Snowmaking equipment saving season for Snowbowl

PHOENIX — The winter snowpack in Arizona’s high country is almost nonexistent this season. The numbers are so bad that Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff would not be open if it didn’t have the gear to make powder.

Jason Stratton with the resort said December was the fourth-lowest natural snowfall month in the resort’s 76-year history.

“About 90 percent of our base is all manmade snow. We are counting our blessings that we now have the snowmaking equipment.” The resort has had the equipment since last year.

Snowbowl had a record month in December with 41,000 skiers. That’s a good thing because Flagstaff depends on the skiers for their winter economy.

“It’s a huge impact on gas stations, restaurants and hotels.”