Arizona Snowbowl

Originally written by Tony Subia

Reviewed and updated by AZ Leisure Staff Writers on August 6, 2026.

Arizona Snowbowl is a year-round mountain recreation destination in the San Francisco Peaks approximately 14 miles north of Flagstaff. During winter, visitors can enjoy downhill skiing, snowboarding, lessons, equipment rentals, terrain parks and beginner-friendly learning areas. Summer activities include scenic rides aboard the Arizona Gondola, disc golf, family attractions, dining and access to nearby hiking trails. Because mountain weather, road restrictions, open terrain and operating schedules can change quickly, visitors should review current resort conditions before traveling.

• Snowbowl Overview
• Winter Activities
• Lessons And Beginner Terrain
• Summer Activities
• Hiking And Disc Golf
• Lodging And Dining
• Planning Your Visit
• Directions And Parking
• FAQ

Arizona Snowbowl Overview

Arizona Snowbowl is located on the western slopes of the San Francisco Peaks, home to Humphreys Peak, Arizona's highest mountain. The resort combines high-elevation terrain, natural snowfall and snowmaking to provide winter recreation for a broad range of ability levels.

• Downhill skiing and snowboarding
• Beginner learning areas and professional lessons
• Ski, snowboard and ski-bike rentals
• Multiple terrain parks
• Scenic rides aboard the Arizona Gondola
• Summer tubing and family activities
• Nine-hole and 18-hole disc-golf courses
• Nearby hiking trails
• Mountain dining and retail facilities
• Nearby lodging at Basecamp at Snowbowl

Winter Skiing And Snowboarding

Arizona Snowbowl offers downhill skiing and snowboarding across beginner, intermediate and advanced terrain. The Arizona Gondola provides rapid access to upper-mountain terrain, while additional chairlifts and conveyor lifts serve learning areas and other parts of the mountain.

The resort's snowmaking system helps supplement natural snowfall and improve coverage on selected terrain. Open lifts, trails, terrain parks and services vary throughout the season, so visitors should check the official snow report before leaving Flagstaff.

Lift tickets are generally less expensive when purchased online in advance. Weekend, holiday and fresh-snow periods may produce heavier traffic, limited parking and longer rental or lesson check-in times.

Lessons, Rentals And Beginner Terrain

Arizona Snowbowl provides ski and snowboard instruction for first-time visitors, children and experienced riders seeking to improve their skills. Beginner services are concentrated near Hart Prairie Lodge, where guests can access lessons, rentals, food and learning terrain.

Rental packages include skis or snowboards, boots and other required equipment, with helmets available separately. Reserving lessons and equipment online can reduce delays, but visitors should still arrive well before their scheduled lesson or planned start time.

• Reserve lessons and rentals before busy weekends and holidays.
• Arrive early enough to park, collect equipment and complete check-in.
• Wear a properly fitted snow-sports helmet.
• Begin on designated learning terrain.
• Dress in moisture-wicking layers rather than cotton.
• Use sunscreen and eye protection at high elevation.
• Drink water regularly and take breaks when fatigued.

Summer Activities At Arizona Snowbowl

After the winter season, Arizona Snowbowl becomes a high-elevation summer destination with cooler temperatures, scenic views and family activities. The main attraction is the Arizona Gondola, which carries visitors to approximately 11,500 feet for panoramic views across northern Arizona.

On clear days, riders may see the San Francisco Peaks, volcanic fields, distant red rock country and portions of the Grand Canyon. Gondola operations are weather dependent, and summer visitors should bring a jacket because temperatures and wind can change rapidly near the upper terminal.

Seasonal family activities may include summer tubing, a climbing wall, bungee trampoline, treasure panning, mini golf and other attractions. Hours, ticket options and available activities vary, so check the resort calendar before arriving.

Hiking And Disc Golf Near Arizona Snowbowl

Several popular hiking trails begin at or near the Snowbowl base area. Humphreys Trail provides the demanding route toward Arizona's highest summit, while Kachina Trail and Aspen Loop offer forest, meadow and mountain scenery. Trail length, elevation and weather should be carefully considered before beginning any hike.

• Humphreys Trail: A strenuous high-elevation route toward Humphreys Peak.
• Kachina Trail: A moderate forest trail with wildflower meadows and mountain views.
• Aspen Loop: A shorter route through mixed forest and seasonal wildflowers.

Arizona Snowbowl also maintains a family-friendly nine-hole disc-golf course and a more demanding 18-hole mountain course. The courses are free during operating hours, although some holes may close temporarily for events, maintenance or revegetation.

Arizona Snowbowl Lodging And Dining

Basecamp at Snowbowl is the closest lodging property associated with the resort and is located near the base of Snowbowl Road. Accommodations, seasonal packages and resort benefits change throughout the year, so travelers should review current offers before reserving a room.

Additional lodging is available throughout Flagstaff, including hotels, cabins and bed-and-breakfast inns. Staying in Flagstaff provides convenient access to restaurants, shopping and other northern Arizona attractions.

Dining options may be available at Hart Prairie Lodge, Agassiz Lodge, Fremont Restaurant and Basecamp, depending on the season and daily operating schedule.

Planning A Visit To Arizona Snowbowl

• Check the current weather, snow report and operating schedule.
• Purchase lift, gondola or activity tickets online when available.
• Reserve lessons and rentals before weekends and holidays.
• Allow additional time for traffic and winter road restrictions.
• Bring warm layers during every season.
• Use sunscreen, sunglasses and lip protection at high elevation.
• Drink water and allow time to adjust to the elevation.
• Review cancellation and weather-credit policies before purchasing.
• Confirm which restaurants, lodges and attractions are operating.
• Follow all resort, Forest Service and trail regulations.

Directions And Parking

Arizona Snowbowl is located at 9300 North Snowbowl Road, approximately 14 miles north of Flagstaff. From Flagstaff, travel north on U.S. Highway 180 and turn onto Snowbowl Road. Continue approximately seven miles uphill to the resort base areas.

Hart Prairie parking lots provide the most convenient access to lessons, rentals, beginner terrain and several dining facilities. The Agassiz parking area is generally better suited to intermediate and advanced visitors using the Arizona Gondola.

Parking is not permitted along Snowbowl Road. During winter storms, chains or four-wheel drive may be required, and access procedures may change. Check resort alerts and AZ 511 before departing.

Snowbowl Map

Arizona Snowbowl FAQ

Where is Arizona Snowbowl?
Arizona Snowbowl is located in the San Francisco Peaks approximately 14 miles north of Flagstaff.

Does Arizona Snowbowl offer beginner skiing?
Yes. Snowbowl has beginner learning terrain, conveyor lifts, lessons and rental equipment near Hart Prairie Lodge.

Can I rent skis and snowboards?
Yes. Ski and snowboard rental packages are available, and advance online reservations are recommended.

Does Snowbowl make snow?
Yes. Snowmaking supplements natural snowfall on selected terrain and helps the resort establish and maintain coverage.

Is Arizona Snowbowl open during summer?
Yes. Summer operations may include Scenic Gondola Rides, disc golf, dining, family activities and special events.

Is the old Scenic Skyride still operating?
The principal summer sightseeing experience is now the enclosed Arizona Gondola. Limited open-air chairlift rides may occasionally be offered during selected events or dates.

Can you see the Grand Canyon from Snowbowl?
On clear days, distant views from the upper mountain may include portions of the Grand Canyon and other northern Arizona landmarks.

Are hiking trails available?
Yes. Humphreys Trail, Kachina Trail and Aspen Loop begin at or near the Snowbowl base area.

Is lodging available at Arizona Snowbowl?
Basecamp at Snowbowl provides nearby lodging near the lower end of Snowbowl Road. Many additional accommodations are available in Flagstaff.

Are chains required on Snowbowl Road?
Chains, approved traction devices or four-wheel drive may be required during winter storms. Check current resort alerts and AZ 511 before driving.

Should I purchase tickets in advance?
Advance purchase is recommended because prices, availability, parking demand and operating conditions vary by date.

More Information

Arizona Snowbowl Website
Information: (928) 779-1951
Ski Conditions: (928) 779-4577
Ski Lift Lodge (928) 472-3599

Flagstaff High Country