Peaks of Participation – Flagstaff Business News

From its perch on the slopes of the San Francisco Peaks, Arizona Snowbowl has welcomed generations of skiers since 1938. What began as a modest ski area for local snow sports enthusiasts has grown into a cornerstone of Flagstaff’s economy and a year-round mountain destination.

Founded nearly 90 years ago, Arizona Snowbowl was established with the mission of providing skiing for snow sports enthusiasts in Flagstaff. From its earliest days, the resort has served as a winter recreation destination for both the local community and visitors from across the region. Today, Snowbowl continues to expand that vision while staying rooted in its founding purpose.

Creating a Skiing Destination in Arizona

Through the decades, Snowbowl has evolved alongside the snow sports of skiing and snowboarding, growing from a small ski hill into a modern resort serving hundreds of thousands of guests annually.

High-Elevation  Achievements

Among its top accomplishments is the longest ski season in Arizona history. During the 2024- ‘25 season, Arizona Snowbowl operated from Nov. 8, 2024, through June 1, 2025 — a record-breaking 185-day season, the longest in resort history and in the state.

Snowbowl also plays a vital role in Flagstaff’s economy, generating significant economic activity and supporting hundreds of seasonal and year-round jobs.

In addition, the resort features the largest beginner terrain in the Southwest and is home to Arizona’s only gondola — the Arizona Gondola — providing lift-served access up to 11,500 feet for both scenic rides and skiing.

Core Values

Arizona Snowbowl and its parent company, Mountain Capital Partners, are guided by the mission to “Give People the Freedom to Ski.” Leadership emphasizes that skiing and snowboarding should be accessible to everyone, reflected in affordable demand-based pricing and initiatives such as free Power Kids Passes for children 12 and under.

Families remain central to the resort’s philosophy, with a focus on creating an inclusive, welcoming environment for guests of all ages and abilities.

Shifts Impacting the Business

“In the past two decades, Snowbowl has made significant infrastructure investments to enhance reliability and guest experience,” said Marketing Manager Angie Grubb.

Snowmaking was installed in 2012, followed by acquisition by Mountain Capital Partners in 2014. “Improvements under the Master Development Plan included new and replaced lifts, the transformation of the Agassiz Chairlift into the Arizona Gondola and renovation of the historic Aspen Chairlift in 2024,” she added.

Expanded accessibility initiatives, including Power Kids Ski Free and Free Snow Experience lessons, further broadened participation.

Greatest Challenges

Weather and natural snowfall remain the industry’s greatest variables. However, snowmaking has allowed Snowbowl to consistently open before Thanksgiving and support employment for more than 600 team members annually.

Looking Ahead

Snowbowl anticipates continued economic and workforce growth in Flagstaff and across Arizona. “We envision the resort remaining a year-round destination, focused on sustainable growth, community partnerships and high-quality outdoor experiences,” said Grubb.

The Reason for Long-Term Success

Snowbowl credits its longevity to a consistent commitment to its core mission: giving people the freedom to ski while putting families and outdoor recreation first. Strong partnerships — including collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service — and ongoing investment in the guest experience have helped ensure its place as a trusted recreation destination for decades.

Arizona Snowbowl,
9300 N. Snowbowl Road

Flagstaff, AZ 86001, (928) 779-1951

www.snowbowl.ski