Arizona’s two biggest ski mountains announce opening dates

Ready to hit the slopes but don’t want to travel out of state? Arizona’s two main ski areas — Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff and Sunrise Park Resort in the White Mountains — have announced opening dates for the 2021-22 season.

Arizona hasn’t had much of a winter yet, but both of these ski areas have snow-making capabilities.

Arizona Snowbowl

The ski area 14 miles northwest of Flagstaff will have a limited opening starting at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 24.

What will be open: Snowbowl, on the western slope of Humphreys Peak, has more than 55 runs. Due to the lack of snowfall, however, only expert trails will be available until further notice.

As of Wednesday, the Upper Ridge, Midway Catwalk, Logjam and Wild Turkey runs will be open. The Arizona Gondola will be the only lift open. It will run 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

A Snowbowl representative said in a press release that snowmaking is continuing in hopes of getting more terrain open. Check https://www.snowbowl.ski/snow-report for updates.

Lift tickets: Arizona Snowbowl ticket prices are based on date and demand. Check the calendar on the website for your desired dates. Season passes are available.

Gear rentals: Skis, snowboards and other gear must be reserved online. The rental shop will be open 8 a.m.-4:30 pm. Snowbowl also offers skiing and snowboarding lessons.

Details: https://www.snowbowl.ski.

Sunrise Park Resort

Sunrise Park Resort, on the Fort Apache Reservation in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, is tentatively set to open on Saturday, Dec. 3.

What will be open: “Sunrise’s opening date is dependent on temperatures remaining cold enough for snowmaking and we plan to open to midway of Sunrise Peak, along with the bunny hill, on opening day,” said Tyler Shultz, the resort’s marketing director. “Updates will be posted on our website https://www.sunrise.ski and social pages when we either confirm that date or have to adjust it.”

Lift tickets: Pricing varies by age, date and whether you want half- or fullday tickets. Check the calendar on the website.

Gear rentals: Sunrise Park Resort offers equipment rentals and lessons for skiing, snowboarding and ski biking. Reserve your gear online in advance.

https://www.sunrise.ski.