Snowboarding Arizona from 11,500 Feet

Snowboarding in Arizona? Yep, it’s true! I’m standing with my snowboard on Grandview Terrace of Arizona Snowbowl at 11,500 feet, near Agassiz triple chairlift that drops off riders and skiers. It was an epic day, with clear blue skies and mother nature had blessed us with 18 inches of fresh powder that had fallen the night before.    

Strangely enough, this snow covered adventure started in the desert at an elevation of ~ 1,000 feet, Tempe to be exact, and ended 4 hours later at an elevation of 11,500 feet.    

“Kid Chillen’s Badass BBQ” was featured on Spike TV’s “Bar Rescue” and is now called “Chilleen’s on 17.” Rumor has it that the owners used to allow horses in the restaurant, but I think that changed after their recent renovations.  

Saguaro cacti and sage brush all around with mesas off in the distance; from Tempe to Arizona Snowbowl, we drove through 6 biome transition zones. Arizona certainly has a diverse landscape.     

It was hard to believe we were going to see snow any time soon.  

Our first glimpse of the snow covered San Francisco Peaks.  

We were about 28 miles from our destination and the mountains just kept getting bigger.  

We stopped in Flagstaff to snap a photo.  

Lift tickets purchased and ready to ride!  

Looking north to the tallest point in Arizona: Humphreys Peak at 12, 635 feet.  

Nothing beats the feel of fresh, natural snow.  Now, which trail to ride?

Upper Ridge and an amazing view.

Awesome conditions and great terrain, but I started to experience altitude sickness.  I toughed it out and was prescribed two Red Bull vodkas.

Epic journey!  The fresh air, the snow, the views, and a great friend.  What more can you ask for?

Sun setting behind the snow covered red rocks of Sedona.

Trail Map

It was fun sharing my adventure with the Steemit community and I hope you enjoyed riding along.  

Cheers!  cinderphoenix