Arizona Snowbowl wraps up huge season, starts building high-speed lift
Apr 29, 2016, 5:00 PM
(Facebook Photo)
(Facebook Photo)
PHOENIX — Flagstaff-area ski resort Arizona Snowbowl wrapped up its second-busiest season in history and began construction on the state’s first high-speed six-person chairlift.
The resort saw its second highest number of skier visits in Snowbowl history, behind only the 2009/2010 season. High visitation is partly attributed to the mountain’s earliest opening day and longest season in more than 30 years, Nov. 20, 2015 through Apr. 17, 2016.
Snowbowl’s mountain crews used 54 million gallons of “A+ reclaimed water” purchased from the city of Flagstaff to make snow 65 days this winter, helping numerous trails form snow-bases which helped extend the season. The water for snowmaking accounted for about 30 percent of Snowbowl’s 180 million gallon usage.
“Arizona Snowbowl had a fantastic season! The key component was our snowmaking system which provided a great, consistent ski product,” said J.R. Murray, General Manager of Arizona Snowbowl in a press release.
Snowbowl’s high-speed lift, tabbed the Grand Canyon Express will haul six skiers or boarders up to the 11,000-foot peak in six minutes. The lift is slated to run in time for the 2016/2017 season.
(Facebook Photo)
Summer at Snowbowl unofficially begins Memorial Day Weekend to offers respite to heat-weary Valley dwellers. Activities include a scenic chairlift ride, Forest Service Ranger talks at 11,500 feet, slopeside dining and disc golf.
