Flagstaff Skiing and Snowboarding Guide

You may be surprised to learn that this desert state gets about 260 inches of snow every winter. Though better known for its desert landscape, Flagstaff's Snowbowl could be the perfect winter getaway for your family. The snow doesn't mean that the sun is gone forever, or for very long. Snowbowl is a prime spot for skiing and snowboarding in the blinding sunshine.

Getting to the Slopes

You'll find Snowbowl in the northern Arizona city of Flagstaff, which puts it within easy reach of virtually any city in the Southwest. From Las Vegas, head east on I-95 to Kingman, then take I-40 to Flagstaff. From the Grand Canyon, take I-180S to I-180E, then follow that until you get to North Snowbowl Road. From Phoenix, I-17 will take you to your destination.

Beginning Skiers and Snowboarders

If your kids are new to the elongated feel of skis or the bulkiness of snowboard boots, they'll find a helping hand at Snowbowl, just outside Flagstaff. You can enroll your beginning skiers or snowboarders in group lesson packages that include lift tickets, equipment rentals and hands-on instruction. Beginners are divided up by age, and everyone in the learning area has access to four chairlifts or two “people-mover” conveyor belt systems.

Intermediate and Advanced

If you and your gang already have your moves down, spend some time zipping through the Snowbowl's terrain parks—the snowboarding equivalent of skate parks. Start with the Prairie Dawg Start Park, ideal for everyone in the family trying to improve their freestyle skills. You'll work low profile boxes and snow features until you have them down. Progress to Southern Belle Pocket Parks for multiple medium jumps, then to Sunset Terrain Park for pro-level custom features.

Snow-making Guarantees Snowpack

This ski destination makes snow beginning in November to establish the base snow surfaces, and provides extra during the year to touch up any thin spots that occur. So, you'll enjoy a consistent snow season.

Ready to hit the slopes? Find hotels in Flagstaff.