March is known for delivering deep snowfall at Arizona Snowbowl, and this season is no exception! As we continue through one of the snowiest months of the year, there’s really no better time to hit the slopes. While much of the country enjoyed a solid winter, the Southwest wasn’t so lucky.
Arizona Snowbowl Ski Area
Most storms stuck to a more northerly track, leaving spots like Arizona high and dry-until March brought a bit of relief. While Tahoe’s long held the moniker for Miracle March, this year it might just belong to Arizona Snowbowl. March hit hard-with 27 inches in just 24 hours on March 8th! And by mid-month? They were already buried under more than 100 inches of new snow.
Snowfall Trends and Data
Let's delve into the historical snowfall data and trends at Arizona Snowbowl, particularly focusing on the Christmas season.
Latest Snowfall Data
Live Snow: The latest snowfall data from weather stations, usually updated hourly.
Read also: Guide to Arizona Snowbowl
- 62" From Oct 1 2025 to Dec 28 2025
This Season Snowfall number should not be quoted by resorts or the media or used for official climate statistics. This number is calculated from resort reported snowfall (where available) and OpenSnow estimated snowfall, and may be adjusted to match official data. While we believe that this number reasonably approximates the seasonal snowfall, in most cases OpenSnow does not verify this data.
Seasonal Snowpack Trend
Depth of snow compared to the average, highest, and lowest in recorded history (usually 20-40 years).
- Base Depth vs Average
Depth of snow compared to the average snow depth for that day.
- Base Depth Monthly Change
Depth of snow by month. Positive indicates above-average snowfall. Calculated from 4 SNOTEL sites within 20 miles of Arizona Snowbowl at an average elevation of 7,903 ft (not from official resort measurements). We use weather stations because they update automatically and provide consistent measurements over many decades.
- 36% Area Open
- 22 of 61 Trails Open
- 4 of 8 Lifts Open
The forecast for today is calling for mostly cloudy skies with snow showers likely and a high temperature near 29 degrees.
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Impact of Recent Weather Conditions
Unfortunately, over the past several days, rain combined with marginal temperatures has significantly affected the snow base in our lower-elevation beginner terrain. Because of these circumstances, our teams have made the difficult decision to close the following lifts until further notice: Hart Prairie Chairlift, Aspen Chairlift, Humphrey’s Chairlift, Big Spruce Conveyor. Our snowmaking team is working around the clock to rebuild coverage and strengthen the snow base.
Подготовка к катанию в горах: немного советов
Early Season Snowfall Considerations
Finding good snow early in the season is often a game of chance. But there are mountains and regions that historically perform better than others. We take these factors into account when grading out our scores for resorts and the given season. That said, it's almost always a better bet, in terms of snow and open terrain, to ski in January or Feburary compared with December. But skiing during the December holidays is a great tradition and it's also one of the only times many families can get away for extended periods.
Those skiing December should look for ski resorts with high average annual snowfalls and low standard deviations. In addition, steep and rocky ski resorts need more snow to get terrain open compared with ski resorts with more modest terrain. This is also the time of year when slope aspects-north, east, south, west-matter the least. The sun is at it lowest angles in North America in December and has less effect on the snowpack at this time of year than at any other. So ski resorts that possess lots of south-facing and east-facing terrain will generally ski better-assuming there is enough snow-during these darkest times of winter rather than the spring.
Flagstaff First Snow Averages
FLAGSTAFF, AZ (AZFamily) - There may be a little snow on the way to the high country later this week into the weekend! While it does not look like we will get big accumulations, we are getting into the time of year when we start to see the first snowflakes fall.
In Flagstaff, the average date of the first 1 inch of snow depends on how far back we want to go in history. Since 1898, the average date of the first 1 inch of snow is Nov. 20. However, notice that the average date is Nov. 30 if we only go back to 2000.
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Flagstaff First Snow Averages(3TV/CBS 5)
Last year was not a great year for snowfall, but the snow did start early! The first 1 inch of snowfall greeted Flagstaff on Nov. 7.
Last Year First Flagstaff Snow(3TV/CBS 5)
As we know, snowfall amounts can differ widely between Flagstaff and the higher elevations of Arizona Snowbowl. Around 28 inches of snow fell during that early November storm. The combination of the snow dump and the cold temperatures allowed Snowbowl to open on Nov. 8, the earliest the resort has ever opened.
Historical Snowfall Data
Let's look at the snowfall data from previous years to get a sense of snow conditions at Arizona Snowbowl.
According to OnTheSnow, Snowbowl topped the charts with the highest 24-hour snowfall, receiving an impressive 27 inches on March 8, 2025, bringing our 48-hour storm total up to 39 inches .
For chionophiles (aka snow lovers), April 1st is the go-to benchmark-it’s typically when snowpack hits its seasonal peak. But this year, the area around Arizona Snowbowl clocked in at just 57% of normal based on SWE (snow water equivalent). Even though it calls sunny Arizona home, Snowbowl is proudly flying the late-season flag for the Southwest. Last year’s epic winter had them spinning lifts into June!
The day after the storm rolled through Arizona Snowbowl on April 18th - Image appears courtesy: Arizona Snowbowl
This latest storm delivered more than just fresh powder - it brought some of the best snowfall totals of the season! 24-hour snowfall record, serving up a rare dose of April powder turns and a bonus weekend in May!