Air deals to western ski areas from $94 O/W

By Clara Bosonetto Maerz

For ajc.com

If you believe that a western ski trip is out of your budget, think again. Airfare to reach the nation's top ski resorts has never been more affordable.

Here's a round-up of the best bargains:

One-way rates to Grand Junction, Colo. are $94 on American or Delta.

The only requirement is a 14-day advance purchase notice. Trips can be taken seven days a week, based on availability. There are no blackout dates for this rate.

Both Frontier and United offer one-way rates of $94 to Durango, Colo.

The rate requires a 14-day advance notice of travel. Travel Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday only; rates start from $174 on other days. There are no blackout dates on this offer.

One-way rates of $129 are valid to Aspen, Colorado Springs or Denver, Colo., or Salt Lake City, Utah.

This rate is part of a larger sale currently offered by Frontier Airlines and matched by other carriers. Sale prices are valid on Tuesday, Wednesday or Saturday through March 10, 2010.

Rates on other days of the week average $20 more. Several blackout dates apply. A 14-day advance purchase is required. Buy tickets through midnight, Sept. 25.

Four airlines offer one-way rates of $134 to Vail-Eagle, Colo., when tickets are booked 21-days or more in advance.

This rate is allowed seven days a week (no blackout dates), based on availability. Delta offers its seasonal service Dec. 19-March 28. Vail is served year-round on American, United and USAirways.

Delta and American offer a $291 round-trip rate to Steamboat Springs-Hayden, Colo., when tickets are booked 30-days or more in advance.

This rate is allowed seven days a week (no blackout dates), based on availability. Delta's seasonal service operates Dec. 19-March 28. Travel with American from Dec. 17-April 5.