We are finally just weeks away from the season opener for skiing here in Flagstaff, and we could not be more excited. While Flagstaff may be best known as a college town (it’s home to Northern Arizona University), many Arizona residents know it is also the top destination for all winter sports. Of course, when you head up to Flagstaff, you will want to know all there is about finding the best powder for your skiing adventure. Here is where you can find the best powder during Flagstaff ski season and other important details:

Arizona Snowbowl

When it comes to finding the best spot in Flagstaff for skiing there is only one destination you need: Arizona Snowbowl. This is Flagstaff’s only ski mountain here in the area and is well worth the effort to make it here. Arizona Snowbowl is located just north of Flagstaff and is easy to get to by just taking the US 180 out of the city. The drive is short, and you will find it easy to find the turn-off point to the mountain. At the base of the mountain you will find it to be an additional few miles up to reach the lifts. Arizona Snowbowl is an incredible space with elevation ranges from 9,200 to 11,500 feet. This allows the slopes over the resort to feature variety so everyone in the family can have a little fun.

Slopes to Run

Another aspect to consider when planning for your skiing experience is the volume of traffic on the slopes that day. Arizona Snowbowl has a variety of slopes to choose from, including beginner bunny hills, intermediate blue hills, and the black diamonds that are ideal for experienced skiers. Depending on the time of day or time of year you visit you may find that some slopes are more popular than others. A great way to find the best powder is by sticking to slopes that currently have less skiers on it. This may be difficult to gauge by eyesight alone so simply ask someone at Arizona Snowbowl to get a better idea!

Best Time to Ski

Of course, there is always a best time to ski during the year that will provide the best powder for the slopes. Arizona Snowbowl will see consistent snowfall over the winter season bringing in fresh powder each month. The best time of year to visit Arizona Snowbowl for the best powder is over the months of January, February, and early March. These months provide the most snowfall and allow the mountain to feature the most authentic winter experience. The high elevation of Flagstaff and Arizona Snowbowl is what brings the colder temps and additional snowfall to the area. However, Flagstaff is still in Arizona and heats up over the summer more than other traditional ski resorts.

To make up for the higher temps over the year that may impact season opening and closing dates, Arizona Snowbowl will create their own snow for the slopes. This allows the resort to control when the slopes are open just in case snowfall does not start as early as it can. Fortunately, the 2024 season is already off to a great start and is open as of November 9^th! That’s right, you can already hit the slopes over at Snowbowl for some late fall fun. Not many ski resorts can say they open this early on with enjoyable powder covering the slopes.

Be Prepared for The Slopes

Having fresh and great powder is ideal for any skiing story but you will also want to make sure you are prepared as well. If you show up in incorrect or damaged gear the fresh powder may not make a difference for you. Instead, check out the rental shop located on Arizona Snowbowl to get the gear you need for another successful experience. Their gear shop is found at the resort where you can purchase your ski lift ticket. The shop will assist you in finding the correct size for the gear. You can reserve everything for the day making it a quick and easy check in check out process during your visit. You can also browse purchasable gear as well with brand new equipment from the top brands. Make sure you are fitted with the proper gear to make your ski trips one to remember.

Get Ready for Your Ski Journey to Flagstaff

That’s right, the ski season is already in full swing up here in Flagstaff. You can plan ahead for your winter journey by reserving one of our vacation rentals here in the area. Expect to find comfortable homes with luxury features. Many of our properties can also be found close by Arizona Snowbowl making the slopes easier to get to than ever.

The summer season is always one of our favorite times of year to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful weather here in Flagstaff. Come join us for another exciting summer season by visiting Flagstaff for the upcoming 4^th of July celebration. Our nation’s founding is one of the best reasons to see a new location such as Flagstaff for your summer travels. You will find some 4^th of July events and activities along with exciting summer activities during your stay. Here are some of our favorite ways to celebrate the 4^th of July in Flagstaff this year:
 

Lights on the Lawn

Flagstaff is home to the annual Lights on the Lawn. This is a multiday event that takes place at Continental Country Club here in Flagstaff. Guests will be able to enjoy a variety of hot food and cold drinks to bring in their summer season. A food court with some incredible food vendors will be on hand to dish out the tasty eats. A beer garden is the perfect spot for adults to enjoy a pint of their favorite Flagstaff beer to cool off. Additional activities include an exciting youth activity area, live music and entertainment, and lawn games that include corn hole, volleyball, and frisbee. The name Lights on the Lawn comes from the closing ceremony of the 4^th of July fireworks display that will look a little different this year.
 

4^th of July Laser Lightshow

Most cities across the country celebrate the end of the 4^th of July with a dazzling display of fireworks in the night sky. This has been the tradition for generations and continues to be one in most parts of the country. Flagstaff, however, will be making the shift this year from traditional fireworks to an incredible laser light show. The shift is primarily due to the extreme fire risk that Northern Arizona has seen over the past few years with hot and dry conditions. In order to protect our beautiful environment, a laser light show will be put on to continue this tradition in a new way. This year’s exclusive laser light show will start just after sunset at approximately 8:30 – 9:00 PM. Since laser light shows are only visible from up to 500 feet away, you will want to be onsite at the event, located at Fort Tuthill Park. Make sure to arrive at least an hour early and have a lawn chair and blanket on hand to be comfortable.
 

4^th of July Parade

One activity that will not change this year is the annual 4^th of July Parade taking place in Flagstaff. This annual event sees local businesses get together for lively and patriotic parade floats and costumes that are taken around Historic Downtown Flagstaff. The route will start at Elm & Beaver before heading south and making its way down San Francisco back north again. The 4^th of July Parade will take place on July 4^th from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Make sure to grab a spot along the route early so you can have plenty of room to see!
 

Check Out Lowell Observatory

Flagstaff is one of the few Dark Sky Communities here in the Southwest. The term comes from Flagstaff’s dark sky ordinance that restricts the amount of light for outdoor installations. You will find the night sky in Flagstaff to be pitch black, allowing for some of the best stargazing opportunities. Head over to Lowell Observatory to do just that. Their observatory has a nighttime telescope to help you see into the starry sky. Reaching the observatory is a short two-minute drive from Historic Downtown Flagstaff. There are daytime hours too where you can enjoy educational programming. Check out their schedule to see the highlight of their stargazing evening that will always focus on a new constellation or sight in the sky.
 

Explore Historic Downtown Flagstaff

You will have noticed that Historic Downtown Flagstaff is the center of the area. Make sure to spend some time exploring this historic neighborhood that is filled with a variety of shops, restaurants, and galleries. Local breweries such as Dar Sky Brewing and Mother Road Brewing are great for craft beer lovers. Dine at Tinderbox Kitchen or Shift Kitchen & Bar for some tasty food. West of the Moon Gallery and Bruce Aiken Fine Art showcase some incredible displays of art by local and national artists. There is plenty to see and do here in Historic Downtown Flagstaff.
 

Get Ready for your Own Flagstaff Adventure

There is no time like the present to start planning ahead for your patriotic celebration here in Flagstaff. Make sure to reserve one of our vacation rentals today to find the best one for you and your family. You will not find a finer selection of homes than ours!

It has been an especially cold winter in Flagstaff this year, and we sure are ready for spring to get here. The spring season is a great time to visit Flagstaff to enjoy some unique activities while getting to explore the outdoors. One great holiday to use as a vacation getaway to Flagstaff is Easter. Many families celebrate Easter together, making it the perfect holiday for a family vacation. Flagstaff has many different Easter and spring activities scheduled this year to make the most of your trip. Here are some reasons you do not want to miss out on Easter in Flagstaff this year:
 

Easter Egg Hunts

One of the most important parts of any Easter holiday for children is always going to the Easter egg hunt. This activity lets children explore until their heart is content for lovely painted eggs or plastic eggs filled with delicious candy. Easter egg hunts have been a timeless tradition and continue up here in Flagstaff. Many local organizations put on Easter egg hunts in April that are typically free. The first is Downtown Flagstaff’s very own Easter egg hunt. Your children will be exploring the beautiful visitor areas around local businesses. Participate in the egg hunt and then find somewhere for your Easter brunch afterward. Or stop by The Peaks, a local senior living community, that also puts on its annual Easter egg hunt for families to enjoy. 2023 Easter egg hunt details will be made available soon so make sure to explore these local businesses for the full information when available!
 

Easter Brunch

While children love the Easter egg hunts adults often look forward to Easter brunch. This meal is often a combination of delicious food (and possibly a buffet) along with tasty drinks. Easter brunch is a tradition in most cities and continues that here in Flagstaff. Local favorite restaurant Oakmont typically features an Easter brunch that pairs incredible New American cuisine with handcrafted cocktails. During the week their menu typically features classic dishes such as charcuterie boards, burgers, chicken Sonoma, and various pasta dishes. But Easter brunch lets them provide a more traditional early morning menu that everyone is sure to love. Make sure to pair your meal with a cocktail such as a Bloody Mary or mimosa for the full experience. If you would like to enjoy brunch in a more casual setting Tourist Home will do the job. This New American restaurant is especially known for the baked goods and pastries that are sure to be a family favorite when you stop in. Their drinks are known to be some of the best in the city too. Easter brunch is always a busy time here in Flagstaff so make sure to place reservations in advance.

Another restaurant worth eating at this Easter is the Silver Pine Restaurant and Bar inside Little America. You can come here for Easter Brunch or for any other meal! You’ll love the biscuits and gravy or smoked salmon benedict paired with a morning mule or the house bloody Mary for breakfast and brunch, at lunch, you’ll want to start with the shrimp cocktail or the strawberry gorgonzola salad. Next for lunch, make sure you order the Caprese panini, Korean fried chicken sandwich, or fish and chips! For dinner, there is a wide selection of cocktails and wines available. For the main course, you can’t go wrong with the chicken piccata, Atlantic salmon, or filet mignon! Then end the night with a raspberry chocolate martini, an espresso, or some sweeter treats like chocolate cake or crème brulee. You’ll love having an Easter meal at Little America’s fantastic restaurant.
 

Spring Events

Your Easter getaway is also a great time to explore some of the spring events taking place around Flagstaff. First Fridays have returned in Flagstaff for this popular art walk. First Fridays are typically a monthly street party that takes place on the First Friday of every month. April’s First Friday will take place on Friday leading up to Easter letting you participate in one of Northern Arizona’s premier art events. From 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, many local businesses and art galleries will be open for special exhibits, live music, and plenty of exciting fun. The adults can enjoy many hot spots downtown after 9:00 PM for different drink specials.

April brings a lot of wind in Flagstaff, so it is great to know that Kite Day will be taking place on April 8^th right before Easter. This event will be taking place all across Flagstaff as locals fly their kites in the skies. The Flagstaff Visitor’s Center and many other retailers will have kites for sale so you too can participate in the fun. Gaze up in the sky as countless kites will be flown on this popular event.
 

Final Ride Down Snow Bowl

Flagstaff has gathered a ton of snow this winter season, making our local mountain, Snow Bowl, feature the best skiing conditions yet. This year’s closing date for Snow Bowl is not expected to take place until the first weekend of May. This means that you and your family will be able to enjoy one final ride down the mountain when visiting for Easter. Enjoy the bunny hills perfect for beginners or take on the black diamonds for those who are more experienced. Local shops offer all the rental gear you need so you can leave your gear at home.
 

Easter in Flagstaff

Make a new family tradition for Easter this year and come to Flagstaff. Our Flagstaff vacation rentals are sure to keep you comfortable throughout your stay. Simply book your favorite today and enjoy Easter in Flagstaff!