Winter 2024-25: A Season of Growth and New Connections for Telluride
Winter is coming, and with it, the 2024-25 season promises an exciting lineup of enhanced air service and increased visitor activity. This year’s winter air schedule reflects a commitment to maintaining high-quality connections for Telluride and the surrounding region while integrating new and expanded options for travelers. Let’s dive into what’s shaping up to be a thrilling winter season, from the newly introduced flights to booking trends and local developments.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Expanded Flight Options for Winter 2024-25
- Breeze Airways Joins the Lineup
- United Airlines Increases Capacity
- Changes in Southwest Airlines Service
- Consistent Services from American and Delta
- Growth in Airline and Lodging Bookings
- Positive Trends in Flight and Lodging Bookings
- Air Service Boosts and Infrastructure Updates
- Traveling to Telluride: Winter 2024-25
- Key Flight Routes to Know
- Important Booking Trends and Tips
- Conclusion: A Promising Season Ahead
Introduction
As the snow is ready to blanket the San Juan Mountains of Telluride, CO, Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) and Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) are preparing for an exciting winter season ahead. With slight adjustments to the previous year’s air schedule and the addition of a brand-new carrier, winter travelers have more options than ever before. The 2024-25 winter season is poised to be a game-changer, especially with Breeze Airways debuting its flights and other airlines enhancing their offerings. Whether you’re planning a ski trip or a relaxing winter escape, there’s never been a better time to visit Telluride.
Expanded Flight Options for Winter 2024-25
Air travel remains one of the most significant factors in determining visitor flow to the Telluride area, and this winter is set to deliver impressive results. The winter 2024-25 schedule will be almost identical to last winter’s, with a few important additions and changes. These developments are designed to improve convenience and accessibility for travelers while meeting the growing demand for winter trips to the region.
Breeze Airways Joins the Lineup
Perhaps the most significant new addition this winter is the inclusion of Breeze Airways, which will now be offering nonstop flights between Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) and Orange County, California (SNA). Orange County is a highly sought-after market, and this connection has been in high demand for some time.
Breeze Airways will operate five days a week from December to March, making it easier than ever for Californians to access the renowned slopes Telluride. The convenience of a quick getaway to southern California or a trip to Disneyland is also now an option for locals. As Matt Skinner, CEO of Colorado Flights Alliance, aptly noted, this new route is a welcome addition to the regional air service.
United Airlines Increases Capacity
In addition to Breeze, United Airlines has committed to further expanding its service this winter. Travelers will benefit from larger aircraft on the popular Denver (DEN) route, which is seeing increased daily capacity. This is good news for those flying in from the Colorado biggest city, as they’ll have more flight options and flexibility.
Furthermore, United’s Los Angeles (LAX) flights will be operating daily over the holiday season, ensuring even more accessibility for visitors during peak times. Flights from San Francisco (SFO) and Chicago (ORD) will follow last year’s schedule, with only slight reductions in January and early February.
Changes in Southwest Airlines Service
While Southwest Airlines will still be a vital option for travelers, there will be fewer seats available this winter due to limited aircraft availability. Southwest has announced a rotating schedule for its Denver flights, which will run one to three times daily depending on the day of the week. Dallas (DAL) flights will vary between two to five times weekly, while Austin (AUS) will see weekend flights during March.
Consistent Services from American and Delta
American Airlines has also increased its Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) capacity with larger aircraft, providing even more options for winter travelers. Delta Airlines will continue to operate its Atlanta (ATL) service on a daily basis. This ensures travelers from across the eastern United States can enjoy seamless travel to Telluride throughout the winter season.
Growth in Airline and Lodging Bookings
With expanded airline service comes the expectation of increased visitor numbers. Early indicators suggest that winter bookings are already trending upwards compared to last year. This is a positive sign for the local economy and businesses dependent on tourism.
Positive Trends in Flight and Lodging Bookings
As of now, the winter season is pacing about 8% ahead of last year in terms of overall bookings. As we move into the core booking months, those numbers are expected to grow. This increase is especially significant given that flight capacities for winter 2024-25 are nearly identical to last year. The new Breeze Airways service is expected to boost those numbers even more as the winter season progresses.
Lodging trends are similarly encouraging, with Telluride and Mountain Village reporting positive occupancy growth. Though the summer occupancy remained mostly flat year-over-year (YOY), winter bookings are pacing 26% ahead compared to last year, with January and March showing the most growth. These trends underscore the region’s growing appeal as a winter destination.
Air Service Boosts and Infrastructure Updates
Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) has become a vital hub for travelers flying to the region, surpassing even Grand Junction in annual air capacity. This winter, the airport will continue to serve as a major entry point, thanks to increased usage by both locals and visitors. Regional air service remains robust, with Telluride Regional Airport (TEX) continuing its daily Denver Air Connection flights to Denver and Phoenix.
Local infrastructure, including airport readiness and lodging availability, is in excellent shape for the upcoming winter, with a 4.5% increase in fuel sales and private aviation traffic over last year. Both Montrose and Telluride airports are fully prepared to handle the influx of winter travelers, ensuring a smooth experience from arrival to departure.
Traveling to Telluride: Winter 2024-25
Whether you’re a returning visitor or planning your first trip, it’s essential to understand the best ways to travel to Telluride this winter. With more flights, larger planes, and new routes, getting here has never been easier.
Key Flight Routes to Know
- Breeze Airways: Nonstop between Montrose (MTJ) and Orange County (SNA), five days a week from December to March.
- United Airlines: Increased capacity on Denver (DEN) routes, daily flights from Los Angeles (LAX) over the holidays, and consistent service from Chicago (ORD) and San Francisco (SFO).
- Southwest Airlines: Rotating schedules for Denver (DEN), Dallas (DAL), and Austin (AUS).
- American Airlines: Twice-daily flights from Dallas (DFW) with larger aircraft.
- Delta Airlines: Daily service from Atlanta (ATL).
Important Booking Trends and Tips
For those planning to visit during peak holiday weeks, it’s crucial to book flights and accommodations early. Historical data indicates that the average booking window for the holiday season is around 80 days, with many bookings finalized by early October. As this year’s numbers are trending ahead of last year, securing flights and lodging sooner rather than later is advisable.
If you’re planning a March ski trip, keep in mind that Southwest’s weekend flights from Austin will be in high demand, and American Airlines’ increased capacity from Dallas will make it easier to plan a last-minute getaway.
Conclusion: A Promising Season Ahead
As we look forward to winter 2024-25, it’s clear that Telluride is set for another incredible season. With new and enhanced flight options, increased lodging availability, and strong early booking trends, the region is poised to welcome even more visitors than last year. Whether you’re looking to explore the breathtaking mountain scenery or take advantage of the world-class skiing, now is the time to plan your trip to Telluride.
The winter months are coming fast, and with them, a flurry of activity and excitement. Don’t miss out on this year’s adventures—book your flights and accommodations early and get ready to experience everything that Telluride and Montrose Regional Airport have to offer this winter.