IN-SEASON UPHILL ACCESS AND UPDATES

FLAGSTAFF UPHILL
GUIDE

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL UPHILL POLICY

Uphill Access Policy

You are required to have an Uphill Access Permit on you 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 during business hours.

Arizona Snowbowl operates under a special use permit from the Coconino National Forest. We enhance the use of your public land. Please keep in mind that uphill travel is a privilege and not a right on USFS permitted land by providing access to the Peaks, plowing the roads, sharing our parking lots, and supporting Flagstaff 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., 7 days a week.  

Uphill travel is closed during ski area operational hours:  8 a.m. - 5 p.m.

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.

• 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, 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, so be aware that you assume all risk of injury and property damage.

• You are responsible for your own safety at all time while on 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 on the Kachina Peaks is allowed within all of the United States Forest Service land surrounding the ski area by accessing either the Humphreys Trail or Kachina Trail. It is up to winter back country travelers to be well versed in the inherent risks of skiing or hiking in potentially hazardous areas. In combination with acquiring the free mandatory backcountry permit from the USFS, backcountry users should seek out proper training to mitigate risks associated with winter back country travel. These include but not limited to avalanche training and rescue, and advanced first aid/CPR.

Attention Flagstaff Uphillers!

VOLUNTEER TO HELP MANAGE OUR UPHILL EXPERIENCE