Interesting New Route: LGA-HDN on Delta

Delta begins new Saturday-only service between LGA and Hayden, Colorado on Dec. 20th using a 757.

This is a popular skiing area I presume?

Yep; it's Steamboat. Saturday-only because there's no perimeter rule.

I understand the use of a 757 specifically is due to the power of a 757 being able to operate in and out of their with a full load. MAny other planes would have a difficult time operating it.

Very nice to see some more Ski resort service out of NY this winter. Vail, CO (EGE) sees many flights out of the NY area - this may be HDN's first link to NY.

The Vail flights do very very very well with high paying travellers. It will be interesting to see how HDN does for DL.

And to Phils comment. The 757 is the best plane for the mission, particularly on the flight back to LGA. The Density altitude for CO is very high even though it is in the winter with a "below standard" temp. Even the overpowered 757 takes heavy weight restrictions out of EGE back to LGA. Not sure about the terrain for HDN bu it will be interesting to see how DL can fill it up on the way back.

I'd like to see the load message back to LGa myself!

IIRC, this flight operated from JFK last winter.

HDN has a 10K runway with a 300'/NM climb gradient. EGE is 8K and needs a gradient of either 480'/NM or 750'/NM. 180 pax also carry 180 pairs of skis, boots, etc., and the extra cargo room of the 757 comes in handy.