Delta Flies at Capacity with NorAm Cup Skiers
Visitors to the Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC, Cranbrook) on Saturday had a Bombardiersized treat. Delta carrier SkyWest’s regular 50 passenger jet was replaced for this flight only by their larger RJ900, which carries 76 passengers. Why? Athletes from the International Paralympic Committee’s NORAM Cup were going home.
The 2009 IPC Alpine Skiing NorAm Cup hosted by Kimberley Disabled Skiers Association wrapped up on Friday at the Kimberley Alpine Resort. 52 athletes competed representing 9 countries. Competitors came from Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Serbia, Slovakia and the USA.
Those returning on Delta through Salt Lake City were joined for the outbound flight by several “general” passengers, rendering the 76 passenger jet near full.
“The new Delta air service is an important link here”, says Laurie Reed, Coordinator of Air Partner Programs for Kootenay Rockies Tourism, “for Delta & SkyWest to be able to switch to larger jets to accommodate large groups and team needs is phenomenal, and the implications for tourism, business and economic development are huge.”
Cranbrook Mayor Scott Manjak agrees. “We see Sport Tourism as a real growth opportunity,says Manjak “having air service that can be this responsive to our travel needs is a great step in the right direction.”
And it’s not just about tourism. AR of the industries and communities of the region can benefit With this kind of service, the Canadian Rockies International Airport can be a gateway for large gatherings of all kinds …. literally bringing in visitors and delegates from all over the globe.
Ski For $1 At Fernie Or Kimberley
You can ski for only $1 at Kimberley or Fernie with an inaugural Delta flight. You can ski for only $1 at Kimberley or Fernie with an inaugural Delta flight.
Skiers and snowboarders never find lift tickets this cheap. But a lift ticket at Kimberley Alpine Resort or Fernie Alpine Resort actually only costs $1 for early riders on Delta Airlines new service into Cranbrook, B.C. That’s a deal you can’t afford to pass up.
The new flights from Salt Lake City head direct to the Canadian Rockies International Airport beginning Dec. 17. Flights run on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The “Ski for $1″ deal is being offered by Resorts of the Canadian Rockies, owner of both Kimberley and Fernie. The air-lift ticket package is only available for purchase through the ski company rather than the airline.
Inbound flights must be scheduled for Dec. 15, 20, or 21 and originate in the continental U.S. to get the $1 ski ticket deal. The offer is valid for one day of $1 skiing per airline ticket purchased. It also is based on round trip airfare.
You can purchase airline tickets with the $1 lift ticket by calling Resorts of the Canadian Rockies Central Reservations at (800)258-7669. Mention the “Ski for $1″ offer when making the booking in order to get the deal.
New Air Service = More Play Time on BC’s Powder-Packed Slopes
Getting to the snow just got a whole lot easier, thanks to new direct air service between Salt Lake City and the Canadian Rockies International Airport.
On December 17, Delta Airlines will ready the runway for its first direct flight to the Kootenay Rockies destination – and that means easier access to BC’s bountiful snow at family-favourites Fernie Alpine Resort, Kimberley Alpine Resort and Fairmont Hot Springs.
An added bonus?
With Fairmont and Fernie just a 60 minute jaunt away and Kimberley even closer at a mere 20 minutes from the Cranbrook airport, one can fly the friendly skies and buckle the bindings all in one day.
For the ultimate road trip, hit the Powder Highway, a scenic circle tour that links some of BC’s best alpine resorts, and the ideal route for discovering even more Kootenay Rockies gems.
Whitewater Ski Resort, Red Mountain Resort, Panorama Mountain Village, Kicking Horse Mountain Resort, Revelstoke Mountain Resort, and of course Fernie, Fairmont and Kimberley – along with over 50 backcountry operators offering snow-cat skiing, heli skiing, backcountry touring and nordic adventures – can all be found along the Powder Highway.
Add in fun activities like dog sledding, snowshoeing and igloo dinners, and you’ll understand why the Powder Highway is travelled by devotees the world over. And why not?
With the world’s highest concentration of powder possibilities like these all wrapped up in one great destination, you’re no more than a flight, a shuttle and a shush away!
Delta Deal Good to Go!
The demand for the budding Kootenay Tourism Product is about grow – exponentially. Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) is about to take a monumental step into the international market place. The groundwork has been put in place for Delta Airlines to provide non-stop flights from Salt Lake City to the Canadian Rockies International Airport.
The first Delta flight is pencilled in from Salt Lake City to Cranbrook on December 17th of this year.
“This is a growing area, access has been a challenge to the region and this is ripe for people to come to this community from the States, and this is the easiest and the fastest way to get there.” said Kent Myers of Airplanners.
The potential economic impact of the inbound Delta flights to the area is enormous, allowing US visitors to enjoy the incredible Kootenay lifestyle, with just a 2 hour flight.
However the real gem of the deal might prove to be the outbound flight for locals, and recreational real estate owners.
International Carriers know that this is a new and unproven market, as such a guarantee will be required. In a brilliant display of cooperation and teamwork, municipalities and private enterprise have teamed together to ensure that this deal is reached.
There has been strong participation from a wide cross section of Kimberley and Cranbrook businesses. The support continues both up and down the valley, with Intrawest at Panorama, Copper Point, at Fairmont, and from virtually every business in Fernie.
This is a milestone that the that the airport marketing committee has been working toward for many years.
The impact that this will have on the local economy is going to be huge. There is strong demand for the Ski and Golf product, and with other destinations such as Whistler falling out of favor for being oversold, smart investors are getting in while prices are still attainable.
Salt Lake City is a smart tactical move as it is considered an omni hub and is Delta’s fastest growing domestic hub in terms of destinations served. Delta and the Delta Connection carriers offer Salt Lake City customers 335 peak-day departures to 108 nonstop destinations.
“Service is set to start in December with a 50 passenger jet. Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday – they leave Salt Lake City at 11:10 and will land here at 1:08. They’ll return and be back in Salt Lake City at 3:33. That will be a connecting flight that will go out toward the United States across the Delta hub.” Myers said.
According to Myers, the excitement does not stop with the exposure to the to the international market:
“We have talked to West Jet. We will talk to Air Canada. We want to grow the domestic market as well.“
