Arizona’s Snowbowl is Preparing to Open for Winter

So long summer; hello winter.

At least that's what's happening in northern Arizona as the Snowbowl Ski Resort prepares to open for skiing and snowboarding.

In fact, the famous ski resort is currently blowing snow.

Read More: Escape to a Winter Wonderland at Arizona’s Snowiest Locations

How Much Snow Does the Arizona Snowbowl Get Each Year?

Located about 15 miles north of Flagstaff, Ariz. -- a place that isn't a stranger to snow -- the Arizona Snowbowl is the state's snowiest ski resort.

Mount Lemmon Ski Valley averages around 180 inches of snow in southern Arizona each year. In the eastern part of the state, Sunrise Park Resort receives about 250 inches.

The Arizona Snowbowl beats both resorts (one just barely) with an estimated 260 inches yearly.

When Did the Arizona Snowbowl First Open?

In 1915, Ole and Pete Solberg started skiing the Flagstaff area using homemade wooden skis.

It was in 1938 when the Arizona Snowbowl first started its skiing operation, serving 777 acres of pristine skiing. The operation is under a special permit from the US Forest Service.

Get our free mobile app

Nowadays, the mountain is lift-served to 11,500 feet in elevation, providing 2,300 feet of vertical drop on 55 ski trails.

When Will the Arizona Snowbowl Open for the 2024-2025 Season?

We know you're anxious to hit the slopes, and won't mind riding on the white ribbon of death, so you won't have to wait too long, at least, not from the time of writing this.

The Arizona Snowbowl is shooting for an opening date of November 22, 2024. Just in time to spend the Thanksgiving holiday on the slopes.

If you check out their webcams, you can see a light dusting on the peaks, and the snowguns fired up blasting precious white gold.