How late in the winter can one expect to be able to take snowboarding lessons around Flagstaff, AZ?
I live around Phoenix, AZ, and it's always been my dream to snowboard. I want to make sure to take one or more lessons this winter and to have a basic ability to snowboard before the winter's up. Flagstaff, AZ is a local place where one can snowboard nearby.
Realistically, is it safe to wait potentially until the end of March or April to do this? Is it safe even to wait until the end of February? There was at least one, reasonably established place up there that would probably be ideal for taking lessons, but they are slow on communicating with customers (email only basically), and they want reservations up-front. Other places in AZ will also be outside of the Phoenix metro.
Now, a lot of these sorts of places use artificial snow, but I was already turned down a couple of months ago by a place around Gatlinburg, TN, because a heat wave at that time was simply too much for it to work out, even given artificial snow. I'd definitely rush up to Flagstaff this weekend, but...I'm also very busy and have personal obligations that would have to get done in addition to this.
So that said - and because I have tried getting answers elsewhere, but haven't gotten anything conclusive - is it safe to wait to take snowboarding lessons around Flagstaff until potentially the end of March? What about the end of April? Or is it important to try to work these in by mid- or even late February, to be on the safe side?
Best Answer
According to this random website of historical data, the Ski Bowl has on average a 30" snow base in April. That is plenty of snow to ski/snowboard on. However I can't guarantee what lifts/trails will be open that late in the season, but if definitely won't be 100%. OTOH if you are just learning, then that won't really be much
As for your concerns about artificial snow, in general the ski bowl seems to also have a reasonable amount of snow fall. However the key thing to do is to keep a regular look out of the ski bowl snow report. Keep a close eye on when snow is predicted and plan your trip accordingly. However in general I don't think you will have an issue at the skill level you are attempting.
D'oh, the ski bowl snow report doesn't give predictions (like my local mountain does). So here is 2 other websites that do give predictions on when it is going to snow: Site #1, Site #2 (same site as the historical link)
Pictures about "How late in the winter can one expect to be able to take snowboarding lessons around Flagstaff, AZ?"
How long is ski season in Flagstaff?
The ski season in Flagstaff usually runs from mid-November through April. However, the most reliable months in terms of snow coverage and weather are February and March.Can you ski in Flagstaff in December?
If you plan to go in December, you should wait until fairly close to the holidays to actually book your trip to Flagstaff. This year, I believe they did open for a short period of time early in the ski season, but then there was so little snow until mid-February that it would not have been worthwhile going to Snowbowl.Can you snowboard in Flagstaff?
Flagstaff, located about an hour from the Grand Canyon, has one major ski resort for downhill skiers and snowboarders, as well as a nordic center for cross-country skiing enthusiasts.Can you ski in Arizona in March?
The ski season generally runs from mid-November through April. However, the best months to hit the slopes in Arizona are February and March due to stable cold weather and the considerable amount of snow on the trails.BEST PLACES TO PLAY IN THE SNOW IN FLAGSTAFF AZ | Where to Go Sledding in Flagstaff | Flagstaff Snow
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Evgenia Kirpichnikova, Visit Almaty