Winter sports fans will have a direct gateway to some of Europe’s top ski and snow resorts from Stansted with the launch tomorrow of British Airways flights to the French Alpine city of Chambery.

The weekend flights will offer easy access to popular resorts such as Val d’Isere, La Plagne, Meribel and Courchevel.

British Airways started flying from Stansted for the first time in May this year, adding a fourth London airport to its network.

The new twice-weekly service to Chambery will complement the British Airways services from London City Airport which operates three times a week, increasing to a daily service over the Christmas and New Year period.

Luke Hayhoe, general manager commercial and customer at British Airways, said: “British Airways has enjoyed a very successful first summer at Stansted and we are delighted to launch Chambery, our first winter-only service offering skiers and winter sports enthusiasts a gateway to one of the best Alpine snow regions direct from their doorstep.”

Mats Sigurdson, Stansted’s aviation director, added: “It’s fantastic news for passengers that British Airways is launching an exciting new route to Chambery to serve the Alpine ski resorts of France.

“The announcement is a real vote of confidence in Stansted and recognition of the strong demand that exists across the region and will provide passengers with even more opportunities to fly from their local airport this winter.”