Kitzbuehel, Austria – French ski destination Val Thorens has been recognized as the World’s Best Ski Resort by voters at the World Ski Awards for the second consecutive year.

In a night of high drama at A-ROSA Kitzbühel, the title of World’s Best Ski Hotel went to Stein Eriksen Lodge at Utah’s Deer Valley Resort, while host Bergbahn Kitzbühel was recognized as the World’s Best Ski Resort Company.

The 2014 Gala Ceremony welcomed over 200 representatives from the ski hospitality sector, who gathered in Kitzbühel on Saturday night for the second year in a row.

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

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 recognized in North America.

In Asia, Akio Shinya, Chief of the Niseko Avalanche Research Institute, was honored 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 honor to return here to A-ROSA Kitzbühel for the 2014 World Ski Awards Gala Ceremony. This has been a truly special evening for us all at World Ski Awards and it has been a privilege to recognize 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 recognized Chalet Quezac as the World’s Best New Ski Chalet, Big Horn in Revelstoke, B.C., Canada was voted the World’s Best Ski Chalet, and World’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel went to The Vale Niseko.