Let it Snow, Let it Snow … Ski Arizona

What’s 9,200 feet high, 777 acres, with 32 trails, and white all over?  A winter wonderland called the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort which opens today to the public thanks to a weekend storm that brought 7 – 13” of wet, dense snow, adding to the 21 – 34” received from the week before.

Located on the majestic San Francisco Peaks, the Arizona Snowbowl lies 14 miles outside of Flagstaff and is only two hours from Phoenix.  It’s Mecca for locals and ski enthusiasts alike.

I’ve been to Snowbowl in the summer to enjoy the chair lift ride up the mountain.  The views of the lush, green pines and wildflowers were awe-inspiring.  I was amazed that I felt at peace even though I was dangling around 8,000 feet up.  I can only imagine how beautiful it is now covered with a blanket of white powdery snow.

Snowbowl is an escape for anyone interested in partaking in winter sports with Sunset Terrain Park. Designed for skiers and snowboarders the park features obstacles, spines, rails, and fun boxes that come in several varieties to include a 24-foot flat box, a 24-foot flat down box, a 20-foot C-box, and a 24-foot house box.  I’m not sure what all that means, but it sounds challenging.

For good old fashioned sledding, tubing and an area to build snowmen, what Snowbowl refers to as “Snowplay,” venture to Wing Mountain and the Crowley area.  For safety reasons, they’ve allotted these sections for these types of activities away from the ski trails.  It’s perfect for little ones to enjoy the snow.  Here’s a winter recreation map that you can download.

Two lodges located at the ski area, Hart Prairie and Agassiz offer food and beverages, rental equipment, Ski & Ride School and all the basic comforts needed to enjoy the slopes.

To check powder conditions, call 928.779.4577 or refer to their blog to keep up with their activities.

If you’re planning to stay a few days in Flagstaff, Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins are located at the base of Snowbowl Road.  They offer special room rates and ski packages.  Additional hotels in town are also a good option and are conveniently located near the ski resort.  The town isn’t a spread out overgrown metropolis like Phoenix.  Hotels, restaurants, sites, etc. are within a short distance of each other.  Here’ more information about lodging.

Lift passes are priced for every different age and based on the amount of time you want to use them at the resort.  Here’s the rates and how to order you pass online.

Arizona Snowbowl
Phone: (928) 779-1951
Fax: (928) 779-3019
E-mail: info@arizonasnowbowl.com

SNOW / ACTIVITY LINE
(Daily recording of ski conditions and activities)
Phone: (928) 779-4577 or (602) 957-0404

LODGING AT SKI LIFT LODGE & CABINS
(Cabin reservations and rate inquiries)
Phone: (928) 774-0729
Toll free: (800) 472-3599 (AZ and CA only)
E-mail: skiliftlodge@arizonasnowbowl.com

GUEST SERVICES DESK
(Ski area information/tickets/lost and found season passes/gift certificates)
Phone: (928) 779-1951 x120 (winter only)
E-mail: tickets@arizonasnowbowl.com

EQUIPMENT RENTALS
Phone: (928) 779-1951 x127 (winter only)
E-mail: rentals@arizonasnowbowl.com (winter only)

RATES FOR SEASON PASS
2009/2010 Season Pass

DIRECTIONS TO SNOWBOWL FROM I-17
Once you reach Flagstaff, continue north on Milton Road for 3 miles. Milton will go under the railroad tracks and the road will bear to the right. Take a left at the first stop light (Humphreys Street). At the third stop light (Hwy 180), turn left. Continue 7 miles to Snowbowl Road and then turn right. The resort is 7 miles up Snowbowl Road.

Photos courtesy of flickr – Walking in the Snow and the Arizona Snowbowl ski resort