Topflight for Schools launch 2027 ski programme from City of Derry Airport

Topflight for Schools will operate a ski programme from City of Derry Airport to Verona for secondary school children across the Northwest in 2027 for the fourth consecutive year.

The Topflight for Schools and City of Derry Airport team joined forces, together with St. Columb’s College in Derry, to launch the new programme last week, as the college are regular participants in the ski charters and are great supporters of the ‘Gateway of the Northwest’.

Brenda Morgan MBE, Head of Business Development at City of Derry Airport, said: “We are thrilled to partner with Topflight for Schools once again to launch our Verona ski programme for 2027. This will be the fourth consecutive year that their school ski charters will operate from the Northwest, and the demand from the local area is clear to see with a sold-out programme year on year.

“Topflight for Schools are the number one school ski specialists across Ireland and are absolute experts in what they do. We are so proud to partner with the team to offer this amazing experience for our local school children the Northwest, especially from the convenience of their local Airport.

“With reduced travel time and cost for school representatives and parents in their journey to the Airport, and a time of less than 15 minutes from the carpark to the departure gate for school staff and children travelling, we pride ourselves on providing a fast, friendly and relaxing experience at City of Derry Airport.”

Martin Turbitt, Ski Sales Specialist at Topflight For Schools, said: “We’re thrilled to once again offer a direct flight from City of Derry Airport to Verona, giving schools across the Northwest a seamless and convenient gateway to Italy’s snow-covered slopes.

“Following the tremendous success of the 2025 ski season and forthcoming 2026 sold out programme, a 180-seater flight will once again transport excited students and teachers directly to the heart of Italy’s premier ski destinations in 2027. Departing from a local hub makes travel simple and stress-free — a major plus for both returning school groups and first-time organizers.

“At Topflight for Schools, we’re passionate about making skiing accessible to schools throughout the region, and this dedicated flight offers a hassle-free and affordable way to experience the magic of the Italian Alps.

“City of Derry Airport provides unmatched accessibility for schools in the Northwest, and we’re delighted to see so many new groups joining our ski tours for the upcoming season.”

Michael McLaughlin, Ski Trip Coordinator at St, Columb’s College, added: “St. Columb’s College is delighted to support Topflight for Schools and City of Derry Airport for the 2027 ski programme. This will mark our second year and third school ski trip departing directly from our local airport, and we could not be more enthusiastic about the benefits it brings to both staff and pupils.

“For a large Key Stage 3 group, one of the most challenging aspects of any overseas trip is safely managing students through busy terminals and large waiting areas. City of Derry Airport offers an ideal solution, it’s small, safe, and very manageable, providing peace of mind for staff and parents alike. Its close proximity to the College and streamlined layout mean pupils are easily supervised from check-in to boarding, greatly reducing the typical stress and risk factors associated with air travel.

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“In previous years, we’ve had to depart from Dublin Airport, leaving at midnight for early-morning flights. This often meant pupils were awake for almost 24 hours before even reaching the slopes, leading to fatigue on day one of skiing. Now, with the convenience of City of Derry Airport, travel times are drastically reduced, pupils are well-rested, and the overall start to the trip is smoother and more enjoyable for everyone involved.

“Beyond convenience, this partnership provides a spectacular opportunity for our pupils to experience an activity that many of our boys might never have the chance to enjoy as a family trip. For many, the school ski programme opens the door to a completely new environment, culture, and sport, creating memories that last a lifetime, while developing confidence, independence, and lifelong friendships. It’s a trip that our boys will always reference later in life as one of their top school memories.

“We are proud to be part of this local success story and to continue supporting both City of Derry Airport and Topflight for Schools as they provide outstanding opportunities for students across the Northwest.”

For more information on Topflight for Schools 2027 Verona Ski Programme from City of Derry Airport, please visit www.topflightforschools.ie.