Hit the slopes: Arizona Snowbowl to get new ski lift, trail improvements
Jul 28, 2015, 3:40 PM | Updated: 3:41 pm
PHOENIX — Arizona Snowbowl will boast a new chairlift in time for the holidays, the resort said Tuesday.
The new chairlift can hold four guests per seat and transport as many as 1,000 per hour. It spans more than a half-mile and is
scheduled to open by Christmas. The Humphreys Peak Quad will serve intermediate
trails and is the first new chairlift at Snowbowl in 30 years.
In addition to the lift, the Flagstaff-area resort is also adding snowmaking equipment to put more of the white stuff on both new and existing trails and improving several popular slopes.
It has also begun the design process of the mountain’s first high-speed lift.
The improvements are part of a $10 million investment covering multiple resorts. The funding came after Colorado business man James Coleman opted to partner with the Northern Arizona resort rather than acquire it.
The addition of Coleman to the ownership group means skiers can purchase season passes for
unlimited use at the Snowbowl and three other resorts where he serves as
managing partner — Purgatory in Durango, Colorado; Sipapu Ski and Summer Resort
near Taos, New Mexico; and Pajarito Mountain near Los Alamos, New Mexico.
Nik Pepris, who skis and snowboards, said the pass is attractive because of how
close the other resorts are to Flagstaff. But whether it attracts more business
would depend on the cost of the ticket, which is about $950 for adults at full
price. The price is discounted if purchased by Aug. 7, and for children, young
adults and senior citizens.
“To be able to go to several mountains on one ticket is a big benefit,” Pepris said.
Snowbowl had 160,000 visitors this past season.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
