Revelstoke Mountain Resort, Bighorn Lodge win top awards at World Ski Awards

Revelstoke Mountain Resort was named best ski resort in Canada, and Revelstoke’s Bighorn Lodge was named best ski chalet in the world at the World Ski Awards on Nov. 19.

Bighorn Lodge representatives accept the award for Best Ski Chalet at the 2016 World Ski Awards. From left: BBC Presenter Steve Rider, Bighorn Lodge Sales & Marketing director Katherine Kirkland, an event organizer, owner Michael Kirkland (holding the award), Bighorn Lodge operations director Simon Tinley, owner Chris Kirkland and an awards presenter in traditional Austrian clothing. Photo: World Ski Awards

The awards were handed out a gala event in at Kitzbühel, Austria.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort earned the top resort nod at the awards, which are especially influential in the European market.

Revelstoke Mountain Resort president Graham Rennie attended the awards ceremony and took to the stage to accept the award.

“The event was a great way to meet with leading professionals in the industry and experience the rich ski history of Kitzbühel,” Rennie told the Mountaineer. “I was incredibly honoured to accept such a prestigious award that puts Revelstoke Mountain Resort on the map on a more global scale. This award belongs to the dedicated team at the resort who have made us what we are. Without their dedication and efforts none of this would be possible.”

Bighorn Lodge, a luxury chalet located at the base of Revelstoke Mountain Resort, took home the World’s Best Ski Chalet honours for the the fourth year in a row.

Bighorn Lodge Executive Chef Peter Hughes was gratified with the win.

“Another thrilling win for my wife Leesa and I and [the] team,” Hughes told the Mountaineer. “It’s such an honour to win again! So many people both locally and internationally (behind the scenes) work so hard to provide our guests with the ultimate experience and it truly is down to everyone determination and commitment that we have scooped this award for an unprecedented fourth consecutive year! This is such an important win again that hopefully helps to establish Revelstoke as a truly a world class destination!”

In a statement, 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 recognize so many industry leaders here this evening 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.”

About 1.6 million votes were cast for the awards, including by ski travel industry representatives and members of the public.

The French resort of Val Thorens took home the World’s Best Ski Resort 2016 title.

For more on the Bighorn Lodge, see the Revelstoke Mountaineer profile of Executive Chef Peter Hughes here.