A Sojourn at Snowbowl
My history with Snowbowl started sometime in the late 1980s. From my hometown of Kingman, Flagstaff and Snowbowl were the closest ski sites. I’ve seen Snowbowl during some of its best conditions, as in the winter of 1992–93, when I almost failed out of University of Arizona because of the massive amounts of snow that led me not to attend as many classes as I should have. I have seen it in not-so-favorable seasons as well.
The constant in this whole equation is I’ve always had a great day regardless of conditions. My last trip, in February 2022, was no exception: two fun days on the mountain, not a lot of snow, but there was complete coverage and no bare spots. I was there on a Monday and Tuesday. The lines were non existent—just slide right up and get on a lift. The newer Arizona Gondola gets you up top promptly, with an option of a six-pack chair or enclosed compartment. Once up top, take in the view. You are standing next to Agassiz, the second highest peak in Arizona. Next to it is the highest peak, Mount Humphreys, at 12,636 feet above sea level worth the trip up for the view alone.
The view is not what we came for, though, so we strapped into our boards and started down. I was riding with a friend and his son, as well as some other college-aged kids. The group was mostly somewhere between intermediate and advanced, so we moved quickly. It was clear the day was going to be about blazing fast laps, and it was—as many as you wanted until your legs don’t do as you tell them. We took a midday stop to sample the bar, with a stunner of a Bloody Mary. The bartender told me that they make their own mix, and it shines through.
The combination of tired legs, another day ahead, and the lift about to be done led us to head for Basecamp at Snowbowl, located right at the base of the turn to head up the mountain to the slopes. I’ve driven past this place hundreds of times, but I hadn’t stopped, and I was pleasantly surprised with this gem of a spot. Newly renovated, the cabins are modern and cozy. A gas-fired stove, the source of heat, adds to the character of the space, as does a very comfortable bed.
The boys headed back to town while my friend and I wandered over to the bar and grill on property, with a great selection of beer and a fully stocked bar. This place ended up being our sanctuary, since we happened to be there on the 14th of February. Not quite grasping the depth of this day, as men may do from time to time, we were left without a place to eat. Everyplace was booked and there was no chance of getting in anywhere, except the bar and grill right next to my room. The food was solid and the staff was great, so it turned out to be a good choice.
A caveat for anyone planning to go to Snowbowl: plan ahead. Get your lift tickets online as far in advance as possible. The pricing gets fairly steep, and those not prepared will feel the wrath of trying to pay for a new gondola. Get there early. On busy days, weekends especially, the lots fill up quickly, and I have seen the shuttle lot at the base completely full and waiting for cars to come down before anyone else can go up. Have your rental needs reserved, and include a helmet. Day two of the trip would see a skier without a helmet airlifted after an encounter with a tree. Although it was an awful situation, the ski patrol and mountain staff handled the situation with absolute professionalism.
I plan to return to Arizona Snowbowl for many seasons to come, and I will also be hanging at my new favorite après ski place, Basecamp at Snowbowl.
For more information on Snowbowl’s schedules and fees, see here.
Category: RECREATION
