DENVER — If you're too frustrated with the usual ski traffic headed west each weekend, you'll soon have a new option to avoid the crowded roads: a Southwest flight.
Southwest Airlines announced on Monday that it will start seasonal daily flights between Denver and Steamboat Springs before the end of the year.
Flights will travel directly between the Denver International Airport (DEN) and Yampa Valley Regional Airport (HDN).
As of now, United Express is the only other airline featuring nonstop flights between Denver and Steamboat Springs.
"Whether you're a skier, snowboarder, or just enjoy a winter wonderland, Steamboat Springs has something for everyone, and now you'll be able to reach the region on Southwest with a short, easy flight from Denver," said Adam Decaire, Southwest's vice president of network planning. "We're looking forward to bringing our world famous hospitality paired with customer-friendly policies like skis and snowboards fly free closer to the slopes of the Rocky Mountains later this year."
Southwest allows up to two free checked bags. The company said ski and snowboard equipment, which includes one pair of skis or one snowboard, one set of poles, and one pair of ski or snowboard boots in a proper container, counts as one checked bag. This applies even if they are all tagged separately.
Southwest will release more information about the seasonal schedules and fares in the coming months.