PRESIDENT’S DAY WEEKENDERS

President’s Day weekend is peak skiing time in the Western United States. Flights to such skiing meccas as Lake Tahoe, Jackson Hole, Powderhorn (via Grand Junction, Colo.) and Sun Valley (via Boise) require a change of planes. A direct flight to Denver gets a skier within reach of Aspen and Vail, a flight to Portland takes you to Mt. Hood or Timberline Lodge, Seattle is within reach of Crystal Mountain. The thrifty passenger can save, depending on the destination and whether the flight carries restrictions.

The following chart shows round-trip air fares to Albuquerque, Boise, Denver, Grand Junction, Jackson Hole, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Portland (Ore.), Salt Lake City, San Francisco and Seattle from John Wayne Airport. Fares are for departure on Friday, Feb. 16, and returning Monday, Feb. 19. Las Vegas and San Francisco, while not necessarily skiing destinations, hold other allures.

Two quotes are listed for each destination. The first quote is the lowest fare available, with various restrictions; the second is for unrestricted coach. See notes below.

Destination Fares Airlines ALBUQUERQUE $164/$448 America West BOISE $268/$1,026 America West, Alaska Airlines DENVER $310/$676 Continental GRAND JUNCTION $300/$674 America West, Delta, Continental JACKSON HOLE $310/$884 Delta, Continental LAKE TAHOE $171/$540 American LAS VEGAS $144/$400 America West, US Air* PORTLAND $331/$1,012 Alaska Airlines SALT LAKE CITY $258/$676 America West, Delta SAN FRANCISCO $133/$510 US Air, American, United*, America West SEATTLE $352/$1,012 American, Northwest, Alaska Airlines*

Fares do not include the local fuel surcharge collected by some airports. Fares are provided for information only and are subject to availability and change daily. Some restrictions may apply.

All fares subject to change and price quotes subject to availability at time of purchase.

* The lower fare pertains to all previously listed.

Source: Official Airline Guide Electronic Edition