At Arizona Snowbowl, preparing for winter doesn’t begin with the season’s first snowfall—it starts months earlier.
Each summer, teams across the mountain work on projects that strengthen the guest experience while supporting the long-term health of the landscape we call home. From long-term forest stewardship to enhancements that support guests on the slopes, these investments reflect our commitment to both the landscape and the experience it provides.
Here’s a look at what we’re investing in ahead of the 2026/27 season.
Supporting a Healthier, More Resilient Forest
One of this summer’s most significant projects continues an ongoing commitment to forest health and wildfire resilience throughout the ski area.
Forest health work has been underway for approximately five years and has accelerated over the past two. The effort also builds upon restoration work that followed a major windstorm in the early 1990s, which left portions of the mountain with significant dead and downed timber.
This summer, approximately 92 acres have been treated as part of the project, bringing the over total to roughly 175 acres over the years—with some areas receiving multiple treatments as stewardship efforts continue.
The objective isn’t a specific acreage target—it’s a healthier forest. By reducing accumulated fuels and improving overall forest conditions, this ongoing work helps create a landscape that is more resilient to wildfire while supporting the long-term stewardship of the mountain.
As a secondary benefit, these thoughtful treatments also create more open tree skiing in select areas, enhancing the on-mountain experience while preserving the natural character of the terrain.
This work represents an investment of approximately $150,000 this year alone and more than $350,000 over the life of the project. As an ongoing commitment, forest health will continue to be an important part of Snowbowl’s long-term investment in the mountain.
Continued Snowmaking Upgrades
Reliable snow conditions begin long before winter arrives.
This summer, Snowbowl is installing four additional tower snow guns to further strengthen its snowmaking system. These upgrades will improve snow coverage on key beginner and lower-elevation terrain, helping support early-season operations, longer seasons, and more consistent conditions throughout the winter.
Snowmaking enhancements have played a key role in recent milestone seasons, including Snowbowl’s earliest opening on record and skiing and riding well into June during the 2024/25 season.
Improving the Beginner Experience
Learning to ski or snowboard should be as enjoyable as the sport itself.
A new 150-foot surface conveyor lift—the longest at Arizona Snowbowl—is being added to the beginner learning area alongside the existing Big Spruce and Little Spruce lifts. The new conveyor creates a smoother, more accessible learning environment for first-time skiers, snowboarders, and lesson participants.
By continuing to enhance beginner terrain, Snowbowl is helping make mountain sports more approachable for guests of all ages and abilities.
Investing in Every Season
These projects are part of Snowbowl’s continued commitment to reinvesting in the mountain and improving the guest experience year after year.
Recent investments—including the Arizona Gondola, Aspen Lift, upgraded snowmaking infrastructure, Fort Valley Lodge reopening, Agassiz Lodge renovations, and new RFID technology—reflect a long-term vision for the future of the resort.
Every investment is made with the same goal in mind: creating an exceptional mountain experience while responsibly stewarding the landscape that makes Arizona Snowbowl unique.
As winter draws closer, we’re excited to welcome guests back to experience everything the 2026/27 season has to offer.
The best way to enjoy every enhancement on the mountain is with a 2026/27 Season Pass. Purchase yours today and be ready for opening day.
