The Arizona Snowbowl

When people think about Arizona, they tend to picture hot arid deserts and Saguaro cactus. However, there ARE portions of Arizona where the elevation is high enough to enjoy four seasons. Flagstaff is one of those places. The town itself is at an elevation of 7000 feet, and enjoys between 16 and 22 inches of average snowfall between the months of December and March.

The San Francisco Peaks, just north of downtown Flagstaff, top out at an elevation of 12,633 feet, and get much heavier snowfall than the town below. The Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort resides on the San Francisco Peaks, just fourteen miles outside of downtown Flagstaff (2 hours from Phoenix, 70 miles from the Grand Canyon). Base elevation is at 9,200 feet, and summit elevation is at 11,500 feet. There are 32 runs spread out over 777 acres, fairly evenly distributed between beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. The ski season usually runs from mid-December through mid-April, depending on snowfall (which averages at 260 inches).

The slopes of Arizona Snowbowl.

There are two lodges on the mountain, and two more lodges at the base of the mountain, to provide food and beverages and a place to warm up. Snowbowl is fully supported with equipment rentals and repairs, ski schools, first aid, BBQ pits, picnic areas, banquet facilities, ATM’s, and many other amenities available through Guest Services.

The Sunset Terrain Park features obstacles, spines, rails, and fun boxes for snowboarders and skiers. The fun boxes include a 24-foot flat box, a 24-foot flat down box, a 20-foot C-box, and a 24-foot house box.

Lodging is plentiful in nearby Flagstaff. People can also stay at the base of the mountain at the Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins.

Full day lift tickets are $49 for adults, $26 for children ages 8-12, $26 for seniors aged 63-69. Children under the age of seven, and seniors over the age of seventy, are free. Lower rates apply for half-day passes. Special group packages and season passes are also available.

Photo Credits (in order of appearance):
- “AZ Snowbowl” by Willow Monk on Flickr Creative Commons.
- “AZ Snowbowl” by Willow Monk on Flickr Creative Commons.