Getting to CMH just got easier

Two major airlines have announced expanded flight options to Kelowna, BC, making it more convenient for skiers and riders to access ski destinations in British Columbia’s interior, including several CMH Heli-Skiing lodges. 

For the upcoming winter season, Alaska Airlines is launching a direct route between Los Angeles, CA (LAX) and Kelowna (YLW), and WestJet is doubling the number of nonstop flights it offers between Toronto, ON (YYZ) and Kelowna. 

WestJet is also adding daily, non-stop, year-round service between Kelowna and Seattle, WA (SEA). 

This means skiers and snowboarders travelling to CMH will soon have more direct options and connection points to choose from, resulting in fewer layovers, reduced travel times, and less travel-related fatigue getting to and from an on-snow trip. 

In addition to creating direct access to Kelowna for anyone in LA, Toronto, Seattle, and the surrounding regions, the new flights will also benefit other North American and international travellers who can now conveniently flow through those cities. 

Kelowna is the key access point for several CMH destinations. Guests fly into YLW, then travel by coach bus or drive to the following lodges: 

• CMH Adamants 
• CMH Cariboos 
• CMH Galena 
• CMH Gothics 
• CMH Kootenay 
• CMH Monashees 
• CMH Revelstoke 

“We’re tremendously excited about these new flights, and that Kelowna International Airport is continuing to expand options for visitors,” said Chris Mink, CMH’s Director of Facilities.

“It’s now that much easier to get to CMH to ski and ride our incredible terrain, and to explore other nearby ski destinations. It’s a big win for the industry, for BC, and for our guests.” 

FULL DETAILS OF EACH NEW ROUTE

1) LA – KELOWNA 

Alaska Airline’s brand-new, nonstop route between LAX and YLW launches on December 19 and will run through March 17, 2025. 

The addition is one of 18 ski and surf destinations the airline says it’s adding to its portfolio as part of an expanded service aimed at adventure travel. 

The schedule for the direct flight will be: 

• Los Angeles to Kelowna: Daily*, Dep. 10:36 am – Arr. 1:46 pm
• Kelowna to Los Angeles: Daily*, Dep. 2:35 pm – Arr. 5:42 pm

* During select weeks in January and February, this flight will operate five times per week instead of seven.

READ: Alaska Airlines announcement

2) TORONTO – KELOWNA  

Meanwhile, WestJet is doubling the number of nonstop flights it offers between Toronto and Kelowna during the winter months by adding two more flights per week to its current schedule for.  

The airline says the expanded flight schedule is part of a commitment to enhancing connectivity across Canada. It will feature the following nonstop services: 

Toronto to Kelowna: 

• Sunday, Friday: Dep. 8:40 pm – Arr. 10:38 pm
• Tuesday, Thursday: Dep. 9:00 am – Arr. 11:03 am  

Kelowna to Toronto: 

• Sunday, Friday: Dep. 11:35 pm – Arr. 6:35 am 
• Tuesday, Thursday: Dep. 11:55 am -Arr. 7:18 pm 

READ: WestJet announcement

3) SEATTLE – KELOWNA

Starting January 17, 2025, WestJet will offer a daily, non-stop route between Seattle and Kelowna year-round. It will operate five days a week for the first month, then ramp up to seven days a week beginning February 17, 2025.

WestJet partners with Delta, which uses Seattle as a hub for connecting flights to dozens of international and North American destinations.

The schedule for the direct flight will be: 

• Seattle to Kelowna: Daily, Dep. 11:30 am -Arr. 12:37 pm
• Kelowna to Seattle: Daily, Dep. 9:00 am – Arr. 9:58 am

READ: WestJet announcement

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READY TO FLY? 3 IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Here’s how to take advantage of Kelowna’s new flight options:

1. Add a day of heli-skiing at CMH Purcell in Golden, BC, to your itinerary if you’re planning a ski resort roadtrip near Kelowna, to an Ikon Pass destination, or anywhere along the Powder Highway.
2. Pick up a rental car when you land in Kelowna and drive to CMH Revelstoke or CMH Kootenay, two in-town CMH destinations, for a multi-day heli-skiing trip. Stop along the way to warm up with a resort day beforehand.
3. Land in Kelowna and hop aboard the CMH coach. Sit back and relax during the drive to either CMH Adamants, Cariboos, Galena, Gothics, Monashees or Revelstoke on your way to a multi-day heli-skiing adventure. Browse destinations.