For Sedona residents, the Arizona Snowbowl is one of the cooler attractions during the winter season, offering 777 acres of skiable terrain for those looking to get their playtime-in-the-snow fix.
The Arizona Snowbowl, which opened in 1938, is located on the San Francisco Peaks 14 miles outside Flagstaff. The resort has a summit of nearly 11,500 feet with a 2,300-foot vertical drop. It has 32 different runs and four chairlifts, giving ski and snowboarding fans plenty to do during the Northern Arizona winter.
Open from mid-December to mid-April, the Arizona Snowbowl averages 260 inches of snowfall a year. So far, Arizona Snowbowl has received 91 inches.
Sedona skiers have several options from advanced, intermediate and beginner trails. The Agassiz has an advanced terrain with nearly 1,200 people per hour skiing while beginner terrain lifts such as Aspen, Hart Prairie or Big Spruce Carpet are for those looking to take it easy.
Adult day passes, which go from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., cost $53, while afternoon passes from noon to 4 p.m. are $43. On the holidays, adult day passes are $59 while an afternoon pass goes for $49.
For junior ages, 8 to 12, it’s $29 all day while seniors, ages 65 to 69, are $29. Ages 7 and under and 70 and over are free.
Since Thanksgiving, Christmas and the New Year holiday have passed, the remaining holiday price changes take place during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, which is Saturday, Jan. 14, through Monday, Jan. 16, and Presidents Day weekend, which is Saturday, Feb. 18, through Monday, Feb. 20.
For those interested in a season pass, it can cost adults nearly $700 while ages 8 to 18 can pay $99 while accompanied with an adult who purchased a season pass. This of course is for unlimited ski time at Arizona Snowbowl for the winter season. For college students, it’s $499 while students grades eight to 12 are $399 with student identification.
The Arizona Snowbowl has a program called Slide to Success, which teaches beginners who don’t know how to ski to enjoy the mountain. Ski beginners can get three two-hour lessons which start at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. daily. Skiers will be able to use equipment as well, such as snowboards and skis. The total package costs $160.
A few tips for Arizona Snowbowl newcomers include to keep warm and dry. Boots, helmets and gloves should be kept inside the car, not in the trunk, during the drive to Snowbowl, and always take a few extra pair of socks.
Wool is good, cotton is bad. Take a pair of waterproof ski pants. Dress in layers, and always take some extra clothing. Apply sunscreen and lip balm, and always have head and eye protection like helmet and sunglasses or goggles.
