Steamboat Springs, Colorado - Beginning December 23rd the Big Apple’s rush hour commute will take on an entirely new meaning as Delta Air Lines launches new nonstop jet service from New York City’s LaGuardia Airport into the Steamboat/Hayden Airport for the 2006/2007 ski season.  In addition to the new LaGuardia flight, Delta also offers daily nonstop winter service from Atlanta and twice-daily service from Salt Lake City to Steamboat.

 ”Delta travelers from the Big Apple, the number one market on the East Coast, now have expanded flight options to reach Steamboat and its incredible Champagne Powder,” said Andy Wirth, vice president of sales & marketing. “This new flight would have been at the top of our holiday wish list from Santa Clause, but now we’ll just ask for lots of powder snow. Vacationers who are looking to get away during the holiday and spring break periods are sure to benefit from the just announced Delta LaGuardia service.”

Delta Air Lines’ new Saturday service, utilizing a 757 aircraft, fron New York City’s LaGuardia (LGA) into Steamboat/Hayden (HDN) will operate on December 23rd and 30th and then for six consecutive Saturdays starting February 17th. The new Delta nonstop flights between New York and Steamboat/Hayden will be available for sale to customers beginning Saturday, Oct. 28th.

“This season represents the largest increase in airline seats, roughly 16%, in the past decade for the program and further enhances Steamboat’s claim as the most conveniently accessed resort in Colorado,” continued Wirth.

Delta flights to Steamboat can be booked through Steamboat Central Reservations (SCR). SCR represents the majority of lodging properties in the area and offers the greatest value and convenience with packages customized to include any or all of the following:air transportation, lodging, lift tickets, rentals, clinics, mountain dining, ground tranportation, off-mountain activities, and travel protection insurance.  For one-call personalized service, virtual tours and easy booking, contact 1-800-922-2722 or online bookings at www.steamboat.com.

Steamboat/Hayden (HDN) Airport, the most conveniently accessed ski resort in Colorado, is just 22 miles/35kms from the resort. An entirely new airport experience comes to life during Phase II of an $18 million multi-phase development program this winter including a brand new, ultra-spacious, 23,000 sq. ft. terminal expansion.

Steamboat was recently named the #1 Family Resort in the West by SKI Magazine. This winter, the Sunshine Express High-Speed Quad, which will operate on a combination of solar and wind power, will replace a triple chairlift in the Sunchine Bowl area, which will also see new trails and snowmaking enhancements. The Thunderhead and Rendezvous Saddle lodge food courts are getting first-class facelifts. Steamboat is also investing more than half a million into grooming upgrades including the state-of-the-art Zaugg Superpipe cutter, which means even smoother sailing on the slopes.

Delta Air Lines, America’s fastest growing international airline, offers customers service to more destinations than any global airline with Delta and Delta Connection carrier service to 291 destinations in 46 countries. Delta’s marketing alliances also allow customers to earn and redeem SkyMiles on more than 14,000 flights offered by SkyTeam and other partners. Delta is a founding member of SkyTeam, a global airline alliance that provides customers with extensive worldwide destinations, flights, and services. Including its SkyTeam and worldwide codeshare partners, Delta offers flights to 450 worldwide destinations in 92 countries. Customers can check in for flights, print boarding passes and check flight status at www.delta.com.