Arizona Snowbowl Reports a Deep Start to Winter

The next day, hundreds of winter sports enthusiasts joined in the formal opening celebration at the base of the Arizona Gondola, which included 10 trails to explore, donuts, coffee, hot chocolate, live music and giveaways, including sky-blue Snowbowl neck gaiters.

Opening weekend brought even more snowfall, totaling 47 inches during opening week. But it didn’t stop there. By Monday, Nov. 24, the mountain resort reported a final snowstorm accumulation of 57 inches with another storm in the forecast!

At the time of this publication, five lifts and 39 trails are reported to be open. “Mother Nature is spoiling us so far this season,” stated Snowbowl’s e-news blast. This, after an extended warm weather season with the summer tubing hill, bungee trampoline, climbing wall and the Scenic Gondola, which carried a record-setting number of riders.

Snowbowl crews worked through the summer to remove dead and downed trees to reduce forest fuels and provide new and improved gladed tree runs for skiers and boarders to enjoy.

Meanwhile, a full schedule of events is planned for winter, she says, plus new programs to make snow sports more accessible for all ages, including Family Fridays. “We are offering family lift tickets and rental packages, starting at $20, that include ‘Tips and Tricks’ lessons on Big Spruce from 2-5 p.m.”

 Lifts operating until 5 p.m., on Family Fridays, Jan. 9 through March 27, include Little Spruce, Big Spruce, Aspen, Hart Prairie and Humphreys. The Hart Prairie Lodge dining room will stay open until 5 p.m., as well. Cookies and cocoa will be served on the lodge pavers while sidewalk sales and local vendors create a festival atmosphere. 

Online registration is required for Family Fridays. FBN

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

To keep up with snowfall and events, visit www.snowbowl.ski.

Courtesy Photo: The winter season officially roared to life at 9 a.m., Friday, Nov. 21, with cheers from skiers and snowboarders anxious to explore the open trails.