If you’ve ever wondered if Hawaiian shirts pair well with skis, then you’ve missed the Aloha Spirit on the mountain and the late spring skiing Northern Arizona generously made possible this year.

With 281 inches of snow during the winter season and 55 of those inches falling at the end of April, officials at Arizona Snowbowl said, “Hold on! The snow is so good, we don’t have a closing date yet!”

So, for the first time ever, skiers and boarders could slide their winter fun right into June. Arizona Snowbowl’s history-making season swooshed across eight months, from Nov. 17 to June 1.

“The 2023/2024 winter season was truly monumental!” said Snowbowl Marketing Coordinator Angelina Grubb. “This marks Snowbowl’s longest winter season to date, and I am overjoyed to be a part of the Snowbowl team!”

The ski resort celebrated other firsts as well, including the first Early Load Days for passholders, granting them access to the Grand Canyon Express chairlift an hour before the general public. Snowbowl hosted its first Passholder Party with grills sizzling, music playing and drinks pouring. And, on Memorial Day Weekend, sightseers mixed with skiers above ground as Scenic Gondola Rides operated for the first time while lifts were running.

And, as seasons collided on the mountain, longtime Snowbowl employee Ryan Hartl stepped into the assistant general manager role.

“Serving in a leadership position is about empowering individuals to realize their potential, and it is a joy to witness the journeys of others,” said Hartl. “I love spending time with the team, guiding them to be in alignment with what the company sees as moving in the right direction and giving them the bandwidth to make decisions.” 

In his 17 years with Snowbowl, Hartl has shifted from Rental and Repair Shop manager to Resort Services director. This past year, he served as interim general manager at Willamette Pass Ski Resort, one of the newest additions to the Power Pass collective.

“The values and team effort are what keep me excited to come to work every day,” he said. “Each day brings a renewed sense of excitement and purpose, reminding me of why I am grateful to be part of the Snowbowl family. What we do at Snowbowl just has that feeling of freedom and working to fulfill a larger purpose.”

With a quick transition from winter to summer, Snowbowl invites guests out for high elevation disc golf, mountain dining and family-friendly activities such as bungee trampoline jumping, summer tubing and Scenic Gondola Rides. FBN

By Bonnie Stevens, FBN

For activities and information, visit www.snowbowl.ski/summer-at-snowbowl.

Courtesy Photo: Thrilled about the history-making season, snow sports enthusiasts joyfully scheduled more days on the mountain.