Recommend going on a off day. No weekends its crazy busy. Management needs to train staff in situations regarding power outages. Managment should have had back ups in place. Managment should run shuttles for visitors who are not able go up the steep roads with their vehicles not meant to be on such conditions. They should also have attendants at the entrance of snowbowl making the calls for which vehicles are able to ascend the roadway. They should also offer an area for visitors that dont wish to ski or snowboard but can enjoy other activities such as sledding or tubing.Snowbowl would have more succss and happier guests in such cases !
This is definitely a very low-key local's ski area. We went on a weekday, so it was not at all crowded and we never waited in a lift line. They claim six lifts, but there are really only two as the others are children's beginner lifts. Absolutely, do not eat lunch here - it was all canned soups and chili and week old salad - yes, really - the salad was in a plastic container, and had a date indicating that it was a week old….
First time visit but very impressed with grooming the night before and snow making for a weekend mid Feb. Upper Lodge nicer than lower for lunch and a break. Be back next year.
Great skiing - perfect weather- no lift lines- friendly staff - good food - great time. we highly would recommend this resort to all skiers.
I am not a skier, but my husband is and this trip to Arizona was a compromise. I got to swim in Scottsdale and he got to ski in Flagstaff.The second day he skied, the had an additional 8" and they opened up all the trails. It's a beaitiful drive up the mountain and we saw a herd of elk.The contrast from Phoenix is amazing!
Was able to catch the slopes on a half day. Only downside was there weren't enough snowboarding gear (boots and board) for people, like us, who only went for half a day... we had to wait a bit, but was finally able to enjoy after a little wait!
We made a quick getaway trip to Arizona from Minnesota, as the children had a Monday off of school. This was not our first choice for ski resorts, but we had family and friends in the area that we wanted to also visit. The locals say that this is a great resort when there is a lot of fresh snow. Just over one week before we arrived, the area received 17 inches of new snow. The warm temperatures melted much of it away by the time we arrived.They do make snow at the resort, so many of the runs were open. The skiing conditions were quite icy. I liked the runs, however, as they were quite challenging and rather long (relative to Minnesota). The vertical drop is about 2200 feet (in comparison to about 3500 feet in Colorado, for example). The skiers were advised to disembark at "midway", as that is where they stop making snow. I went once to the top just for the experience. It was recommended only for the expert skiers. I enjoyed the run. Many of the runs were not open, as there wasn't enough snow to cover the rocks. I did go over a few exposed rocks on my descent from the top. The view from the top is fantastic. You can even see the rim of the Grand Canyon.The only downside about the resort when there is much new snow are the crowds. The people flock to the resort to take advantage of the great skiing conditions. One other downside is slow movement of the ski lifts in comparison to some other resorts. It didn't bother me, but I overheard other people mentioning it.I will come back to ski again sometime in the future. Hopefully, there is a lot of fresh snow at the time.
Although there are a few good runs, the lifts look to be from the 1960s complete with no bars or safety features. The lifts were so slow it took 45 minutes to get the run. Even on a great snow conditions day, it left a lot to be desired. But hey it's Arizona, so if this is all you can get it will do. If you can get to somewhere in CO or NM you will be happier.
I think with great snow this place would be awesome but as i haven't had a great time skiing there i can't rate it higer. However, both years we have been there has been very little snow and it was very hard to ski there (ice in the morning and slush by noon) The main lodge is pretty good to eat at, there was a one man bad and a grill outside one of the days last year, we were there over Valentines/Presidents day this year so was a little surprised there wasn't more going on. Mountain is easy to get up and down and hope to one day come back when the snow is good. Like the wide open runs from the main lift. (just on a personal note, an express lift to the top would be awesome). If you are with a beginner, their bunny hill is fantastic. On a negative note, i did feel the lift tickets were a little high, thought they may discount it a bit due to the snow conditions.
I would highly recommend snowbowl for skiing if you are from this area and have a weekend. If you are taking a ski week vacation, go somewhere else like big bear, mammoth, etc that actually has a ski village. That being said, for a weekend this is great and I have been coming here many years and this weekend was about the best groomed snow. Lines in beginner area usually huge, but if you have much experience go to the blues on the other side for minimal lines. Has som decent black diamonds at the very top and a couple long runs that will get you tired, but most runs are not too long. Terrain park was minimal this week, not sure if that is standard. Kids were disappointed in that compared to other places and prior years here. Food good but pricey at lodges.