British Airways has announced its new route to Innsbruck has proved very popular with skiers and the numbers of passengers on flights to Innsbruck are snowballing, with thousands heading to the Alpine ski resort in Austria.

In December 2009, British Airways launched its new flights to Innsbruck. The five-a-week service to the former Winter Olympic city was the fifth new route to be launched by British Airways from Gatwick this winter. During the current winter schedule, the airline departs London Gatwick 5 times weekly on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

“Innsbruck is situated in the middle of one of the most beautiful areas in Europe, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of the Alps,” said Judith Struck, airport manager Innsbruck. “It is a haven for winter sports lovers - nine ski areas provide varied terrain for all levels of skier and each is served by free shuttle bus from the city. The Stubai and Hintertux glaciers provide guaranteed year-round snow and make it a superb place for a winter holiday.”

Ski holidays in Innsbruck are popular with the city’s proximity to guaranteed snow. Innsbruck is just about the most ‘urban’ of ski cities with the slopes nearer to the city than any other ski town thus enabling skiers to stay in the city but get to the slopes quickly and easily. Each ski area is served by a free shuttle bus service from the city. Innsbruck is also popular with snow-boarders and offers many non ski activities such as tobogganing and bobsleigh rides. For après-ski, Innsbruck Old Town has a great choice of restaurants and bars, offering excellent food and drink at reasonable prices.

Because of its popularity, British Airways is already considering the possibility of flying to the city throughout the year.

“The area offers a marvellous backdrop for hiking holidays and summer leisure activities,” added Judith. “It also has great potential to attract Austrians, who love travelling, to visit Britain, with the euro exchange rate making this an attractive proposition for them. But for UK customers, Innsbruck is the first stop for a holiday to remember.”

Customers will be well placed to enjoy the many sports and activities on offer in Innsbruck when they stay in one of British Airways great range of 3* to 5* hotels in Innsbruck, available all year round. Relax at the 4* Grauer Bar, a modern hotel with traditional Tyrolean influences, famed also for its unique wellness area offering a panoramic view of the surrounding Alps. The 4* Maximilian is the perfect family run choice of accommodation or stay at the Innsbruck Hilton, set right in the heart of this Olympic city.