Hitting the slopes will be easier than ever this year with the start of new short-haul routes to top ski resorts from Gatwick.

During the winter 2014 season, British Airways will fly twice weekly, from December 20th, to Friedrichshafen in Germany and Grenoble in France, using a mix of Airbus A319s and 320s.

The new routes come after the airline announced the start of its biggest ever summer schedule, offering 37,000 more seats a week compared to summer 2013, with big frequency increases at Gatwick to top destinations.

Colm Lacy, British Airways’ head of commercial at Gatwick, said: “Skiing is a major must for many of our customers, so we couldn’t be happier to give them even more destinations to choose from to hit the slopes.

“These two new services to Friedrichshafen and Grenoble, added to our existing flights to ski resorts in Geneva, Turin and Innsbruck, will boost our already impressive leisure schedule from Gatwick, offering our customers further choice between winter sun or Alpine sports.”

British Airways customers can check-in their skis for free, as part of their complimentary 23kg luggage allowance, while travelling short-haul in Euro Traveller.

Customers travelling in Club Europe may also check-in their skis for free, as part of their complimentary luggage allowance, which allows up to two bags, each weighing 32kg.

British Airways flights include free online check-in and seat selection 24 hours prior to departure, and in-flight refreshments.