Since the start of ski season in 2024, Smart’s VIP charter team have been regularly flying clients to some of the most sought after ski destinations in the world.
James Gregory, Smart’s Head of VIP Charter, says there’s still time to head to the slopes before the end of the season.
“The ski season is showing no signs of slowing down at the moment and we are working on numerous requests for clients looking to hit the slopes one last time before the summer. We have handpicked a selection of resorts where high altitude means fantastic guaranteed skiing in the upcoming weeks.
We are particularly excited to see such a rapid increase in demand for ski trips to Japan. In recent years, Japan has been soaring in popularity and the snow has been so phenomenal this season that we are excited for both our new and loyal ski clients to end the season in a new destination’.
Here’s Smart’s top destinations to end the ski season:
- Niseko’s – Japan’s Powder Snow Capital
Niseko is Japan’s biggest, and officially number one, ski resort. Home to four interlinked resorts – Grand Hirafu, Hanazono, Niseko Village and An’nupuri – Neisko is renowned for its super conditions and a high quality of powder snow throughout the winter. Averaging more than 15 metres of snow each season, Niseko is world-renowned for its seemingly never-ending tree runs, backcountry access and vast powder bowls. Home to 47km of manicured slopes, Niseko is ideal for beginners, families or advanced skiers. Those who seek to explore Niseko’s deep-powder stashes, hidden locations or hike the spectacular Mt. Yotei are advised to hire a qualified guide for their backcountry adventure.
- Tignes – quintessential French Alps
Tignes – Val d’Isère is the combined ski resort area in the Tarentaise Valley in the French Alps, close to the border with Italy. The greatest snow will be found at Grande Motter glacier, which offers high altitude skiing at 3,456m. Suitable for all levels, the classic purpose-built ski resort boasts 300km of formidable ski runs (24 green, 65 blue, 40 red and 32 black runs) and unparalleled views. Tignes offers an abundance of accommodation options including catered chalet accommodation, hotels and self catering apartments.
- Val Thorens – Europe’s highest resort
Europe’s highest resort, with a peak elevation of 3200m, Val Thornes, also in the French Alps, makes it very easy for visitors to get onto the slopes as quickly as possible. The resort is part of Three Valleys Ski area, with 600k of slopes and offers an extended season from November until the first week of May. A modern ski lift system means guests can also access Méribel and Courchevel from the resort. There are 319 pistes as well as several beginner areas, 200 lifts and an impressive snowpark which includes a freestyle snowboarding and skiing course, making it a resort that suits all ages and abilities. Known for its vibrant nightlife, Val Thorens is a lively resort with an array of nightly live music and dancing venues, as well as laid-back bars and pubs.
- Zermatt – picture perfect Swiss skiing
Offering the highest slopes in Europe, Zermatt offers 350km of intermediate and advanced skiing, set against the backdrop of the mighty Matterhorn. With many long reds, Zermatt is great for intermediates but the challenging terrain creates thrilling black runs for advanced skiers too, including Stockhorn, Triftji and Pista Nera del Cervino. Visitors can also heliski here and can land at 4000ft to glide down the pristine slopes. With wooden chalets and horse-drawn sleighs, Zermatt is picturesque and home to luxurious hotels and shops. It also has a reputation for a foodies paradise, with Chez Vrony and Saycheese, offering the best classic Swiss fondue.
Geilo, Norway’s oldest ski resort
Nestled next to a small Nordic village, Geilo offers pleasant skiing and reliable conditions. Split into two areas, the 34km of slopes are linked by a free bus, so it’s very easy to switch between the two. The main area has a huge range of blues and red runs, and the other side, Vestalia, has some straightforward blues and greater greens. There’s a variety of other activities on offer in this charming village, including snowshoeing, dog-sledding and fat biking. Cosy cabins, high-end hotels, and elaborate restaurants await.
What are the benefits of chartering a jet for your ski trip?
The biggest benefit of travelling by private jet charter is that clients can 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.
Read more about chartering a jet for your ski trip here.
About Smart Aviation
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. 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.
