May 10

Travel SkyWest Country to the Natural Paradise of Arcata!

Just steps from downtown Arcata an emerald hush falls over the nature trails through 2,350 acres of woodland recreation that is the Arcata Community Forest, the first municipal forest in California. While the forest and its striking redwoods forms a visual backdrop of the town and provides extensive passive recreation like hiking, nature walks, horseback riding, and mountain biking, the city also benefits from the ability to manage its natural resources responsibly. It is this participatory approach to forest management that strengthens this eco conscious city to build a vibrant community by protecting and enhancing the ecosystem. This natural way of thinking permeates the community and its local noteworthy businesses.

Before striking out on one of the myriad trails available in the redwood forest try stopping in to the Humbolt State University Natural History Museum (www.humbolt.edu/natmus). This stop provides a comprehensive orientation on the community forest from exhibits like Birds of the Redwoods, Native Bees, Plant Evolution and the Redwood Forest to enrich a visit to the forest whether on horse or by foot.

The perfect end to a vigorous hike is to stop in to Siana Natural Spa for their eco-chic alternative treatments for the whole body. Like the city itself, Siana is dedicated to its all natural products and treatments that are luxurious while also environmentally responsible. When stopping in try their famed Natural Rosemary Facial Cleanse or a Chinese Qigong massage treatment.

Arcata’s passion for nature and sustainability are keystones of renowned Foulie Douce’s philosophy where their passion for sustainability is matched by their fervor for exceptional food. The farm to table concept is evident in daily menu changes based upon the 100% organic and mostly locally obtained produce and ingredients delivered that day. All proteins are naturally raised free-range animals with no hormones or antibiotics. The passion and creativity is spectacularly presented in menu items like the wood fired pizza featuring salami and brie with mozzarella and apricot jam or the seared duck breast with a spring local wild onion sauce. Discover more at www.foliedoucearcata.com.

For your next weekend getaway consider the natural paradise that is Arcata. SkyWest Airlines offers convenient United Express service from San Francisco International Airport to Arcata-Eureka airport. Visit wwww.United.com and plan your adventure today!

May 02

Travel SkyWest Country to the Outdoor Mecca of Sun Valley, Idaho

In the 1930s, an Austrian Count named Felix Schaffgotsch stumbled upon Sun Valley’s Rocky Mountain gem and proclaimed, “It contains more delightful features for a winter sports center than any other place I have seen in the United States, Switzerland or Austria.” It didn’t take long for the word to spread and soon a luxury lodge was built to accommodate the flocking general public and celebrities alike. Up until the rise in popularity of alpine skiing as a recreational sport, Sun Valley consisted of a sleepy village of ranchers and miners, and the valley’s rich history as a mining-ranching-town-turned-upscale-resort still permeates the culture that flourishes today. It is this culture that brings people from all corners of the globe year round.

Sun Valley’s 13 ski lifts keep visitors busy year round whether one is enjoying spring break skiing or hiking and biking down from the peak of Bald Mountain in the summer. Olympians and world-class skaters alike can be found in the outdoor ice rink, Sun Valley’s Ice, signing autographs and rubbing elbows with the locals; while warm weather draws celebrity athletes to one of the many golf options in the valley.

Apres-ski may have been a term coined during the winter months, but with the all-seasons allure of this upscale resort area, après-ski is taken seriously year round. Grumpy’s (grumpyssunvalley.com) on Warm Springs Road greets patrons with a “Sorry, We’re Open” sign but there is nothing to worry about here! This wildly popular local favorite is patronized by visiting anglers and local skiers alike. The burgers and monstrous 32-ounce beer schooners are unbeatable; but be prepared, because the only payment smiled upon here is cash. If celebrity history is an interest then no après-ski visit is complete without wandering into Michael’s Christiania (Christianiarestaurant.com) for dinner. Make sure the staff points out Earnest Hemingway’s regular table in the Olympic Bar before settling into a cozy spot for great drinks and possible celebrity sightings.

It’s hard to imagine that a destination known among the rich and famous can maintain a home town, simple life feel, but Sun Valley has managed to do just that, and establishments like Grumpy’s and the laid back local attitude are part of what make Sun Valley so unique. Through decades of increasing popularity, this Mountain town has successfully carried their grass-roots heritage and woven it into the modern conveniences of today – making it an escape for everyone. Visit www.Delta.com to book your flight today and begin your Sun Valley adventure!

Apr 26

SkyWest Airlines’ Annual Mini Indy is Once Again a Success

Checkered flags, pit crews, competitive drivers, fierce turns and racing speeds up to 23.5 miles per hour were just a few of the exciting elements at SkyWest Airlines’ thirteenth annual Mini Indy!

This March, teams from around the world met at the airline’s hometown of St. George, Utah to race head-to-head in fierce go-cart competitions, raising money for United Way Dixie and the SkyWest Scholarship Fund. To date, this fiercely popular event has raised nearly one million dollars for United Way Dixie charities.

Of the 35 teams that competed in the race, four were composed of SkyWest employees. Known throughout the company as RAVE (Recognizing A Valuable Employee) Team racers, these twenty employees were nominated by their leaders and peers to represent SkyWest in the Mini Indy based on their dedication to the airline, our passengers and fellow employees.

“I was ecstatic to find out I was selected to represent SkyWest in the Mini Indy,” said Kari Tate, RAVE Team #00 member and SkyWest benefits manager. “This opportunity was something that goes far beyond a pat on the back or ‘atta-girl.’ I was noticed, selected and appreciated! And being able to put my competitive nature into action through this competition was simply awesome!”

The SkyWest RAVE Teams held their own against 13-year veteran teams; RAVE team #94 competed in the finals for the Pit Stop Competition and placed third in both the Best Theme and Best-Looking Car categories, and RAVE Team #00 competed in the championship heat of the race!

After the final checkered flag was waved, Team Wencor Group/Trelleborg took home the title of Grand Champion – for the second year in a row!

And though many of the teams may already be looking ahead and strategizing for Mini Indy 2014, the funds raised through this year’s event will be continue to aid those in need for quite some time, as United Way Dixie utilizes the money to help those in need.

“The annual Mini Indy event allows SkyWest to contribute to local charities through United Way Dixie, an organization that helps offer a better life for children and families in poverty, abuse victims and many others in the community in need of support,” said SkyWest President and COO, Chip Childs.

For more about Mini Indy or details on the 2013 race, visit www.miniindy.org.

Apr 02

Experience the Wild West in Cody, Wyoming!

Headed to Yellowstone National Park this summer? Kick off your trip with a visit to the famed park’s Eastern gateway in the small Western town of Cody, Wyoming! Named after William Frederick Cody, better known as Buffalo Bill, Cody is the perfect way to begin your trip to the largest National Park in the U.S.

Cody is rich in pioneer, cowboy and Western history and there is no shortage of activities to help bring that history alive. Start your stay with visit to the Buffalo Bill Historical Center. With five museums contained within the museum complex, including the Buffalo Bill Museum, Plains Indians Museum, Whitney Gallery of Art, Cody Firearms Museum, and Draper Museum of Natural Art, you and your family are sure to love one of the nation’s most remarkable museums steeped in the history of the frontier West.

If history is definitely your strong interest stay at the Irma Hotel (www.irmahotel.com), another historical site built by Buffalo Bill and opened in 1902. With modern updates it’s a place fancy enough for royalty and plain enough for cowboys and cowgirls. Stay in rooms frequented by personalities such as Buffalo Bill, Annie Oakley and Calamity Jane while enjoying gunfighter re-enactments six nights a week from June through September (www.codygunfighters.com).

All of the excitement from the Wild West is sure to leave you hungry. Enjoy the sensational prime rib at Irma’s Hotel or make your way over to Bubba’s Bar-B-Que for some good old fashioned western BBQ. In the heart of beef country, you won’t find a better steak or burger! Looking for healthier options, Bubba’s also has an awesome all you can eat salad bar.

Make your frontier adventure complete by taking in a good old fashioned rodeo! Nicknamed the “Rodeo Capital of the World”, the city hosts Cody Nite Rodeo every night from June 1 through August 31. The pinnacle of the rodeos occurs July 1-4, as one of the largest rodeo events in the nation descends on Cody. Held every year since 1919, the Cody Stampede Rodeo is a local tradition that brings alive the spirit of the Independence Day holiday.

Whether on your way to Yellowstone National Park or just looking for a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the big city, Cody is the perfect place for your summer vacation. SkyWest Airlines offers full passenger service to Yellowstone Regional Airport in Cody from Salt Lake City via Delta Connection operated by SkyWest, and Denver via United Express operated by SkyWest. Visit www.delta.com or www.united.com to book your flight and get your Western adventure planned today!

Mar 12

Gillette, Wyoming: Cowboys, Coal and Everything In Between

It probably sounds a little like someone describing an old western movie: beautiful blue skies stretching in every direction, rolling hills and mountains visible in the distance, long grasses waving gently in the breeze. In fact, it is so idyllic as the sun moves slowly overhead that you can almost hear the clip-clop of horse hooves or you may even catch yourself wondering where that aroma of rawhide is coming from. And while the classic icons of horse hitches on every corner are not exactly accurate anymore, Gillette, Wyo. continues to embody the lifestyle and personality that are a hallmark of The West: open space, relaxed living and plenty of things to do.

One of the most popular events in Gillette throughout the summer months is the rodeo. From May until Labor Day there is some sort of rodeo-related activity going on at the fairgrounds every week. You can actually catch a glimpse of some of the best cowboys and cowgirls from around the country showing off their skills as they compete in team roping, barrel racing, bull riding and plenty of other events.

And Gillette has even more to offer. Each year, Gillette, also known as the Energy Capital of the Nation, hosts the Energy Exposition (http://energyexposition.com/). The event attracts thousands of people who want to immerse themselves in the latest energy production technology that is available and explore the future of the industry. Believe it or not, Gillette is located in the Powder River Basin, which produces more than 140 million tons of coal each year – enough to power all of the households in New York and Texas. Visitors can even schedule a free coal mine tour through the Visitor Center (www.visitgillette-wrightwyo.org) while they are in town so they can get a first-hand account of where energy production begins.

Once you’ve had a chance to visit the mine and the rodeo has wrapped up for the day, make sure you plan a trip outside of town to see Devils Tower or Keyhole State Park. Whether you want to hike, camp, go horseback riding, or just enjoy the scenic drive, you will find yourself getting lost in the incredible views and natural environment that dominates Northeast Wyoming.

No visit to this former frontier region is complete without a stop into Elite Dining’s “Neighborhood Favorite”, Prime Rib Restaurant and Wine Cellar, where they have offered the finest hand-cut U.S.D.A. Choice steaks for over twenty years. Enjoy one of the private dining rooms, the 3500 bottle wine collection or your favorite sporting event in the Blue Martini Lounge.

Daily flights in and out of Gillette make it simple and convenient to enjoy this incredible destination. You can fly directly from Salt Lake City, Utah with Delta Air Lines or Denver, Colo. on United Airlines. Book your tickets today at www.Delta.com or www.United.com — and get ready for an unforgettable experience.

Feb 26

SkyWest Airlines’ Mini Indy Gives a “Turbo Boost” to Local Charities

SkyWest Airlines will once again “put the pedal to the metal” in 2013 in a race to benefit local charities. The 13th annual Mini Indy event, sponsored by SkyWest and the City of St. George, will bring in nearly 40 teams from around the world to SkyWest’s hometown of St. George, Utah. There, the teams will golf the world’s best courses and race go-carts head to head – with all proceeds benefiting United Way Dixie and the SkyWest Scholarship Fund.

“Mini Indy is part of SkyWest’s tradition of giving back to our hometown,” said Chip Childs, SkyWest Airlines President and COO. “Year after year, the industry’s elite bring their golf game and go-carts – and we look forward to passing the $1 million mark in donations benefiting local charity in 2013.”

In the last thirteen years, this unique event has raised nearly $1 million to help charities in Washington County. In 2012 alone, Mini Indy raised more than $65,000 for United Way Dixie, providing enough funding for the organization to fund four additional non-profit agencies for 2012 and 2013 – bringing the total of charities served to 17. This includes agencies such as the Dove Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southern Utah and Habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah.

Melissa Ann Santora, Director of Community Engagement for habitat for Humanity of Southwest Utah, has volunteered at Mini Indy for several years.

“Our community is blessed by the continued success of Mini Indy,” she said.

“Without the generosity of our sponsors involved in Mini Indy, we would not be able to fund the agencies that provide important human services to our neighbors in need,” continued Rebekah Pectol, administrator, United Way Dixie.

The checkered flag will fly on Friday, March 22 at the “RidgeTop Raceway,” formerly the SGU airport. There, go-cart enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies will compete in a series of heats throughout the day. With fierce turns, obstacles and speeds up to 23.5 miles per hour, this year’s Mini Indy is sure to live up to the excitement that the race is known to deliver!

For more about Mini Indy, visit www.miniindy.org.

Feb 22

SkyWest Introduces United Service from St. George to Denver

SkyWest Airlines will offer new United flights between St. George, Utah and Denver, Colo. beginning June 6, 2013! The once-daily Denver jet service provides excellent connectivity between the exciting and multicultural “Mile High City” and Southern Utah’s sun drenched “Gateway to Zion.”

While dramatically different in climate and size, these two cities share a kindred spirit in reveling in their natural dramatic landscapes – both of which offers limitless recreational opportunities available to both regions.

St. George passengers may also take advantage of a dazzling array of “big city” amenities in Denver – or access the more than 400 daily United departures making it easy to get virtually anywhere!

“We’re excited to continue to provide SkyWest’s hometown with access to the world’s largest airline network through United,” said Chip Childs, SkyWest Airlines President and COO. “This new service opens a new gateway for St. George travelers to Denver and the more than 120 United destinations beyond.”

Flight schedules will be ideally timed to provide travelers with maximum connection opportunities to United’s vast route network in Denver. Customers may begin booking flights today at www.United.com or by calling United reservations at 800.United.1 (800-864-8331). Of course, the best fares are always available at www.United.com.

Feb 08

SkyWest Airlines Service Takes Off in International Falls!

When SkyWest Airlines officially took over service at Falls International Airport on Dec. 15, 2012, travelers were promised “quality” and “reliable” service. And that’s exactly what they’ve gotten.

In the first month of service, every SkyWest-operated Delta Connection flight that took off from Fall International arrived at its destination: Brainerd, Minn. or Minneapolis. Not a simple undertaking when you consider the added challenges of recent winter storms and the busy holiday travel season.

How did we do it? With lots of coordination from dozens of different teams and, of course, great support from the community.

There are about 34 people involved with every flight from Falls International – from pilots and flight attendants, to customer service agents at the airport and maintenance professionals who keep the plane in top condition. So when SkyWest was notified in September 2012 that we would be able to start service in International Falls, we immediately began working with each workgroup to review potential challenges and to ensure everyone was ready for the new flights. This coordination process also extended to the airport as we began to finalize the logistics of the new flights and worked out details for launch day.

Today, that teamwork has continued to help ensure each SkyWest-operated flight remains on schedule. We look forward to even more success in the future, helping connect the International Falls community to destinations around the world. To book your next flight, make sure you visit www.Delta.com for the best fares

Jan 30

SkyWest Airlines Touches Down in Rhinelander!

SkyWest Airlines has touched down in Rhinelander, Wis., home of the mythical Hodag, Rhinelander’s legendary woodland creature! With twice-daily Delta flights between Rhinelander Oneida County Airport (RHI) and Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP), Rhinelander passengers now have access to destinations world-wide, including exotic warmer climes of the Caribbean, Cancun and Miami.

Rhinelander visitors have access to a landscape rich in forest, lakes and trails. It is one of Wisconsin’s top winter destinations, offering outstanding snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and ice fishing, as well as the best shopping and lodging in the Northwoods.

All of these activities and more are available during the exciting Lions Fisheree and Winter Festival this February 9th and 10th. This annual event is packed full of fun winter activities including ice fishing, a broomball tournament, snowshoe races and much more with events sure to please everyone in the family.

Rhinelander is also home to the legendary woodland creature, the Hodag. The mythical creature was created by Rhinelander pioneer and timber cruiser Gene Shepard in 1896. Although it originated as a hoax, the Hodag became a local legend and the symbol of the city. Many local businesses, as well as the Rhinelander High School sports teams, are named for the Hodag.

For those with discriminating pallets for upscale microbrews, the Rhinelander Brewing Company offers their original Export Lager and Craft Brews as unique as the Hodag. Stop by just about anywhere locally and try the wildly popular varieties from the Chocolate Bunny Stout to the Mystical Jack Traditional Ale.

Come join the fun in Hodag Country and make your winter travel plans by booking your flight today at www.delta.com!

Jan 21

Experience the Best of Winter at Bend Oregon’s Annual WinterFest!

Experience the Best of Winter at Bend Oregon’s Annual WinterFest!

The winter doldrums can be difficult to beat, but those looking for an exciting winter outing to get out of that post-holiday rut look no further than Bend, Oregon’s annual WinterFest, coming Feb. 15-17, 2013.

Officially dubbed the “On Point Community Credit Union WinterFest”, this three-day event attracts thousands from across the Northwest with events and activities that showcase the best the season has to offer. Watch snowboarders and skiers catch some serious air at the aptly-named U.S. Cellular Big Air Show or enjoy a death-defying motorcycle show. Watch as local talent carves ice and snow into breathtaking sculptures, sway to live music provided by national rock artists, and savor the fine food, art displays. The family-friendly event also offers carnival games and activities for kids!

Those who prefer being a part of the action over the spectator’s seat can compete in the festival’s Snow Warrior Dash – a 5k race through mud, snow and ice obstacles and terrain. And for the ultimate adrenaline rush, participants can take the Polar Plunge into the Deschutes River as part of Special Olympics Oregon’s zany fundraising event.

Visitors can find out all that WinterFest has to offer at www.bendwinterfest.com.

Bend travelers often top their day off with dinner at The Blacksmith Steakhouse Bar Lounge – selected as one of the top 66 new restaurants in the world by Condé Nast Traveller, and book a day of dog-sledding excursions to round out the perfect winter adventure.

Note: SkyWest offers daily flights to Bend, Ore. (RDM) from Denver (DEN), Portland (PDX), and San Francisco (SFO) onboard United Express operated by SkyWest Airlines. Visit www.United.com to book your flight from one of these locations. SkyWest also flies daily from Salt Lake City (SLC) to Bend (RDM) aboard Delta Connection operated by SkyWest Airlines. Visit www.delta.com to book your SLC-RDM flight.