Arizona Snowbowl is having a truly radical year. On May 14, the local ski area announced that it was (yet again) extending its season, pushing its closing day to June 1, and marking a historic milestone for the mountain.
“We’re thrilled to announce the 2024/25 season has set a new record for the most skiable days in Arizona Snowbowl’s 87-year history,” Angie Grubb, marketing manager at Arizona Snowbowl, said in a press release. “Thanks to our dedicated team, an early November opening, and strategic investments in snowmaking, we’ve delivered our longest season ever, giving people the freedom to ski.”
Temperatures at Snowbowl in May and June can creep from the high 50s toward 70 degrees or more. So, if you’re hitting Snowbowl’s slopes between now and June 1, plan on bringing your spring (or even summer) skiing getups. And prepare for an epic closing weekend.
“Most people don’t associate Arizona with skiing, but Snowbowl has consistently proven otherwise,” Grubb told GearJunkie. “We deliver one of the longest seasons and some of the best skiing in the country. This year showed what’s possible for the entire Southwest ski scene.”
Arizona Snowbowl: Longest Ski Season Ever
Located near Flagstaff, Ariz., Snowbowl was established in 1938. It has 61 runs, 777 acres of skiable terrain, eight lifts, and usually gets an average of 230 inches of snow in a winter. Its base is 9,200 feet, and lift-serviced terrain tops out at 11,200 feet.
A typical season at Snowbowl runs from mid-November to mid-May (give or take a week). But this year, the mountain operations team was able to start making snow early, and it opened on November 8 — Snowbowl’s earliest opening date ever. That built a solid base through February, which held onto the 200 inches of natural snow the mountain got. Consistent and strategic grooming helped maintain the conditions.
“Our snowmaking team services the snow guns all spring and summer long so we are ready to make snow as soon as the temps allow,” Grubb said. “They really nailed it this year. Cold temps hit early, and the crew jumped on it.”
Unlike many resorts, Snowbowl doesn’t set its closing date ahead of time. The mountain stays open as long as conditions allow and this year, it was able to extend its season four times. The last extension announced this week pushed Snowbowl’s 2024/26 season to 185 days.
Snowbowl Summer & Next Season’s Passes
From May 23 to 26 and May 31 to June 1, the mountain is offering scenic gondola rides for just $30. The Snowbowl gondola is the highest lift-serviced point in Arizona. It offers views of Coconino National Forest, the San Francisco Peaks, and the Grand Canyon.
Over the closing weekend (Saturday, May 31, and Sunday, June 1), guests can also enjoy summer activities at the base. There will be a Bungee Trampoline, Tubing Hill, Climbing Wall, and more.
“Closing day at Snowbowl is incredible; it’s a wonderful mix of winter and summer on the same mountain,” Grubb described. “We’ll have live music, food, and drinks. The Agassiz Lodge Restaurant & 9500′ Bar, next to the Arizona Gondola, will be open. It has a slope-side patio to soak in the sun and views of the surrounding mountains.”
If you’re already looking toward next season, you can purchase 2026/27 season tickets on Snowbowl’s website. Youth passes start at $549, and adult Power Passes are $849. With it, you get unlimited skiing at Purgatory, Snowbowl, Brian Head, Sandia Peak, Sipapu, Pajarito, Nordic Valley, Lee Canyon, and Willamette Pass. It also grants unlimited uplift access for year-round biking at Spider Mountain Bike Park through April 30, 2026.
If you’re 12 or under, Arizona Snowbowl’s Power Kids Pass is the only pass in North America that offers free unlimited skiing with no blackout dates. It only requires registration on the website.
“We want to thank everyone who made this a historic season,” Grubb said. “We’re extremely grateful for our dedicated employees who keep the season going, our passholders, and the skiers and snowboarders who love the sport as much as we do.”
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