Flagstaff Ski Resort - Arizona Snowbowl Info & Tips
If you didn't already know, Flagstaff's ski resort, Arizona Snowbowl, is one of the best-kept ski resort secrets in the country. For real! Where else can you still get an unlimited weekday lift pass for under $200 for the entire season? The resort is admittedly a bit small, but the vertical relief, backcountry access, and tree play are really quite remarkable. 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 not 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. If you need to brush up on your avalanche knowledge and skills, Kachina Peak Avalanche Center is a great place to do so. The average snowfall in the past has been 260 inches with some years being much better than others. But Arizona Snowbowl has been permitted 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 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.
Ski Resort Lift Tickets & Season Passes
So here's the deal. Arizona Snowbowl is actually quite affordable if you purchase a lift ticket in advance. Early Bird Season Passes, Weekday Passes, and even full Powder Passes are heavily discounted if you buy them during the summer. A Weekday Seaspm Pass (Monday-Friday) costs only $199 if you buy it early. If you're not sure if you will be around for the season, buy insurance for your pass ranging from $7-$13 and have your season pass refunded (make sure to read the insurance limitations before purchasing). If you're looking to buy a day pass, try to purchase it about two weeks before the date you want to go. If you wait until there is an epic snowstorm to buy your lift ticket, expect to pay anywhere from $100-$200+. The resort ticketing system seems to follow a supply and demand model - the more demand, the higher the ticket price. Buying in advance allows everyone to ski/ride affordably, and the expensive pricing on powder days limits the number of people on the mountain. In addition, kids 12 and under get a FREE season pass!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 recently or is currently experiencing a snowstorm, then you can safely bet that not only will the ski resort be packed, but that Snowbowl Road will be 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. It quite convenient and free. 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 thankful 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. by 8am to guarantee getting a parking spot on holiday weekends or other peak days.
Free Shuttle to Snowbowl from Downtown Flagstaff
The Mountain Express Shuttle provides FREE shuttle service between Downtown Flagstaff and Arizona Snowbowl with FREE Park-n-Ride at Flagstaff High School!
Mountain Express Stops & Schedule
Pick-Up: FREE Park-n-Ride at Flagstaff High School! (services Downtown Flagstaff to Arizona Snowbowl) Every 30 minutes from 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM on scheduled days
2024/2025 Mountain Express Shuttle Schedule:
Operating daily, December 26, 2024 – January 5, 2025 – 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Operating Saturdays & Sundays in January & February through February 23, 2025, excluding Saturday, February 1, 2025.
Mountain Express Stops
- Downtown Connection Center (The first bus departs at 7:30 am)
- Flagstaff High School Park-n-Ride *Flagstaff High School pick-up area is on Kendrick St. on the east side of the school.*
- Hart Prairie Lodge (Last bus departs at 5:30 pm).
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. Snowbowl has this ridiculously good deal in March where lift tickets start at $19, and often it includes a FREE $15 gift card and $15 rentals and lessons. The $15 can be used for food and retail. If you’ve gotten this far on this page and you missed it, then you should also know that kids age 12 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.
Ski and Snowboard RentalUnless 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.
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.
Village Camp Outdoor Resort
Village Camp offers shuttle rides to guests from the resort in Bellemont directly to Arizona Snowbowl. Rides are $35 per person and they depart at 8:00am and 11:30am. Reserve Your Stay & Shuttle Ride »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.
LODGING FOR YOUR SKI/SNOWBOARDING VACATION
Arizona Mountain Inn & Cabins
Pet-Friendly | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Fireplace(s) | Whirlpool Tubs | Great View | BBQ or Grill
Arizona Vacation Home Rentals
Family-Friendly | BBQ or Grill | Romantic | Fireplace(s) | Private Patios/Balconies | Access to Trails
High Country Motor Lodge
The hottest new boutique hotel in Flagstaff!
A curated and contemplative retreat, High Country Motor Lodge offers transcendent experiences at the center of Flagstaff, Arizona. Immerse yourself in this respite off Route 66. Melding vintage style, contemporary desig
… More
The hottest new boutique hotel in Flagstaff!
A curated and contemplative retreat, High Country Motor Lodge offers transcendent experiences at the center of Flagstaff, Arizona. Immerse yourself in this respite off Route 66. Melding vintage style, contemporary design, and an adventurous spirit, H.C.M.L. is a place to re-energize and realign after a long day’s travel. Restless ramblers, local characters, explorers, seekers, and star-gazers welcome.
On Route 66 | Nordic Spa Experience | On-Site Restaurant | Outdoor Pool | Outdoor Fire Pit | Live Entertainment | Games Provided | Fitness Center | Star-Gazing | General Store
Rustic A-Frame - 4 Bdrms, Loft, Game Room, & Firepit.
This Flagstaff vacation 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 perfe … More
This Flagstaff vacation 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
Village Camp Flagstaff Outdoor Resort - RV Sites, Cabins, & Glamping
Discover your ideal Northern Arizona retreat at Village Camp Flagstaff, where you'll experience a mountain village with contemporary comforts amidst breathtaking nature. Nestled within national forests on a 50-acre landscape, you can enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning vistas of Humph … More
Discover your ideal Northern Arizona retreat at Village Camp Flagstaff, where you'll experience a mountain village with contemporary comforts amidst breathtaking nature. Nestled within national forests on a 50-acre landscape, you can enjoy outdoor adventures and stunning vistas of Humphreys Peak, providing a refreshing escape in summer and winter wonderland fun.
RV Sites
Generous, well-maintained roads guide you to expansive, level concrete lots. Our site offerings encompass deluxe pull-through and back-in RV sites, complete with full hookups, which include 30/50-amp electric, sewer, water, as well as access to a luxurious bathhouse and convenient laundry facilities.
Cabins
Embark on an adventure in style in our luxury adventure cabins, fully furnished with a kitchen, bathroom, cable, and high-speed internet. Cabins comfortably sleep a variety of group sizes ranging from 6 to 10 outdoor explorers!
Pet-Friendly | Family-Friendly | Access to Trails | Games Provided | Outdoor Heated Pool | BBQ or Grill | On-Site Restaurant | Laundry | Outdoor Fire Pit | Fireplace(s) | Water Hookups | Free Wi-Fi | Free Self-Parking | Shuttle to Snowbowl
Little America Hotel Flagstaff
Outdoor Pool | Free Wi-Fi | Concierge Services | Fitness Center | Laundry | Fireplace(s) | On-Site Restaurant | COVID-19 Precautions Taken | ADA Accessible | Groups/Meetings
Humphreys - Full Property
Humphreys - Full Property is located in Flagstaff, 2.5 miles from The North Pole Experience, 5.8 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds, and a 13-minute walk from the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The property is 1.5 miles from Northern Arizona University and has free Wifi thro … More
Humphreys - Full Property is located in Flagstaff, 2.5 miles from The North Pole Experience, 5.8 miles from Coconino County Fairgrounds, and a 13-minute walk from the Greater Flagstaff Chamber of Commerce. The property is 1.5 miles from Northern Arizona University and has free Wifi throughout the property.
The air-conditioned vacation home is composed of 4 separate bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen with a dishwasher and oven, and 3 bathrooms. Towels and bed linen are offered in the vacation home.
The vacation home has a children's playground. If you would like to discover the area, skiing and cycling are possible nearby.
Fireplace(s) | Kitchenette or Full Kitchen | Laundry
Rodeway Inn Downtown
Free Wi-Fi | Free Self-Parking
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
Bespoke Inn - Flagstaff
Bespoke Inn raises the bar with the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities at this boutique inn. This historic property, built-in 1894 and formerly known as the Inn at 410, has been fully renovated into a modern masterpiece.
Located in the heart of Flagstaff’s thriv … More
Bespoke Inn raises the bar with the perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities at this boutique inn. This historic property, built-in 1894 and formerly known as the Inn at 410, has been fully renovated into a modern masterpiece.
Located in the heart of Flagstaff’s thriving downtown, Bespoke Inn is the premier place to stay for a curated boutique experience. Fine Dining, unique shops, and award-winning restaurants are all within walking distance. Within a short drive, you’ll be skiing, hiking, and experiencing the many vibrant outdoor experiences that Flagstaff has to offer.
Pet-Friendly | Downtown | Free Hot Breakfast | Free Continental Breakfast | Free Wi-Fi
Residence Inn by Marriott
Free Hot Breakfast | Free Wi-Fi | Fitness Center | Whirlpool Tubs | Indoor Pool | Business Center | Pet-Friendly | Downtown
Weatherford Hotel
On-Site Restaurant | Free Wi-Fi
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
Peaks Wilderness House B&B - Flagstaff
Free Hot Breakfast | Free Continental Breakfast | Free Wi-Fi
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
