Since the space under the tree is empty with all the presents having been opened this past weekend, it’s now time to go out and play and the Arizona Snowbowl is just the place.

Over the last month, Flagstaff hasn’t gotten much snow, but a big storm hit Northern Arizona late last week, dumping 16 inches of snow and giving ski fans an early Christmas present.

In December, about 56 inches of snow have fallen, making sure Arizona Snowbowl and its fan base have another great winter of skiing and snowboarding.

Having officially opened Christmas Day on Saturday, Dec. 25, the Arizona Snowbowl is one of the main attractions every winter for Arizona residents, especially those who live in Sedona.

“I can’t wait to hit the slopes,” Sedona Red Rock High School graduate Thomas Wisbey said. “It’s a lot of fun up there. I came back from college to go.”

Plenty of kids and their families will head north over the next week with Christmas break running until Monday, Jan. 3, when most Arizona students officially begin school again.

Arizona Snowbowl Director of Sales and Marketing Dave Smith hinted the hill has a new attraction.

New this year is the Little Spruce Conveyor, located next to the Hart Prairie Lift. The 150-foot-long space is designated for the beginner, but everyone is welcome, according to Smith.

The Arizona Snowbowl offers 32 trails serviced by four lifts for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels.
The Agassiz lift is for advanced participants giving skiers over 6,400 feet of fun while the Sunset lift is designated for the intermediate skier with 2,600 feet of ski space.

Both the Hart Prairie and Aspen lifts are for beginners but can hold up to 1,100 skiers at one time, totaling nearly 5,000 feet of space.

Lift passes for adults are $49 for an all-day pass from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For kids ages 8 to 12, passes cost $26 and for seniors ages 65 to 69, they cost $26. Adults ages 70 and over and 7 and under are free.

For more information on the Arizona Snowbowl, call (928) 779-1951.