Flagstaff, Ariz. -- Resort officials announced that unseasonably warm weather has delayed the opening date for Arizona Snowbowl, originally scheduled for Friday, November 10, which would have been the earliest opening day on record. Snowbowl officials announced it is targeting Friday, Nov. 17 as its opening day.
Warm, sunny days and nighttime temperatures above freezing have made it difficult for crews to make snow on opening trails. Snowbowl crews continue to monitor temperatures and plan to make snow as soon as conditions allow.
“As nightly temperatures have remained above freezing, our snowmaking crews have had difficulty in producing enough snow to open, and we have made the decision to delay our November 10th opening,” stated J.R. Murray, general manager of Arizona Snowbowl. “We’ll continue to make snow as weather permits and prepare the mountain for opening day, which is now scheduled for Nov. 17. If we are not able to open on Nov. 17, Snowbowl will open as soon as possible.”
Last winter, Snowbowl opened November 19, which was the earliest opening since 1979, and was able to extend its season through May 7, for the longest season on record with a total of 328 inches of snow - the most snowfall in the past 12 years.
“Arizona Snowbowl is dedicated to delivering a quality early season experience to our guests,” stated Murray. “We’re excited to kick off our 80th winter season. It’s still early-November and ski season should last into April, or even May similar to last year.”