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Arizona Snowbowl Expands Family-Friendly Skiing with New Quad Chairlift

Michael FultonMichael Fulton

TL;DR

Arizona Snowbowl enhances its reputation as the Southwest's premier family ski resort with a new fixed-grip quad chairlift and four additional beginner trails. The upgraded Aspen Chairlift doubles uphill capacity while offering free skiing for children under 12.

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Southwest's Largest Beginner Ski Area Expands with New Quad Lift

Arizona Snowbowl has strengthened its position as the Southwest's leading family ski resort with the unveiling of their new fixed-grip quad chairlift and four fresh beginner trails. The new Aspen Chairlift replaces the previous double chair, bringing significant improvements to the resort's infrastructure.

The upgraded lift system more than doubles the uphill capacity, reducing wait times and enhancing the overall guest experience. This expansion particularly benefits families, as Snowbowl maintains its generous policy of free skiing for children 12 and under (with proof of age required).

As the resort with the most beginner terrain in the Southwest, Snowbowl continues to prioritize accessibility for new skiers and riders. The four new beginner trails complement the existing terrain, creating more opportunities for newcomers to develop their skills.

Currently operating at full capacity with 100% of lifts running, Snowbowl is embracing the holiday spirit with special events. Visitors can enjoy Santa on the Slopes from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Ribbon cutting for new lift at Arizona Snowbowl
The official ribbon cutting of the new Aspen Quad at Arizona Snowbowl.

Arizona Snowbowl Press Release:

Arizona Snowbowl, the premier ski destination in the Southwest, is proud to announce the debut of its new Aspen Chairlift. On Saturday, December 21, the resort celebrated the opening of its new fixed-grip quad lift, and four new, beginner-friendly trails, marking a major upgrade to the beginner skiing experience.

Installed in 2024, the new Aspen Chairlift replaces an older double chairlift that dated back to the 1960s. The base of the new quad lift has been realigned 190 degrees north of the previous lift, creating an improved skier flow and expanding the resort’s ski terrain within the current USFS Special Use Permit area. Four new, beginner-friendly trails are serviced by the Aspen Chairlift: Giddy Up, Chipmunk Chase, Lupine Lane, and Jackrabbit, along with the existing Aspen Meadows trail.

With this addition, Arizona Snowbowl offers the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest, reaffirming its commitment to creating a welcoming environment for first-time skiers and snowboarders. The new lift reduces ride times, more than doubles the uphill capacity of its predecessor, and elevates the overall learning experience.

This investment demonstrates our ongoing dedication to making skiing accessible and enjoyable for newcomers and families. With the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest and free skiing for kids 12 and under with a Power Kids Pass, Snowbowl continues to be the place where Arizona learns to ski.” –Angie Grubb, Arizona Snowbowl Marketing Manager

Power Kids Ski & Bike for FREE

Lift Tickets and Pricing Information
Lift tickets for the 2024-25 season are available online, starting at just $19 on select dates. Arizona Snowbowl’s demand-based pricing model allows guests to secure the best rates by planning ahead, with prices dynamically adjusted based on availability. Guests are encouraged to purchase early to lock in the lowest prices of the season.

Arizona Snowbowl also proudly continues to offer free Power Kids Passes, the only season pass in North America providing unlimited free skiing and snowboarding for children aged 12 and under (no purchase required or blackout dates).

Arizona Snowbowl is open daily through late spring, conditions permitting, with lifts operating from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For updates on snow conditions, events, and more details, please visit snowbowl.ski or follow Arizona Snowbowl on Instagram and Facebook.


About Arizona Snowbowl

Situated in the majestic San Francisco Peaks at 9,500 feet and just 14 miles north of Flagstaff, Snowbowl is Arizona’s ideal summertime destination to escape the heat with fresh mountain air and stunning views of Sedona’s red rocks, the cinder cone volcanic field and Grand Canyon’s rim on the scenic chairlift. In winter, Snowbowl is home to Arizona’s longest ski season, with state-of-the-art snowmaking and 260-inches of annual snowfall. Snowbowl offers the premier winter experience. In addition to the best beginner terrain in the Southwest, winter enthusiasts will enjoy Snowbowl’s naturally divided terrain, variety of trails, three terrain parks, premier tree skiing, and expert hike-to terrain. Visit snowbowl.ski.

About the author

Michael Fulton

Michael Fulton

Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.

50+ resorts visited15 years skiing

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