Arizona ski resorts are open. What to know before you go
Now that it’s winter, your heart may be craving a ski getaway. And like everything else during the pandemic, COVID-19 may have changed your plans from venturing out of state to looking for a place to ski closer to home.
You may also be wondering if skiing is a safe activity as cases of COVID-19 rise.
Arizona’s two big ski areas have opened for the 2021 season. Before you head out, know that the pandemic has changed everything including how you get into the park, what to expect crowdwise and what’s required when you hit the slopes.
We’ve examined the COVID-19 policies for Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff and Sunrise Park Resort on the Fort Apache Reservation in the White Mountains. Here’s what you can expect if you’re planning to ski this winter.
Where can I ski in Arizona?
Arizona has three ski resorts:
● Arizona Snowbowl, northwest of Flagstaff, is open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Sunrise Park Resort is near Greer
● in eastern Arizona. It’s also open 9 a.m.-4 p.m. daily.
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley near
● Tucson does not have enough snow for skiing at this time.
Are Arizona ski resorts limiting capacity?
Arizona Snowbowl and Sunrise Park Resort say they are capping admission based on the number of runs that are open. Though both parks have snowmaking ability, there has not been a lot of natural snow this winter and not all of the trails are open.
As of Jan. 7, Snowbowl had 21of its 48 trails open. No snow report was available from Sunrise Park.
Snowbowl said ticket holders and season passholders are being admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. When the resort reaches capacity, cars will have to wait at the bottom of Snowbowl Road and will only be permitted to drive up as other vehicles leave.
“Snowbowl manages its overall attendance levels on a daily basis according to open terrain, lifts weather and
other factors,” a Snowbowl spokesperson told The Republic by email. “Year over year, Snowbowl has reduced overall resort capacity on peak days and access to all lodges and indoor spaces are now being limited to allow for physical distancing.”
Sunrise Park’s website says, “We will be carefully managing the number of skiers and snowboarders able to enjoy the resort daily, based on the amount of terrain and lifts open to achieve physical distancing.”
Do I have to wear a mask?
Yes. Both resorts require you to wear a mask on the lift and while skiing. Consider getting a buff-style face covering that is comfortable and breathable.
Snowbowl’s website says, “Refusal to comply may result in loss of skiing and riding privileges for one or more days or the whole season.”
Is there room to socially distance?
Though Snowbowl says its ski patrol and lift operators are enforcing social distancing and mask wearing, some skiers at the park over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays reported crowding near the lifts and rental area.
Arizona Snowbowl told The Republic it “experienced high demand over Christmas and New Year’s, but there was a significant reduction in visitation compared to the same dates last year. On peak days, tickets were limited and sold out in order to better manage attendance.”
To avoid crowds, check the number of runs that are open and also consider going on off-peak days like during the week instead of weekends or holidays.
Can I buy a lift ticket at the gate?
Not this year. You’ll need to purchase your lift tickets, rentals and lessons in advance online.
● Snowbowl: store.snowbowl.ski.
● Sunrise Park: sunrisepark.connectintouch.com.
Which ski resort amenities are open?
Food and beverages: Both resorts are operating with reduced indoor capacity. At Arizona Snowbowl you can order food at snowbowl.ski/eat. Hart Prairie Lodge and Agassiz Lodge have food to go, and indoor dining is available at Hart Prairie Lodge and Fremont Restaurant.
Skier shuttle: The Snowbowl Mountain Express shuttle from downtown Flagstaff is running on weekends. Masks are required onboard. The first bus leaves the Downtown Connection Center at 7:30 a.m. and the bus runs every 20 minutes.
Per Snowbowl’s clude:
● Downtown Connection Center.
● Flagstaff High School Park-n-Ride.
● Pioneer Museum (no parking available).
● Hart Prairie Lodge.
Tubing and terrain parks: Sunrise Park will not open its tubing hill this season “as we cannot sanitize the tubes and slide.”
Arizona Snowbowl’s terrain park partially open.
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