When you think of Arizona, chances are you don’t think of snow. In fact, chances are you probably didn’t even realize that one of the oldest continually run ski resorts in the entire US is found in Arizona. AZ Snowbowl opened in 1938 and has been a favorite winter destination ever since!
Disclosure: We received complimentary lift tickets in exchange for our honest review. All opinions are our own.
5 Tips For Visiting AZ Snowbowl with Kids
Table of Contents
- Tip 1: The best place to go for beginners
- Tip 2: How to make the most of your day with all ages
- Tip 3: The best places take a break and eat
- Tip 4: How to get the best deals
- Tip 5: Discover more than just skiing
One of the many things we love about living in Phoenix is that we can enjoy the endless sunshine, but also drive only a few hours to experience a winter wonderland.
Our favorite thing to do in the winter is head north on I-17 and watch as the saguaro cactus slowly give way to the towering Ponderosa pines dusted in snow.
At nearly 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff is a winter haven and home to Arizona’s premier ski resort, AZ Snowbowl. We have been taking our kids to AZ Snowbowl for years, it is one of our favorite resorts for families.
Here are some tips we’ve learned over the years, and reasons why we love visiting AZ Snowbowl with kids.
(And while you’re in the area, be sure to check out our 24 hours in Sedona guide as well!)
Tip 1: The best place to go for beginners
We have spent many years on the bunny slopes at various resorts and AZ Snowbowl by far has the best terrain for beginners.
For really young kids or first-time learners, take the two-person Aspen Lift to a small bunny hill. There are also two short conveyor belts at the base of Hart Prairie.
However, what we love about AZ Snowbowl for kids is the expansive Hart Prairie meadow. Located adjacent to the Aspen Bunny Hill, you’ll find 50 acres of wide-open beginner terrain.
The downside of bunny hills is that with such a short run, the majority of the time is spent taking bindings off and on.
However, the four-person Hart Prairie lift takes you to the top of a gently sloping hill about twice as long as the Aspen run but still great for beginners.
This means you’ll spend more time on the snow and less time with bindings.
The course is so wide that it never feels too crowded, even on a busy day.
The Lodge Run is a short connecting trail to the right of the lift. The scenic stretch is flanked with aspens and pines on either side.
AZ Snowbowl also offers a great perk where first-time visitors can receive a free lesson with the purchase of an all-day pass.
We have personally never used their ski school, but I have heard the instructors are fantastic. Lunch is also included with a lesson.
Tip 2: How to make the most of your day with all ages
As our kids get older we find that it is difficult to find activities that appeal to a wide range of ages.
Ever since our youngest took his first run on a snowboard a few years ago, it has been one of the few family outings that both the elementary school kids and the teenagers get excited about.
We love the set up at AZ Snowbowl, it makes it easy for everyone to stay connected. Just outside of the Hart Prairie Lodge, you’ll find the Sunset lift.
The Sunset Lift is a great option for families of different ages and skill levels. At the top you can choose to go down either the North Star or Southern Belle runs, both are rated blue intermediate.
However, the older kids will love going straight down and hitting the jumps and rails at the terrain park.
The Grand Canyon Express is located adjacent to the Sunset Lift. What makes this lift special is that it is the only high-speed six-person lift in Arizona.
This is the only place where our entire family can fit on one lift together. You know sentimental moms everywhere are giving a slow clap to that!
The Grand Canyon Express rises 1,500 feet in less than 6 minutes. Once you reach the top, you can divide and conquer according to everyone’s skill level.
The Grand Canyon Express gives access to both intermediate and advanced trails, as well as more advanced terrain parks.
Which translates to mom goes with the littles on the easy stuff and dad takes the teenagers to hit the hard stuff!
If your older kids are up to the challenge, be sure to take the Agassiz Lift to the highest point in Arizona at 11,500 feet.
On a clear day, the view extends for miles across Sedona’s red rock country all the way to the rim of the Grand Canyon.
With the largest vertical drop in Arizona at 2,300 feet, even your biggest adrenalin junkies are sure to get their fix!
Tip 3: The best places take a break and eat
The conveniently located Hart Prairie Lodge is the best place to take a break when your kids are getting tired, cold and hungry. Because chances are at some point your kids will get tired, cold and hungry!
With string lights draped across wooden beams and large picture windows overlooking the mountain, the lodge is a warm and welcoming space to rest.
The lodge provides ample seating and cafeteria-style service with grab-and-go lunch options like burgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, soup, and salad. Breakfast is also available and is made-to-order.
The food is pricey, but that is to be expected at a ski resort. The best tip for families is to pack your own food to save on cost. Although it’s worth the splurge for the perfectly seasoned and crispyfries!
On sunny days make your way to the oversized deck where you’ll find plenty of overflow seating.
The historic Agassiz Lodge is a little smaller but also serves hot breakfast and lunch.
You can also grab a taco at the 9’500 outdoor taco shack and soak in the views from the outdoor deck where live music is often played.
On the weekends, splurge for a Belgian waffle or hot chocolate from the green Trails End food truck located on the ground level outside the Hart Prairie Lodge.
However, the best place to warm up and rest will be in the cozy yurt just outside the north side of the lodge.
The small space is filled with tables and chairs, and the wood stove keeps it nice and toasty warm. It is also usually much less crowded than the lodge.
If you do pack your own lunch or snacks, this is the perfect place to warm up and refuel with the family.
Tip 4: How to get the best deals
Skiing and snowboarding can be an expensive hobby, especially for families. We love that AZ Snowbowl offers unbeatable deals that make it more affordable for families to spend a day on the slopes.
We love taking advantage of their World’s Best Spring Break special with discounted $29 lift tickets on select days.
What makes it even better is that the pass also includes a food voucher that can be used for lunch. You can also add on a rental or lesson for an additional $10.
I don’t know any other resort where you can get an all-day ski pass and lunch for only $29!
Kids 10 and under also receive a free Power Kids season pass that is good every day of the year. The pass is valid at 6 other resorts in Colorado and New Mexico as well.
During the week AZ Snowbowl also offers lodging specials where you can stay for free at the resort lodge or participating hotels in Flagstaff with the purchase of 2 full-day adult lift tickets.
The shuttle offers service between various locations in downtown Flagstaff to the Hart Prairie Lodge. Check the website for available dates.
If you do stay in Flagstaff, be sure to take advantage of the FREE Mountain Express shuttle. This is a convenient service if your car is not suitable for driving in snowy conditions, or if you don’t want to hassle with parking.
Other specials include a free lift ticket on your birthday and free ski days for the military. Don’t forget that a free lesson is also included for your first visit with the purchase of a full-price lift ticket.
Tip 5: Discover more than just skiing
With the help of state-of-the-art snowmaking machines, the ski season is guaranteed to last from mid-November through mid-April. However, the fun doesn’t end when the snow does! For details, be sure to check out our summer experience at AZ Snowbowl!
Other things to do at AZ Snowbowl:
- With a variety of summer activities, the beauty of AZ Snowbowl can be enjoyed even after the snow melts. The summer Skyride lift runs from Memorial Day to Labor Day. The half-hour ride will take you up to the highest peak. From there you can take in the sweeping views across to Sedona and even the Grand Canyon.
- A forest ranger is available at the top to answer questions about the unique geology of the area. If you are visiting on the weekends, be sure to catch the Ranger Talk. Presentations are held every Friday-Sunday from 10 am to 4 pm at the top of the Skyride.
- For a fun treat, pick up a pre-packed picnic basket at Agassiz Sport Shop before getting on the lift and enjoy a scenic picnic on the San Francisco Peaks!
- AZ Snowbowl also offers a variety of other summer activities such as: tubing, bungee trampoline, mini ropes course, treasure panning, and barrel rolling.
- There is always something fun going on at the mountain. Be sure to check the events calendar for upcoming events.
- There are also a few notable hiking trails nearby. The Aspen nature loop is a leisurely 1.5-mile trail that is radiant in the fall. The trail winds through meadows, Ponderosa pines and aspen groves decorated with shimmering golden leaves. The most densely populated aspen groves are found at the beginning and end of the trail. You can enjoy the peaceful serenity as this trail is less crowded than other fall foliage hikes around Flagstaff. The parking lot is found about 7 miles up Snowbowl Road on the left.
- The Veit Springs Trail is a 2.4-mile loop. The trailhead can be found about halfway up Snowbowl road. Look for the small parking lot on the right side of the road. The heavily wooded trail traverses through the largest stand of ponderosa pines in the world. Along the trail, you’ll also find an old historic homestead. The cabin was built in 1892 by Ludwig Veit, whom the trail was named after.
MORE POSTS YOU MIGHT LIKE:
- 10 Fun Things to Do in Flagstaff with Kids
- 7 Things to Do in Williams, AZ
- How to Spend One Day at the Grand Canyon
Map of AZ Snowbowl to help you plan your day:
I hope that these tips will help you make the most of your time at AZ Snowbowl with your family. We have made many unforgettable memories together on the slopes and wish the same for you too!
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This looks absolutely beautiful! Looks like so much fun! Have never heard of this place before, but now want to visit!
Thank you! The novelty of visiting snow here in Arizona never gets old! I hope you do get a chance to visit sometime!
What an amazing place and photos – I just love them
Thanks so much!
Hi Jamie,
My husband and I are planning a trip with my parents and our three littles (ages 4 1/2, 3, and 10 mos). Any suggestions on accommodations close to the slopes?
Thank you!
Hi Katherine,
The closest accommodations to Snowbowl is at the Ski Lift Lodge, they have cabins and motel-style rooms. If you are staying on a weekday you can receive free lodging with the purchase of 2 adult full-day ski passes. We always stay at the Spring Hill Suites in Flagstaff, the rooms have 2 queen beds and a sofa bed so that we can fit our family of 6. There is also a free shuttle bus that runs from downtown Flagstaff to the ski resort. I hope that helps! Enjoy your trip and let me know if you have anymore questions!
Do they charge to use the bunny hill? Ive been to ski spots that let you bunny hill for free and only charge for the lift. Also what is the pricing in general
Hi James! Yes, a lift ticket is required to access the bunny hill. It is quite a large area with an actual lift that takes you to the top of the hill. The ticket pricing varies depending on the day of the week, but I just checked the site and for the month of December tickets range between $39-$87. Hope that helps!