FLAGSTAFF, AZ (AZFamily) — Overnight storms left snow on the San Francisco Peaks, and Arizona Snowbowl said conditions could allow the resort to open days or weeks before its scheduled Nov. 20 start date.
At the top of Arizona Snowbowl, 11,500 feet above sea level, workers are already preparing for the upcoming ski season. On Tuesday, conditions included freezing temperatures and high winds.
Workers welcome the cold
Jake Danon, Snowbowl’s lift operations supervisor, has worked at the resort for five years. He said he’s been waiting for this kind of weather.
“Man, I live for this,” Danon said. “This is amazing. This is my type of weather.”
Danon said that after two years of low snow, everyone at Snowbowl is looking forward to what a strong El Niño is expected to bring this winter.
“We’re super hopeful for a great season,” he said. “We’ve got our fingers crossed the models are looking great and in favor for us across the Southwest.”
Last year, Snowbowl received 155 inches of snow. The resort’s average is 260 inches.
Impact on Flagstaff
There is a saying in town that when Snowbowl is doing well, so is Flagstaff.
The ski park stayed open last year with the help of snowmakers. Resort staff said they are hopeful for a busy season for the entire area.
Angie Grubb, Snowbowl’s marketing manager, said the resort has invested more than $1 million in forest restoration, lower snowmakers, and additions to its beginner terrain.
“We’re really proud to be able to bring tourism to Northern Arizona and Flagstaff,” Grubb said. “We like to think when Snowbowl is busy up here, our downtown is busy, our whole entire city of Flagstaff is busy.”
Flagstaff broke snow records during the last El Niño, and similar conditions are expected this winter.
“Some of the forecasters are saying it could be one of the largest winters since 1950,” Grubb said.
Snowbowl is scheduled to open Nov. 20, with first chair starting at 9 a.m. Grubb said it could open days or weeks earlier if the current snow pattern continues.
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