There’s still plenty of time to make Snowbowl plans. Not only does this premier winter destination produce its own snow to ensure an ongoing winter-sport season, but the Snowbowl website gives daily updates on the weather and number of open trails and ski lifts.* Rain, snow or shine, the mountain is ready to host you. Keep reading to plan your next Snowbowl trip.
Need more? Read more: These Southwest resorts want to help keep you warm this winter
*At the time of this writing all eight Snowbowl ski lifts and more than 50% of its trails were open.
Snowbowl background
Snowbowl is one of three regularly operating ski resorts in the state. From Phoenix, it’s an easy 2 ½ hour drive and a 30-minute drive from Downtown Flagstaff.
“We have 61 trails, 8 lifts and 777 skiable acres,” says Angie Grubb, marketing manager of Arizona Snowbowl Resort.
Grubb adds that Snowbowl’s much sought-after status as a skiing and snowboarding destination is attributed to its versatility. “We have terrain for all skill levels, whether beginner or you love the steep terrain. We’ve got it all for everyone.”
Typically, the mountain opens in November and remains active into May.
“Last year was our longest season ever,” Grubb notes. “We were open until June 1, 2024.”
For those who enjoy a gorgeous winterscape sans skiing and snowboarding, Snowbowl offers Sno-Go ski biking. The Sno-Go is a bike-like device with three skis with a chairlift loading hook and designed to glide down the ski slopes. Visitors can sign up for two hour lessons daily at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Visitors can also partake in scenic gondola rides. Having been on one, I can tell you this is an experience not to miss — the views are stunning.
Lessons: A first-timers dream scenario
To reiterate, Snowbowl caters to skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With that said, those testing their skills (or lack thereof) for the first time, are in good hands on this mountain.
“We’re home to the largest beginner terrain in the entire Southwest,” Grubb says. “Two of our chair lifts and two conveyors solely service beginner terrain, and there is plenty of progressional terrain.”
Beginners to skiing and snowboarding can sign up for:
Adult lessons:
- First-Time Lesson (ages 13+)
- FREE Snow Experience: 2-hour Lesson | Starting at $25
- Group Lesson
- Individualized Lesson
- Private Lessons
Child classes:
- SkiWee (ages 4-6)
- Mountain Kids (ages 7-12)
- Individualized Lesson
- Private Lessons
“Even once you get to our intermediate lifts, they are great for progression because they’re not going to just throw you right into the craziness,” Grubb explains. “They’re going to give you enough of a push to where you are progressing going into that intermediate terrain.”
Tickets, lifts and rentals
Snowbowl tickets fall under “demand-based pricing.” This helps manage the number of people on the mountain and encourage an optimal experience.
“The more people that purchase tickets, the higher the ticket price,” Grubb notes. “Ultimately, our goal here is we want to give everyone the freedom to ski. That is our biggest mission statement here at Snowbowl — to put skiing first and give people the freedom to ski.”
To ensure the best rates, Grubb recommends buying tickets well in advance of your visit if possible.
“All of our lift tickets throughout the winter start as low as $19,” Grubb says.
Snowbowl also offers free Power Kids passes, allowing every child ages 12 and younger the opportunity to ski for free.
Rentals on the mountain are also affordable, starting at $25 midweek (Mon-Thurs) and $50 (Fri-Sun), with varying rates during holidays
Where to Stay
For those who want to set-up home as close to Snowbowl as possible — they’re in luck! Basecamp at Snowbowl has king, queen and double hotel-style rooms and cabins just seven miles from the slopes, as well as an onsite restaurant.
“It does fill up pretty fast,” Grubb says. “We only have around 25 to 30 rooms.”
One of our BOSW favorites, Little America, is a 16ish-mile drive from Snowbowl to Flagstaff (near downtown). In addition to its Silver Pine onsite restaurant (the menu is fantastic), its rooms are cozy and the staff is friendly and accommodating. The entire property is charming and perfectly suited for winding down after a day of winter sports.
The High Country Motor Lodge and Americana Motor Hotel are also a short drive to and from Snowbowl, offer tasty food options and a relaxing atmosphere.
Where to eat
For those who haven’t heard, Flagstaff is a foodie’s paradise. Shift Kitchen + Bar, Atria, Karma Sushi Bar & Grill and Forêt Flg are some of our recommendations, but there are so many more where those came from!
While on the mountain, guests can refuel at several spots.
“In the winter we have our three different lodges and our Humphrey’s yurt, which sells snacks and alcoholic beverages,” Grubb says.
When to come (and for how long)
As for the ultimate Snowbowl visit duration? Grubb advises staying a minimum of a couple of days, especially for those new to winter sports.
More than concentrating on how many days to plan a trip, Grubb says to target the best days to visit. “I would suggest coming midweek,” she says. “We are much slower here Monday through Thursday than we are Friday through Saturday.”
Plus, at the time of this story’s publication, all rentals and group lessons are 50% off now through the end of February, Monday through Thursday.
More Snowbowl fun
Stay tuned for more Snowbowl coverage coming soon. And for more information about Snowbowl visit, snowbowl.ski. For more fun places to experience in Flagstaff, visit Discover Flagstaff at flagstaffarizona.org.