Flagstaff, Arizona during ski and snowboarding season is a great time to experience a different side of Arizona from what most visitors expect. Flagstaff is one of the few places in Arizona where Christmas, pine trees, scarves, beanies, mittens, sledding, tobogganing, hot cocoa and snowball fights are truly part of the season. Though it’s wonderful to be able to play golf in 68 degree weather in Phoenix in December, there’s something very invigorating about playing in the snow during the winter.
The slopes at Snowbowl opened on December 17, 2009 this season, and you better believe we were there to test the snow out! As Arizona residents know and accept, Snowbowl is great for a quick snowboarding fix. If driving from Phoenix, it’s a two-hour drive into a Winter Wonderland. For those who are avid boarders or skiers who are used to Colorado or Utah slopes, please realize that Flagstaff is located in a state that is primarily a desert. We’re just happy to have decent slopes.
Having said that, the conditions at the beginning of 2010 are looking great. It’s packed powder; all 4 lifts are in full operation (that means Agassiz to the top!); 9 boxes, 2 rails and 4 hits. You can check out the current conditions and any updated slope/rate info at ArizonaSnowbowl.com
Over the last few years, we’ve collected a few favorite places to make part of our snowboarding ritual. In addition, we’ve learned a few tricks to make our adventures a little more budget friendly and/or painless.
Peaks Card
For a multiple visit skiers and snowboarders – but not often enough to justify purchasing a season pass:
The Peaks Card is $50, which discounts your lift tickets for five days throughout the season and gives you one of those days for free. Not bad! Card holders can buy lift tickets Mondays through Fridays for $10 off, while weekend and holiday tickets are available at $5 off. These Peaks Cards are available for adult passes only and can only be used by one person per day.
A full day lift ticket at Snowbowl is $49, so basically, it is a $1 to purchase the ability to have your next four lift tickets discounted. The cards may be purchased online or at the Guest Services office in Hart Prairie Lodge when you visit Snowbowl for the first time. A picture ID is required to purchase the discounted lift tickets with the card.
Mid-Week Discount Coupon
This has specific dates, so just click here on Flagstaff Snowbowl Mid-Week Discount Coupon to see if the dates match up for you.
Ski & Snowboard Rentals
Peace Surplus Tel: 928-779-4521
14 West Route 66
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Email: info@peacesurplus.com
Snowboard and Ski Rental Packages: $21.00 out the door
Ski Haus
Tel: 928-774-7671
204 West Sullivan (800 Block of North Humphrey’s)
Flagstaff, Arizona 86001
Basic Snowboard Package: $22 +tax
Premium Snowboard Package: $27 + tax (newer demo Burton setups)
Basic Ski Package: $20 + tax Premium Ski Package: $28 + tax (Rossignol Bandits, Head Cybers, Rossignol RocX, or dealer demo)
Best Place to Warm Your Aching Bones:
Macy’s European Coffeehouse, Bakery & Vegetarian Restaurant
Tel: (928) 774-2243
14 Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5502
Best Place to Drink Away Your Sore Behind:
Beaver Street Brewery
Tel: (928) 779-0079
11 Beaver Street
Flagstaff, AZ 86001-5500
I was up at SnowBowl in December and the slopes were great! I recommend getting there pretty early so you are able to get in and can possibly be ahead of the afternoon crowd. Also, if at all possible rent or bring your own skiis/snowboard because the line is usually long for renting.