Arizona Snowbowl: Pro Tips for Planning Your Trip
So you’re planning on driving to Flagstaff to send it at Arizona Snowbowl. No doubt it’s going to be a great time! Arizona Snowbowl is one of two (arguably three) ski resorts in Arizona. The ski resort is located on the San Francisco Peaks with an elevation of 11,500 ft. at the top of the highest chair lift. The lifts do no go all the way up the mountain, but there is an avid backcountry ski culture in Flagstaff that enjoys skinning up to higher elevations and exploring the rest of the range with proper backcountry knowledge, experience and gear. The average snowfall in the past has been 260 inches with some years being much better than others. But Arizona Snowbowl has been given permission to make snow in hopes of providing a more consistent and enjoyable snow season.
Snowmaking is a controversial topic for Flagstaff locals, environmentalists, and indigenous people of Northern Arizona. The San Francisco Peaks are sacred to Natives and manmade snow is created with reclaimed water. Over the years, there have been protests, petitions and legal efforts made to stop the making of snow. But as of now, snowmaking is actively being done to ensure a better, more consistent snowpack at the resort all winter long.
FIRST THINGS FIRST...Getting to Arizona Snowbowl
Want a shuttle to pick you up in the Phoenix area and take you directly to Arizona Snowbowl this winter? Check out Alpine Express. They have three pick-up locations, North Valley, Scottsdale, and East Valley. This luxury bus will take you and all your snow gear directly to Arizona Snowbowl. You don't have to mess with chains, 4WD or the stress of winter driving conditions! Sit back with your friends and family and relax! This is becoming one of the most popular ways to get to Snowbowl from Phoenix.
Do you really want to drive yourself and your friends or family back after a long day on the mountain? Go with ALEX and enjoy upgraded seating, plenty of legroom and the comfort that only comes when you leave the driving to someone else.Alpine Express Schedule & Rates
Directions to Arizona Snowbowl
Snowbowl is located 7 miles northwest of Flagstaff on Highway 180. Turn right on Snowbowl Road and continue another 7 miles. The Ski Lift Lodge & Cabins are located on Highway 180, at the base of Snowbowl Road.
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GPS CoordinatesLatitude: 35° 19.51'N
Longitude: 111° 42.339 W
Directions to Arizona Snowbowl from I-17
Continue on 1-17 North through Flagstaff to Milton Road and take it for 3 miles. Milton will go under the railroad tracks and the road will bear to the right. Take a left at Humphreys Street, which is the first stop light. At the third stop light (Hwy 180), turn left. Continue 7 miles to Snowbowl Road and then turn right. The resort is 7 miles up Snowbowl Road.
Parking, Hitchhiking or Shuttling Up from Flagstaff
If Flagstaff just experienced a snow storm, then you can safely bet that not only will the resort be packed, but that Snowbowl Road will be sketchy and even prohibited to vehicles without chains, AWD or 4WD. There will be a traffic coordinator at the base of the mountain directing people into a lower parking lot or letting capable vehicles through. If you must park at the lower lot, there is a Snowbowl shuttle that will bring you up to the resort. They come about every 20-30 minutes, depending on the conditions and traffic. Hitchhiking is also a common way to get up to the resort. If you see a vehicle that has room for you and your gear on its way up, you wouldn't be the first powder-hungry skiier/snowboarder to ask for a ride up. But please remember to be kind, respectful and grateful if you get a ride up. It's good karma, which is key in keeping hitchhiking up to the mountain alive and well in Flagstaff.YOU WILL BE TURNED AWAY IF YOU ARE ONLY COMING TO SLED OR PLAY IN THE SNOW. SLEDDING AND SNOW PLAY IS NOT PERMITTED AT ANY TIME AT SNOWBOWL.
** Also, be aware that if you are coming on a 3-day weekend or day right after a powder dumping, Snowbowl could reach maximum capacity and start turning people away. So plan on being at the base of the mountain turning onto Snowbowl Rd. around 8am to guarantee getting a parking spot on holiday weekends or other peak days.
Free Shuttle to Snowbowl from Downtown Flagstaff
Mountain Express provides FREE shuttle service between Downtown Flagstaff and the Hart Prairie Lodge at Arizona Snowbowl.
Mountain Express Stops & Schedule
Daily: The 2022-2023 Mountain Express season will kick off on December 26, 2022. Service will run daily through Jan. 1, then on Saturdays and Sundays for the remainder of January and February. Stay tuned for more details.Hotels Near Snowbowl
Do you need a place to stay? Making a day trip is possible, but incredibly exhausting if you’re traveling from the metro Phoenix area. Not to mention traffic and a high likelihood of a traffic backup on the I-17. There are several clean and convenient motels that start at $35/night if you need a place to just rest for the night. If you’re making a weekend of it with friends or family, consider a hotel, vacation home or cabin with a hot tub or a fireplace. No ski vacation is complete without the winter accouterment! We’ve made a few lists of accommodations that you may find helpful.
Ski and Snowboard Rental
Unless you’re buying a ski/snowboard package that includes a lesson and gear at Snowbowl, we recommend renting your gear in town before heading up to the resort. There are several snow gear rental shops in the town that have a variety of higher-quality gear at cheaper daily rates. Plus, the people who work at the ski shops tend to have a little more gear knowledge than those up at the mountain. The ski and snowboard rental shops in town also have a wide selection of demo gear if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something different.
Breakfast & Coffee on the Way to Snowbowl
Regardless of where you’re starting your morning, you’re likely going to want something to eat before you start shredding the gnar pow. Guess what? There are more places in Flagstaff to eat and get coffee than Macy’s or Starbucks! We love Macy’s but there are a few other local breakfast spots on the way to Snowbowl that will get you fed, happy and on your way quite quickly so that you don’t waste a minute of your lift ticket. Our recommendation for great food and coffee on the way up to Snowbowl is Kickstand Kafe and Flagstaff Station Market Cafe on Ft. Valley Road. Kickstand Kafe has incredible breakfast sandwiches, burritos, and pastries. They even have a drive-through window! Flagstaff Station Market has a variety of freshly baked goods and a large selection of breakfast and lunch items made to order with fresh ingredients to satisfy most dietary preferences.
Snowbowl Discounts on Lift Tickets, Lessons, Gear Rental and More
Keep an eye out for Snowbowl's kind of amazing discounts and packages. If you don’t already have a pass, try to purchase your lift ticket online as far in advance as possible. There’s a good chance it could be up to 70% less than buying it the day of. Lift tickets go up in price when the demand increases. A ticket bought a month in advance could cost you $65 versus $200 when buying the day before heading up to the resort. Snowbowl has this ridiculously good deal in March where lift tickets start at $29, and it includes a FREE $15 gift card and $15 rentals and lessons. The $15 can be used for food and alcoholic drinks. So basically, your lift ticket costs $9. If you’ve gotten this far on this page, then you should also know that kids age 10 and under get a FREE season pass. No adult pass purchase is necessary or anything like that. Kids can just show up, sign up and get a season pass with guardian consent.
Go to Snowbowl's website to check out current discounted online rates: https://www.snowbowl.ski/
LODGING FOR YOUR SKI/SNOWBOARDING VACATION
Rustic A-Frame - 4 Bdrms, Loft, Game Room, & Firepit.
This house is newly listed for rental and is nestled in the Kachina Pines with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest & immediate access to trails. The house is newly updated including the kitchen & all amenities you might need, including alexa music throughout.
This is th … More
This house is newly listed for rental and is nestled in the Kachina Pines with breathtaking views of the surrounding forest & immediate access to trails. The house is newly updated including the kitchen & all amenities you might need, including alexa music throughout.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures including the Grand Canyon, skiing Snowbowl, hiking, exploring Sedona, and visiting Flagstaff/NAU. Its 4 bedrooms, 2 baths comfortably accommodate 12.
Pet-Friendly | Private Patios/Balconies | Game Room | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Free Wi-Fi | Laundry
Arizona Vacation Home Rentals
Family-Friendly | BBQ or Grill | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Private Patios/Balconies | Access to Trails
2.5 Acres in the Pines w/ Game Room, Hot Tub, & Space for your family. Just 15 min from Downtown!
Our home is nestled in 2.5 acres of Ponderosa Pines with breathtaking views of Doney Park East ridges & immediate access to hiking/mtn biking. The house is updated with a Gourmet kitchen & all the amenities you might need.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures includi … More
Our home is nestled in 2.5 acres of Ponderosa Pines with breathtaking views of Doney Park East ridges & immediate access to hiking/mtn biking. The house is updated with a Gourmet kitchen & all the amenities you might need.
This is the perfect base for all your adventures including the Grand Canyon, skiing Snowbowl, hiking, exploring Sedona, visiting Flagstaff/NAU or exploring the attractions. Its 5 bedrooms, 3 baths comfortably accommodate 12 making this house perfect for large groups/families.
Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | Jacuzzi | Games Provided | Private Patios/Balconies | Free Wi-Fi
Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins
Pet-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Whirlpool Tubs | Great View | BBQ or Grill
Cabins & Yurts At AZ Nordic Village
In the winter season, the Arizona Nordic Village hosts a groomed trail system for cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and fatbiking. Over 20 miles of trails offer opportunities for everybody to have a winter adventure!
Environmentally-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Low-Risk Covid-19 Activity | Pet-Friendly | Fireplace(s) | BBQ or Grill
Pinnacle Pines
Set in Flagstaff, 2.2 mi from Northern Arizona University and 4.3 mi from The North Pole Experience, Pinnacle Pines offers free WiFi and air conditioning. It is located 3.7 mi from Flagstaff Plaza Shopping Center and offers an ATM.
The holiday home features 4 bedrooms, a TV with … More
Set in Flagstaff, 2.2 mi from Northern Arizona University and 4.3 mi from The North Pole Experience, Pinnacle Pines offers free WiFi and air conditioning. It is located 3.7 mi from Flagstaff Plaza Shopping Center and offers an ATM.
The holiday home features 4 bedrooms, a TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 4 bathrooms with a shower.
If you would like to discover the area, skiing and cycling are possible in the surroundings.
Family-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s)
Observatory Lodge
Observatory Lodge is located in Flagstaff, 7.7 miles from The North Pole Experience, 7.4 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds, and 4.8 miles from Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The property is 6.3 miles from the Northern Arizona University and has free WiFi throughout the prop … More
Observatory Lodge is located in Flagstaff, 7.7 miles from The North Pole Experience, 7.4 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds, and 4.8 miles from Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The property is 6.3 miles from the Northern Arizona University and has free WiFi throughout the property.
Lowell Observatory is 5.7 miles from the vacation home, while Walkup Skydome is 6.1 miles from the property. The nearest airport is Flagstaff Pulliam Airport, 7.5 miles from Observatory Lodge.
Fireplace(s) | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Family-Friendly
Mountain View Lodge - Grand Canyon
Mountain View Lodge is a detached holiday home located in Flagstaff in the Arizona Region and is 9.3 mi from Flagstaff. It provides free private parking. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
A dishwasher, an oven and a microwave can be found in the kitchen. Towels and b … More
Mountain View Lodge is a detached holiday home located in Flagstaff in the Arizona Region and is 9.3 mi from Flagstaff. It provides free private parking. Free WiFi is offered throughout the property.
A dishwasher, an oven and a microwave can be found in the kitchen. Towels and bed linen are provided in this self-catering accommodations. Other facilities at Mountain View Lodge include a hot tub, barbecue and fire pit.
BBQ or Grill | Jacuzzi | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Family-Friendly | Fireplace(s)
The Greenlaw Home
The Greenlaw Home is located in Flagstaff, just one mile from Northern Arizona University and 2.3 miles from The North Pole Experience. This vacation home features air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and free Wifi. Lowell Observatory is 1.6 miles from the vacation home and Walku … More
The Greenlaw Home is located in Flagstaff, just one mile from Northern Arizona University and 2.3 miles from The North Pole Experience. This vacation home features air-conditioned accommodations with a patio and free Wifi. Lowell Observatory is 1.6 miles from the vacation home and Walkup Skydome is 2.3 miles away.
The vacation home features 4 bedrooms, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and an oven, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms with a hair dryer. Towels and bed linen are offered in the vacation home. The accommodation has a fireplace.
Pet-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | Downtown
Cozy Flagstaff Studio with Patio - Near Dtwn!
Cozy Flagstaff Studio with Patio - Near Dtwn! is located in Flagstaff, just 2.6 miles from The North Pole Experience and 5.3 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds. This apartment provides accommodations with a balcony. The apartment also offers facilities for disabled guests.
Wi … More
Cozy Flagstaff Studio with Patio - Near Dtwn! is located in Flagstaff, just 2.6 miles from The North Pole Experience and 5.3 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds. This apartment provides accommodations with a balcony. The apartment also offers facilities for disabled guests.
With free Wifi, this apartment offers a flat-screen TV, a washing machine, and a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance.
Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | Great View | Downtown
Cheerful Kathys Cabin, King Bed, Hot Tub, Close to NAU, Airport & Hiking Trails!
2.9 miles from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Cheerful Kathys Cabin, King Bed, Hot Tub, Close to NAU, Airport & Hiking Trails! provides accommodations with access to a hot tub. Guests staying at this vacation home have access to a patio. There's an outdoor fireplace and guest … More
2.9 miles from Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, Cheerful Kathys Cabin, King Bed, Hot Tub, Close to NAU, Airport & Hiking Trails! provides accommodations with access to a hot tub. Guests staying at this vacation home have access to a patio. There's an outdoor fireplace and guests can use free Wifi and free private parking.
The spacious vacation home has 3 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms with a hot tub. Providing a balcony with mountain views, this vacation home also offers a flat-screen TV, a well-equipped kitchen with a dishwasher, an oven, and a microwave, as well as 2 bathrooms with a walk-in shower and a hair dryer. There's also a seating area and a fireplace.
Guests at the vacation home will be able to enjoy activities in and around Flagstaff, like fishing. The vacation home has a picnic area where you can spend the day outdoors.
BBQ or Grill | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Fire Pit | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry | Jacuzzi | Family-Friendly
The Purple House Apt in Downtown Flagstaff!
Just 1.1 miles from Northern Arizona University and a 4-minute walk from Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, The Purple House Apt in Downtown Flagstaff! features accommodations in Flagstaff with a garden. The property is around 2.4 miles from The North Pole Experience, 5.1 miles from … More
Just 1.1 miles from Northern Arizona University and a 4-minute walk from Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce, The Purple House Apt in Downtown Flagstaff! features accommodations in Flagstaff with a garden. The property is around 2.4 miles from The North Pole Experience, 5.1 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds, and 1.1 miles from Lowell Observatory. The apartment also offers facilities for disabled guests.
With free Wifi, this 2-bedroom apartment offers a cable flat-screen TV and a kitchen with a dishwasher and oven. Towels and bed linen are offered in the apartment. For added privacy, the accommodation features a private entrance.
Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Downtown
Modern Flagstaff Home with BBQ, Walk Downtown!
Modern Flagstaff Home with BBQ, Walk Downtown! in Flagstaff provides accommodations with free WiFi, 2 mi from Northern Arizona University, 5.6 mi from The North Pole Experience and 3.1 mi from Flagstaff Plaza Shopping Center. This holiday home is 2.5 mi from Walkup Skydome and 3.1 mi fr … More
Modern Flagstaff Home with BBQ, Walk Downtown! in Flagstaff provides accommodations with free WiFi, 2 mi from Northern Arizona University, 5.6 mi from The North Pole Experience and 3.1 mi from Flagstaff Plaza Shopping Center. This holiday home is 2.5 mi from Walkup Skydome and 3.1 mi from Flagstaff Medical Center.
The holiday home features 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms with a shower.
A children's playground is available on site and skiing can be enjoyed within close proximity of the holiday home.
BBQ or Grill | Private Patios/Balconies | Family-Friendly | Fireplace(s)
Spacious Family Home Surrounded by Mtn Views!
Spacious Family Home Surrounded by Mtn Views! is located in Flagstaff, 11 mi from The North Pole Experience and 12 mi from Northern Arizona University, in an area where skiing can be enjoyed. This holiday home features accommodations with a patio and free WiFi.
The holiday home … More
Spacious Family Home Surrounded by Mtn Views! is located in Flagstaff, 11 mi from The North Pole Experience and 12 mi from Northern Arizona University, in an area where skiing can be enjoyed. This holiday home features accommodations with a patio and free WiFi.
The holiday home has 3 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 2 bathrooms with a bath or shower.
BBQ or Grill | Private Patios/Balconies | Family-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s)
Flagstaff Cabin with Fireplace and Fire Pit on 5 Acres!
Set in Flagstaff, 1.6 mi from The North Pole Experience and 3.7 mi from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff Cabin with Fireplace and Fire Pit on 5 Acres! offers free WiFi and air conditioning. This holiday home is 3.7 mi from Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and 4.3 mi from Flag … More
Set in Flagstaff, 1.6 mi from The North Pole Experience and 3.7 mi from Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff Cabin with Fireplace and Fire Pit on 5 Acres! offers free WiFi and air conditioning. This holiday home is 3.7 mi from Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce and 4.3 mi from Flagstaff Medical Center.
The holiday home has 4 bedrooms, a flat-screen TV with cable channels, an equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and a microwave, a washing machine, and 3 bathrooms with a bath or shower.
A children's playground is available on site and skiing can be enjoyed within close proximity of the holiday home.
Family-Friendly | BBQ or Grill | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Private Patios/Balconies | Fireplace(s) | Outdoor Fire Pit
Serene Home Situated in Forest, 4Mi to NAU Campus
Serene Home Located in Forest, 4Mi to NAU Campus! in Flagstaff provides accommodations with free WiFi, 4.3 mi from Northern Arizona University, 5.6 mi from The North Pole Experience and 4.3 mi from Flagstaff Plaza Shopping Center. The property is 4.3 mi from Lowell Observatory and 5 mi … More
Serene Home Located in Forest, 4Mi to NAU Campus! in Flagstaff provides accommodations with free WiFi, 4.3 mi from Northern Arizona University, 5.6 mi from The North Pole Experience and 4.3 mi from Flagstaff Plaza Shopping Center. The property is 4.3 mi from Lowell Observatory and 5 mi from Flagstaff Medical Center.
This holiday home is equipped with 2 bedrooms, a living room and a fully equipped kitchen.
A children's playground is available on site and skiing can be enjoyed within close proximity of the holiday home.
Family-Friendly | BBQ or Grill | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s)
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