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 exclusive and sought-after ski resorts across Europe and beyond.
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. We 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 loved European ski resorts:
- 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. Moritz 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 in St Moritz for winter 2024/2025?
Grace La Margna Hotel, a majestic mountain retreat, is the first new hotel to open in St Moritz in the past fifty years. Luxury and indulgence combine in a unique setting at the 5* superior boutique hotel which is home to Executive Chef Andrea Bonini and Master Mixologist Mirco Giumelli.
- 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 in Méribel for winter 2024/2025?
The Elements Park is being transformed into a vibrant Bump’N’Jump zone for visitors to go hurtling down three equally thrilling yet very different runs – a bumpy run, a funny run and a speedy run – each designed to awaken the thrill seeking slider. Access is via the top of the Legends chairlift or Arpasson drag lift.
- The French fancy: Val-d’Isère
Nestled in a valley at the foot of the mountains, Val d’Isère is a world-renowned ski destination in the French Alps, near the Italian border, home to over 300 km of slopes, there’s something for everyone. Also easily accessible by Aéroport Chambéry Savoie Mont Blanc, Val d’Isère holds one of the best snow records in the Alps. The modern Alpine resort is home to a vibrant village, a historic old town and an abundance of charming chalets, world-renowned hotels and Michelin starred restaurants.
What’s new in Val-d’Isère for winter 2024/2025?
Vallan Gondola, a faster, more comfortable, safer and sustainable gondola, opens in Val-d’Isère this winter. Taking only 6.5 minutes to reach an altitude of 2790m, each gondola the new Vallon lift will be able to seat 10 passengers, instead of six previously, for a speedy and comfortable journey to the Pissaillas glacier.
- 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 in Chamonix for winter 2024/2025?
Built in the 1860s, La Couronne is the oldest hotel in the Chamonix Valley but it reopened its doors in June 2024 following an extensive renovation and an expansion. La Couronne offers 69 comfortable rooms (45 completely renovated in the historic building and 24 newly created in the extension), a spa with a sauna and hammam, and a restaurant.
- 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 in Gstaad for winter 2024/2025?
Botta Restaurant, located at Glacier 3000, opens for this winter and offers a warm atmosphere and panoramic views of the imposing Alpine summits. Renowned architect Mario Botta designed the restaurant and visitors can choose from the restaurant with waiter service on the fourth floor, the self-service restaurant on the 3third floor and the delightful sun terrace with a bar on the second floor.
- 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 in Verbier for winter 2024/2025?
A new accommodation, Chèvrerie Agritourisme de Montagnier, nestled in the village of Montagnier, will combine modern comforts with rustic authenticity. Guests have the choice between two double rooms and a family room with bunk beds, each with a private bathroom. Fresh produce from the farm will be served daily at breakfast. Five minutes from the Le Châble cable car station and ten km from Verbier by road, this accommodation is ideally placed for mountain activities.
About Smart:
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. Previously Hawkins managed sports charters at Excel Airways, which included flying over 4,000 fans to a football final. Over the last 19 years, Smart Aviation has arranged successful charters for leading sport fixtures, transported thousands of passengers on their annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, and flown VIPS on exclusive private jet charters on a weekly basis around the world.
Call or email us to book your private jet to your skiing destination today: sales@smart-aviation.co.uk / + 44 1293 551244
