Arizona

My parents just booked a condo in Phoenix from Christmas to New Years this year. They want me to meet them there but I think we’ll just spend the week staring at each other because there won’t actually be anything to do. Mom says there’s skiing. I’m skeptical. Places like snow bowl and sunrise look good, but when does the season start?

Hi. Honestly, ski season here in Arizona is pretty scarce. The last few winters Snowbowl & Sunrise have been closed due to lack of snow. On occassion and certain days, they will blow out fake snow. If you don’t mind the fake snow, then it will be fine for you. Right now it’s still pretty hot. And also, if you’re staying in Phoenix, to get to Snowbowl, you’ll have to drive about 2 – 2.5 hours to get to Snowbowl and another extra hour or so to get to Sunrise. So I’m not sure if you’re up to all that driving either.

3 Responses

1. peanuttpuff Says:
   March 31st, 2010 at 11:38 pm

   Hi. Honestly, ski season here in Arizona is pretty scarce. The last few winters Snowbowl & Sunrise have been closed due to lack of snow. On occassion and certain days, they will blow out fake snow. If you don’t mind the fake snow, then it will be fine for you. Right now it’s still pretty hot. And also, if you’re staying in Phoenix, to get to Snowbowl, you’ll have to drive about 2 – 2.5 hours to get to Snowbowl and another extra hour or so to get to Sunrise. So I’m not sure if you’re up to all that driving either.
   References :

2. Valley of the Danes Says:
   April 1st, 2010 at 12:06 am

   Ski season has been happening but it’s been coming later than expected.
   Last year the season opened at Sunrise on December 13th, the previous year they opened on December 8th and closed on March 23rd. That’s a fairly good season for AZ but it wasn’t nearly as much snow as what they had last year.
   Couldn’t find any other details on Flagstaff (Snowbowl) but the first hand ski reports mention good snow prior to December 30th.

   I’m hoping the rain we saw this summer will be a sign of the precipitation we can expect during the winter months.

   Here’s a link to keep you up to date on all the area mountain conditions:
   http://www.betterskireport.com/az.shtml
   http://www.snow-forecast.com/countries/88/resorts

   You could always make the drive to NM, CO or UT. Snow is always incredibly abundant at Wolf Creek, Alta is beautiful, and if you’re a really good skier check out Taos in NM (about 450 miles).
   References :

3. GWB Says:
   April 1st, 2010 at 12:35 am

   Skiing, you are kidding.
   Maybe a few months in the last 8 years!
   
   References :

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