Service to Bay Area, Aspen added

LAX will get busier this summer with the addition of several new airline routes.

Low-cost carrier Frontier announced last week it would launch five daily nonstops to San Francisco International Airport beginning June 29. It’s the Denver-based airline’s first route within California.

Introductory 21-day advance fares begin at $59 one way, with the purchase of a round trip by June 28. (800) 4321-FLY (432-1359), www.frontierairlines.com.

United Airlines is adding service for a limited time to a Rockies resort known for skiing. The airline plans nonstop service between LAX and Aspen, Colo., from June 9 to Sept. 3, with three flights weekly. (800) 241-6522, www.united.com.

If you are headed north of the border, Air Canada Jazz on Monday started daily nonstop service between LAX and Edmonton. (888) 247-2262 or www.aircanada.com.

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Cruise line takes fire precautions

AFTER a fatal fire aboard one of its ships in March, Princess Cruises announced late last month that it would remove combustible materials from balconies and put fire detection and suppression systems in those areas.

Polycarbonate plastic dividers on balconies aboard the Star Princess may have fed the fast-spreading fire, according to a report from the Marine Accident Investigation Branch, the British agency investigating the blaze.

The cause of the fire, which killed one person, injured 11 and damaged 100 cabins, has not been determined.

In the wake of the fire, the International Council of Cruise Lines, an industry association that oversees safety issues for North American cruise companies, advised cruise lines to take added fire-safety steps, including:

* Implementing 24-hour fire surveillance of balconies and specific training for crew in handling balconies.

* Advising passengers and crew to avoid leaving towels and other personal items on balconies when cabins are vacant.

* Checking balconies for combustible material and replacing combustible dividers with noncombustible materials.

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New hotel tower to open in Vegas

THE first of three new hotel towers, collectively called the Signature, will open this month on the MGM Grand property in Las Vegas. Each tower will have 576 suites and its own pool, lounge and fitness center but not a separate casino.

Executive director Frederic Luvisutto said the towers are aimed squarely at the growing luxury market in Las Vegas and would emphasize personalized guest service.

The first tower is set to welcome guests May 22. The second will open in December and the third next April. Room rates will run from $200 to $600, depending on date and availability. (877) 727-0007, www.signaturemgmgrand.com.

-- Robin Rauzi

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Some ski resorts extend season

CALIFORNIA ski resorts are capitalizing on record snowfalls this year and extending their ski seasons.

Mammoth, which recorded the highest amount of seasonal snowfall in its history last month -- 632 inches since October -- plans to have top-to-bottom access until July 4. The mountain typically gets about 400 inches. www.mammothmountain.com.

In Tahoe, Squaw Valley (www.squaw.com), which has seen 623 inches of snow this season, will stay open until May 29. And it is offering to honor ski passes from other closed Lake Tahoe resorts.

Alpine Meadows is set to close May 21. The ski resort’s website, www.skialpine.com, has details.

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Rockefeller Hotel set to open

OPENING May 22 in a primo Midtown location: the Rockefeller Center Hotel, which will take up the first six floors of a new Art Deco-style, 25-story building overlooking Rockefeller Center. It’s being billed as the first hotel at the center and offers views of the skating rink and NBC Studios.

The hotel has 80 rooms, with flat-screen TVs and free high-speed Internet access. Credit-card reception kiosks in the lobby are expected to speed check in.

Introductory rates start at $225, based on availability. (212) 262-3200 or (888) 660-0212, www.rockefellercenterhotel.com.

-- Compiled by Vani Rangachar