TL;DR
American Airlines announces new routes and expanded services to popular ski destinations for the 2025-26 winter season, including Sun Valley, Santa Fe, and Aspen.
American Airlines Increases Ski Resort Access for 2025-26
American Airlines has announced plans to improve access to major ski resorts for the 2025-26 winter season. The airline will introduce new routes and expand existing services to several popular ski destinations across the United States. This move aims to provide skiers and riders with more convenient travel options to their favourite snow-covered locations.
Starting December 18, American Airlines will offer seasonal nonstop flights to Sun Valley, Idaho, from both Chicago and Phoenix. These routes will operate until April 6, 2026, making it easier for travellers to reach Sun Valley's slopes.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, will also benefit from increased connectivity. New direct flights from Chicago and Los Angeles will complement existing services from Dallas-Fort Worth and Phoenix. This expansion solidifies American's position as the primary airline serving Santa Fe, a city close to Ski Santa Fe and Taos Ski Valley.
Aspen, Colorado, will see a new nonstop service from Charlotte, beginning December 19. This addition means American Airlines will connect more U.S. cities to Aspen than any other carrier. Missoula, Montana, will also gain exclusive winter nonstop flights from Chicago, providing direct access to Montana's ski areas.
On the West Coast, Santa Maria Airport in California's Central Coast will join American's network with year-round flights from Phoenix starting October 15. American will be the only major carrier serving this destination.
Tickets for these new routes will be available for purchase from June 30 through American's website and mobile app. With these additions, American Airlines will operate over 70 daily flights to major ski destinations during the winter season.
These expanded services reflect the growing demand for convenient travel to ski resorts. Sun Valley, known for its varied terrain and consistent snowfall, attracts skiers of all levels. Aspen's four mountains offer a diverse range of skiing experiences, from beginner slopes to challenging expert runs. Santa Fe's nearby ski areas provide a unique blend of southwestern culture and winter sports, while Montana's resorts offer pristine wilderness skiing.
About the author
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
