British Airways has just launched its new flight service to Innsbruck. The five-a-week service to the former Winter Olympic city is the fifth new route to be launched by British Airways from Gatwick this winter. During the winter schedule, the airline will depart London Gatwick five times weekly on Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Ski holidays in Innsbruck are extremely popular as a result of 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. Nine ski areas provide varied terrain for all levels of skiers with 200 runs to choose from. Each ski area is served by a free shuttle bus service from the city. Innsbruck is also popular with snowboarders and offers many non ski activities such as tobogganing and bobsleigh rides. For apres-ski, Innsbruck Old Town has a wide choice of restaurants and bars, offering excellent food and drink at reasonable prices.

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. 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 a popular family run choice of accommodation or stay at the Innsbruck Hilton, set right in the heart of the Olympic city. Car rental in Innsbruck is available through Avis, British Airways' car rental partner.

Alan Peever, British Airways general manager Gatwick, said: "We have launched services to four popular sun spots this winter and now it's time to turn our attention to the ski market. Our customers have been asking us to include flights to Innsbruck in our schedule from Gatwick for some time and we are delighted that we have managed to achieve that this year.

"Innsbruck is also a popular tourist destination for non-skiers and the service has launched just in time for the popular Christmas markets."