Delta Air Lines has discovered the tourism treasures of the Kootenay Rockies Region of British Columbia and will begin direct jet service to Canadian Rockies International Airport (YXC) on December 17, 2008 from Salt Lake City (SLC).

The new service will utilize Canadair RJ 200 regional jets carrying 50 passengers at a cruising speed of 530 miles per hour, with a flying time of just one hour fifty-eight minutes between Salt Lake City and Cranbrook. The new Canadian Rockies International Airport joins Vancouver International (YVR) as one of only two airports in British Columbia serviced directly from a major US hub airport. The Salt Lake City International Airport serves eleven million passengers annually and provides the Kootenay Rockies market access to twenty US cities with a one-stop ninety minute connection through SLC. Skiers, snowboarders, hikers, golfers and adventurers can leave their place of work in the east and be home in Canada’s pristine Rocky Mountains that same day!

The Canadian Rockies International Airport is located just 60 minutes from Fernie Alpine Resort. “We know that convenient access and connectivity are of paramount importance to US travellers, and this new direct service to British Columbia will now position the exceptional vacation opportunities of the Kootenay Rockies alongside the mountain communities currently serviced by major US carriers,” comments Tourism British Columbia CEO, Rod Harris. “British Columbia looks forward to hosting the many new visitors taking advantage of Delta’s exciting new service. ”Canadian Rockies International prepares to welcome Delta Air Lines to the East Kootenay’s. Flights begin December 17.

Fernie Alpine Resort is one of the Top 5 Ski Resorts in North America, and is home to over 29 feet of legendary powder each winter, the “Griz” and more. Known for its light, fluffy powder and ski-in, ski-out convenience, there’s always more to discover in the City of Fernie.