Is Snowbowl open in summer? Absolutely! Arizona’s most popular ski resort offers plenty to do in summertime. The mountain slopes, blanketed in white during winter months, transform into a sunny wonderland from late May to early September. In Flagstaff, that can mean traveling 15 miles north of town to Arizona Snowbowl, located on the majestic San Francisco Peaks.
Whether you’re chasing thrills, savoring mountaintop views, or simply enjoying a laid-back afternoon with lawn games and local bites, Snowbowl in the summer is a high-altitude haven for all kinds of adventurers. My husband and I found it to be a wonderful romantic retreat from the Phoenix heat. But just as easily, families with kids would love the bungee trampoline, snowless tubing, and fresh alpine air.
Here’s a list of fun things to do at Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort in summer:
- Scenic Gondola Rides
- Summer Tubing
- Mountain Hiking
- Bungee Trampoline
- Climbing Wall
- Lawn Games & More Fun
- Summer Après
- Sunset Gondola Rides
- Disc Golf
1. Scenic Gondola Rides
The Arizona Gondola whisks riders up to a breathtaking 11,500 feet on Agassiz Peak during a Scenic Gondola Ride at Snowbowl. The gondola lift is the only one in the state. It’s magical zipping up the ski slopes in the Arizona Gondola. The enclosed cabin is quiet as you whisk along between rows of towering spruce and fir trees. The best part is being at the highest lift-served point in Arizona. It’s quite a cheat to be this far up the mountain in what would take hours to hike.
Panoramic views stretch across the San Francisco Peaks and on a clear day, you can see the expansive Coconino National Forest, the red rocks of Sedona, and even the Grand Canyon‘s North Rim. Walk along designated summit areas to take in the truly stunning vistas. The perch of land at the top of the Scenic Gondola Ride is 856 feet below Agassiz Peak, Arizona’s second-highest summit at an elevation of 12,256 feet.
Read also: Historical Snowfall Data for Arizona Snowbowl
Also at the top, you can stop by the highest toilets in the state of Arizona for a quirky photo op and relief as needed. There’s a small hydration station with free cups of water, so be sure to drink up, as increased elevation can lead to dehydration and altitude sickness.
Drive as far up the mountain as you can, parking near Agassiz Base Area in Parking Lots 8, 7, 6, or 5. Keep in mind that temperatures drop about 15 to 20 degrees Fahrenheit (8.3°C to 11.1°C) from Flagstaff, so even on a warm day, dress in layers or bring a light jacket.
Rides run daily 10 am to 4 pm. Buy discounted tickets online in advance to secure your spot. However, keep in mind that tickets are non-refundable should the gondola be shut down on Red Flag Fire Days due to high winds, low humidity, and dry vegetation, which increase fire risk. Check with the National Weather Service the night prior to your gondola ride.
Take time to enjoy the natural beauty of San Francisco Peaks in summer glory with quaking aspens, ferns and dashes of wildflower color. I parked myself in an Adirondack chair, put my feet up on a low stone wall and took in the spectacular view. It had rained earlier in Flagstaff and the temperature on Agassiz was approaching 60 degrees on the July day when I visited, at least 25 degrees cooler than in town. Best to wear a hoodie or bring a jacket.
Snowbowl Scenic Gondola Ride - Flagstaff - Arizona - Ambient Sound
Read also: Guide to Arizona Snowbowl
2. Summer Tubing
Even without snow, you can still glide down the mountain on an inner tube on a special track for summer. Race travel partners on the dual-lane tubing slope. Pull your tubes up the moderately sized sliding hill. The Snowbowl Summer Tubing Hill might not look massive, but don’t let that fool you-it’s got just enough slope to give a nice little adrenaline rush. Turn them loose at Snowbowl for a handful of runs on a thrilling tubing slope.
3. Mountain Hiking
For desert dwellers like my husband, Phil, and me, hiking among leafy and needled trees at Snowbowl is exciting indeed. We love to escape the heat in the Valley of the Sun to soak up the cooler temps and lush greenery in Flagstaff each summer.
There are numerous hiking trails in and around Snowbowl as the resort is surrounded by wilderness on three sides. You can hike to Humphrey’s Peak or hike in and around the Kachina Peak Wilderness reserve. Snowbowl Ski Resort boasts 61 trails, but not all of these are accessible to hikers in summer. Even if you’re hearty hikers, don’t forget that the high altitude will take your breath away, especially if you’re visiting from a significantly lower elevation, such as Phoenix or Scottsdale.
Phil and I chose the Aspen Loop Trail, which takes about 45 minutes to 1.5 hours to complete, depending on how often you stop to take photos, rest, and soak in the views. We saw plenty of white-barked aspen trees, Ponderosa pines, fir trees, ferns, and wildflowers along the way, as well as many birds and yellow butterflies. It was a popular choice, and we passed other hikers, mountain bikers, and picnickers, but it wasn’t overly crowded.
Popular Snowbowl Hiking Trails
- Aspen Loop Trail
- Humphrey’s Peak Trail
- Kachina Peak Wilderness Trails
4. Bungee Trampoline
Located at the Agassiz Base Area, the Bungee Trampoline at Arizona Snowbowl is a high-flying favorite for kids and teens looking to bounce, flip, and soar with a little extra lift. How does a bungee trampoline sound? Exhilarating!
Read also: Your Guide to Snowbowl Board Rentals
Designed for ages 4 and up, this harnessed trampoline lets jumpers experience the thrill of weightlessness in a safe, controlled environment. Fun-loving adults, like my husband and me, are guaranteed giggles and a good time when they harness up, too!
5. Climbing Wall
Also part of the Agassiz Base Area, the Snowbowl Climbing Wall challenges guests to climb to new heights in the pretty mountain setting. Climbers use special harnesses and are supervised by trained staff for safety’s sake.
6. Lawn Games & More Fun
Lawn games add to the summer festivities at the Agassiz Base Area. At no extra charge, all ages can play giant checkers or Connect 4 and cornhole. There’s also a Treasure Panning trough designed for sifting to uncover hidden gems. Visitors can try their hand at treasure panning, corn hole.
7. Summer Après
One of the best parts of skiing or snowboarding is the après-ski, the convivial tradition of sharing drinks and a nosh after a day on the slopes. Grab a craft beer, wine, cocktail, or soda at 9500′ Bar while drinking up the alpine views from the Agassiz Deck and listening to local bands rock out. Lunch items for sale include sandwiches, wraps, salads, and simple snacks.
8. Sunset Gondola Rides
Board a Snowbowl Sunset Gondola Ride to soak up the best view in Flagstaff from 11,500 feet as the surrounding high desert landscape blushes with hues of orange and pink. Offered Friday and Saturday evenings from June through early October, start times vary by season. Pair it with a chef-crafted, Mexican-inspired dinner at Agassiz Lodge, served indoors or out on the deck. Picture eating elevated asada, al pastor, and enchiladas while surrounded by mountain beauty. Late in the day, visitors can take a Sunset Gondola Ride on Fridays and Saturdays and combine it with a dinner package if they wish.
9. Disc Golf
Arizona Snowbowl offers not one, but two disc golf courses for summer visitors. Both are free to play, but you’ll need to bring your own discs, as no equipment rentals are available. The main 18-hole mountain course begins just above Agassiz Lodge and winds through rugged alpine terrain with dramatic elevation changes and forested fairways. For a more accessible option, check out the short course located at Basecamp at Snowbowl. Not sure what disc golf is? Think of it as golf’s laid-back cousin where players throw specialized discs toward a metal basket in as few throws as possible. It’s like regular golf but instead of a ball and a nine iron you play with your hands and a Frisbee. The “golf” course is perfect for kids who get bored with regular, slow moving golf.
Additional Activities and Amenities
Ranger Program: While not as exciting as soaring over the mountain or playing a jarring round of disc golf, the Ranger Talks programs can be just as fun and are sure to be more educational if that’s your summer goal. During the event a Park Ranger talks about various wilderness areas and issues.
Peak Side Café: If all of these activities make your tummy rumble, then stop by the Peak Side Café located at the base of Snowbowl for some lunch, with an appetizing menu that doesn’t disappointment.
Where to Stay: Basecamp at Snowbowl
The Snowbowl-owned accommodations at the base of Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks originally opened in 1931 as crew housing for workers building the ski area. Over the decades, it evolved into a rustic lodge known as the Ski Lift Lodge, serving skiers, hikers, and other visitors to Flagstaff. The friendly Basecamp at Snowbowl includes 18 cozy cabins and 8 hotel-style rooms amid tall pines. The Clark Gable Historical Cabin is one of two specialty cabins. The Hollywood legend supposedly stayed here while filming The Painted Desert. It includes a full kitchen, king bed, and a futon in a separate living area. The King Room (where we stayed) offers a king-sized bed, a mini fridge, and a microwave.
The on-site Basecamp Restaurant serves up an affable vibe and comforting mountain cuisine. Think chicken wings, chili, sandwiches, salads, and shared nacho or taco platters. Wash it down with reasonably priced cocktails, seltzers, draft brews, and soft drinks. Live music on Friday and Saturday nights adds to the lively spirit. Look for a stack of board games from Candyland to Chinese Checkers, too. Outside there are lawn games like horseshoes, Giant Jenga, and cornhole.
Helpful Information for Your Visit
Summer at Snowbowl offers fun for everyone to enjoy & we’ve put together some helpful information to ensure you have the best day ever up on the mountain!
Scenic Gondola tickets start as low as $19 online & you’ll score a great deal plus save time when you purchase yours in advance prior to your arrival!
Find a parking spot in one of the upper lots (5-8) and then start heading towards the lodge. Having issues accessing your tickets? Still have questions? We’re here to help!
Explore Beyond Snowbowl
Of course, you’ll want to explore Northern Arizona’s charming biggest city during your Snowbowl getaway. Famous for its beautiful red rocks and mysterious energy vortexes, Sedona is just 29 miles (47 km) from Flagstaff.
Looking for more off-season mountain resort play? Not surprisingly, North America’s largest ski resort offers plenty of summertime fun, like zip-lining and paddleboarding.