Photo credit: Verbier Tourisme . Copyright Pascal Gretchen.

14 November 2022: The ski season has officially started here at Smart Aviation. Every year, we organise and manage a comprehensive schedule of private jet charters to some of the most popular and up-market ski resorts across Europe, and further afield too. 

Many of our clients book a private jet with us for their annual skiing holiday. Why? Well, the biggest benefits of travelling by private jet are that clients get to avoid commercial airports and get to their destination faster, as the private airports tend to be closer to the resorts. As with all private jet bookings, clients get to create their own schedule and maximise their time. Those travelling by private jet this ski season will not waste a single moment on the slopes. Smart can charter all helicopter transfers and ground transportation can be arranged by us too.

Here’s what’s new for this ski season at some of our clients’ most beloved European ski resorts:

1. Land next to the slopes: St Moritz (Switzerland)

Samedan Airport is the second highest and one of the most remote airports in Europe. Just a small drive away from the glamorous resort, St Moritz, the airport is used solely for private jet charters. Commercial airlines cannot fly there. With the airport right next to the resort, clients can be on the slopes in no time at all. St. Moritz’ closest mountain, Corviglia, is where winter tourism began over 150 years ago. Visitors will be enchanted by the magic of St. Mortiz and the elegant lifestyle of the region that has hosted two Winter Olympic games. There’s an incredible 87 pistes to conquer as well as Switzerland’s most famous cross-country trail.

What’s new for winter 2022/2023?

St Moritz was recently voted the number one Ski Resort in the World in Conde Nast Travellers’ Readers’ Choice Awards (October 2022).

www.stmoritz.com 

2. The world’s largest ski area: Méribel (France)

Extraordinary skiing opportunities await for all at Méribel in the French Alps. Part of ‘les 3 Vallees’ ski area, Méribel offers world-class skiing in an authentic setting on the outskirts of Vanoise National Park. A perfect example of Alpine style, guests will be blessed with breathtaking settings, unspoilt nature and charming wooden chalets. Families and small groups can look to charter a private jet into Aéroport Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc, a small international airport located just over an hour away from Méribel. Larger groups can charter commercial jets into the airport too and helicopter transfers to Meribel can also be arranged.  

What’s new for winter 2022/2023?

A new black run – Ibex – has opened for this winter season at Meribel Mottaret. Skiers can take the new Bouquetin chairlift up 2700m to ride the magnificent run which boasts a ‘Vertical Experience’ stamp, a 600m long couloir and a 300m vertical drop. 

www.seemeribel.com

3. The Mighty Mont Blanc: Chamonix (France)

Located in the Haute-Savoie region of France, bordered by Switzerland and Italy, Chamonix is dominated by the mighty Mont Blanc (4810m). Skiers, mountaineers, hikers and sightseers, will all be blown away by the spectacular views of the French Alps and the valley. Chamonix is made up of 16 villages and hamlets, and offers five different ski areas ranging from 950m to 3,300m in altitude. Private jet clients can fly into Geneva Airport and it is a two-hour drive (by private transfer arranged by Smart) or a 20 minute helicopter flight (also chartered by Smart) to Chamonix.

What’s new for winter 2022/2023?

Following the success of the ski lift passes that were introduced last year, visitors are now able to take advantage of The Chamskideal, which will allow them to ski in Brevent-Flegere, Grands Montets, and Le Tour-Vallorcine on one pass. It will simplify the ski pass process and also offers discounts up to 50% off. 

www.seechamonix.com 

4. Romantic Retreats: Gstaad (Switzerland)

Couples will fall in love with this idyllic romantic setting. Located at an altitude of 1050m, Gstaad offers luxurious accommodation, first class shopping, 125 miles of slopes, 112 miles of cross-country trails in four different valleys. Toboggan rides, ice sports and husky tours are also available here. Saanen Airport is just over a mile and a half away but it can only accommodate turboprop planes due to the short runway (1400m long). Alternatively, the nearest airport is Bern Airport, approximately one hour drive away. Helicopter transfers can also be chartered to Gstaad. 

What’s new for winter 2022/2023? 

Glacier3000 has now opened for the season and visitors can not only ride the new two-mile long black piste, but they can also brave the Peak Walk by Tissot, the world’s only suspension bridge that connects two mountain peaks. The bridge offers stunning views of Matterhorn, Mont Blanc, Eiger, Jungfrau and more. 

www.gstaad.ch 

5. A Panoramic Playground: Verbier (Switzerland)

A snowy playground for its international clientele, Verbier is located in the southwest of Switzerland. The resort offers luxury accommodation options, phenomenal nightlife and fine restaurants. Verbier and the Four Valleys is the largest ski area in Switzerland, offering 255 miles of linked pistes, accessible by 93 ski lifts. Ski enthusiasts can fly to Le Chablé (near Verbier) by private jet and transfer to by private car (one hour) or helicopter (20 minutes) chartered by Smart. 

What’s new for winter 2022/2023? 

An incredible 360-degree viewing platform has opened at the top of Mont Fort, offering panoramic views of the whole alpine range from Mont Blanc to Matterhorn. Adrenaline junkies will love the opportunity to climb one of the Icefalls (frozen waterfalls) with a mountain guide.

www.seeverbier.com 

Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by Managing Director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with over 30 years’ experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry, including managing sports charters at Excel Airways. Over the last 17 years, Mark has led Smart Aviation to become the leaders in global sports chartering. Mark is still very active in sports chartering, frequently providing air travel for global sports teams to key sporting fixtures including Champions League and Premier League football matches, as well as to ice-hockey, boxing, basketball, golf, motorsport and cricket tournaments.

Call or email us to book your private jet to your skiing destination today: sales@smart-aviation.co.uk / + 44 1293 551244

Why choose Smart?

Our business revolves around you

– Exactly what you need

– You’re dealing with the experts. Our goal is excellence in service and execution – our extensive knowledge and expertise ensure we deliver.

Cost effective with no compromise

– Our unrivalled operator relationships and leverage in the European market ensures you get the most cost-effective solution, without compromising on quality.

We are always available

– Our operational support team is on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year, to deal with the unexpected and keep you flying – for total peace of mind.

Call or email us today – sales@smart-aviation.co.uk / + 44 1293 551244