The challenge with most skiing holidays is getting to the mountains. And the greatest advantage of a private jet is speed and convenience.
Did you know that it can be faster to reach St Moritz from Prague than Špindlerův Mlýn? Do you know which private jets have suitable space for a ski holiday? Do you know about de-icing costs?
In this guide we explain the best aircraft for a ski holiday, our favourite ski airports in the Alps, and the essentials you need to know for a ski air charter.
Typical Private Jet Aircraft for a Ski Holiday
Private jets are so valuable because they maximise your time. You can fly direct, to the closest airport, at the time that suits you.
For ski holidays in the Alps we recommend aircraft that offer a good combination of range, price, cabin space and luggage space. We also check that these aircraft have good availability from Prague.
Luggage space can be a key deciding factor, as it’s different to another type of holiday.
Note that we are only suggesting our best selling jets here, rather than turboprops like the popular Pilatus PC-12 (although that might be a possibility for short European flights for select clients). In general though, our clients rarely choose turboprops, because they’re noisier, the flight time is longer, and for reasons of safety.
As an independent broker we always offer a range of suitable and reasonably priced aircraft for each client.
We’ve provided the indicative price of a return flight to Innsbruck for a seven-day ski holiday, as this is the closest main ski airport from Prague.
Citation Mustang
An entry-level jet for a maximum of four passengers. It’s the most affordable option, at around 10,500 EUR return to Innsbruck.
Space is limited, including for luggage, although it can fit two pairs of skis depending on their length. Note there’s no toilet on this jet.
It’s a good choice for a couple flying to the Alps and renting ski equipment on arrival. However, with the extra weight of four people, the Citation Mustang doesn’t have the range to reach all ski destinations in the Alps.
Beechjet 400A
This jet offers amazing value for most trips around Europe. Return charters to Innsbruck can be around 13,000 EUR.
A Beechjet 400A can comfortably seat seven passengers, although the exact capacity will be dependent on your luggage. In extreme situations, an eighth passenger can sit on the toilet seat.
The aircraft’s downside is its limited luggage capacity. A few pairs of skis are fine, but rarely more if you’re also flying with suitcases.
It’s great for couples who want more space and take equipment with them. Or perfect for a family who will rent most of their gear on the spot.
Citation CJ3
The Citation CJ3 is very similar to the Beechjet 400A, except there’s more space for luggage and one less seat for passengers.
In reality we find it fits four pairs of skis, light luggage and four passengers. So it can work really well for a family, or couples flying with their ski equipment.
Return flights to Innsbruck are around 14,000 EUR and like every aircraft, this depends on dates and number of passengers.
Citation XLS+
The larger Citation XLS+ is generally an excellent choice for ski holidays. It’s a very comfortable aircraft for eight passengers with good luggage capacity:
Return flights to Innsbruck are in the 17,000 EUR range, so you do pay a premium for this extra space. But if you have more passengers, the price per seat can be less than other aircraft.
A Citation XLS+ is great for families taking a lot of luggage plus equipment with them, or for friends travelling together on a ski holiday. It’s also a great choice for longer flights, like a ski holiday in Lapland.
Gulfstream G-280
The most premium option on our list for a European ski holiday, the Gulfstream G-280 has ten seats and large luggage capacity.
There are more expensive jets, but for almost all ski holidays the G-280 is as premium as anybody needs.
We recommend for bigger families, or if you’re six or more friends skiing together.
This is fast and efficient mid-sized jet, with a significantly higher price point. Return flights to Innsbruck would be around EUR 26,000.
What is de-icing and what do you need to pay?
It is a legal requirement for all ice and snow to be removed from an aircraft before it takes off. This is obviously important for a ski holiday.
Snow and ice on a wing reduces lift performance. The extra weight impacts flight performance . Even worse, controls like ailerons, elevators and rudders can be blocked.
In short, if de-icing is needed you will need to pay for it. Unfortunately, many unprofessional charter brokers don’t inform their clients, who are then shocked at the extra costs they must pay.
De-icing can’t be included in the charter price, because you don’t know in advance how much de-icing will be required.
The average cost of one de-icing of a small jet is 1,000 EUR. But we suggest you are prepared for a cost of up to 4,000 EUR. The final cost depends on the size of the jet, the amount of fluid required, and the price of de-icing fluid at the airport (just like gas station there isn’t a single common price).
Depart in the middle of a sunny afternoon and maybe no de-icing is required. Depart early morning on a very cold day and you’ll need more heated de-icing fluid, a specialist and expensive material.
Our belief is in transparency. For every air charter you should know all your options in advance, and have a rough idea of the de-icing costs.
Favourite Airports in the Alps for a Ski Holiday
Flying by private jet for a ski holiday can be complicated by the weather and topography.
Pilots need special training and licenses to land at the most challenging airports high in the Alps. For example, Courcheval Airport is famous for its beautiful mountain approach and one of the world´s shortest runways.
You can’t fly here on a private jet charter. It’s only accessible to highly skilled pilots flying their own small jets, without paying passengers.
Our favourite airports in the Alps are still very convenient. And less dangerous! We’ve selected them based on proximity to ski resorts, altitude and conditions.
Samedan
Ski Resort: St Moritz
We like to call St Moritz the closest ski area to Prague, because it takes a one-hour flight and a ten-minute car transfer.
You can be on the piste in less than two hours, which is less than driving to Špindlerův Mlýn.
Chambery
Ski Resorts: Courchevel, Chamonix, Megeve, Meribel
Chambery is the gateway airport to the French Alps. A low altitude of 234 metres above sea level means it’s less dangerous and dependent on alpine weather conditions.
Chambery is a 1h20 minute flight from Prague. From here it’s a 75-minute road transfer to Courcheval or 90 minutes to Megeve.
Sion
Ski Resorts: Crans-Montana, Verbier, Zermatt
In the heart of the Swiss alps, at a similar altitude to Geneva and Zurich airports. Jets can usually always operate in and out of Sion.
After a 1h10 minute flight, the ski areas of Crans-Montana, Verbier and Zermatt are all within a one-hour drive.
Bolzano
Ski Resort: Dolomiti Superski Area
A 55-minute flight from Prague to the gateway of the Italian Dolomites. Bolzano is within 90 minutes driving to most resorts around the Sella Ronda area.
This is a risky one because of the short runway. Perfect visibility and a dry runway are essential to land, so sometimes flights are diverted to other airports, like Verona and Innsbruck.
Innsbruck
Ski Resorts: Lech, Mayrhofen, St Anton, Solden, Kitzbuhel
In the heart of the Austrian Alps, with many outstanding Austrian ski resorts within a one-hour drive.
Innsbruck Airport is the closest and cheapest private jet option from Prague, around 45 minutes away. The long runway, relatively low altitude and easy approach make it a secure choice.
Your Ski Holiday by Private Jet
Have you fully explored the possibilities of a ski holiday by private jet?
We will guide you through specific options and prices for your next ski holiday.
