Alaska Airlines introduces new nonstop for winter travelers

Alaska Airlines, which continues to expand its presence is San Diego, has announced it will introduce a new nonstop route to Sun Valley, Idaho, for the winter ski season.

It is one of seven new routes Alaska announced this week that will widen service out of California airports.

“Sun Valley in the Sawtooth Mountains of central Idaho is an exciting addition to our ski portfolio of destinations from San Diego,” the airline said of the new San Diego nonstop. “With this new route, Alaska and Hawaiian will offer 45 nonstop destinations from San Diego — the most of any airline.”

(Alaska last year acquired Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion).

The new flight between San Diego International Airport and Friedman Memorial Airport will operate three times a week — Wednesday, Friday, and Sunday — from Dec. 19 through March 31.

No other airline in San Diego currently flies to Sun Valley, and the new Alaska flight marks the first time any airline has flown from San Diego to the Idaho ski destination.

“This new seasonal route between San Diego and Sun Valley comes at the perfect time for travelers looking to enjoy some of North America’s premier winter recreation,” said Kimberly Becker, president and CEO of the San Diego County Regional Airport Authority. “It provides Southern Californians with convenient access to Idaho’s stunning mountain landscapes and world-class skiing, while also offering Sun Valley residents a direct connection to San Diego’s beaches, culture, and sunshine.”