Portland, Ore. ski and sun enthusiasts will soon have a direct connection to some of the West’s best slopes, when Alaska Airlines launches twice-weekly, seasonal nonstop flights to Sun Valley, Idaho later this year.
“With our well-timed mid-morning flight, customers can enjoy a locally sourced breakfast at the airport in the morning, and be on the lift by the afternoon,” said John Kirby, Alaska’s vice president of capacity planning. “With convenient, twice-weekly round-trip flights, your next family ski vacation is just a booking away.”
Alaska offers more flights than any other airline from Portland International Airport, with 122 average daily departures to 48 destinations. Portland is among the top five origin markets for visitors to Sun Valley, and the new flight will be Alaska’s first nonstop flight from the Rose City to a destination primarily known for its ski resort.
“We believe this new Alaska Airlines nonstop service from Portland will be well used by visitor, business and local resident travelers and expect it to expand in the future,” said Carol Waller, director of Fly Sun Valley Alliance, the non-profit organization engaged in strategic air service development efforts for the Sun Valley area.
Additionally, Alaska is ramping up flying between Seattle and Sun Valley for the 2016 holidays and the 2017 winter ski season, with twice-daily flights from Dec. 16 - Jan. 2, and two flights each Saturday and Sunday from Feb. 18 – March 26. The airline will also launch its regular seasonal flying earlier than usual this year, to offer Seattle-area customers convenient travel options for the Thanksgiving holiday beginning Nov. 23.
The flights will be operated by Alaska’s sister carrier Horizon Air, using a 76-seat Bombardier Q400 aircraft. Customers flying on flights operated by Horizon can enjoy free soft drinks and Starbucks coffee, a la cart planeside baggage service, and complimentary Northwest wine and microbrews for passengers 21 years and older. Horizon has served Sun Valley since 1982, and also operates flights between Sun Valley and Los Angeles.
