One of the biggest advantages of utilizing private jets, including turboprops, is the ability to travel to remote locations and difficult-to-reach wilderness areas that commercial airliners could never service directly. Even if flights reach nearby, the journey into the hearts of the destination area could be long, arduous and expensive.

Ski resorts are an obvious example of places that are remote, hard to reach and inconveniently situated in terms of access via commercial planes. The increased popularity of private jet use has led to many ski enthusiasts being able to travel far more frequently, without undue stress, to some of the most picturesque ski locations around Europe.

Europe has some magnificent ski resorts, especially those spread between the Alps and the Dolomites. The most spectacular resorts are spread across Switzerland, France, Austria, Germany and Italy. Many resorts will have interlinked ski lifts and other connections for skiers and families to access multiple resorts across mountain valleys.

Below are 10 of the best-known ski resorts that can only be accessed via private jets.

One of the most magnificent ski areas in the world – Les Trois Vallees in the French Alps. With four resorts in the immediate vicinity, the Courchevel area boasts one of the largest connected ski areas in the world, offering up a mixture of adventure, culture, comfort and even luxury.

Courchevel 1850 is the most luxurious among the four resorts that make up Les Trois Vallees, one of the largest connected ski areas in the world with courses for all skill levels and tastes. The resort has become synonymous with comfort, adventure and culture – with world-leading entertainment, championship races and great dining options.

Travel options to the Courchevel area are limited, with private jets and helicopters being the preferred route. It can be reached by road, but the trip will be long.

Learn more about Courchevel and which aircraft can land there

Val D’Isere and Tignes, both in the French Alps, have joined to form one of the most gorgeous ski areas in the world. Situated in the Savoie area, skiers can enjoy the iconic Face de Bellevarde during November through early May. Multiple events including Winter Olympic runs and the annual Criterium de la Tere Neige are held here with world class athletes competing.

Val D’Isere is located in a remote area, away from commercial airports (110 miles from Geneva and 90 miles from Chambrey), so the best way to get there is via private jet.

Over 500 years old, the town of Zermatt is situated in full view of the Matterhorn. The runs start from the 3,853 high starting point at Klein Matterhorn. The mountain inns along the run make it easy to relax on the way down, if needed. The Alpine resort town itself does not allow cars and is steeped in tradition and beauty.

Private jets carry ski resort goers into the Zermatt area. The closest airport with a runway, Sion, is over 50 miles away.

In the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, Ischgl is located in the Paznaun Valley. The resort sits 2,872 m. high above the village. Known for both daring ski runs and tours, Ischgl is home to many events that attract international stars. An added bonus – Ischgl is considered to be the mecca for those who love Tyrolean cuisine.

Ischgl can be reached via private charter flights to Innsbruck, and then ground transportation into the village and resort area.

“Come up, slow down”. That is the motto that Gstaad lives by. Julie Andrews once called it the only paradise left in a crazy world, and Gstaad, with its 220 km of ski slopes, glacial areas and surrounding slopes, is considered to be a haven for both skiers and tobogganists. The luxury and high culture in the Alpine resort is world-renowned. 

To reach Gstaad, a small village at an altitude of 1050 m, take a private jet to Saanen. 

The first geographic destination to be trademarked in Switzerland, St. Moritz has attracted visitors to its hot mineral water springs for over 3,000 years. A pioneer in many things, including the first ski school and the country’s first electric tram, the 150+-year-old luxurious resort has hosted two separate Winter Olympics (1928, 1948). As tradition goes, the concept of a winter holiday began with a trip to St. Moritz.

To get to St. Moritz, situated high in the Engadin Valley, the best option is to take a private charter directly into the area. The nearest airports (Milan and Innsbruck) are about three hours away by road.

Chamonix Mont-Blanc, with five interconnected ski resorts, offers the perfect winter getaway. Many consider the Chamonix Valley to be the best freeride resort area in the world. The main, 20-km long, ski route wraps around the valley, offering some of the most breathtaking vistas and views of the surrounding Alpine peaks.

Chamonix can be approached by taking a private charter into Geneva, which is 63 miles away. There are also private flights and helicopter rides to the area.

This is a destination for serious skiers, with an assortment of a dozen super-expert runs and over 200 off-piste runs for advanced skiers. The best-known run is the 10-km long Valluga-St. Anton, with a height difference of nearly 1,350 meters. Located in Arlberg, ski lifts connect St. Anton with high-end resorts like Stuben, Zur and Leh on the other side of the Flexen Pass.

Innsbruck, which allows flights in by private charters or private jet, is 60 miles away from the resort.

Two of top ski resorts in the Austrian Alps, Kitzbuehl with 170 km of slopes, and SkiWelt, with another 280, are connected via bus. Close to Innsbruck and Salzburg, the resort town is steeped in tradition with both luxury and value-priced options. Its slopes include Hahnenkamm, the site of the world’s most dangerous downhill race, where parts of the run tilt at 85-degrees.

Kitzbuehl can be accessed by flying private jets into Innsbruck. 

Another destination in the Les Trois Vallees, Maribel is adjacent to three villages in the Les Alloues commune in the Savoie region. The community is fun to visit, and the winter sporting reputation is well established, with Meribel having hosted multiple events in the 1992 Winter Olympics. There are over 600 km of runs and 130+ km of cross-country tracks. Meribel is connected to other resorts in the area, including Courchevel.

Meribel can be accessed by private jets flying into Chambrey, Lyon or Grenoble. 

Traveling by private jet has many advantages.

Most obvious is the convenience of direct flights to or near ski resorts, without having to go through crowded airports and long security lines. Especially when planning a short ski, traveling by private jet will ensure you don't lose any precious time in airports or taxis, so you can spend more time on the slopes.

Jet charters can also be arranged to accommodate any size group, so you can travel with friends or family. And with plenty of room for luggage, you can easily take all your ski equipment with you, which can be difficult when traveling commercially.

And finally, private jets provide a level of luxury and comfort that is unmatched by commercial flights. You can be assured of a more restful and relaxing trip when you fly privately, ensuring you arrive at your ski resort refreshed and ready to hit the slopes!

For those looking for a luxurious ski getaway, the above destinations are perfect. With stunning scenery and world-class skiing slopes, these destinations offer something for everyone. And thanks to nearby (smaller) airports, you can avoid the hassles of commercial airports and enjoy a more relaxing and restful trip when traveling by private jet or helicopter.

Book your private jet ski getaway today, contact our brokers at private@the-aviation-factory.com or +32 (0) 32 39 60 00 (24/7).

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