Airhelp's Tips for Traveling Abroad to Ski

Winter season travel is gaining more momentum and, in this regard, February and March are two of the busiest months since, if one is looking to practice snow sports, the quality of the snow is optimal.

Although many Spaniards opt for national resorts—especially the Pyrenees and Sierra Nevada—ATUDEM, the Spanish Ski and Mountain Resort Association, reported that Spanish slopes experienced a decline in visitors in the last season (23/24). This suggests that mountain and winter sports enthusiasts may have decided to take a flight and travel abroad to enjoy the snow. The French, Swiss, and Italian Alps are popular destinations due to their proximity, the quality, and variety of their slopes; although Austria also stands out on the map for skiers seeking international experiences.

Either way, AirHelp, the technology company advocating for passenger rights, informs winter sports lovers about the punctuality at the airports closest to their destinations and the challenges that transporting their equipment by plane may pose, from the different policies adopted by airlines to the loss or damage of equipment during the journey.

Destinations Outside Spain for Skiing: What Is It Like to Fly Here?
For skiers traveling from Spain to international destinations, flight punctuality is a key factor to make the most of their time in the snow. With airports strategically located near major ski resorts, reaching destinations like the French Alps or the Italian Dolomites can be quick and efficient, as long as schedules are met without setbacks. But how reliable are the air connections to these key points?

•  Geneva Airport (GVA, Switzerland) – Perfect for reaching French Alps ski resorts like Chamonix, Megève, Les Arcs, La Plagne, and Val d'Isère, or for connecting with Swiss Alps destinations like Zermatt, Verbier, Crans-Montana, and Saas-Fee. According to data provided by AirHelp from flights that took place last season—December 2023 to March 2024—Geneva Airport meets its scheduled timing in 81.2% of its flights.

•  Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) – Ideal for French resorts like Les Deux Alpes, Alpe d'Huez, and also for resorts in the Northern Alps region. The punctuality of flights to this airport averages 87.8% during the ski season.

•  Turin Airport (TRN) – This airport will be the chosen option for tourists opting for Italian Alps resorts like Sestriere, Bardonecchia, Cervinia, and Courmayeur. Its data, in this case, are the best among the options analyzed by AirHelp: a 90.7% compliance rate.

•  Milan-Malpensa Airport (MXP) and Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport (BGY) – To access the Dolomites or nearby Italian Alps resorts like Bormio and Livigno, these airports are ideal. The punctuality of trips to these northern Italian aerodromes is 84.8% and 81.5%, respectively.

•  Zurich Airport (ZRH) – Perfect for visiting the Swiss Alps and resorts like Davos, St. Moritz, and Engelberg. This airport has 79.1% of its scheduled flights on time.

•  Basel Airport (BSL) – To access western Switzerland resorts, this airport receives flights originating from Spain punctually in 87.2% of cases.

•  Salzburg Airport (SZG) – In the case of the Austrian Alps, this airport is very useful for resorts like Zell am See, Saalbach, and Kaprun. Although it is not frequently visited by Spanish tourists, it only meets schedules in 66.7% of flights.

Key Tips and Passenger Rights
Traveling with ski equipment may seem challenging, but with the right information, it is possible to avoid unforeseen events and enjoy a smooth journey. From knowing each airline's regulations to knowing what to do in case of delays or damage to the equipment, being well-prepared makes a difference.

•  Airline Policies: Before traveling, it is essential to review the specific airline policies on transporting sports equipment. Each airline has different rules regarding this type of bulky luggage allowed, size and weight restrictions, as well as associated fees.

•  Arriving Early at the Airport: Doing so will allow enough time to check in and complete any additional procedures the airline may require, ensuring the luggage is loaded on time for the flight.

•  Declaration of Equipment at Check-in: It is advisable to inform the airline accurately when checking in. The type of luggage, dimensions, or if there is any special handling requirement are details that can guide the airline and prevent possible damage.

•  Packing Securely: Actions like wrapping them with protective materials or separating easily detachable parts of the equipment can contribute to safe transport.

•  Purchasing Luggage Insurance: Having travel insurance that covers loss, damage, or theft of any type of luggage can provide peace of mind and protection.

By following these guidelines, travelers can minimize potential inconveniences when transporting their sports equipment. Additionally, passengers flying with their own equipment usually have a package of activities booked, so a problem with the equipment means not being able to perform them and losing the money their ski pass is valued at. Therefore, AirHelp shares all the information to address the situation in case all these precautions are in vain and a complication occurs in the transport.

1. Inspecting Luggage Upon Arrival: If there are any signs of damage, it should be reported immediately to the airline staff—preferably with images. Similarly, if luggage is lost, it is important to start the procedures upon arrival at the destination.

2. Keeping All Documentation: Always, when making a claim, it is important to keep all reports, references, documents, and communication records that have occurred between the passenger and the airline regarding the incident.

3. Information About Compensation: Some airline policies or if the passenger purchased luggage insurance, the loss or damage of sports equipment may lead to financial compensation.