Known for its high altitude, dependable snowfall, and magnificent scenery, the Arizona Snowbowl offers exceptional snowboarding and skiing experiences, along with a wide array of other activities. In 1938, the Snowbowl was first founded, making it one of the oldest continuously operating ski resorts in the United States.
The Snowbowl truly starts to stand out during winter months, when people of all ages and abilities have the opportunity to make use of the snow-covered mountains.
“I snowboard because it’s a way to get away from everything. It’s relaxing and fun, and I like the cold air,” said Emma Hesse, senior.
The Snowbowl is a great place for people from many places to gather, and it is especially exciting for those who live in areas with constant, nonstop heat.
“I got into it because it’s always so hot here and we wanted to go to the cold, and then I found snowboarding,” said Kyle Gillman, senior.
People participate in snowboarding and skiing–sometimes both– at the Snowbowl, but a day in the life of those who compete looks a little different than just doing it for fun.
“I do track, and it’s a lot like that. We get up super early before the lifts open and then we go up to the race. They set the course and you go through it two to three times,” said Breck Middendorf, junior.
The terrain at the Snowbowl is diverse, and ranges from wide-open, easier trails, to more challenging steeps and tree runs– but this can also make it hazardous.
“The most dangerous part about it is the unknown, and not knowing what is ahead of you,” Hesse said.
Due to the danger that arises within the Snowbowl, guests take many precautions and use strategies to keep themselves out of danger.
“I’ve been doing this since I was really little, so I’ve always been taught to look up the mountain. It’s like when you’re in a car, loom left and right before you turn. I have to make sure I stay away from trees because there’s pits in the snow. I’m always with another person in case something happens,” Hesse said.
Every person has a unique experience based on the terrain they are on, and each time someone skis or snowboards, it is a little different.
“You don’t see the turns every time, so you have to visualize in your mind where they are,” Middendorf said.
The Arizona Snowbowl is family friendly, meaning people of all ages and skill levels go up to Flagstaff each year to participate in the fun.
“I’ve taught people to snowboard before. It takes time and multiple attempts, but over time you will definitely get better. If you get someone who knows how to do it, you’ll learn it [quickly],” Gillman said.
Due to the Snowbowl being such a popular destination, many people go there every year, which can cause crowding.
“[The snowbowl is] so close, and a lot of people can learn to ski there. I think it needs to be bigger because there’s so many people,” Middendorf said.
There are several reasons why people decide to go to the Snowbowl, and they vary from person to person.
“Most people don’t know about the thrill, because it’s completely different than anything else like it,” Hesse said.
Both snowboarders and skiers alike hit the slopes each year. Some people participate in one or the other, and some who are more advanced do both, but either way, the Snowbowl is a great place to experience it.
“I don’t think there’s a big difference between snowboarding and skiing, you just have to go with whatever fits you, and what your personal interest is,” Gillman said.
