Arizona, Usa
Arizona Snowbowl
55 runs, 2,300ft vertical, 777 acres on the San Francisco Peaks. 260in snowfall, 2 hours from Phoenix.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
7 Nov 2025
Closes
10 May 2026
Days open
184
Annual snow
22ft
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Arizona Snowbowl's summit reaches 11,499 feet, dropping 2,300 vertical feet to a base at 9,199 feet across 55 runs spread over 777 acres on the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff. Terrain splits 43 per cent intermediate, 22 per cent beginner, 22 per cent advanced and 13 per cent expert. Average annual snowfall reaches roughly 260 inches. The resort carries no major multi-resort pass affiliation.
Snowbowl sits on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, Arizona's highest peak, giving it one of the highest base elevations of any US resort outside the Rockies. Eight lifts, including a gondola, a six-pack chair, two quads and a triple, serve the 55-run network. The resort's unusually long operating season, often extending into May, reflects both its high elevation and heavy investment in snowmaking. The 2,300-foot vertical drop is substantial for a resort in the desert Southwest.
Arizona Snowbowl has operated since 1938, when it began as a two-person rope tow powered by a car engine. The San Francisco Peaks are held sacred by thirteen Native American tribes in the region, including the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Hualapai and Yavapai. A 1979 Forest Service approval for expanded facilities, including new lifts and additional trails, prompted lawsuits from Hopi and Navajo groups seeking to halt development on religious grounds; the tribes have not succeeded in any of the legal challenges filed over the decades. Since December 2012, the resort has used reclaimed wastewater from the City of Flagstaff for snowmaking under a contract first signed in 2002, a practice that remains contested by Indigenous and environmental groups on both cultural and water-quality grounds.
With no major pass affiliation, Snowbowl uses dynamic pricing, with adult day tickets ranging from roughly 19 to over 300 US dollars depending on demand, alongside a flat-rate season pass at 899 dollars. Kids 12 and under ski free. The resort suits Phoenix and northern Arizona skiers seeking high-desert skiing without travelling to the Rockies, roughly two hours from Phoenix and 14 miles from Flagstaff. Its history and ongoing tension over its sacred-mountain location and reclaimed-water snowmaking remain part of the resort's identity for many visitors and observers alike.
2,300ft
Vertical
55
Runs
777 acres
Skiable
22ft
Annual snow
The Terrain
55 runs across 777 acres skiable
Arizona Snowbowl spreads 55 runs across 777 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 43%, with 12 beginner runs to find your feet and 19 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
55
runs
55 runs across 4 grades
Beginner12 runs · 22%
Intermediate24 runs · 43%
Advanced12 runs · 22%
Expert7 runs · 13%
Time it right
When to visit Arizona Snowbowl
The 2025-26 season at Arizona Snowbowl ran from 7 November 2025 to 10 May 2026, an unusually long roughly twenty-six-week window for a Southwest resort. The mountain's high base elevation of 9,199 feet, close to Arizona's highest terrain, supports this extended season. Snowmaking, supplied by reclaimed wastewater since 2012, extends the season further at both ends. Season dates can shift based on early and late-season conditions.
Average annual snowfall of roughly 260 inches is high for the desert Southwest, a result of the San Francisco Peaks' elevation drawing moisture from passing storm systems. This natural snowfall, combined with reclaimed-water snowmaking, supports one of the longest operating seasons of any resort outside the traditional snowbelt regions. Base depth builds through midwinter and can persist into spring given the elevation. The reclaimed-water snowmaking programme remains contested by Indigenous and environmental groups, citing both cultural concerns and studies suggesting the water contains endocrine-disrupting compounds.
January and February typically offer the most reliable natural conditions, while snowmaking extends viable skiing well into spring given the exceptionally long season. Late-season visits in April and May are unusual for most US resorts but routine at Snowbowl given its elevation. Weekday visits are generally quieter than weekends, with the resort serving a large day-trip population from Phoenix as well as destination visitors. Family Friday afternoon discounted access reflects the resort's effort to spread demand across the week.
Snowbowl's season calendar operates within the ongoing context of its location on the San Francisco Peaks, sacred to thirteen regional tribes, and the continued use of reclaimed wastewater for snowmaking since 2012. Protests and legal challenges have recurred around season openings in past years, reflecting sustained opposition from some Indigenous and environmental groups. The resort's own programming otherwise centres on standard ski operations rather than major festivals. Its exceptionally long season remains its most distinctive seasonal feature nationally.
Season 2025 - 2026
7 Nov 2025
Opens
10 May 2026
Closes
184
Days open
22 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Arizona Snowbowl, and where to stay
Arizona Snowbowl sits on the western slope of Mount Humphreys in the San Francisco Peaks, roughly 14 miles from Flagstaff, with a base elevation of 9,199 feet and a summit at 11,499 feet across a 2,300-foot vertical drop. This is within the Coconino National Forest in northern Arizona. The San Francisco Peaks are held sacred by thirteen Native American tribes in the region, including the Navajo, Hopi, Apache, Hualapai and Yavapai, a fact central to the mountain's identity and ongoing disputes over its development.
Flagstaff, Arizona, is the nearest city, a university and railroad town at roughly 7,000 feet elevation that serves as the resort's main service centre. The city sits along historic Route 66 and the modern Interstate 40 corridor. Flagstaff's own high elevation and forested setting distinguish it from the desert character of much of the rest of Arizona. Reclaimed wastewater from the City of Flagstaff has supplied the resort's snowmaking since 2012, linking the city and resort directly.
Highway 180 provides the main access route from Flagstaff to the ski area, climbing steadily into the San Francisco Peaks. The drive from Flagstaff takes roughly 30 minutes under normal conditions. Phoenix lies approximately two hours south by Interstate 17 and connecting roads, making Snowbowl a popular day-trip destination for the state's largest metropolitan area. Winter driving on Highway 180 can include snowpack given the elevation gain from Flagstaff to the resort.
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport offers limited regional commercial service, while Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport, roughly two hours south, provides far more extensive flight options and is the more practical choice for most visitors. Most Snowbowl visitors drive up from Phoenix rather than flying into a smaller regional airport. No passenger rail connects directly to the resort, though Amtrak serves Flagstaff itself. A rental car from Phoenix or Flagstaff is the standard way to reach the resort.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Arizona Snowbowl, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law
Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.
22 July 2026
South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena
South Tyrol has approved a full rebuild of the Ciampinoi cable car in Selva di Val Gardena, replacing the current 12-person gondola with a 16-person cabin and a new mountain-station restaurant. Capacity is capped at 3,200 people an hour rather than the 3,600 the operator wanted, and 250,000 euros must go toward compensatory measures. No construction or opening date has been set, though the upgrade is partly aimed at clearing bottlenecks before the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships.
22 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited
Hoshino Tomamu is the ski resort equivalent of a conference hotel that happens to have excellent powder. Built for corporate retreats and package tourists, it offers genuine Hokkaido snow on surprisingly limited terrain - 29 runs spread across 585 vertical metres.
21 July 2026
La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts
La Thuile is spending 38.7 million US dollars on a new 10-person cable car linking Les Suches to Chaz Dura, replacing the La Combe and Chaz Dura chairlifts after nearly forty years of service. Built by Leitner, the new cable car runs 1,950 metres to a top station at 2,576 metres, carrying up to 3,000 people an hour with a six-minute ride. It also improves the connection to La Rosiere in France via the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass, and is on track to open for the 2026/27 season.
21 July 2026
The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain
The Remarkables is adding new inbounds terrain for winter, bringing the Scarpa Bowl - known locally as the Toilet Bowl - into its lift-accessed network after years as backcountry-only ground. The roughly 500 metre run is reached by bootpacking from the top of the Sugar Bowl chairlift, with a shuttle picking skiers up from the road at the bottom. It's a smaller, faster addition than the resort's planned Doolans expansion, though the new terrain hasn't opened yet due to a lack of snow this season.
21 July 2026
Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow
Ski Portillo remains isolated after an extended storm buried the Chilean resort under more than 4.5 metres of snow, with both ground and air access suspended since Tuesday while crews monitor avalanche hazards and worsening weather. Resort officials say further snowfall is expected in the coming days and haven't set a timeline for reopening the mountain road. Once access resumes, the scale of the snowpack could set up a strong season at one of the Southern Hemisphere's most historic ski resorts.
21 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall
Lotte Arai receives 22 metres of annual snowfall - exceptional even by Japanese standards - but its corporate ownership model and limited terrain create an unusual cost-benefit equation. Here's what the numbers actually mean on the ground.
19 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May
Banff Sunshine Village sits at 1,660m base and receives 9.27m of snow annually. Inside Banff National Park, it offers a six-month season and terrain split that skews heavily advanced - though the crowds and lift infrastructure tell their own story.
18 July 2026
Lift tickets
9 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 13–64
Adult Full Day Lift Ticket
US$19up to US$309 peak
Experience Arizona Snowbowl's dynamic pricing from $19 weekdays to $300+ peak days. Arizona's premier ski destination with 2,300 feet of vertical, 61 trails, and stunning views including the Grand Canyon. Located 14 miles from Flagstaff, 2 hours from Phoenix.
Buy passChild 0–12
Kids 12 & Under FREE
Free
Free skiing for children 12 and under at Arizona Snowbowl with the Kids Power Pass - no blackout dates or restrictions. Enjoy Arizona's largest ski area with beginner terrain, ski school programs, and family-friendly amenities.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Lift Ticket
US$19up to US$275 peak
Senior lift tickets at Arizona Snowbowl with dynamic pricing based on demand. Seniors enjoy access to 61 trails, 8 lifts including the Arizona Gondola, plus spectacular views of northern Arizona from the San Francisco Peaks.
Buy passAdult 18–99
Military Discount
US$19up to US$250 peak
Military personnel receive discounted lift tickets at Arizona Snowbowl. Experience Arizona's premier ski destination with 2,300 feet of vertical, modern lift system, and breathtaking high-altitude views near Flagstaff.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 13–99
Family Friday Afternoon
US$20
Special Family Friday pricing at Arizona Snowbowl from 2-5pm with $20 afternoon lift tickets for beginner terrain. Includes free Tips and Tricks lessons and extended beginner lift hours until 5pm. Perfect for families learning to ski.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 13–64
Multi-Day Ticket (2-Day)
US$38up to US$550 peak
Two-day lift tickets at Arizona Snowbowl with savings over single-day rates. Experience Arizona's premier ski destination with 61 trails, the Arizona Gondola, and spectacular San Francisco Peaks views over multiple days.
Buy passAdult 13–64
Multi-Day Ticket (3-Day)
US$57up to US$800 peak
Three-day lift tickets at Arizona Snowbowl provide extended skiing access with significant savings. Explore all 61 trails, experience varied terrain from beginner to expert, and enjoy multiple days on Arizona's highest ski mountain.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 13–99
Power Pass (4-Day Multi-Mountain)
US$699
Mountain Capital Partners Power Pass includes 4 days at Arizona Snowbowl plus access to Purgatory Resort and Brian Head. Best value for skiers visiting multiple MCP resorts with unlimited access to other MCP mountains.
Buy passAdult 13–64
Season Pass
US$899up to US$1,199 peak
Unlimited season pass at Arizona Snowbowl for the 2025/26 season. Best value for frequent visitors with no blackout dates, discounted lessons and rentals, plus early access to new terrain and lift upgrades.
Buy passArizona Snowbowl lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Arizona Snowbowl closed on May 10, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$19, with peak rates up to US$309.
Lift tickets FAQ
How much does a Arizona Snowbowl day pass cost?
Arizona Snowbowl day passes range from US$19 to US$309 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Arizona Snowbowl lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Arizona Snowbowl lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Arizona Snowbowl, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Arizona Snowbowl lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Arizona Snowbowl - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Arizona Snowbowl lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Arizona Snowbowl offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Arizona Snowbowl directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Arizona Snowbowl.
More Arizona Snowbowl intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.