News

On this page you find news about our products, events and the Best Ski Resort awards.

Best Ski Resort 2026

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The most comprehensive benchmark study on alpine winter tourism

Which top ski resorts in the Alps achieve the highest guest satisfaction ratings?

For the 7th time (following 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2020 and 2023), the results of the largest and most comprehensive study on guest satisfaction in the Alpine region – BEST SKI RESORT – were presented, this time at the MCI in Innsbruck (Tyrol).
During the ‘25/26 winter season, over 41,200 guests – directly in mountain restaurants and ski huts – were surveyed using the random method (assisted self-completion). 24 interviewers were deployed across 49 selected top ski resorts in Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Germany and France for a total of 248 days!
The results show that, following a downward trend from 2018 to 2023, overall satisfaction has once again risen slightly! From 7.86 in 2023 to 7.95 now (on a scale of 1 to 10).

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BEST SKI RESORT Awards 2026

The Top 10 ski resorts with the highest overall satisfaction scores are:

1. Zermatt - 8,48
2. Val d'Isère - 8,40
3. Les Arcs - 8,31
3. Tignes - 8,31
5. Alta Badia - 8,28
6. Aletsch Arena - 8,24
7. Kronplatz - 8,22
7. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis - 8,22
9. Val Gardena - 8,20
10. Mayrhofen - 8,1

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The Top 3 in the 3 most important criteria:

Quality of slopes

1. Zermatt - 8,97
2. Val d'Isère - 8,85
3. Tignes - 8,76

Guarantee of snow
1. Zermatt - 8,93
2. Gurgl - 8,87
3. Val d'Isère - 8,82

Safety on the slopes
1. Zermatt - 8,64
2. Alta Badia - 8,62
3. Les Arcs - 8,57

All photos: Mountain Management Consulting/Markus Krapf


Mountain Management would like to offer its warmest congratulations to this year’s winners!

The awards presented are intended to serve as a continuing incentive to work constantly on maintaining this ‘uniqueness’, so as to continue to delight guests on the mountain in the future.
With just under 340,000 guests surveyed on the mountain since 2012, highly relevant data and information is available to speed up decision-making processes and enable targeted action.

Best Ski Resort 2026: All surveys have been completed!

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We are delighted to announce that the final rounds of interviews have been successfully completed.

Data collection for the BEST SKI RESORT 2026 study is now complete, and what was – from a project management perspective – at times a turbulent and challenging winter season has been successfully brought to a close.

It is with a certain amount of pride that we can already share a few key figures:

Throughout the winter, 24 interviewers spent a total of 248 days on the ground in 54 ski resorts across 5 Alpine countries for BEST SKI RESORT 2026, interviewing more than 43,700 winter sports enthusiasts directly on the slopes.

Our thanks go to all the interviewers, all the businesses and contacts who supported us, and all the guests who took 5–10 minutes out of their well-deserved winter holidays to take part in the largest guest satisfaction survey in the Alpine region!

The analysis is currently in full swing and we are already looking forward to the presentation of the results and the awards ceremony on 24th of June 2026 at the MCI in Innsbruck. 

Presentation & Awards Ceremony for the Best Ski Resort 2026 Study

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In some ski resorts, the interviews have already been successfully completed; in others, we are still actively and diligently conducting them. At the same time, the analysis is already in full swing! And we haven’t been idle either: we have set the date and venue for this year’s presentation and sent this advance notice to the managers of the listed BEST SKI RESORTS in France, Switzerland, Italy, Austria and Germany:
The presentation and awards ceremony for the Best Ski Resort 2026 study will take place on Wednesday, 24 June 2026, at MCI III in Villa Blanka, Innsbruck!

This year’s supporting programme will be finalised in the coming weeks, and invitations will be sent out by the end of April. We are already looking forward to a lively turnout from our invited guests.

For anyone interested: the analysis of the study and the results will be available to read on our websites in the usual format after the event..

Only 43% positive sentiment – yet these ski resorts are winning over guests online!

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How are the top ski resorts faring in the current '25/26 winter season?

Whilst our well-known AI-based brand image report – produced in collaboration with Lumifai – has so far primarily analysed the messages that ski resorts themselves send out via their own channels, we are now, for the first time, consistently turning our attention outwards: to what travellers are actually saying about the brands online. At the heart of this is comprehensive social listening across social media, news portals and travel platforms. Since the start of the year (1 January 2026), the 66 leading ski destinations have been mentioned online around 63,000 times. The overall sentiment is mixed: only around 43% of these mentions are positive, whilst the majority remain neutral or critical. At the same time, the analysis clearly shows which destinations are managing to build a strong, positive online image despite this environment.......read more here

EXPERT TALK
"A look into the future"

On Monday, October 13, 2025, our 1st EXPERT TALK took place in the Alpine city of Innsbruck and opened up exciting perspectives...

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'Securing Quality, Better Managing Guest Flows': The Future of Winter Tourism in Focus

How can winter tourism remain viable in times of rapid change? At our 1st EXPERT TALK 'A Look into the Future,' leading personalities from the fields of tourism, mountain railways, and science recently discussed the major questions facing the industry: the current situation and trends, quality despite volume, expectations for premium destinations, family offerings of tomorrow, and future requirements for organizations and teams.

The winter sports industry stands at a turning point: increasing guest flows, changing expectations, digital disruption, and the demand for securing uncompromising quality. Moderated by Kathi Hager, renowned voices from the Alpine region offered concrete perspectives and.......read more here.

EXPERT TALK
"A look into the future"

Save the date – 13.10.2025 – 15.00 | online

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The future brings change!

We must be ready for the NEW to successfully master the coming challenges.

The behavior of our future guests is changing. They are not only more critical, price-conscious and selective, but they also have higher quality demands and expectations. Companies that focus on “more excellence” will be among the winners.

Experts provide current insights into these processes of change and show how to proactively meet these new challenges.
A mix of science and practice — a look into the future!

Take this time. Let yourself be inspired and motivated to step a little out of the box in order to continue to be successful.
It's worth taking a look into the future!

Interested?
Please contact Philipp Gusner by email at pgusner@mountain-m.com, providing the following information:
Company / First and Last Name / Position / Email Address.
You will then receive a timely confirmation with the access data.
-> The event will be held in German.

BEST SKI RESORT
Winter '25/26

The largest and most significant guest study in the top ski resorts of the Alps will now be conducted for the 7th time this coming winter!

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The BEST SKI RESORT study has been conducted periodically since 2012 in over 50 top ski resorts in the Alpine region (A | CH | I | F | D). With until today over 300,000 winter sports enthusiasts surveyed directly in the ski resorts using the same methodology, it is therefore the most informative long-term study in terms of recording guest satisfaction. It therefore provides data / information of the highest quality and relevance!
In times of major changes, uncertainty and intense competition, this information forms an important basis for making decisions and acting quickly and correctly. The comparison with the best in the industry is an important orientation aid.
The study design for the upcoming study (winter 25/26) covers the already known basic data (importance / satisfaction / NPS etc.) and will be expanded by other question complexes, such as in-depth information on the "questions about the future". This clearly sets it apart from other surveys!
We assume that we will again survey around 50,000 winter sports enthusiasts - directly on the mountain - which means a very high level of effort (costs / organization), but on the other hand guarantees that all target groups will be reached.

The BEST SKI RESORT study has been supported by Dr. Prof. Kurt Matzler (UNI Innsbruck) since 2012. The study's evaluation will be available in the summer of 2026.

Mountain Developer
Winter '25/26

Once again we've slightly modified our proven product to adapt it to the current requirements.

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The focus is on our customer's existing product and experience portfolio:

-> We measure the awareness and appeal of each offering, identify potentials and also pain points, and translate everything into clear priorities.
In short: Which on-mountain experiences and products truly excite guests?

-> Furthermore, there is an opportunity to note which product is not yet available or which experience should still be offered from a guest's perspective.

-> Additionally, we measure the brand. What is the brand's credible anchor, what makes it attractive, and what can serve as a driver? And finally: What creates differentiation from the guests' perspective? We provide reliable insights, not gut feelings, so you know where the brand is strong and where it needs to be refined.

-> As usual, insights on the reviews are accessed via the dashboard, allowing for daily responses to guest comments.

Contact us, we would be happy to tell you more about our Mountain Developer in a personal conversation.

„KIDS ON SKI - for free“

New initiative gets children on the ski slopes

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Innsbruck, Austria - A new initiative to promote winter sports in the Alps has been launched. The goal of the cross-destination campaign is to provide 50,000 children with free ski or snowboard lessons over the next three years. The program was initiated by industry veteran Mike Partel from MOUNTAIN MANAGEMENT Consulting. The pilot phase for the 2023/24 winter season will begin in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis and Leogang in Austria, the Aletsch Arena and Grindelwald in Switzerland, and Alta Badia and Madonna di Campiglio in Italy.

"With the 'KIDS ON SKI - for free' initiative, we want to counteract this trend by introducing children to the snow experience in ski resorts at a very young age," says Mike Partel, Managing Director of Mountain Management Consulting and the mastermind behind the initiative. He adds, "Through a pan-Alpine program, we want to support parents with toddlers (three to five years old) with tailor-made offers and get around 50,000 children onto the slopes over the next three years."

The booking window for the "KIDS ON SKI - for free" days opens on November 10, 2023, at www.kids-on-ski.com

Best Ski Resort 2023

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ARE OUR GUESTS ‘HAPPY’? 

Which top ski resorts in the Alps achieve the highest guest satisfaction ratings?

For the 6th time (following 2012, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2020), the results of the largest and most comprehensive study in the Alpine region – BEST SKI RESORT – were presented, this time in Serfaus and Fiss (Tyrol).
During the winter of 22/23, over 49,200 guests were surveyed – directly in the mountain restaurants – using the random method (assisted self-completion). 17 interviewers spent a total of 271 days working across 54 selected top ski resorts in Austria, Switzerland, Italy and France!

The results show that, unfortunately, after an upward trend from 2012 to 2018, overall satisfaction has been on a downward trend since 2020 and continues to do so in 2023! From 8.01 in 2018 to 7.86 now. (Scale 1–10). In a country-by-country comparison, Italian ski resorts lead the way with an overall satisfaction score of 8.08, ahead of those in Switzerland at 7.87, closely followed by Austria at 7.84 and France at 7.66. 

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The TOP 10 ski resorts with the highest overall satisfaction scores are:


1. Zermatt 8,47
2. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis 8,41
3. Kronplatz 8,36

4. Val Gardena/Seiser Alm 8,35
5. Livigno 8,24
6. Aletsch Arena 8,20
7. Alta Badia 8,19
8. Laax 8,19
9. Sulden am Ortler  8,18
10. Mayrhofen 8,18

The top-rated ski resorts in the six main categories:

Ski resort size / variety of slopes: Zermatt 9,28

Guarantee of snow: Sulden am Ortler 8,76

Quality of slopes: Zermatt 8,88

Friendliness / warmth: Sulden am Ortler 8,87

Transport comfort (cable cars / lifts): Zermatt 8,98

Accommodation / hotel: Val Gardena/Seiser Alm 8,81


Mountain-Management extends its warmest congratulations to all the winners!

The awards presented are intended to serve as a continuing incentive to work constantly on maintaining this ‘uniqueness’, so as to continue to delight guests on the mountain in the future.

With just under 300,000 guests surveyed on the mountain since 2012, highly relevant data and information is now available
to speed up decision-making processes and enable targeted action.  


Best Ski Resort 2020

True to the motto “New circumstances call for new formats”,
BEST SKI RESORT 2020 was adapted into a TV production.

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TOP 10 ranking 2020

1. Zermatt (CH)
2. Gröden / Seiser Alm (IT)
3. Arosa Lenzerheide (CH)
3. Kronplatz (IT)
5. St. Moritz (CH)
6. Alta Badia (IT)
6. Saas-Fee (CH)
8. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (AT)
9. Gurgl (AT)
10. Ischgl (AT)

Read more
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TOP 10 ranking
2012 - 2020

1. Zermatt (CH)
2. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (AT)
3. Kronplatz (IT)
 4. Gröden/Seiser Alm (IT)
5. Saas-Fee (CH)  
6. Alta Badia (IT)
7. Aletsch Arena (CH)
8. Arosa Lenzerheide (CH)
9. Laax (CH)
9. Adelboden-Lenk (CH)

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Kick off  "Best Summer Resort of the Alps 2019"

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Our new summer study "Best Summer Resort" was kicked off with the first interviews taking place from 21st to 23rd of June. During those two days our interviewers were present in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, St. Anton am Arlberg, Livigno and the Aletsch Arena.

The aim of this new survey is to provide high quality data to the participating resorts. The data will provide insightful findings which allow the further development of the summer offer. Focusing on high quality data, our interviewers will interview between 30,000 and 35,000 guests in 50 areas throughout the entire alpine region in the upcoming weeks. The survey includes questions regarding the key decision-making criteria for destination selection, satisfaction in 22 categories, recommendation, activities, etc. The international benchmark (DE / AT / CH / FR / IT) allows to analyze its own strengths and weaknesses in comparison with the best resorts in the industry.

In order to maximize the informative value of the data, we collect the guests feedback using questionnaires directly in the resorts. Each resort will be visited at least five times. We are very much looking forward to sharing the results of this survey with the participating areas in January 2020. 


52 areas

3 Zinnen, Achensee, Adelboden-Lenk, Aletsch Arena, Alpe d’Huez, Alta Badia, Arosa-Lenzerheide, Bad Kleinkirchheim, Chamonix, Crans Montana, Davos, Flachau-Wagrain-St.Johann, Flims Laax, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Gastein, Gröden/Seiser Alm, Gstaad, Kronplatz, La Clusaz, La Plagne, Lech Zürs am Arlberg, Les Arcs, Livigno, Madonna di Campiglio, Mayrhofen, Megève, Méribel, Mittelberg, Kleinwalsertal, Neustift Stubaital, Obereggen, Region Seefeld, Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Leogang-Fieberbrunn, Saas Fee, Schilthorn/Mürren, Schladming, Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis, Silvretta Montafon, Sölden, St. Anton am Arlberg, St. Moritz, Sulden am Ortler, Tignes, Titlis, Val d’Isère, Verbier, Wildkogel, Zell am See, Zermatt;
more about the survey
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NEW Employee Satiscaction Survey

A questionnaire tailored to oru industry allows deep insights into your organization. The survey includes questions on the following topics:

  • corporate culture
  • working conditions
  • innovation
  • self-assessment of employess
  • recommendation (NPS)

further information will follow shortly

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Defined standards and  industry average scores help you in interpreting the results. According to your wishes we will also support you in the process of result interpretation as well as setting up time-based action plans..

Product News

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"Best Summer Resort of the Alps"

Following the successful establishment of the "Best Ski Resort" study in winter, we are looking forward to the launch of the new study, "Best Summer Resort of the Alps".

more information
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Guest Loyalty Index 

The new compound key figure,
which takes the recommen-dation rate, the overall satisfaction as well as the intention to return into consideration. From2020 we will include this figure... 

more information
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Occupancy Rate

The occupancy rate is a crucial criteria impacting the overall satisfaction rate.  We will include this new focus point from in our upcoming surveys. As usual, you can compare your scores with the...

more about the premium report 
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Thank you for your visit on the Interalpin 2019!

We took part in the first-ever Interalpin Inspiration Days, and hel a presenation with the title "Better differentiation through technology". Within our lecture we talked about the topics - STRATEGY -BRAND - DIGITIZATION.

We are looking forward to see you at the Interalpin  2021!

Best Ski Resort Awards 2020

NEW from 2020, the Best Ski Resort Awards will be presented in three size categories according to skier days per season.

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Best Ski Resort 2018

Video Best Ski Resort Awards 2018

The awards were presented in a festive atmosphere on Thursday, November 08, 2018 in the Swarovski Crystal Worlds.

TOP 10 ranking 2018
1. Kronplatz (IT)
2. Zermatt (CH)
3. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (AT)
3. Val Gardena (IT)
5. Alta Badia (IT)
6. Grächen (CH)
7. Arosa Lenzerheide (CH)
8. Aletsch Arena (CH)
9. Livigno (IT)
10. Laax (CH)
10. Sölden (AT)

Read more
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Best Ski Resort in science

The results of our study have also been recognized in the field of science. By using our data, the effect of the so-called word-of-mouth recommendation could be analyzed more closely (this can be read in Tourism Management 70 (2019) page 453-459).

Articles about Best Ski Resort 2018 in ski industry magazines

Positive reporting the season starts!

The press response to the study of 2016 was exceeded in 2018. As opposed to the many negative articles about our industry published in November/ December regarding price increases, environmental burden, etc., we choose to focus on the positive aspects. It is our goal to strengthen the sector’s image and to communicate the attractiveness of the best ski resorts in the Alps. We deliberately do not publish overall rankings.

The study "Best Ski Resort 2020" starts in:

Digital Day 2018

Following the Best Ski Resort Awards, the Digital Day took place on Friday, November 9th, 2018, at the Swarovski Crystal Worlds. We would like to thank all visitors and lectures for participating

more information about the Digital Day 2018

Best Ski Resort 2016

Video Best Ski Resort Awards 2016

In a festive atmosphere, the results were presented on Thursday, November 10, 2016, in Casino Bregenz.

TOP 10 ranking 2016 
1. Zermatt (CH)
2. Livigno (IT)
3. Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis (AT)
4. Kronplatz (IT)
5. Saas Fee (CH)
6. Gröden/Val Gardena (IT)
7. Adelboden-Lenk (CH)
8. Alta Badia (IT)
9. Aletsch Arena (CH)
10. Laax (CH)
10. Obergurgl-Hochgurgl (AT)

more information

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