TIME-STARVED SKIERS GAIN HOURS ON THE PISTE

With the popularity of short ski breaks ever-increasing, winter sports enthusiasts are looking for ways of maximising time on the slopes, rather than spending a day of their break travelling. As it launches a new online guide to European ski resorts, private jet booking platform PrivateFly.com has seen a seasonal surge in ski weekenders looking to travel by private jet or helicopter transfer.

Adam Twidell, CEO and co-founder of PrivateFly.com, comments: "Our online flight search data is showing a clear trend from leisure ski travellers: Instead of taking a whole week off work to head to the slopes, more and more people are looking to take three- or four-day breaks over a long weekend.

"As a result, minimising journey time is a key priority for many - and with a private jet charter, the door-to-slope time from London to St Moritz can be just over two hours, rather than over seven hours using scheduled airlines*. That's a saving of over ten travelling hours on a return journey, which skiers can spend on the slopes instead. Using smaller private jet airports in the heart of ski areas can significantly cut both the resort transfer time - as well as the wasted hours spent at the airport. What's more, you can set your own schedule and arrange a late evening flight home to make the most of the final day on the slopes."

The new web guide covers ten top European ski resorts and includes a rundown of facilities, runs and lifts, in addition to key transport information such as closest airports, flight times and driving distances. Each resort page includes example pricing for private jet flights and helicopter transfers, as well as images of recommended aircraft.

PrivateFly's operator network quotes competitively in an online marketplace for every flight. The charter price to Samedan St Moritz airport is around £9,930 return from London on a Cessna Citation small jet (from £1,655 per head based on six people travelling). Helicopter transfers cut some journey times even further and start from £1,500 Sion - Zermatt each way (£300 per head).

Twidell continues: "The launch of our new ski resort guide is in response to increased demand from short-break skiers for private jet and helicopter travel. Of course the VIP luxury adds considerably to the enjoyment of a holiday, but it is the compelling time-saving benefits that attract many customers - many of whom would not normally consider private jet travel."

To book a private jet charter flight call +44 1747 642777 or email enquiries@privatefly.com

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

PrivateFly's European Ski Resort Guide Read the PrivateFly guide to travelling by private jet and helicopter and spending more time on the slopes. Including door-to-slope times, private jet hire and helicopter prices and aircraft guides. PrivateFly's guide to European ski resorts

*Comparison 1: London - St Moritz

*Comparison 2: London - Verbier