Launched by VOS Media, the company behind Ski and Snowboard magazine and the Ski and Snowboard Show, the awards were judged by an 18-strong panel of ski and snowboard experts, and by public vote.
Olympic stars Martin and Graham Bell, along with Graham's co-presenter on Ski Sunday Ed Leigh, headed a panel that also included former president of the SIGB Damon Street, editor of Where to Ski & Snowboard Dave Watts, former chief executive of the Ski Club of Great Britain Caroline Stuart Taylor and editor of Ski and Snowboard Henry Druce.
The 2012 World Snow Awards recognise the very best resorts, kit, companies and individuals in a total of 28 categories, as revealed below, with ski and snowboards judged using Ski and Snowboard magazine's extensive results from annual testing weeks.
Nick Miller, Chairman of VOS Media and publisher of Ski and Snowboard says, “The ski and snowboard world is one of the most vibrant and innovative sectors of the travel industry and the World Snow Awards has recognised those who go the extra mile and lead the way for the rest of the industry. We are already looking forward to the awards for 2012/13.”
Winning a World Snow Award is recognised as an independent stamp of approval for a company and its products, singling them out from the competition. VOS Media will now work with all of the winners to gain as much impact as possible from their World Snow Awards win.
And so, without further ado, here are the winners of the 2012 World Snow Awards.
Best European Resort
Livigno, Italy
Best North American Resort
Fernie, Canada
Best family resort
Avoriaz, France
Best upcoming resort
Monterosa Ski, Italy
Best resort for après
Zermatt, Switzerland
Best Clothing manufacturer
Arc'teryx
Best accessory manufacturer
Scott
Best safety kit manufacturer
Mammut
Best sunglasses manufacturer
POC
Best goggles manufacturer
Salomon
Best UK specialist retailer (multiple stores)
Ellis Brigham
Best UK specialist retailer
Ski Bartlett
Best Airline
Swiss
Best airport
Geneva
Best specialist operator
Ski Independence
Best mainstream operator
Crystal
Best Specialist Agent
Ski Solutions
Best Mainstream Wintersports insurer
Direct Travel Insurance
Best Specialist insurer
MPI
Best Snowboard
Jones Mountain Twin
Best Women's Snowboard
Salomon Wonder
Best Overall Snowboard Manufacturer
Burton
Best Ski
Black Crows Nocta
Best Women's ski
Volkl Allura
Best Overall Ski Manufacturer
Volkl
Iconic ski
Salomon X-Scream Series
Iconic snowboard
Lib Tech Skate Banana
Polar Bear – Outstanding Contribution to Snowsports
Arnie Wilson
Ends
Friday, 2 November 2012
Notes to Editors: VOS Media is the UK’s leading consumer exhibition producer. Ski and Snowboard magazine is the UK’s bestselling winter sports magazine. The annual Ski and Snowboard Show at Earls Court is one of the largest winter sports exhibitions in the UK.
