Direct Flights From London to the Dolomites This Spring and Summer
Italian boutique airline SkyAlps have announced that they’re to run direct flights between London Gatwick and the beautiful Italian city of Bolzano, on the edge of the stunning Dolomites mountains, throughout spring and summer.
This spring and summer shortcut to the Dolomites continues SkyAlps winter service between the two cities. The spring/summer schedule from London Gatwick to Bolzano will commence on Wednesday, 17 April 2024.
This new SkyAlps service means that as well as being able to fly direct to the Dolomites right through to the end of the ski season at the start of May, you can visit to enjoy the mountains (and perhaps even enjoy some summer skiing) right through the warmer months of the year too.
Ski in Late Spring and Summer
The new service builds on SkyAlps existing winter service from London Stansted to Bolzano, launched this winter, which brings the Dolomites closer than ever to UK-based skiers and boarders, and is currently running twice-weekly. It will continue to operate up until April 14th, after which flights will depart from Gatwick.
The Dolomites are in fabulous shape for spring skiing after some of the biggest snowfalls of the season in the first half of March left fresh cover across the mountains. All of the vast Dolomiti Superski region with its 1,200km of slopes, is open through the Easter holidays, with some sectors remaining so through to the start of May.
You’ll also find a relaxed and joyful atmosphere in the mountain villages, with lots of extra activities and events to celebrate the warmer weather and longer days of springtime. Look out for music and culinary festivals among the many fun events on offer.
Glacier skiing continues through May and June at ski areas in the Austrian Tirol like the Stubai and Hintertux, less than two hours from Bolzano. Italy’s own Passo Stelvio, just 90 minutes from Bolzano, opens for summer skiing on June 1st this year.
Spring and Summer in the Stunning Dolomites
The Dolomites that surround Bolzano are extraordinarily beautiful year-round, and it’s no surprise that UNESCO has recognised the entire chain as a World Heritage Site.
Previously, most visitors had to make long transfers from larger airports a long way away from the mountains including coastal Venice to the south and Innsbruck in the Austrian Alps to the north and Milan, far to the west, so the new SkyAlps service provides a brilliant short cut right to these magnificent mountains. It means you can start to enjoy your holiday in the Dolomites right away!
As for spring: While still having the chance to enjoy some beautiful days skiing or hiking in the snow, perhaps on one of the 18 peaks that rise above 3,000 metres, you can already opt for a no-snow break as the sunshine turns the valley floors green and the daylight hours quickly increase. You can enjoy local delicacies as well as an “aperitivo” in the sun, stroll through charming cities, such as Bolzano itself or magical Merano, visit gardens bright with spring flowers or take a springtime hike or cycle tour.
As the snowline rises to the mountain tops in summer, hiking and biking become more dominant leisure activities. But you might also enjoy a day at the lake, experience numerous cultural activities and enjoy the mix of Alpine and Mediterranean cuisine. In summer the South Tyrol region that surrounds Bolzano offers infinite possibilities for an unforgettable holiday between the Dolomite peaks.
Whenever you visit you’ll have the chance to experience South Tyrol’s striking contrasts, where Alpine and Mediterranean culture and natural beauty merge to create a very special and unique identity. Among many other things this is reflected in the wonderful cuisine and highly-rated wines in the region. Many of the best resorts in the Dolomites are less than 90 minutes away from Bolzano.
The SkyAlps Service
The new SkyAlps route will operate twice a week, on Wednesdays and Saturday afternoons, and take passengers to Bolzano in South Tyrol, non-stop, in around 2 hours.
SkyAlps flights to Bolzano (BZO) from London Gatwick (LGW) will depart at 15.35 UK time each Wednesday, arriving Bolzano at 18.55 Italian time (an hour ahead of the UK), and on Saturdays depart London Gatwick at 16.40 UK time, arriving Bolzano at 20.00 local time.
Return SkyAlps flights from Bolzano depart at 13.35 local time on Wednesdays and arrive into London Gatwick at 15.00 UK time. Then on Saturdays they depart Bolzano at 14.40 Italian time, and arriving London Gatwick at 16.05 UK time.
Along with no crazy early-morning starts required for these flight times, the small airport at Bolzano has just two gates – eliminating queues and enabling a very fast turnaround time.
SkyAlps is an Italian boutique airline with its headquarters and hub at Bolzano Airport. Founded in 2021 it is already connecting over 20 cities in Europe with direct flights.
The entire fleet consists of DASH-8 Q-400 turboprop aircraft designed for short and medium-haul flights.
These offer a much more personal service than the big jets used by most European airlines, with a maximum capacity of 76 seats.
They also save up to 50 per cent in emissions compared to other regional jets and generate less noise during take-off and landing.
Whilst SkyAlps is a premium option, the airline offers excellent value, with seat prices starting at €184 each way. The experience on board is an enjoyable one, offering complimentary regional delights including a wine list with four awarded wines every month.
For further information and to book, please visit skyalps.com.
Book a flight to Bolzano with Italy’s boutique airline SkyAlps, operated twice-weekly throughout spring and summer, and experience the Dolomites like you’ve never done before!
Images ©KOTTERSTEGER
