Everything You Need to Know About Arizona Snowbowl

Arizona Snowbowl has been one of the West’s best-kept skiing secrets for more than eight decades. The resort just outside of Flagstaff, is only two hours from Phoenix and is one of the oldest, continually operating ski destinations in the United States.

With 777 skiable acres, 48 lift-served trails, and seven hike-to expert trails, Arizona Snowbowl offers plenty of challenges and a vertical drop of 2,300 feet. Twenty-two percent of terrain is dedicated to beginners, while 43 percent is for intermediate skiers and boarders. Another 22 percent of skiable terrain is set aside for advanced skiers while 13 percent is rated as expert. The resort offers eight total lifts: six aerial chairlifts and two surface conveyors, along with the state’s first and only high-speed six-person lift.

Arizona Snowbowl welcomes skiers and snowboarders from mid-November through the end of April. The ski resort is located just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. (Photo courtesy Arizona Snowbowl.)
Arizona Snowbowl welcomes skiers and snowboarders from mid-November through the end of April. The ski resort is located just outside of Flagstaff, Arizona. (Photo courtesy Arizona Snowbowl.)

Open to both skiers and snowboarders, the resort sits on the western slope of the San Francisco Peaks, and is adjacent to Humphreys Peak, the tallest point in the state. Ski season runs from mid-November through the end of April and the resort receives about 260 inches of snowfall per year.

Free Skiing

Arizona Snowbowl has some great deals to make skiing and snowboarding convenient and accessible for everyone.

Kids 10 and under and seniors 70 and older ski FREE every day of the season! Kids 10 and under are eligible for a FREE season pass that’s valid at Snowbowl and six mountains in the Southwest.

Other specials include FREE skiing for all active duty military members ski on non-holiday Tuesdays throughout the season, and FREE skiing on your birthday.

Learn more about all specials here.

Free Lodging

Arizona Snowbowl offers an amazing FREE lodging deal at the Ski Lift Lodge and Cabins near the ski area.

The Ski Lift Lodge and Cabins are the closest lodging to the ski area and offers guests a long list of amenities like complimentary breakfast served daily, free Wi-Fi and free cable TV with HBO. The hotel presents 26 non-smoking guest rooms, 18 cabins, six motel-style rooms, a studio unit and a suite. (Pet friendly accommodations available.) There is also a full-service bar and restaurant on site with nightly specials.

Guests can receive a FREE stay with the purchase of two full-day, full-price adult lift tickets. The deal is available almost every Sunday through Thursday during the ski season. Learn more about FREE Lodging at Ski Lift Lodge here.

In addition to Ski Lift Lodge, Arizona Snowbowl also partners with hotels in Flagstaff to provide FREE lodging on select dates with the purchase of two full-day full-price lift tickets. To learn more about FREE lodging at partner hotels, click here.

Arizona Snowbowl is a perfect weekend ski destination, but guests can get free lodging from Sundays through Thursdays during the 2019-20 season with a two paid full-price lift tickets. (Photo courtesy Arizona Snowbowl.)
Arizona Snowbowl is a perfect weekend ski destination, but guests can get free lodging from Sundays through Thursdays during the 2019-20 season with a two paid full-price lift tickets. (Photo courtesy Arizona Snowbowl.)

Getting There                                      

Getting to the Arizona Snowbowl is easy from nearby Flagstaff. You can fly directly into Flagstaff. From there, follow Highway 180 to Snowbowl Road, which is approximately seven miles. Make a right and go another seven miles to the Ski Lift Lodge and Cabins at the base of Snowbowl Road.

Direct flight service to Flagstaff Pulliam Airport (FLG) in Flagstaff is provided by both American Airlines and United Airlines. The Phoenix International Airport (PHX) in downtown Phoenix offers numerous national and international flights daily from several major carriers, including flights directly to Flagstaff.

Lift Tickets

Lift tickets at Arizona Snowbowl are available this season for as low as $29 if purchased online in advance. (Limited quantities of discounted tickets available.) Kids age 10 and under can get a FREE season pass that is valid at Snowbowl, Purgatory and six other mountains! No parent purchase required. Lift tickets are $99 at the window for adults 18-64, and $75 for Youth 11-17 and Seniors 65-69.

Ski Lessons

Arizona Snowbowl is a favorite for first timers who are wanting to learn to ski or ride. The resort offers a FREE two-hour group lesson with the purchase of a full-day, full-price lift ticket for ages 13+. The free ski school is available the same day as the lift ticket purchase, so it’s perfect to get on the slopes and give it a try! Group lessons are a fun bonding experience where you’ll receive direct instruction and tips from a hand-on instructor with plenty of experience (and patience)! Lesson packages are available for:

  • Kids Age 4-7
  • Kids Age 8-12
  • Teen Lessons
  • Adult Lessons
  • Private Lessons

The Hart Prairie Beginner Area is a wide-open gentle slope that’s serviced by two chairlifts and a pair of surface conveyors. It’s an ideal learning ground for both children and adults. There’s plenty of room to move and even a viewing area for parents to snap photos or videos. The beginner area is also close to the Hart Prairie Lodge that serves up hot chocolate in a warm, cozy environment.

Renting Ski Gear

Visitors can rent ski and snowboard gear at Snowbowl Sports, a fully equipped rental shop. The shop offers a full line of ski gear for adults and children. It’s conveniently located at the ski area, so it’s easy to get outfitted quickly for a day on the slopes. It’s also convenient in case there is an equipment issue that needs attention. The store has seasoned technicians on site that can perform repairs or make recommendations.

Arizona Snowbowl has terrain parks for all skill levels. (Photo courtesy Arizona Snowbowl.)
Arizona Snowbowl has terrain parks for all skill levels. (Photo courtesy Arizona Snowbowl.)

Terrain Parks

Skiers and snowboarders can develop their freestyle skills at one of Arizona Snowbowl’s four terrain parks. Each park features progressive elements to help facilitate learning and taking it to the next level. Each park offers its own unique flavor and skill level:

  • Hart Prairie Start Park: Perfect for first timers or those just getting their feet under them, Hart Prairie Start Park is a great jumping off point. The park has low-profile boxes and snow features for newbies to hone their skills. The family friendly park is open to all ages.
  • Round Up Rail Garden: Enjoy a variety of small and medium rails at the Round Up Rail Garden off the Grand Canyon Express lift. The garden presents several unique features for skiers and riders to carve creative lines on each lap.
  • Humphrey’s Progression Park: When it’s time to move on from the start park, the Humphrey’s Progression Park is the next stop for skiers and boarders. The park has boxes, jumps, and creative small and medium rails to encourage natural progression from the start park. Once a skier or rider conquers the challenges of the Progression Park, it’s time to move up to Sunset Terrain Park.
  • Sunset Terrain Park:  Freestyle pros will love the custom features, technical jumps and rails at Sunset Terrain Park. This expert-rated park is a popular spot for the best and brightest to strut their stuff. Work your way up to this level, or just swing by to see what the cream of the crop are up to.

Off the Slopes

There’s plenty to do in the Flagstaff and Snowbowl area after the lifts close for the day. From trendy fine-dining restaurants to authentic Southwestern favorites, there’s a long list of delectable cuisine to try. The area has several quint shops and boutiques to explore. There’s also an abundance of family-friendly activities like hiking trails, museums and historical sites, and a nice assortment of nightlife and pubs for adults.

Snowbowl is also a popular retreat for romantic couples looking for love and laughs on the slopes on a quick weekend getaway. The area boasts the largest grove of Ponderosa Pines in the United States.

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