The best ski destinations to travel to by private jet

Best ski locations in Europe

Europe’s many mountain ranges are home to an array of luxury ski resorts that can easily be reached by private jet.

Courchevel, France

Set high in the French Alps, Courchevel is one of the world’s most glamorous ski resorts. But beyond its splashy nightclubs, Michelin dining and decadent hotels, the Trois Vallées ski region boasts 600 km of pistes and over 160 lifts, with trails for beginners, intermediates and experts alike.

There are many luxury chalets in Courchevel for skiers who want their own space. If you prefer a hotel, Cheval Blanc Courchevel is a sleek and sophisticated hideaway with ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes.

Baqueira-Beret, Spain

One of Spain’s most popular ski resorts, Baqueira-Beret, spans Beret, Baqueira and Bonaigua in the Catalonian mountains and is known for its modern facilities and well-maintained tracks. Due to its altitude of 1,500 to 2,610 metres, ski season here begins in November and runs right through to April.

Baqueira-Beret’s most luxurious hotel is, without doubt, Hotel Val de Neu G.L. Located just 50 yards from the nearest ski lift, this modern base offers lavish amenities like a spa and heated pool, first-class cuisine and spectacular mountain views.

Val D'Isère, France

Considered by many to be France’s premier ski destination, Val D'Isère is a popular location for luxury breaks on the slopes. Set at the head of the Tarentaise Valley with modern chairlifts and fantastic après-ski bars, the resort has produced a whole generation of ski stars and experts who refuse to practise their trade anywhere else.

With its modern decor and sophisticated suites, Le K2 Chogori, Hôtel de Luxe Val d'Isère is one of the region’s best five-star hotels, while larger groups can choose from a range of luxury chalets complete with open fires and plunge pools.

Zermatt, Switzerland

With its miles of pristine pistes and views of the famous Matterhorn, Europe's highest ski resort draws thousands of visitors every season. Despite its popularity, Zermatt remains steeped in classic charm and you might spot a horse-drawn carriage on its cobbled streets. What’s more, the ski area sits adjacent to the Italian border, meaning you can stop by for some authentic pizza and pasta at lunchtime.

For luxurious hotels, look no further than The Omnia, a mountain hideaway perched high above Zermatt’s centre with its own Michelin-starred restaurant. The Matterhorn Focus is also highly recommended for its chic interiors and fabulous mountain-facing spa.

Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy

The Dolomites are known for their spectacular mountain scenery and many well-heeled Italians flock to chalets in Cortina d'Ampezzo during ski season. The skiing here is world-class – it hosted the 1956 Winter Olympics, after all – but there’s much more to Cortina than just the slopes. Its charming town centre is packed with designer boutiques, excellent restaurants and a lively après-ski scene.

While there are many stylish ski chalets in Cortina, its most exclusive hotel is the iconic Cristallo. It’s located just outside of town, but its luxurious spa, indoor pool and palatial interiors will soon make you forget the drive.

Best ski locations in America

Given the United States’ undulating landscape, it’s unsurprising the country boasts a range of luxury ski resorts to choose from in the cold winter months. Here are some of the best.

Aspen, Colorado

Aspen is one of the world’s best-known ski resorts. Celebrities are regular visitors, with the likes of Roman Abramovich, Kurt Russel and Kevin Costner owning real estate here. The skiing isn’t bad, either, with four mountain areas catering for a variety of skill levels.

With one of the highest average property prices in the whole of America, luxury hotels in Aspen aren’t hard to find. The W Aspen pays tribute to the town’s reputation as a high-society playground, while the St. Regis Aspen Resort honours the area’s historical roots, and The Residences at The Little Nell is a collection of opulent condos.

Vail, Colorado

It’s easy to see why Vail is quickly becoming the ski destination of the rich and famous. While it doesn’t have the mining history of towns like Aspen and Breck, this exclusive resort regularly sets the benchmark for luxury ski breaks. At the mountain’s base, Vail Village’s heated cobbled streets are lined with hotels, restaurants and shops, while peaceful Golden Peak is removed from the central hub but within an easy walk of its amenities.

Where accommodation is concerned, The Arrabelle at Vail Square has several sprawling residences, including a three-bedroom suite with mountain views and its own kitchen, living room and dining area. Alternatively, the Grand Hyatt Vail, Ritz Carlton Residences and Four Seasons offer contemporary rooms, on-site restaurants and pampering spas.

Lake Tahoe, California/Nevada

Set on the stateline of California and Nevada, Lake Tahoe takes its place as the central focal point for the surrounding ski resorts. The region’s largest and most popular ski destination, Heavenly, lies to the south of the lake, but there are plenty more to choose from depending on your skiing level.

Luxury ski holidays require lavish accommodation and Lake Tahoe has that in abundance. The Villa Suites at Edgewood Tahoe Resort lies at the heart of town with uninterrupted views of the lake. The Ritz-Carlton is another great base offering mountain concierge services, heated pools and warming spa treatments.

Beaver Creek, Colorado

A comparatively hidden gem in the Colorado Rockies, Beaver Creek may not be as well-known as Aspen or Vail, but it prides itself on providing an upmarket skiing experience: the area’s tagline, “not exactly roughing it” says it all.

The resort comprises three villages on the mountain and two towns in the valley. Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead are the two biggest villages with central plazas, grand hotels, boutique shops and first-class eateries. Big-name hotels like the Park Hyatt and Ritz-Carlton are ideal options for those looking to ski in luxury.

Best ski locations in Canada

Most of Canada’s best skiing is in the western provinces of British Columbia and Alberta – and, to a lesser extent, Ontario and Quebec. The country is a great all-round skiing destination, catering to experts as well as families with a number of beginners’ resorts and plenty of off-slope activities. Here are some of Canada’s most popular skiing destinations.

Whistler, British Columbia

Whistler is a buzzing winter haven nestled in British Columbia’s Coast Mountains. While the slopes are an absolute dream, non-skiers are also well catered-for with a myriad of bars, fine dining restaurants, shops and art galleries.

The area is home to a range of luxury hotels showcasing Canadian hospitality. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler stands tall against the backdrop of the soaring British Columbia mountains and provides the perfect respite from a long day on the slopes. For a more relaxed vibe, the Four Seasons Whistler and the Nita Lake Lodge are great alternatives.

Mont Tremblant, Québec

Mont Tremblant is a glorious alternative to a European ski holiday. Set northwest of Montreal in the Laurentian Mountains, this French-speaking region had an Alpine-style facelift in the Nineties and has since become incredibly popular for ski retreats. With its cobbled streets and brightly-coloured buildings, it’s often dubbed the skiing world’s alternative to Disneyland.

Amongst all the magical architecture, Mont Tremblant is home to some impressive luxury hotels. The all-suite Hotel Quintessence even has a 1,200-square-foot penthouse with an outdoor jacuzzi and breathtaking 180-degree views.

Banff, Alberta

Unlike your average ski resort, winter is Banff’s low season when skiers can enjoy the slopes in relative peace. UNESCO-listed Banff National Park is Canada’s answer to Yellowstone, a bucket-lister that draws wide-eyed tourists from around the world with its jaw-dropping scenery.

Accommodation here is mostly classic lodges and boutique hotels, but the castle-like Fairmont Springs Hotel is the cream of the crop. Built into the side of the mountain, this fairytale residence has welcomed the likes of Marilyn Monroe and Queen Elizabeth throughout its grand history and now offers contemporary suites and a luxury spa.

Best private jets to charter for your ski getaway

The most popular private jets for ski trips are those that can land at remote airports and have space for skis in the baggage hold. Here are three of the best private jets to charter to your chosen skiing destination.

Cessna Citation X

One of the fastest private jets on the market, the Cessna Citation X can carry its passengers at .90 Mach – just under the speed of sound. This means it can fly from New York to Los Angeles almost an hour faster than other super-midsize or larger business jets. This aircraft is ideal for ski travel, with a large cabin for 8-12 passengers and a generous baggage hold with space for 12 suitcases as well as skis.

Gulfstream IV

The revolutionary Gulfstream IV set the benchmark for all future Gulfstream aircraft. Spacious, reliable and fast, it remains one of the most popular heavy jets to charter. With a 4,584-mile range, the aircraft can complete transatlantic journeys and typically seats 14 passengers, while the internally-accessible baggage compartment has space for 19 suitcases – enough for one per person and a few pairs of skis!

Pilatus PC-12

One of the few single-engine turboprops, the Pilatus PC-12 is a versatile choice for a range of journeys. The key reasons for its popularity are its large cabin, comparatively long range and high speed, while the baggage compartment isn’t exactly small, either – easily capable of carrying several suitcases and ski equipment. The PC-12 can also take off from small runways, meaning passengers can access more remote mountain airports.

Whether you’re after a last-minute luxury trip to the slopes or planning ahead for ski season, speak to our team to arrange your private charter. We can also speak to you about other options for flexible, cost-effective charters, such as our unrivalled Empyrean jet card.