Flying private during peak ski season: what to know

While most are still revelling in the summer’s heat, for seasoned skiers, now’s the time to start thinking about booking their winter holiday. With increased holiday-season traffic, here’s everything you should know before you fly private this winter, from costs and booking timelines to safety considerations.

Book early and lock it in

Aircraft availability at ski airports tightens dramatically in the weeks around Christmas/New Year and February half-term. Popular routes (London–Geneva, London–Chambéry, Paris–Courchevel) can sell out on peak days, so requests ideally go in 4-6 weeks ahead for the busiest dates, sometimes earlier for New Year's Eve/Day.

Airport restrictions matter more than usual

Alpine airports like Courchevel, Sion, and Samedan have short runways, altitude considerations, and strict operating hours or curfews (night flights are strictly prohibited and operations are dependent on daylight and mountain weather conditions). Not every aircraft type is certified to land there (we’ll present you with the best options should you wish to land here). Megève and Chambéry are more flexible alternatives with easier road transfers to the same resorts.

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Weather adds a layer of unpredictability

Weather conditions at Alpine airports can cause diversions even when departure airports are clear so it’s worth building in contingency time. Our charter managers will also suggest a backup airport (e.g., Geneva as a diversion for Courchevel-bound flights) with ground transfer as part of a plan B.

De-icing delays

Expect potential safety delays and extra costs for clearing ice and frost before take-off. De-icing fees can range anywhere between €250 - €2,000+ depending on the aircraft size and weather severity but you’re charter manager will keep you informed when you book.

Aircraft type depends on the runway, not just passenger count:

Turboprops and light jets with strong short-field performance are often the only options into the smaller Alpine strips, so cabin size sometimes gets dictated by the airport rather than passenger numbers.

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I book a private jet for ski season?

Four to six weeks ahead for standard peak dates; earlier for New Year's Eve and New Year's Day specifically.

What happens if weather closes an Alpine airport? 

Charter managers typically plan a backup airport in advance, such as Geneva for Courchevel, with ground transfer arranged as part of the itinerary.

Is there a luggage limit and can I bring my own ski and snowboard equipment?

Yes absolutely! You can bring your own ski equipment however each aircraft has a defined baggage hold. Ski and snowboard bags count toward this allowance, so it's worth sharing exact equipment (number of bags, boot bags, board length) with your charter manager at the time of booking.

What is de-icing and how much does it cost? 

A standard pre-departure procedure in winter conditions, de-icing removes snow, ice or frost from an aircraft to ensure safe take-offs. This is typically charged separately from the charter fee and range anywhere from €200 to €2,000, depending on the aircraft size.

Which aircraft is best if I'm travelling with a lot of ski equipment?

For larger groups with multiple ski and snowboard bags, the best choice is often a super-midsize jet or a large jet such as a Legacy 600, Challenger 350 or Global 6000, each with great luggage capacity.

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