Arizona Snowbowl, Flagstaff, Arizona

The Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff is an alpine ski resort. It is seven miles from the center of Flagstaff, Arizona. The mountain range is known as the San Francisco Peaks. The base of the mountain is at 9,200 feet. The resort usually has an average of 260 inches of snow a year. It has a 2,300 foot drop, which is the largest in Arizona for skiing. There are four lifts to service skiers.

The Alpine Ski Resort has two lodges. They are Hart Prairie and Agassiz lodges. Arizona Snowbowl has been operating for close to seventy years. The top elevation of the mountain is 11,500 feet. Total skiable area is 777 acres of land with 32 runs. The runs breakdown into 37 percent beginner, 42 percent intermediate, and 21 percent advanced. The lift system mentioned has 2 triple chairs, 2 double chairs, and 1 surface.

Arizona Snowbowl is not only a place for winter activities. During the summer visitors can take a scenic skyride up the Adassiz chairlift. The lift goes up to the 11,500 mark where individuals can view the Grand Canyon 70 miles to the north. Disc Golf with an 18 hole course is available. The course runs along the ski runs. Lastly for summer activities is hiking. The Arizona Snowbowl has access to the Coconino National Forest. Some of the trails are the Humphrey's Peak Trail which is four and a half miles to the highest point in Arizona. This summit is at 12, 633 feet.

Over the years there has been a lot of controversy regarding the development of the ski area. The area is part of the United States Forest Service. In the 1930's the USFS began construction on a ski lodge on the western slope. A full development was planned, but several Native American tribes and community groups opposed this idea. Therefore, the shops, restaurants, and numerous lodges were never built. In 1979 the USFS was able to build a new lodge, pave the road, and expand the parking. This is when four ski lifts were added. The forest service was also able to create 50 acres of trails on to the original land. Expansion at Arizona Snowbowl has been turned down several times. In 2008 the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals again ruled in favor of the tribes. However, this decision was reversed by the full court. Arizona Snowbowl has the go ahead to reclaim water to make artificial snow. They could also add 2 new lifts, 10 more tails, a half pipe, and expand the lodges. In January 2009 the US Supreme Court saw a new appeal.

The chair lifts they have now can handle 425 to 1200 visitors a day. The aspen ski lift is 1600 feet in length with vertical feet of 250. Hart Prairie handles 750 passengers with a length of 3200 feet and a 650 feet vertical lift. The Agassi goes up 6,450 feet with 2000 vertical feet. Though expansion is on hold, the ski area is open for visitors.