New airport beckons skiers.

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Author: Baker, Julie

In the announcements Colorado Springs issued this fall, headlined "New Colorado Springs Airport to Open On Budget and On Time," there's more than a little sibling rivalry apparent. (The new Denver International Airport, about 114 miles away, has had it opening date postponed three times-February 28, 1995, is the latest-and is way over budget.)

While it's not an entirely new airport, as DIA is, Colorado Springs Airport (COS) has a new runway that is the longest in Colorado, and a new terminal that doubles the number of gates while shortening the distance from the furthest gate to baggage claim.

The number of passenger arrivals and departures that can be handled annually will shoot from 900,000 to 2.5 million with this new terminal. That's good news for the local economy, and in particular for the 14 major ski areas in easy driving range. Vail, Beaver Creek, Copper Mountain, Breckenridge, and Keystone among them.

New packages Resort target skiers who fly from Miami, Dallas, or St. Louis. Included are airfare, ground transportation and four or five nights' lodging in Breckenridge. Base price id $367 per person from Dallas, $426 from St. Louis, and $508 from Miami. Call (88) 221-1091. The five-star Broadmoor Hotel & Spa is offering a "stay a day either way" package for $65 per person, double. Offer is good through the end of the ski season. Call (800) 634-7711.

American, America West, Delta, Mesa, Reno Air, TWA, and United all serve Colorado Springs.

PHOTO (COLOR): Colorado Spring is close to ski areas.

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By Julie Barker

Illustrated by MIKE MORAN; WIDE WORLD/AP