Top Ski Trails in Arizona

Here are the top 10 ski trails in Arizona, primarily focusing on Snowbowl:

1. Upper Ridge (Blue/Intermediate)

• Length: Approximately 1.2 miles
• Elevation: Starts near 10,800 feet and drops to about 9,800 feet.
• Description: Upper Ridge is one of Snowbowl's most popular intermediate runs. It features a moderate pitch with steeper sections, offering great cruising for intermediate skiers. It is a challenging, steep blue run with beautiful views of the surrounding San Francisco Peaks, and on clear days, you can see as far as the Grand Canyon. It's wide and well-groomed, making it a great spot to practice carving.

2. Agassiz (Black Diamond/Expert)

• Length: 0.7 miles
• Elevation: Top of Agassiz Peak (11,500 feet) to 10,200 feet.
• Description: One of the steepest trails on the mountain, Agassiz is a black diamond run that drops steeply down from the top of the Agassiz Chairlift. This expert-only run is often filled with moguls and is not always groomed, making it a challenge even for experienced skiers. The terrain is open, and the altitude offers breathtaking views of the forest and desert landscapes below.

3. Volcano (Blue/Intermediate)

• Length: 1.5 miles
• Elevation: 11,500 feet to 9,500 feet.
• Description: This comprehensive, intermediate trail is perfect for skiers enjoying long, sweeping turns. The trail follows natural volcanic terrain, offering an exciting ride over rolling hills. It’s known for having soft, powdery snow after fresh snowfall. It's also one of the more scenic runs, with excellent views of the peaks and valleys of northern Arizona.

4. Blackjack (Black Diamond/Expert)

• Length: 1 mile
• Elevation: 10,800 feet to 9,800 feet.
• Description: Blackjack is a tree-lined black diamond run that weaves through tall pines, offering advanced skiers a mix of technical challenges. Its narrow path and variable snow conditions make it a favorite for those who enjoy more natural, less-groomed terrain. The tight trees and steeper pitch make this a thrilling but demanding trail for expert skiers.

5. White Lightning (Black Diamond/Expert)

• Length: 1 mile
• Elevation: 11,500 feet to 10,500 feet.
• Description: As one of the steepest trails at the Arizona Snowbowl, White Lightning is an exhilarating ride from the top of the mountain. This trail is known for its sustained steepness and often develops deep moguls, making it suitable for experts only. This trail is particularly popular on powder days because of the untouched snow it collects. It’s also exposed to the elements so that conditions can vary greatly.

6. Logjam (Blue/Intermediate)

• Length: 1.3 miles
• Elevation: 10,800 feet to 9,800 feet.
• Description: A wide-open trail, Logjam is perfect for intermediate skiers looking to enjoy a relaxed descent. The trail’s consistent pitch and smooth terrain make it ideal for practicing turns, and it is often well-groomed. It’s a favorite for skiers who prefer moderate slopes without too many surprises. It’s also a scenic route that passes through some beautiful sections of the forest.

7. Sunset Boulevard (Blue/Intermediate)

• Length: 2.5 miles (one of the longest runs)
• Elevation: 11,500 feet to 9,500 feet.
• Description: This long, winding blue run is one of Snowbowl’s most popular trails for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. It takes a gentle, winding path down the mountain, offering scenic views and a relaxing ride. The trail has a few steeper sections but mainly provides a smooth, enjoyable ride that allows skiers to take in the beauty of the surrounding landscape. Sunset Boulevard is often a go-to for those wanting to explore the full vertical of the mountain.

8. Humphreys (Black Diamond/Expert)

• Length: 1 mile
• Elevation: 11,500 feet to 10,500 feet.
• Description: This black diamond trail is one of the more challenging runs on the mountain, featuring steep terrain and occasional moguls. It starts near the top of the Agassiz Lift, offering expert skiers some of the mountain's best powder and most exciting terrain. The run is named after Humphreys Peak, Arizona's tallest point, which towers above Snowbowl. Skiers can often catch glimpses of the surrounding wilderness as they descend.

9. Aspen Loop (Green/Beginner)

• Length: 1.5 miles
• Elevation: 10,800 feet to 9,800 feet.
• Description: Aspen Loop is a picturesque, beginner-friendly trail that winds through stands of aspen trees. It’s perfect for those new to skiing or those looking for a relaxing, scenic descent. The trail is relatively flat, and its wide-open terrain makes it ideal for beginners practicing their turns. In the fall or early season, the changing leaves on the aspen trees add to the beauty of the trail.

10. Wild Turkey (Blue/Intermediate)

• Length: 1.2 miles
• Elevation: 10,800 feet to 9,800 feet.
• Description: Wild Turkey is a great run for intermediates looking to challenge themselves. It offers a nice variety of terrain, with steeper pitches and more gentle, rolling sections. It’s one of those runs that advanced beginners can also try as they progress to the next level, and it’s typically well-groomed. The trail meanders through beautiful sections of forest and opens up to wide views of the surrounding mountains.

Other Arizona Ski Options:

While Mount Lemmon Ski Valley near Tucson is a much smaller resort, it's worth noting a few beginner and intermediate trails there:

• Surprise Run: A gentle, beginner-friendly green run.
• Avalanche: An intermediate run with wide groomers and natural terrain.

Arizona Snowbowl remains the premier skiing location in the state due to its high elevation and proximity to Flagstaff. The variety of trails at Snowbowl makes it a great destination for all levels of skiers, from beginners to experts looking for steep, challenging runs.