2026
EUROPEAN SKI GUIDE
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The places capturing our clients’ attention this winter.
A closer look at the aircraft most frequently chosen for winter escapes.
DESTINATIONS This winter, our clients are placing greater value on privacy, space and wellbeing when choosing where to ski. The established Alpine favourites remain popular, but there is growing interest in quieter resorts, secluded chalets and hotels where the experience feels more personal and removed from the crowds. Wellness is also becoming a bigger part of the ski escape. Spa time, thermal facilities, fitness and restorative treatments are increasingly considered alongside the quality of the slopes. Destinations such as Iceland and the Dolomites offer a more tranquil alternative to the busiest names on the map. Here is our top 5 destinations...
1. CABANE TORTIN, VERBIER How to get there: Sion Airport Ground transfer: 45 mins Tucked high above the Valais Alps, Cabane Tortin is less hotel, more private mountain hideaway. Its remote setting and back-to-basics feel make it a particularly good choice for those who want to escape the resort crowds entirely. In winter, arrive by helicopter or ski tour and you can have some of the best off-piste terrain in the Alps almost entirely to yourself.
2. BADRUTTS PALACE, ST MORTIZ How to get there: Samedan Airport Ground transfer: 10 mins A St Moritz institution since 1896, Badrutt’s Palace combines old-school Alpine glamour with a remarkably lively social scene. The hotel sits directly above the lake, with the village and ski lifts on the doorstep. For winter weekends, we recommend flying into Samedan, the Alps’ highest airport, to avoid the longer drive from Zurich.
3. DEPLAR FARM, ICELAND How to get there: Akureyri Airport Ground transfer: 90 mins Hidden in Iceland’s remote Troll Peninsula, Deplar Farm is a former sheep farm turned ultra-private lodge, surrounded by mountains, glaciers and empty valleys. It is particularly special for heli-skiing, with the lodge’s helicopters giving guests access to untouched terrain far beyond the usual ski resorts.
4. HOTEL & CHALET AURELIO, LECH How to get there: Innsbruck Airport Ground transfer: 1 hr 15 mins Aurelio is one of Lech’s most discreet addresses, combining the privacy of a chalet with the service of a five-star hotel. Its position beside the Schlosskopf lift means you can be on the mountain within minutes, while the village is close enough to walk to. For a group, the private chalet offers the easiest way to turn the property into your own Alpine base.
5. AMAN ROSA ALPINA, DOLOMITES How to get there: Bolzano Airport Ground transfer: 1 hr 30 mins Set in San Cassiano in the heart of Italy’s Dolomites, Aman Rosa Alpina combines Aman’s understated luxury with genuine alpine character. The hotel offers access to more than 1,200km of Dolomiti Superski terrain, while a ski lounge, ski butler and shuttle to the Piz Sorega cable car make getting onto the mountain particularly easy. After skiing, the Aman Spa, three pools and expansive suites make this one of the Dolomites’ most polished retreats.
AIRCRAFT For european ski travel, range, access to smaller airports, cabin space and baggage capacity all matter. An aircraft that can land closer to the resort can save hours on the road, while generous luggage capacity means skis, boots and winter clothing can travel with you rather than being left behind. We are seeing consistent upgrades from light jets into the super light category, particularly aircraft such as the Pilatus PC-24 and Embraer Phenom 300. The choice ultimately comes down to the trip itself. Flying to Geneva for the major alpine resorts may call for something different from heading to Sion or Chambéry, where airport access and aircraft capability become more important.
1. PILATUS PC-12 Turbo-prop (single engine) 6 pax
2 hour range
6 Hold Bags
The PC-12’s short-field capability makes it one of the best aircraft to consider for mountain airfields. With six seats and six hold bags, it is a practical choice when access matters more than cabin size.
2. PILATUS PC-24 Super light jet
8 pax
3 hour range
8 Hold Bags
The PC-24 was built around short-runway performance and can operate on paved, grass, gravel and snow-covered runways. Its cargo door and eight-bag capacity are another bonus when skis and winter kit come along for the ride.
3. PHENOM 300 Super light jet
6 pax
4 hour range
6 Hold Bags
With a four-hour range, the Phenom 300 has enough reach for much of europe while remaining compact enough to use a broad network of regional airports. That makes destinations such as Chambéry, Grenoble and Sion useful gateways to the Alps.
4. CHALLENGER 650 Heavy Jet
12 pax
7 hour range
12 Hold Bags
Up to 4 beds in night time configuration The Challenger 650 combines a seven-hour range with room for 12 passengers and 12 hold bags, making it particularly well suited to larger groups bringing plenty of winter kit.
5. GULFSTREAM G650 Ultra-long Range 13 pax
12 hour range
18+ Hold Bags
Up to 8 beds in night time configuration The G650's ultra-long range means you can fly further afield to other continents. You can also enjoy comfortable journeys to European gateways such as Geneva, then continue to the slopes, rather than breaking the journey with a connection.
SAMPLE ITINERARY
SWISS ALPS Round Trip BIGGIN HILL – SION AIRPORT
Four Guests - 6 nights
THE VICTOR DIFFERENCE
YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER SECURES
PILATUS PC-24 +50,000 Alto Loyalty Points
YOUR ACCOUNT MANAGER ARRANGES
HELICOPTER TRANSFER +10,000 Alto Loyalty Points
OUR CONCIERGE PROVIDES
CABANE TORTIN +100,000 Alto Loyalty Points
160,000 TOTAL ALTO POINTS EARNED
Equal to (e.g.)
1 VIP experience at a sporting event OR
A stay at a 5* Hotel