Ski and Snowboard News, Deals, and Events

Texas skiers can now fly faster to Marmot Basin to ski or snowboard the Alberta Canadian Rockies. Continental Airlines announced in August the addition of a nonstop flight from Houston to Edmonton, Alberta, which will allow visitors to reach the remote, rugged ski area faster.

The airlines' decision to add the nonstop flight was directed at business travelers as well as vacationers. Edmonton, like Houston, is an oil and gas powerhouse, but it also is the launch point for winter ski and snowboard trips to Marmot Basin, located four hours west of the airport.

Nonstop flights between Houston and Edmonton begin Nov. 1, just in time for this winter's ski season. The ski area usually gets pelted with early season snow, enough to open for skiing by mid-November.

The route will be serviced by a 114-seat Boeing 737-500. Two flights will leave each hub daily. Houston flights depart at 6 and 9:45 p.m.; Edmonton to Houston flights depart at 6:30 and 11:50 a.m.

Car rentals are available at the Edmonton airport to drive the four-lane interstate to Marmot Basin. Lodging is available in the town of Jasper. Marmot Basin will be christening the longest high-speed quad chair in the Alberta Canadian Rockies this winter.

More information. Or call 866-952-3816.