United Airlines celebrates upcoming season with new ski livery

United Airlines is flying in style this ski season. To celebrate its status as one of the largest U.S. carriers flying nonstop to mountain destinations, United Airlines is introducing a new ski-inspired livery for the upcoming season. The airline will paint a single Embraer 175 in the new Mountain Ascent livery and fly the aircraft to Aspen, Beaver Creek, Crested Butte, Sun Valley and Vail.

The Mountain Ascent’s livery, which runs across the rear fuselage, perfectly captures the spectacular Rocky Mountain peaks it flies over. Bluebird skies, pine trees and sweeping mountains receding into the background blend with the usual resort scenery, making the livery an intimate and familiar piece of art for skiers who primarily ski in North America.

The Mountain Ascent Embraer 175 is expected to debut in early 2027, with more details about its flight schedule and aircraft assignments to follow. Internal flyer.

For United, the Mountain Ascent livery means more than just looks. The airline bills itself as serving more U.S. ski destinations than its competitors, offering about 60 routes ranging from seven hubs to 15 ski destinations. With the new mountain livery, the airline will be able to further associate itself with mountain travel, potentially leading to more people booking United flights.

The Mountain Ascent Embraer 175 will fly primarily to Colorado ski resorts, and Denver is one of United’s busiest hubs. The airline operates many key regional and mountain routes daily from Colorado’s capital city, including up to seven daily flights to Aspen during the ski season. Denver is also a key hub for skiers heading to Eagle County Regional Airport, serving Vail and Beaver Creek, and Gunnison-Crested Butte Regional Airport, serving Crested Butte—both of which will be served by the new Mountain Ascent Embraer 175 this season. While neither route is new to the airline, United’s consistent flights to small mountain towns across the state have made it a favorite among skiers looking for relaxation.

While the new Embraer 175 will primarily serve routes in Colorado, the airline is also making efforts to take skiers to new destinations. The carrier recently announced the launch of its first direct flight from Boston to Jackson Hole, which will operate once a week on Saturdays. The route will be operated on a Boeing 737-700 aircraft, and Boston skiers will be able to receive a free lift ticket on the day of arrival when they show proof of flight. United Airlines is already the largest airline in Jackson Hole, with a total passenger count of about 460,000. The new Boston-Jackson Hole route looks set to continue the carrier’s legacy as Wyoming’s largest ski mecca.

In addition to its dozens of ski-focused routes, United is also an official partner of US Ski and Snowboard through 2027, further solidifying its position as a leading airline in the winter sports industry.

As the 2026/27 season approaches, United is making sure traveling skiers are excited to hit the snow in the new Mountain Ascent livery. Expected to debut early next year, United hopes it can continue to be the leading airline for skiers looking to head to the mountains.