Alaska Air adds Las Vegas-Mammoth Lakes nonstop

Alaska Airlines is adding seasonal nonstop service between Las Vegas and the California ski resort of Mammoth Lakes.

Starting Jan. 15, Alaska Airlines sister carrier Horizon Air will fly two times a week on the route, offering one round-trip flight each Monday and Thursday on Bombardier Q400 turboprop aircraft. The service will run through April 6.

Alaska Airlines will be the only carrier to offer nonstop service between the cities.

Officials at Mammoth Lakes say the hope the route will draw international visitors as part of a broader trip that includes Las Vegas.

"The Vegas flight is a great arrow in our quiver for international markets," Michael Vanderhurst, director of sales and international marketing for Mammoth Lakes Tourism, says in a statement. "These visitors often come to the U.S. for two to three weeks at a time. Latin America, the U.K. and Australia are three markets that will jump at the opportunity to experience a ski holiday at the legendary Mammoth Mountain, with the added bonus of being able to experience Vegas during their vacation as well."

The route also is an interesting one for Alaska Air, given that the Las Vegas-Mammoth Lakes run doesn't touch the Alaska Air's main hubs or focus cities.

In addition to the upcoming route to Mammoth Lakes, Alaska Air also offers nonstop service from Las Vegas to its hubs in Seattle, Portland and Anchorage as well as its focus cities of Los Angeles and San Diego. Additionally, Alaska Air flies nonstop between Las Vegas and Bellingham, Wash. – a route where it competes against ultra-low-cost rival Allegiant – and between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Alaska Air recently ramped up its presence in Salt Lake City as part of an ongoing turf war with Delta Air Lines.

Alaska Air does have a notable presence at the Mammoth Lakes airport, where affiliate Horizon Air offers year-round service to Los Angeles and seasonal service to San Diego.

"We're thrilled to offer our customers convenient, nonstop service from Las Vegas to Mammoth Yosemite Airport," Joe Sprague, Alaska Airlines' SVP of communications and external relations, says in a statement. "Located just 15 minutes from Mammoth Yosemite Airport, Mammoth Mountain Resort is one of California's most-beloved ski destinations, boasting more than 3,500 acres of skiable terrain."