Industry News
Oregon skiers have a solid new option for ski vacations this winter.
Alaska Airlines recently announced new nonstop seasonal flights from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN), giving Oregon skiers a convenient way to reach Steamboat Springs, Colorado, for a weekend of skiing at one of Colorado’s premier resorts. The route will operate Thursdays and Saturdays from February 11, 2027, through March 28, 2027, timed for peak winter travel to Steamboat Resort.
Flights to Steamboat Springs from Portland will depart at 10:40 a.m. and will arrive at 2:05 p.m. on an Embraer 175 aircraft. Flights to Portland from Steamboat Springs will take off in the early afternoon, departing at 2:45 p.m. and arriving at 4:35 p.m..
Alaska Airlines allows ski and snowboard exceeding 62 inches linear and less than 115 inches linear without an oversize bag fee. And as long as the equipment does not exceed 50 pounds, travelers pay the standard checked bag fee, starting at $35 for the first checked bag.
For Oregon skiers looking to visit Steamboat Springs, the new flights offer an accessible route while eliminating the need for connecting flights. Even in Steamboat’s busy wintertime, many major cities require a connecting flight to reach the town, with only a select few airports offering direct services to Yampa Valley. The addition of Portland to that list gives residents of Oregon, a popular ski state, a way to experience the rich ski culture of Steamboat with shorter travel time and the limited stress of direct flights.
The Yampa Valley Regional Airport is Steamboat’s closest commercial airport, sitting just 25 miles outside the downtown area. The airport offers a shuttle service, taking travelers directly from the airport to their lodging facility in Steamboat. Travelers are encouraged to book shuttle rides in advance, which can be made on the airport’s Website.
The new route gives more Oregonians the chance to ski Steamboat Resort’s legendary champagne powder. The resort’s famous snow is known for its dry and light feel, allowing skiers to effortlessly turn and float through Steamboat’s runs. With 3,741 skiable acres and runs suited for every ability level, Steamboat Resort is a popular option for families, expert skiers, and everyone in between.
Alongside its famous snow, Steamboat brings a solid après scene, too. Ski-in, ski-out bars like the T Bar offer an all-day slopeside après option, and joints like the Old Town Pub offer a perfect place to grab a beer and enjoy live music.
The new Steamboat-Portland routes are an exciting addition for passionate Oregon skiers who want to experience the community feel of a small-town ski resort. As ski season approaches and trips are planned out, Oregonians can easily head east to Colorado to experience some of the best powder in the world.
Steamboat Resort is famous for its light and soft “champagne powder”. | Photo: Steamboat Resort
