FLAGSTAFF UPHILL
1/10/25
Dear Uphill Enthusiasts,
Uphill Travel is scheduled to open Monday, January 13th, with a NEW ROUTE (see map below)!
Reflective armbands are available from Guest Services, Hart Prairie Lodge, from 8 am - 5 pm daily. Sign up on the link below.
The revised uphill route will ascend directly up Northstar run and continue up Ridge side, Rattlesnake and Stump Patch, and end on the flat area below 'Waterfall' (the steepest section of Lower Ridge).
This route is an attempt to provide Uphill access with the current terrain available. DO NOT travel above the designated end of this revised route, as winch cats operate daily on the steeper portions of Ridge.
Winch cat information from Stowe, VT, and Powder Magazine:
“Winch cats are extremely dangerous because their cable is under incredibly high tension. If that thing were to break in your vicinity, it would kill you in a second. It’s also a horrible clothesline injury waiting to happen,” Stowe Mountain Rescue wrote in its Dec. 4 warning. “Think about it: The resort saw uphill skiers in their winch cat grooming area and their response was to shut down the whole operation – THAT’S how dangerous it is.”
Powder Magazine: "Ski Area Calls Out Uphill Skier...": https://www.powder.com/news/uphill-skier-called-out
The Bowl side route, Wild Turkey/Logjam remains closed as Mountain Operations continues to expand terrain with snowmaking equipment, snowcats and snowmobiles.
Access to the adjacent Kachina Peaks Wilderness, Humphreys Peak trail, Kachina trail and Aspen Loop hiking trail is available from the lower parking lots below the Snowbowl gate.
Think snow!
5 - 8 AM/PM WEEKDAYS
4:30 - 7:30 A.M.; 5 - 8 P.M. WEEKENDS
ARIZONA SNOWBOWL UPHILL POLICY
Uphill Access Policy
You are required to have an Uphill Access Armband while traveling during uphill access hours. Fill out the permit form here, and pick up your armband at Guest Services in the Hart Prairie Lodge from 1-4 pm.
Arizona Snowbowl operates under a special use permit from the Coconino National Forest.
Please keep in mind that uphill travel is a privilege and not a right on USFS permitted land. Arizona Snowbowl provides access to the Peaks by plowing Snowbowl Road, parking lots, and supporting Flagstaff's culture of outdoor recreation.
Regular Uphill Access Hours:
Uphill travel hours are:
5:00 a.m. - 8:00 a.m. (uphill travelers must be off ski slopes by 8:00 a.m.); and 5 p.m. - 8 p.m., weekdays; and
4:30 - 7:30 a.m.; 5 - 8 p.m. Weekends.
Parking for uphill travel is restricted to the lots below the Snowbowl gate, specifically Lot 2 where the Uphill kiosk is located. The Snowbowl gate is locked daily at 6:30 pm and any vehicle left above the gate will be towed.
.
Uphill travel is closed during ski area operational hours: 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekdays, and 7:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. weekends.
Arizona Snowbowl Uphill Access: Uphill access by means of skinning, snowshoeing and hiking continues to gain popularity at Arizona Snowbowl. Arizona Snowbowl and the Coconino National Forest acknowledge the enjoyment of uphill use within the ski area boundary. We welcome and support individuals seeking to exercise and enjoy the quiet mountain setting. Mountain users can help preserve this opportunity by following these simple guidelines:
-
Under the Arizona Skier Safety Act any person using any of the facilities of a ski area is considered a skier, and as such is required to adhere to, and obey all posted information, and to be aware of trail closures and other operational considerations. The ski area is not maintained for uphill access, and trails are not patrolled outside normal ski area operating hours, therefore emergency services may not be available. Call 911 for rescue or medical assistance.
-
Be especially aware of and avoid inherent risks including other skiers and riders approaching from above or below when on-mountain, terrain variation, changing weather conditions, avalanche hazards, snowmobiles, snowcats, winch cat cables, snowmaking hoses, and other equipment may be encountered at any time. This is a partial list. Be safety conscious.
-
There are other inherent risks while recreating at the ski area and participants assume all risk of injury and property damage.
-
You are responsible for your own safety at all times while within the Arizona Snowbowl permitted area. Use the buddy system and always go with a friend!
AZ UPHILL ACCESS
RESPECT
Arizona Snowbowl operates under a special use permit from the Coconino National Forest. Arizona Snowbowl enhances the use of your public lands by offering easy access to the Peaks, plowing Snowbowl road, use of the parking lots, supporting Flagstaff's unique community culture and outdoor recreation opportunities. Please keep in mind that uphill travel access is a privilege, not a right, on USFS permitted land.
PRESERVE
To continue a positive relationship with both Arizona Snowbowl and the USFS, safety protocols must be observed. It is crucial for the public to adhere to designated uphill travel policies to reduce risk to mountain staff and public.
ENJOY
Skiing on the Kachina Peaks is an awe inspiring and fulfilling activity. To ascend a mountain and travel down it is an excellent form of exercise, leisure, and motivation. However, to enjoy this activity within ski area boundaries, rules set in place to protect public safety must be followed.
TOURING ALTERNATIVES
Uphill travel in the Kachina Peaks Wilderness is always open by accessing either the Humphreys Trail or Kachina Trail. DO NOT re-enter the ski area in any avalanche terrain, such as the Upper Bowl.
Winter back country travelers are advised to be well versed in the inherent risks of skiing or hiking in potentially hazardous areas, including active avalanche terrain.
Visit www.kachinapeaks.org for avalanche education and backcountry conditions.
Permanent Closures
Areas outside of the designated uphill and downhill routes are closed. Including the Upper bowl, and all terrain parks.
By clicking on the link below, uphill travelers are able to fill out information to obtain the required reflective armband from Arizona Snowbowls Guest Services. By filling out this information and wearing the armband, it states that the uphill traveler has read, understood, and accepted the Arizona Snowbowl Uphill Access Rules of Use.
