Alaska Airlines will link three west coast cities to the popular ski town of Jackson Hole this winter. The airline is launching seasonal services from Seattle, San Jose, and San Diego in December. Alaska Airlines thinks it’s new flights will hit the spot with passengers keen to escape the cities and spend some time in the mountains.

"We know our guests on the West Coast are looking for nonstop access to more outdoor locales, and we're excited to expand our footprint with the addition of Jackson Hole," said Brett Catlin, Alaska's managing director of capacity planning and alliances.

"Jackson Hole and the surrounding Grand Teton mountains offer a legendary winter playground with a rich history, amazing service, and plenty of activities both on and off the mountain."

Stay informed: Sign up for our daily aviation news digest.

Alaska Airlines will run 12 weekly services to Jackson Hole this winter

The flights from San Jose and San Diego will be the only nonstop links between those cities and Jackson Hole. Flights from San Jose to Jackson Hole will operate twice weekly between December 19 through to April 10.  The flights will leave San Jose at 11:00 on Wednesdays and Saturdays, landing in Jackson Hole at 14:15. The return services will depart Jackson Hole at 15:00 and hit the ground in San Jose at 16:35.

Flights between San Diego and Jackson Hole will operate five days a week between December 17 and April 11. The flight will run on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The flights will leave San Diego at 11:55 and touch down in Jackson Hole at 15:20. After 40 minutes on the ground, the return services will depart Jackson Hole at 16:00 and arrive back into San Diego at 17:45.

Flights tap into Alaska Airlines Seattle hub

Out of Seattle, the Alaska Airlines’ flights to Jackson Hole will also run five days a week. These flights will also operate on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. The flights will push back from Seattle at 13:20 and land in Jackson Hole at 14:20. The return services will depart Jackson Hole at 17:00 and pull up at the gate in Seattle at 18:20.

Alaska's flight schedules, particularly out of San Diego and Seattle, will allow for weekend ski trips from the west coast. Traveling in the opposite direction, the flights will offer a handy option for locals looking to travel to the west coast and make connections through Seattle.

All three services to Jackson Hole will operate using the passenger-friendly Embraer E175 aircraft. Alaska's Embraers carry 76 passengers across three classes.

Alaska Airlines thinks we all want to get outdoors

Alaska Airlines might be bucking the trend by launching (rather than resuming) new routes, but the airline thinks they are tapping into the zeitgeist. It has been a rough year, and Alaska Airlines reckons some time in the Wyoming mountains might hit the spot for many people.

"It has been a challenging time, and for many, the great outdoors has become a safe haven," said the airline in its statement.

Fares are on sale on Alaska Airlines' website. To encourage you to get onboard, the airline is offering introductory sale fares available until September 2. It might be time to wipe the dust off those skis and dig out the wax.