A powerful thunderstorm dumped hail and heavy rain on the West Valley in Phoenix a few days ago, while Flagstaff and other areas in the High Country experienced heavy snowfall, which moved the opening date of the Arizona Snowbowl a day earlier than planned. For ski and snowboard enthusiasts, this is the moment they have been waiting for so that they can hit the slopes again. Local ski shops are also expecting the influx of visitors that will drive business up.
Early Season Storm
News reports indicated that around 37 inches of snow fell in the High Country area of Arizona state spread across five days. This primarily prompted the Arizona Snowbowl to open a day ahead of its original opening date. However, it’s not the entire resort opening early. For example, the Arizona Gondola is currently open only to certain advanced trails such as the Spur Catwalk, Frontier, Lower Bowl, Logjam, Wild Turkey, and Round Up. No skiing is open for beginners now. In case shuttles are not in operation, visitors require chains and a four-wheel drive to travel on Snowbowl Road.
Visitors and Business Owners
It takes months for business owner to get their stores ready for the season. Says snowboard shop Ski Haus owner Schmiegall, there’s a lot going on in preparing their inventory.’ Skiing and snowboarding are part of the things they are occupied with all year round. Without a doubt, skiers and snowboarders are also super excited to ride their boards. Shopper Kaden Earl says that ‘the season is the best of the year.’ Of course, having the right gear for any snow activity is critically important for safety, comfort, and performance. Proper gear and equipment protect snowboarders and skiers against the risks of snow sports, including the potential to get serious head injuries in the event of a fall or collision. An important snowboard gear is bindings, which are designed to keep the person securely attached, but must be set up properly at the correct angles for control and reduced joint strain. On top of the right gear, good clothing is equally important to keep outdoor enthusiasts warm and dry, enabling them to stay on the slopes longer.
What’s On at Snowbowl
While the primary focus of the Arizona Snowbowl is skiing and snowboarding across the resort’s 61 runs and three terrain parks, it also offers a full range of lessons, events, and unique experiences throughout the winter season. It has an extensive snowmaking capability, ensuring a long season. People of all ages can avail of different lessons from the free Powder Kids Pass, suitable for children 12 and under, to a free class offered for first-time skiers 13 years and older. Furthermore, group and private lessons are also on offer to respond to various skill levels.
Mountain events are frequently hosted in the resort, especially on weekends. The Peak and Beats is a popular recurring happening that features a live disc jockey (DJ) spinning and mixing music either at the Agassiz Lodge or the Hart Prairie Lodge. With Thanksgiving just around the corner, a special holiday menu featuring classic Thanksgiving favorites will be served at Basecamp restaurant.
Thanks to the early snowfall at high elevations like the Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, winter tourism in the area is off to a good start, providing an economic boost to the region. It is expected that the arrival of visitors and their spending will start sooner than a typical season for the communities in Northern Arizona and surrounding areas.
