Arizona Snowbowl Kicks Off Season a Day Early After Massive Storm

The phrase "Arizona powder day" doesn't often come up in mid-November, yet here we are. A powerful, early-season storm blanketed Arizona Snowbowl with a whopping 37 inches of fresh snow over a few days, compelling the resort to make a dramatic, last-minute decision: open the lifts a full day ahead of schedule!

On Thursday, November 20, 2025, Snowbowl staff announced the incredible news. The mountain was simply too good to wait for the planned Friday opening. Consequently, the first turns of the 2025-26 season dropped at noon that day. This spontaneous launch provided an unexpected mid-week powder fix for skiers and riders.

This surprise opening in Flagstaff is a welcome dose of stoke for the whole Western ski community. In fact, Arizona Snowbowl is currently among the western mountains leading the charge this season. By contrast, as of November 20, a number of Utah and California resorts have been forced to delay their official opening dates due to the mild temperatures and lack of snow.

The resort's marketing manager, Angie Grubb, stated that the storm "delivered a phenomenal jumpstart to our season". Ultimately, this early snowfall provides "incredible momentum heading into winter" for a mountain already known for its "long, reliable seasons".

Related: Arizona Snowbowl Picks November 21 for Opening Day

Thanks to the impressive snow totals—which brought the base depth to 37 inches—the initial bonus day on November 20 ran until 4 p.m.. The Arizona Gondola provided access to advanced terrain only. Specific trails included Spur Catwalk, Lower Bowl, Log Jam, Wild Turkey, and Round Up.

The resort has cautioned visitors that early-season conditions still exist. Therefore, riders should definitely be aware of the hazards and ski smart. The conditions for the official opening on Friday, November 21, have improved even more, with another 10 inches falling in the 24 hours leading up to the scheduled day. Furthermore, the Grand Canyon Express is now spinning, servicing intermediate and advanced terrain.

Arizona Snowbowl was sticking with its planned celebratory opening day today Friday, November 21, starting at 9 a.m..

Early birds arrived at Agassiz Lodge for complimentary hot cocoa, coffee, and donuts. Plus, the first 100 people in the Arizona Gondola line even scored a custom 25/26 Opening Day neck gaiter. Live music from DJ FRSH will keep the energy high throughout the day as the season truly begins.

This season kickoff is even more exciting when considering Snowbowl’s recent investments. They’ve committed nearly $1.5 million in capital improvements, specifically focusing on snowmaking and forest health. Importantly, upgrades near the Humphreys Chairlift will allow beginner and intermediate terrain to open earlier in the season.

Go get after those early season turns, and let's keep the stoke rolling all winter long.