Great news for skiers in the north

SWISS will launch twice-weekly flights between Manchester and Geneva on December 20, which will give skiers and boarders based in the north direct access to some of the best skiing this winter.

The weekend flights, which cost from £77 return, are bookable on www.swiss.com/uk. The price includes taxes and charges and, best of all, free ski and board carriage.

Geneva Airport is close to many of the top ski resorts in the Alps, including Chamonix, Avoriaz, Morzine, Flaine and Megeve in France and Verbier in Switzerland, all of which are no more than an hour's drive away.

There is a train service from the airport to Geneva city centre, from where skiers can connect to trains to some of the larger ski resorts.

One of the easiest ways to travel from the airport to some of the smaller ski resorts is by coach. Many of the larger resorts operate private coach transfers too. For Chamonix try chamExpress.com.

Taxi transfers can work out a cheaper option for a group of four or more. For the smaller, more obscure resorts as well as the favourites like Megeve and Avoriaz, try resortrides.com

SWISS new flight will operate throughout the winter ski season, ending on April 11 2010.

Flights will depart from Manchester on Saturdays and Sundays. They are one of the few airlines still offering free ski carriage. Ryanair charges for all sporting equipment and British Airways has recently decided to start charging for skis, boots and boards.

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