Tourists finding themselves in Northern Arizona with national attractions closed can seek adventure on the San Francisco Peaks as Arizona Snowbowl answers the call to offer visitors outdoor adventures. The ski resort has opened its Scenic Chairlift Ride and keep it operating every day through Sunday, Oct. 13.
“We are pulling together our staff to operate the Chairlift everyday, instead of just on the weekends, in response to those who may have looked forward to their trip to places like the Grand Canyon and Lake Powell only to find these attractions closed because of the government shutdown,” said Arizona Snowbowl General Manager J.R. Murray.
With fall colors at their peak right now, Murray says, even though visitors’ plans may have changed, they won’t be disappointed. “We’re experiencing an unbelievably gorgeous window between thunderstorms and the first frost.”
“We are very pleased that the Arizona Snowbowl has opened the Scenic Chairlift Ride, which is an awesome visitor experience at high elevation that visitors of all ages will treasure for a very long time,” said Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce CEO and President Julie Pastrick. “Our volume of visitation is very high and the Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce has compiled a list of places to go throughout Northern Arizona that visitors are very happy to receive.”
As local hotels are filling up and tourists are looking for activities, Arizona Snowbowl is opening the Peak Side Café, too, where visitors can enjoy lunch at the Agassiz Lodge at the base of the chairlift. Visitors also can play disc golf or hike among the golden aspen groves at Snowbowl during Flagstaff’s clear sunny autumn days.
“We’re so pleased that local businesses like Arizona Snowbowl are jumping into action to make sure visitors have a wonderful experience while they are in Northern Arizona, said Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau Director Heidi Hansen. “This is such a beautiful time of year here and we are confident our guests will have an enjoyable visit, despite a change in their plans.”
Arizona Snowbowl’s Scenic Chairlift Ride will be open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Monday through Thursday from noon to 4 p.m. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for juniors (ages 8-12) and seniors (ages 65-69). Those under 7 or over 70 ride for free, as do Snowbowl Season Passholders. For more information, log onto arizonasnowbowl.com.