easyJet has launched new flights from Liverpool John Lennon airport to Innsbruck boosting the burgeoning market for skiing holidays in the Alps.

The low cost airline has three new flights a week from Liverpool airport to Innsbruck departing on Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday. Fares start from £24.99 one way including taxes and easyJet hopes to carry around 10,000 wintersports enthusiasts on the new route this winter. “easyJet has seen a huge increase in flights to ski and summer destinations this year,” says easyJet UK general manager, David Osborne.

Innsbruck is known as the “capital of the Alps” and provides a perfect gateway to the Austrian ski resorts for skiing and snowboarding holidays. The city is in the heart of Austria’s Tirol mountains and has attracted more charter flights from the UK in recent months.

easyJet now operates flights to Innsbruck from Gatwick and Bristol airport, as well as from Liverpool John Lennon. British Airways operates charter flights from Birmingham airport to Innsbruck, as well as from Gatwick, and from Manchester through GB Airways.

First Choice Airways also runs charter flights from both Bristol airport and Manchester airport to Innsbruck. Skiing enthusiasts from the north east are served by flights from Leeds Bradford airport to Innsbruck operated by Austrian Airlines. Travel experts advise booking a window seat in order to enjoy the spectacular approach into Innsbruck and the Alps.

Liverpool John Lennon airport has become increasingly busy over the last year. Figures released at the weekend show that more than 5.5 million passengers used the airport in 2007, an increase of half a million. There are now flights from Liverpool airport to more than 60 destinations in Europe, and both easyJet and Ryanair have introduced new routes in the last few months. Liverpool airport can expect to be even busier this year as Liverpool is the 2008 European Capital of Culture.