Let it snow!

Austin lands first nonstop flight to top Colorado destination this winter

Fly nonstop from Austin to Vail this winter.

Photo courtesy of American Airlines

Snow skiers and snowboarders, rejoice! American Airlines is launching seasonal nonstop service between Austin and Vail, Colorado, one of the top ski vacation destinations in the country.

Effective December 15, American Airlines will start nonstop service between Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and Eagle County Regional Airport in Vail. No other airline offers nonstop service between the two cities.

Daily flights will be available December 15 to January 9, then will switch to weekly from January 10 to February 15, and move back to daily from February 16 to April 3. The regional jet service will be provided by American Airlines partner SkyWest Airlines.

American already is selling tickets for the Austin-Vail route.

“American is excited to connect Austin with Eagle County this winter,” says Philippe Puech, American’s director of short-haul network planning.

“Austin continues to grow, and we’re proud to support that growth with new routes. This winter, American will offer nonstop service to 38 destinations from the Texas capital. From connecting Central Texans to the slopes this winter to bringing more business to the heart of Texas, American is eager to welcome customers on board.”

The addition of the Vail route builds on the explosive growth of nonstop destinations from the Austin airport, with both American and Southwest beefing up their Austin schedules in recent months.

“As our city continues to welcome more people and businesses, AUS is working alongside the growth we’re seeing by offering flights to more destinations than ever before,” says Gina Fiandaca, assistant city manager for mobility. “Residents have more opportunities to travel to diverse destinations directly from Austin, which supports our … mission to improve and expand our mobility infrastructure and meet the needs of our community.”

sports vacation

the bigger the better

Enchanted Rock to double in size after 3,000-acre land purchase

Photo courtesy of Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

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Enchanted Rock Natural State Area, a popular Hill Country destination in Fredericksburg, is continuing its expansion after purchasing a 3,073-acre property in Llano County for $43 million.

The recent purchase comes nearly four months after Texas Parks and Wildlife Department purchased a 630-acre tract of land in nearby Gillespie County, adding to Enchanted Rock's current 1,644 acres of land.

The park's expansion, which doubles the amount of publicly available land, is also a great investment for Texas tourism, according to Governor Greg Abbott.

"Texas is home to 88 state parks that showcase our great state’s natural beauty to Texans and visitors from all over the globe," said Governor Abbott in the release. "The expansion of Enchanted Rock State Natural Area will allow tourists from across the state and around the world to enjoy even more of the majesty of Texas. Together, we will continue to ensure that what makes Texas unique and beautiful is preserved for generations."

The sale was made possible thanks to TWPD's Centennial Parks Conservation Fund, a voter-approved $1 billion fund dedicated to the acquisition and development of new state parks. Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation, the department's official nonprofit partner, also helped review the property's potential as an extension of the park.

The release explains that the Llano County land was previously used as a private hunting ground, but TPWD will seek public input to decide future recreational activities and conservation opportunities for the land.

"Enchanted Rock is cherished by Texans across the state, and we are thrilled to add a property of this size and scope to this beloved park," said Chairman of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Commission Jeff Hildebrand. "I look forward to families experiencing this new addition to Enchanted Rock SNA and creating lasting memories for generations to come."

TPWD expects planning may take "many months to complete" before announcing an opening date for the new property.

state parks hill country fredericksburg enchanted rock