Private aviation provider Welojets shares the list of the best ski locations that can be easily accessed by executive aircraft in the Alps.
Winter is here and ski resorts worldwide have started to receive an influx of travellers, especially in Europe. Thanks to the beautiful Alps, breath-taking views and quality snow are a norm and thus position various of its resorts in the highest rankings worldwide. Nevertheless, usually located in very remote places, connectivity is a constant issue for savvy skiers.
Some resorts are located far away from international airports that receive larger commercial aircraft, while usually having a domestic or regional airstrip nearby where only specific turboprop airplanes can land. Private aviation therefore serves as the perfect option thanks to its flexibility and wide array of aircraft options that can land in short and remotely located runways.
Private jet company Welojets provides a list of the top ski centres in Europe that can be visited by a range of private aircraft and shares the best runways to land closest to each resort.
1. Courchevel, France
Courchevel has it all. It is a favourite for experts thanks to its off-piste terrain and tree skiing, while also being a family-friendly spot with free chairlifts for the beginner areas and providing magnetic safety vests for children on lifts. Fine dining and luxurious accommodations also await those visiting this exquisite ski resort.
Best airport to land a private aircraft: Courchevel Altiport (CVF), located 4.3 kilometres from the centre.
Recommended aircraft: Cessna 208 Caravan due to the limited runway length of under 600 meters.
2. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
A beautiful town serves as the venue for a world-renowned ski centre. Cortina D’Ampezzo is nestled in the Italian Dolomites and offers various entertainment venues that serve a broad range of clients, although the main dish will always be skiing. The Winter Olympics were held here in 1956, speaking volumes about its top-notch snowfields, with much of them also for beginners.
Best airport to land a private aircraft: Belluno Airport (BLX), located 64 kilometres from the centre.
Recommended aircraft: Pilatus PC-12, the luxurious yet versatile turboprop can land in runways of less than 800 meters.
3. Kitzbühel, Austria
The Austrian Alps are a thing of beauty. Kitzbühel is strategically located not far from Innsbruck and Salzburg, which favours connectivity to a colourful town with deluxe hotels and unique shops. With more than 170 kilometres of skiable terrain, this location has something special for all types of travellers.
Best airport to land a private aircraft: Salzburg Airport (SZG), located 73 kilometres from the centre.
Recommended aircraft: Any type of private jet or turboprop, as Salzburg Airport has no runway restrictions.
4. St. Moritz, Switzerland
Even travellers removed from the skiing ecosystem have heard about St. Moritz. It has hosted numerous world ski competitions and the 1928 and 1948 Winter Olympics, what tells you about the world-class skiing it offers. Non-Olympians are also welcomed, with an outstanding intermediate terrain for every skill level.
Best airport to land a private aircraft: Samedan Airport (SMV), located 7.3 kilometres from the centre.
Recommended aircraft: Any type of turboprop, light, medium or super medium jet, like the Gulfstream G280, can land on this runway.
5. Zugspitze, Germany
At almost 3,000 meters above sea level, Zugspitze is Germany’s highest mountain near the border with Austria. Garmisch-Partenkirchen is a popular and beautiful Bavarian town that attracts tourists’ year-long, while also serving twice as a venue for the FIS Alpine World Ski Championship. This accomplishment attracts savvy skiers to its more than 40 kilometres of snow trails.
Best airport to land a private aircraft: Reutte-Höfen (LOIR), located in Austria, 33 kilometres from the centre.
Recommended aircraft: Kodiak 100 due to limitations of the runway, just slightly over 700 meters.
