Flagstaff, AZ – A potent early season storm that tracked across the desert southwest in recent days dropped up to 27 inches of snow, enough of the white stuff to kick off the ski season this week in Arizona.

Near Flagstaff, Arizona Snowbowl will open tomorrow for a three-day bonus weekend, with skiing and riding from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily through this Sunday. Lift tickets will be priced at regular rates. Seven day a week operations will be dependent upon more snowfall, resort officials say, with an official opening date yet to be announced.

“We have been working diligently farming snow from parking lots to cover the lift access areas, which were mostly bare of snow before last weekend’s storm”, states Dave Smith, Snowbowl’s Marking Director.  “Our average opening is mid-December so we are on track for another great season.”

Tomorrow, Snowbowl will operate three lifts — Agassiz to the top, Sunset and Hart Prairie — with approximately 75 percent of terrain open.  The mid-mountain undisturbed settled snow base depth is 24 inches. Both Agassiz and Sunset lodges will be open with full food and beverage services available.  The rental department will have all skis and snowboards available for rent.  The Ski & Ride School will have lessons available for all ability levels. Season pass holders may pick up their passes on the Main Level of the Hart Prairie Lodge.

Sunrise Park Resort in the town of Greer will also open for skiing and riding on Friday with lift service to the top of Sunrise Mountain, although Apache and Cyclone peaks will remain closed. While resort officials are as of yet still unsure as to what specific trails will be open, Sunrise received 20 to 26 inches of new snow from the storm system that hit the White Mountains this weekend. Lifts will open at 9 a.m.  and operate until 4 p.m.  Lift tickets will cost $51 for adults, $43 for teens and $28 for juniors.  Seniors 70 and over ski for free.