American Airlines offers special air fares on nonstop flight from Chicago to Steamboat Springs.

"Chicago is one of Steamboat’s top-three destination markets in the country,” said Andy Wirth, vice president of marketing & sales for Steamboat Ski & Resort Corp. "American’s special fares enable guests from the greater Chicago region to take advantage of the most conveniently accessed ski resort community in Colorado.”

The special fares, which must be booked and ticketed by December 14th and require a minimum one-night stay, start at $298* for midweek, off-peak travel and $348* for weekend, peak travel from December 14th through April 9th. These special fares are already loaded in the reservation system and may be booked either separately or along with all-inclusive resort packages through Steamboat Central Reservations®.

American Airlines will operate a Boeing 757 aircraft with a total capacity of 188 passengers into Steamboat/Hayden. Nonstop air service from Chicago begins December 14, 2006 and will run through April 9, 2007. The inbound flight departs Chicago at 12:55pm, arriving in Steamboat Springs at 2:45pm. Outbound service departs Steamboat Springs at 4:00pm, arriving back in Chicago at 7:40pm.

"Step out your door and onto an American jet and in less than three hours you’ll be in Steamboat-Ski Town, U.S.A.," continued Wirth. "With first snows of the 2006/07 season already falling on the slopes combined with more than $7 million in on-mountain improvements, it’s shaping up to be a season you don’t want to miss."

Steamboat/Hayden (HDN) Airport, the most conveniently accessed ski resort in Colorado, is just 22 miles/35kms from the resort. An entirely new airport experience comes to life during Phase II of an $18 million multi-phase expansion program this winter including a brand new, ultra-spacious, 23,000 sq. ft. terminal.

American flights to Steamboat can be booked through Steamboat Central Reservations (SCR). SCR represents the majority of lodging properties in the area and offers the greatest value and convenience with packages customized to include any or all of the following: air transportation, lodging, lift tickets, rentals, clinics, mountain dining, ground transportation, off-mountain activities, and travel protection insurance. For one-call personalized service, contact SnowVentures, 800-845-7157 extension 5 or online bookings at http://www.Snowventures.com.

Steamboat was recently named the #1 family resort in the west by SKI Magazine. This winter, the Sunshine Express High-Speed Quad, which will operate on a combination of solar and wind power, will replace a triple chairlift in the Sunshine Bowl area, which will also see a new trail and snowmaking enhancements. The Thunderhead and Rendezvous Saddle lodge food courts are getting first-class facelifts. Steamboat is also investing more than half a million into grooming upgrades including the state-of-the-art Zaugg Superpipe cutter, which means even smoother sailing on the slopes from here on out.

* Reservations must be made at least 14 days prior to departure and tickets must be purchased at least 14 days prior to departure or within 24 hours of making reservations, whichever comes first and no later than December 14, 2006. Midweek (off peak) fare is valid for travel to Steamboat Sunday - Wednesday and from Steamboat Tuesday - Friday beginning December 14 and ending April 9, 2007. Weekend (peak) fare is valid for travel to Steamboat Thursday – Saturday and from Steamboat Saturday – Monday. A one-night minimum stay is required. Other dates of travel may be available at other fares. Fares do not include (a) up to $18 per round trip in local airport charges; (b) federal excise tax of up to $3.30 per U.S. domestic flight segment (one takeoff and landing); or (c) September 11th Security Fee of $2.50 per enplanement originating at a U.S. airport, up to $5 per one way or $10 per round trip."

Other conditions: Fares are non-refundable/non-transferable. Fares may not be available on all flights or in all markets, and are subject to change without notice. Other restrictions may apply. Changes to your ticket may be made if you meet the restrictions of the new fare and pay up to $100 fee plus any fare difference. Changes must be made before your schedule departure time. When you cancel your ticketed flight prior to departure time, the ticket will be valid for one year from the date of issue on an unused ticket, or one year from travel origination on a partially used ticket. If you do not cancel your flight before departure time your ticket has no value. No stopovers are permitted. A stopover occurs when a passenger does not depart an intermediate point within 4 hours. Fares apply only to American, American/Eagle.