hôtel & SPA Grand Hotel Zermatterhof Gstaad Palace InterContinental Davos Kempinski Grand Hotel des Bains Kulm Hotel St Moritz Mont Cervin Palace Nira Alpina Reffelalp Resort The Alpina Gstaad The Cambrian, Adelboden The Chedi Andermatt Tschuggen Grand Hotel W Verbier SWITZERLAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Davos Klosters Engelberg Gstaad LAAX Saas Fee St Moritz Verbier Wengen Zermatt

2017 WORLD SKI AWARDS

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LIVE IT UP

LIVE IT BIG

Set in a natural cirque at an altitude of 2,300 metres, Val Thorens invites you to enjoy the benefits of fresh air, where you can admire breath-taking panoramas, maximum sunshine levels and snow cover from November to May.

With 600 kilometres of non-stop snowsports at the heart of Les 3 Vallées, the largest ski area in the world, discover a new run every day and endless new routes!

6 glaciers, 6 equipped summits above 3,000 metres, views over 1,000 French, Swiss and Italian Alpine summits from Cime Caron (3,200 metres): reach for the heights and recharge your batteries in Europe’s highest ski resort.

Not only is «Val Tho» proud to be a doorstep skiing resort, its fast ski lifts were also designed to save you wasting any time in queues, getting you back up where you really want to be: you’ll spend more time skiing here than anywhere else!

Open from 18th November 2017 to 8th May 2018

LIVE IT ALL

LIVE IT TOGETHER

You’ll find all the different disciplines in this snowsport’s paradise: carving, panoramic skiing, off piste, ski touring, snowpark, boardercross, telemark… as well as a sports and well-being centre for even more enjoyment!

Here, the joy of wide-open spaces will exhilarate both beginners and die-hard skiers.

Discover a melting pot of activities where you can try your hand at unusual experiences such as the longest toboggan run in France, mountain biking on snow and ice driving. There’s room for all styles and tastes in Val Thorens !

Then, after a day on the slopes, get together with your family, friends or other half, in a cosy studio apartment or 5-star luxury hotel, enjoying regional specialities or gastronomic delights…

And in the evening, live concerts ranging from jazz to electro, the biggest nightclub in the Alps and around forty themed bars welcome you to soak up the resort’s international, friendly and relaxed atmosphere.

INFORMATION & BOOKING +33 (0)4 79 00 01 06 | www.valthorens.com

1978 - 2018

selkirk-tangiers.com

Rass & Dorner GmbH · Paß-Thurn-Straße 21 · A-6372 Oberndorf / Kitzbühel Tel. +43 (0) 5356 / 666 89 • info@specialevents.at • www.specialevents.at

FULL-SERVICE CONCEPT AUDIO LIGHTING MULTIMEDIA STAGING

This could be you.

SMALL GROUP HELI-SKIING. 2.64 MILLION EXCLUSIVE ACRES. THE #1 RATED HOTEL IN BRITISH COLUMBIA*.

There isn’t anywhere Coola.

*As ranked by TripAdvisor based on guest reviews

WORLD SKI AWARDS SPOTLIGHT ON:

NORTH AMERICA

Rapid year-round business growth means accelerated improvements at the most complete mountain resort in the Canadian Rockies – Panorama.

Since Panorama Mountain Village acquired the destination from Intrawest, more than $25 million dollars has been invested on the mountain, in the village and at Greywolf Golf Course.

The 55th anniversary season will herald more change than most years before.

Steve Paccagnan, Panorama president, said: “In a time of resort acquisitions and change, Panorama remains fiercely independent and committed to building on its standing as a world-class destination resort. Skiers and riders from around the globe are choosing Panorama because of the high-quality yet more personal mountain experience.”

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Panorama Mountain Resort just added new terrain and got bigger and better.

The new area boasts four huge doubleblack lines and 128 acres of nasty, brutish terrain in Taynton Bowl. It means that Panorama now has 4,265 feet of vertical, placing it among the top three resorts in Canada. The extra terrain also means the longest run is more than 6.5 kilometres. And this is just the beginning, with more terrain to be added over the next few years.

With $700,000 committed to snowmaking technology, the first skiers of the new season will be welcomed on snow earlier than ever. A new automated, remotely controlled mid-mountain pump station will significantly increase Panorama’s snowmaking efficiency allowing the resort to produce more snow, over a greater area, in less time. A second winched snow grooming machine has joined the fleet and will reduce the time required to build race tracks and alpine trails. The snow cat will also lay down more of the award-winning grooming Panorama is known for.

B E AV E R S & S T E E P GULLIES Skiers looking for new terrain to explore might also want to head to Arapahoe Basin this winter. The resort has added 468 new acres of skiable

terrain over the last two years - in the Beavers and Steep Gullies areas.

New for 2017/18 are 371 acres of the most difficult and extreme terrain. While the new acreage will be open for guests to take advantage of, there is some hiking involved to access the Pallavicini chair until the summer of 2018, when a new four-person lift will be added for better coverage. The entire 486

acres, including two groomed intermediate runs and a chairlift, will be open for the 2018/19 season.

Over the summer, the Arapahoe Basin installed a 400-foot surface lift on the access trail to the Montezuma Bowl at the summit. The access trail is slightly uphill and was a bit tough to navigate, especially in the thin air at nearly 13,000 feet. The surface lift will help tow guests to the top of the Montezuma Bowl so they can save their energy for the fantastic skiing on the area’s terrain.

Other added enhancements include a revamped website, a better rental facility, as well as free public Wi-Fi access.

Beavers & Steep Gullies images courtesy: Dave Camara

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AMERICAS ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Aldebaran Hotel & Spa Charming Luxury Lodge & Private Spa Correntoso Lake & River Hotel Design Suites Hotel Bariloche El Casco Art Hotel Las Balsas Rio Hermoso Hotel ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Llao Llao Hotel & Resort Loi Suites Chapelco Hotel Los Cauquenes Resort & Spa Virgo Hotel & Spa ARGENTINA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Batea Mahuida Caviahue Cerro Bayo Cerro Castor Cerro Catedral Chapelco Ski Resort La Hoya Las Leñas

CANADA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Adara Hotel Hotel Quintessence Nita Lake Lodge Pan Pacific Whistler Village Centre Skoki Lodge Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel Sun Peaks Lodge Sunshine Mountain Lodge

SKI FINALISTS 2017

CANADA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Alpine View Chalet Big Sky Chalet Bighorn, Revelstoke Crescendo Kadenwood 2939 Taluswood - The Heights

CHILE'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Gran Hotel Termas de Chillan Hotel Portillo Hotel Valle Nevado The Valle Corralco Hotel & Spa

CANADA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Four Seasons Resort & Residences Whistler Pan Pacific Whistler Mountainside Post Hotel & Spa The Fairmont Banff Springs The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise The Fairmont Chateau Whistler The Rimrock Resort Hotel

CHILE'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Corralco Nevados de Chillán Portillo Valle Nevado

CANADA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Big White Ski Resort Fernie Alpine Resort Red Mountain Resort Revelstoke Mountain Resort Sun Peaks Resort Sunshine Village The Lake Louise Ski Resort Tremblant Whistler Blackcomb Whitewater Ski Resort

CHILE'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Hotel Antumalal Hotel Nevados Hotel Posada Farellones M-I Lodge Mountain Hotel Pirimahuida Hotel

UNITED STATES' BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Amangani Fairmont Heritage Place, Franz Klammer Lodge Goldener Hirsch Inn Hotel Terra Jackson Hole Lake Placid Lodge Rusty Parrot Lodge Washington School House UNITED STATES' BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Game Creek Chalet, Vail Gore Creek Place, Vail Ski Dream Home Telluride Mountain Village Luxury Home Villa Elisa

UNITED STATES' BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Element Basalt - Aspen Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole Four Seasons Resort Vail Montage Deer Valley Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort & Spa Ritz Carlton Bachelor Gulch St Regis Deer Valley Stein Eriksen Lodge Deer Valley The Arrabelle at Vail Square The Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Lake Tahoe The Little Nell The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa Waldorf Astoria Park City UNITED STATES' BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Alta Aspen Snowmass Beaver Creek Big Ski Resort Crested Butte Deer Valley Resort Jackson Hole Mammoth Mountain Methow Valley Ski Area Park City Snowbird Squaw Valley - Alpine Meadows Steamboat Stowe Mountain Resort Sun Valley Telluride Vail

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DEER VALLEY RESORT JOINS GLOBAL SKI PORTFOLIO

The purchase of Deer Valley by a newly-formed company has been completed, seeing the resort take its place in a world-beating portfolio.

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The entity, comprising affiliates of KSL Capital Partners, LLC, and Henry Crown and Company, first announced the acquisition in August.

The significant move reverberated throughout the ski industry and the Park City area, where Deer Valley had been independently owned since its inception.

of the preeminent mountain resorts in the world and is a tremendous addition to our existing portfolio. Prior to this acquisition, we were able to offer our guests exceptional experiences throughout most of North America’s major ski regions, but we did not have a resort in Utah, a state that is renowned for great skiing and mountain town life.”

David Perry, president and chief operating officer of the new joint venture, said: “Deer Valley Resort is one

“Park City and Salt Lake skiers have always known that powder, blue skies, a huge variety of terrain, and exemplary

WWW.WORLDSKIAWARDS.COM

guest service have always set Deer Valley Resort apart. We could not be more pleased that Deer Valley Resort will be part of our new company, and we look forward to working with the staff and Park City community to carry on the traditions that make it so special.”

The newly-formed entity announced that Bob Wheaton will remain at Deer Valley Resort as president and chief operating officer.

“We are thrilled to join this impressive portfolio with 12 other resorts and are excited about the opportunities this transaction will create for our guests, staff, and the community of Park City.

Deer Valley is a special place and being part of its growth has been one of the great joys of my life,” said Wheaton.

“Joining this portfolio of resorts will enable Deer Valley to build upon its outstanding traditions and further enhance our ability to provide our guests with a world-class skiing experience. I look forward to working with them as we develop our vision for the future of the resort and the new company.”

Through this transaction, Deer Valley Resort is now part of an impressive

portfolio of 13 resorts with more than seven million skier visits, 22,000 skier acres, and significant land available for real estate development. The company also includes Canadian Mountain Holidays and comprehensive aviation and real estate businesses. Its mountain resorts are geographically diversified across most of North America’s major ski regions: Squaw Valley|Alpine Meadows, Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, Snow Summit, Bear Mountain and June Mountain in California; Deer Valley Resort in Utah; Steamboat Ski & Resort and Winter Park Resort in Colorado; Blue Mountain Ski Resort in Ontario; Mont Tremblant

Resort in Quebec; Stratton Mountain Resort in Vermont; and Snowshoe Mountain Resort in West Virginia.

Perry concluded: “We are committed to maintaining the first-class experience and level of guest service for which the resort is known, and we look forward to what should be a fantastic 2017-18 ski season across our portfolio.”

M O R E I N F O R M AT I O N Deer Valley Resort revolutionised the ski industry by providing the first-class service one would receive at a five-star hotel.

The resort offers 21 chairlifts, 101 ski runs, six bowls, 14 restaurants, 300 annual inches of powder, three elegant day lodges, 2,026 acres of alpine skiing, hundreds of luxury accommodations and a renowned Ski School and Children’s Centre.

Deer Valley has been recognised as the United States’ Best Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards for the past four years.

Find out more on the official website at www.deervalley.com.

Images courtesy: Deer Valley Resort

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Apine Skiing

WORLD SKI AWARDS SPOTLIGHT ON:

ASIA

There is only one topic on the agenda for ski hospitality in Asia this season, as PyeongChang awaits the start of the Winter Olympics 2018. Here we take a look as preparations reach their climax.

The Olympic flame landed at Incheon International Airport earlier this month before promptly embarking on the Olympic Torch Relay. The journey will take the historic flame around the South Korea before eventually arriving in PyeongChang for the Opening Ceremony of the XXIII Olympic Winter Games on 9th February 2018.

sports and tourism, Do Jong-hwan, and Olympic figure skating gold medallist and national idol, Yuna Kim.

There were hundreds of people waiting to greet the flame as it touched down.

Flickering inside two safety lanterns, it was carried from the plane by the Republic of Korea’s minister of culture,

Addressing the crowd, Lee Hee-beom, the president of the PyeongChang Organising Committee for the 2018 Olympic & Paralympic Winter Games, expressed his delight at the Olympic

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Kim then joined the prime minister of Korea, Lee Nak-yon, in lighting the cauldron to signal the start of the Olympic flame’s journey to PyeongChang 2018.

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flame’s arrival: “The Olympic flame is here and we are just days away from the start of the Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018. Our dream has become a reality, and today is a very important and proud symbol of our work and passion in bringing one of the most exciting winter sporting events ever to our country. I hope that over the next days we really can ‘let everyone shine’. We want the Olympic Torch Relay to connect you to the Games, and ignite passion and excitement in every corner of Korea.”

The ceremony held to mark the flame’s arrival featured both Korean

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Back Country Skiing

Snowboard jump

b-boy break dancing and traditional Korean music, a combination that reflects the mix of culture, tradition and technological innovation that PyeongChang 2018 will celebrate.

Korean singer and PyeongChang 2018 honorary ambassador Insooni brought the ceremony to a close by performing the Olympic Torch Relay song ‘Let Everyone Shine’, which is also the official slogan for the relay.

The Olympic flame then began its marathon journey around the country.

The honour of being the first torchbearer of the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Torch Relay fell to 13-year-old figure skating prodigy, You Young, who ran the first 200 metres on Incheon Bridge before handing over to comedian and television personality, Yoo Jae-suk.

Snowboarding

Describing the experience, You, who was only 11 when she won her maiden national championships in 2015, said: “I feel very proud today to have been chosen as the first torchbearer for the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Torch Relay. It is my dream to represent my country at an Olympic Winter Games and I am working hard to make that dream a reality very soon. I am really excited that I will get to watch some of the world’s best

athletes compete here for the Games, and I know that they will really inspire me and that this will be an experience I will never forget.”

MORE ABOUT THE GAMES The XXIII Olympic Winter Games will be held for 17 days from 9th-25th February 2018, in PyeongChang, Gangwon Province, Korea.

PyeongChang was selected as the host city of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games after receiving a majority vote at the 123rd IOC Session held in July 2011 after three consecutive bids.

The Olympic Winter Games will be held in Korea for the first time in 30 years after the Seoul Olympic Games in 1988. PyeongChang will be the stage for the Opening and Closing Ceremonies and most snow sports.

Alpine speed events will take place in Jeongseon, and all ice sports will be competed in the coastal city of Gangneung.

Find out more on the official website at www.pyeongchang2018.com.

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ASIA AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Astra Lodge, Falls Creek Denman Hotel & Spa Kosciuszko Chalet Hotel Peppers Rundells Alpine Lodge Perisher Valley Hotel QT Falls Creek AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Blowhard Feathertop Château Rockpool Lodge Sequoia Penthouse Thredbo Ski In Ski Out Chalets AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Breathtaker Hotel Pension Grimus Novotel Lake Crackenback Resort & Spa The Man from Snowy River Hotel The Sebel Pinnacle Valley AUSTRALIA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Falls Creek Mt Buller Mt Hotham Perisher Thredbo

SKI FINALISTS 2017

CHINA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Bei Da Hu Ski Resort Beijing Huai Bei International Ski Resort Changbaishan Wanda International Resort Genting Resort Secret Garden Nanshan Ski Village Sun Mountain Yabuli Thaiwoo Ski Resort Vanke Lake Songhua Resort

JAPAN'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Aburaya Tousen Chalet Ivy Hotel La Neige Higashi-kan Ki Niseko Kimamaya Boutique Hotel LOFT Niseko MUSE Niseko Nozawa Grand Hotel Ryokan Sakaya Shiki Niseko The Vale Niseko Zaborin JAPAN'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Aspect Gustav's Hideaway Hakuchozan Kozue Morino Lodge One Happo Phoenix One Sekka Kan

JAPAN'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Akakura Kanko Resort & Spa Hakuba Tokyu Hotel Hilton Niseko Village Karuizawa Prince Hotel Naeba Prince Hotel New Furano Prince Hotel Sheraton Hokkaido Kiroro Resort Shiga Kogen Prince Hotel Sierra resort Hakuba The Green Leaf Niseko Village The Kiroro, Tribute Portfolio Hotel Hokkaido The Westin Rusutsu Resort JAPAN'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Appi Kogen Furano Ski Resort Hakuba Mt. Naeba Myoko Kogen Ski Resort Niseko United Rusutsu Resort Shiga Kogen Yakebitaiyama Ski Resort

NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI BOUTIQUE HOTEL 2017 Arrowtown House Boutique Hotel Blanket Bay Browns Boutique Hotel Eichardt's Private Hotel Matakauri Lodge NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI CHALET 2017 Azur Luxury Lodge Distinction Wanaka Serviced Apartments Porters Alpine Lodge Riverrun Wanaka Villas Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet

NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Chateau Tongariro Hotel Crowne Plaza Queenstown Hilton Queenstown Resort & Spa Millbrook Resort Peppers Bluewater Resort The Hermitage The Rees Hotel NEW ZEALAND'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Cardrona Alpine Resort Coronet Peak Mt Hutt Mt Ruapehu Ohau Snow Fields Porters Roundhill The Remarkables Treble Cone

SOUTH KOREA'S BEST SKI HOTEL 2017 Dragon Valley Hotel High1 Hotel Holiday Inn Hotel & Suites Alpensia Pyeongchang Suites Hotel Tirol InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort Kangwon Land Hotel SOUTH KOREA'S BEST SKI RESORT 2017 Alpensia Bears Town High1 Resort Muju Deukyusan Phoenix Park Vivaldi Park Yongpyong Resort

2017 WORLD SKI AWARDS

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IT’S SURPRISING HOW CLEAR LIFE GETS WITH A LITTLE SNOW IN YOUR EYES. deervalley.com | +1-435-649-1000

It’s time to start making memories. At Deer Valley, we believe that a vacation is far more than a ski trip. It’s an opportunity to create moments – recollections that live on long after the plane touches down at your home airport.

DISCOVER Deer Valley Resort, located just 36 miles from the Salt Lake City International Airport, in the historic mining town of Park City, Utah, is the perfect choice for your next winter ski vacation. Founded more than 35 years ago on the then novel concept of combining the first-class services, luxury accommodations and gourmet food of a fine hotel with skiing, the list of Deer Valley firsts in the ski industry is extensive, and is why the resort consistently receives #1 rankings in service, grooming, and on-mountain food in SKI Magazine, as well as the #1 U.S. Ski Resort by the World Ski Awards five years running.

SAVOR At Deer Valley, the act of dining together is celebrated every day in our restaurants, where gathering for a meal remains one of life’s simplest pleasures. From casual, family-friendly cafés and grills, to elegantly rustic restaurants, a delicious meal is the ideal complement to a perfect ski day.

UNWIND We think of our lodging as sanctuaries: spaces where guests can make themselves comfortable, relax and just unwind. Deer Valley Resort Lodging and Reservations offers the largest selection of accommodations in the Deer Valley Resort area and is thrilled to now represent the award-winning Goldener Hirsch Inn among our stunning collection of properties.

Make your memories with us this winter.

Visit deervalley.com or call +1-435-649-1000 to start planning your next winter getaway.

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WORLD WORLD'S BEST FREESTYLE RESORT 2017 Avoriaz Breckenridge LAAX Lake Louise Ski Resort – Showtime Terrain Park Les 2 Alpes Mammoth Mountain Mayrhofen Snowpark Seiser Alm Whistler Blackcomb WORLD'S BEST GREEN SKI HOTEL 2017 Hotel Saratz Hotel Terra Les Neiges d'Antan Monte Rosa Hut rocksresort The Crystal Lifestyle Hotel The Gradonna Mountain Resort Châlets & Hotel Vigilius Mountain Resort WORLD'S BEST HELISKI OPERATOR 2017 Arctic Heli Skiing (Iceland and Greenland) Bella Coola Heli Sports (Canada) Selkirk Tangiers Heli Skiing (Canada) Stellar Heliskiing (Canada) Whistler Heli-Skiing (Canada)

WORLD'S BEST INDOOR SKI RESORT 2017 Alpincenter Bottrop (Germany) Madrid SnowZone (Spain) Ski Dubai (UAE) Snej.com (Russia) Snow Factor (Scotland) Snowplanet (New Zealand) SnowWorld Landgraaf (Netherlands) WORLD'S BEST NEW SKI CHALET 2017 7 Heavens Alpaca Arctic Townhouse Castle Rim Chalet Bluebird, St Anton Chalet Couttet Chalet Milou Ferme de la Corderie La Datcha Val Thorens WORLD'S BEST NEW SKI HOTEL 2017 Fahrenheit Seven Val Thorens Field Guide Hotel Becket Hotel Talisa Limelight Hotel Ketchum Peaks Place Severin*s The Blake The Kamui Niseko The Taj-I Mah

SKI FINALISTS 2017 WORLD'S BEST SKI RESORT COMPANY 2017 Aspen Snowmass Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel Compagnie des Alpes Prince Hotels, Inc. SkiStar Vail Resorts Weisse Arena Gruppe WORLD'S BEST SKI TOUR OPERATOR 2017 Alpine Adventures Alpine Elements Bramble Ski CANUSA Club Reisen Stumböck Consensio Crystal Ski Dolomite Mountains Inghams Kaluma Travel Langley Mogul Ski World Neilson Premiere Neige Ski Holidays Ski.com Skican SkiJapan.com Skiworld Sunweb The Boutique Chalet Company Travelplan Ski TRAVELSKI

WORLD'S BEST SKI TRANSFER OPERATOR 2017 EdelSwiss Limousine Company Europe Transfer Fly Ski Shuttle Innsbruck Airport Taxi – Gangl Transfers Ski-Lifts SnowDrone Transfers WORLD'S BEST SKI TRAVEL AGENT 2017 Aeroski Reisen Alpine Answers AlpineBooker Camel Snow Firefly Collection House of Travel Ski HTM Niseko Iglu Ski Leo Trippi LUEX Luxury Chalet Book LuxVacation.com Simply Val d’Isère Ski In Luxury/Ultimate Luxury Chalets Ski Line Ski Solutions SkiBoutique SNO The Oxford Ski Company travel&co Whistler Central Reservations

2017 WORLD SKI AWARDS

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photo: Yves Garneau

FANTASTIC SAINT PETERSBURG WELCOMES YOU! Due to dynamic actions of the Government of Saint Petersburg focused on development of tourist industry, objects of city’s tourist infrastructure received a number of awards justifying its high international status and quality of services rendered.

Opinions of tourists happen to be the most important assessment of the work done. We will keep on doing our best to ensure that travelling to Saint Petersburg provides true pleasure to guests in future and contributes to forming a bright and appealing image of the city where one wants to come back to over and over again.

A.Mushkarev, Chairman, St. Petersburg Committee for tourism development

www.v it-pe rsb g.

To stroll around royal park-and-palace ensembles St. Petersburg like an Empress wears a rich necklace — a necklace of royal summer residences located in the suburbs of the city.

Peterhof impresses by its numerous fountains, cascades and park pavilions .

The Catherine palace in Tsarskoe Selo is best known for the Golden Enfilade of state rooms that includes the world-famous Amber Room.

Pavlovsk is a cozy royal palace with unique chinaware, and amazing landscape park.

To touch the Russian Imperial history Saint Petersburg is the city of the white nights, draw bridges, royal palaces, museums and theatres, the cultural capital of Russia. It is the second largest city in Russia and the third one in Europe (after Moscow and London).

At 313, Saint Petersburg is quite young, yet the city has an impressive history. For a long time St. Petersburg remained the capital of the Russian Empire, and it was St. Petersburg that laid the foundation of socialist regime in the country

To get warm in winter The best opera and ballet performances, theatre and music festivals are performed at the season when the rivers and canals stand still, covered with the white armour of ice. Incredible Pancake week is a tasty period — to eat Russian dishes and to feel the spirit of Russia.

To crown it all the museums in winter are not overcrowded and the prices in the hotels decrease. Winter is time for magnificent balls that allow their guests to feel themselves like an Emperor

To discover the city’s specialties Russia in miniature museum, the deepest Metro in the world, the most symmetrical street, the real Egyptian sphinx and much more…

You can plan your visit in Saint Petersburg by yourself surfing the Official city tourist portal of St. Petersburg www.Visit-Petersburg.ru or using the Mobile App. If you find yourself in some difficulties you can always enquire with one of the 10 tourist information offices.

Here you can find a help, recommendation or advise.

A full list of tourist information centers in St. Petersburg can be found here — http://www.visit-petersburg.ru/en/infocenter/

Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016 From 01 to 30 November in Saint Petersburg the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» will be held.

Since its foundation St. Petersburg has become not only the capital city but also a kind of trendsetter in architecture, culture, history, and the art of cooking.

Due to the fact that in the period of construction St. Petersburg the most famous and most talented European artists of the time were invited. With them our city began the tradition of cooking dishes from different European countries.

Chefs from France, Italy and Germany creatively reworked old recipes of Russian cuisine, so many Russian dishes and recipes have found an European tradition.

Later the influence of Petersburg’s cuisine began spreading across the territory of Russia, contributing to the diversity of traditional recipes from various regions of the country.

Nowadays we can confidently talk about the special Petersburg style of Russian cuisine imbued with the spirit of history, traditions, culinary experiments and innovations.

The program of the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» includes themed dinners in restaurants, parties, workshops and master classes, shows in cooking the meals of Petersburg cuisine’s, activities for children and a special children’s menu, as well as exhibitions, competitions and much more.

The full program of the «Saint Petersburg restaurant festival-2016» you can see on St. Petersburg Official City Guide www.visit-petersburg.ru

Classics at the Palace Square Day of the City – Day of the Foundation of St. Petersburg. 27 May 2017, 21:00 For over five years the birthday of St. Petersburg has been celebrated by a grandiose open-air concert of the classical art starring such brilliant opera stars as Anna Netrebko, Yusif Eyvazov and Ildar Abdrazakov.

The highest level of the show is attributed not only to the star cast of the artists: everything starting from the scenography and the up-to-date technology, light design and 3D sound, luxurious costumes and decorations to the live music performed by the top symphony orchestra goes in line with the expectations of the most demanding audience.

To feel the city’s soul Modern St. Petersburg, crisscrossed by numerous rivers and canals, stands on more than 100 islands, which are linked to one another by more than 400 bridges. This is why the city is often called “the Venice of the North”.

Nearly every building in the downtown is considered to be a historic monument, hence the city’s definition — “open-air museum”. Its historical centre, palace and park ensembles are inscribed in the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites.

Churches and cathedrals Saint Petersburg was planned as a Westoriented city and has always been renowned for its hospitality. Peter the Great encouraged foreigners, especially from Europe, to come to the new capital: they brought a new way of life, knowledge and traditions. To make foreigners feel comfortable in the city Peter the Great and his successors paid much attention to the construction of churches and cathedrals for people of various religions.

Though Saint Petersburg is known as a city of different creeds, it is the Orthodoxy that has long been the official religion of Russia.

That is why special emphasis was laid on orthodox churches. The world’s best architects built churches and cathedrals in Saint Petersburg. Sublimity of St.Isaac’s Cathedrals, proportion of the Nikolsky (St.Nicholas’) Cathedral, smartness of the Church of Resurrection of Christ (Spas-na-Krovi) always attract visitors of the city. The beauty and splendor of their inner decorations make indelible impressions upon guests’ minds.

To immerse yourself in St. Petersburg romantics During the “white nights” the Petersburgers flock to the banks of the Neva to see the sun set. The “white nights” period lasts from May to July. Countless festivals and concerts are held in the parks and on the city’s squares and embankments: Scarlet Sails school leavers festival, River Carnival, Festival of Ice Crackers, Festivals of garden art. During such days the city marks its anniversary – on May 27th. Every day from May to October sometime after two o’clock in the morning the multi-tonne wings of the bridges swing gently upwards to let vessels on the river pass.

Following the scenery of the «War and Peace» «War and Peace» is a British-American historical period drama television serial first broadcast on BBC One on 3 January 2016. It is a six-part adaptation of «War and Peace» by famous Russian author Leo Tolstoy, written by Andrew Davies and directed by Tom Harper. The serial stars are Paul Dano, Lily James and James Norton in the leading roles. A lot of scenes were shot in Saint Petersburg.

On web-site http://www.visit-petersburg.ru/en/ route/71/ all guests of Saint Petersburg can find a free route «Following the scenery of the «War and Peace» and get acknowledged with the places in Saint Petersburg that have become the scenery for War&Peace TV show by BBC.

To travel without visa The travelers arriving to St. Petersburg by sea (ferry or cruise ship) can get 72 hours visa-free entry and stay in the city if they have the tour program (voucher). The passengers can acquire the voucher on the board of a ship.

There are just 4 steps to visa-free entry: 1. Purchase an airline ticket to Helsinki There are more than 10 airlines that provide direct flights from European cities to Helsinki

2. Book a ferry cabin St. Peter Line ferries sail from Helsinki every two days according to schedule (at approximately 6 p.m.). Travel time is about 13–15 hours. Estimated time of arrival in Saint Petersburg is 9 a.m. the following day. The ferry sails back from Saint Petersburg 3 days later.

3. Book a transfer from the seaport of Saint Petersburg The ferry company will provide a transfer service to the city centre and also to some hotels. It is a paid service, but it is mandatory if you would like to purchase a visa-free cruise travel. The transfer fee is 25 euro.

4. Select a hotel to stay in the city centre After selecting a cabin and booking the transfer service you can select a hotel in the city centre from the list of hotels.

Please note that to use the visa-free stay option, you may only choose a hotel to stay from the list of hotels included in your tour group program.

Your travel agent will provide you with the full list of the hotels available for booking and the room prices, or, if you book a St. Peter Line Company ferry online, you can select a hotel online.

worldgolfawards.com

worldgolfawards

Celebrating Excellence in Golf Tourism

La Manga Club, Spain 23rd-26th November 2017

www.sportalm.at

THANK YOU TO ALL OUR PARTNERS We wish to express our sincere gratitude to our very generous partners and supporters. In particular, we extend a heartfelt thank you to our fabulous Host Hotel, A-ROSA Kitzbühel, and to our Premier Partners; LEITNER Ropeways, PRINOTH, DEMACLENKO, Kitzbühel Tourismus, Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel, Tirol, BMW UNTERBERGER and Casino Kitzbühel. Also to the very generous support of our Supporting Partners – Sportalm, Scheiblhofer and Rass & Dorner.

PREMIER PARTNERS Kitzbühel

SUPPORTING PARTNERS

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