Can you ski in Flagstaff and then get back to the WM Phoenix Open all in one day? We had the idea to attempt this feat and see if it was possible. Many people believe that Arizona is all about saguaros and scorching heat, but that’s not the full picture.
This week at the WM Phoenix Open, the usually balmy climate of the metro area took a chilly turn. While spectators at the infamous 16th hole chaos typically dress in tank tops, shorts, and flip-flops, the cooler temperatures and rain this week called for winter gear. Many attendees donned puffy coats and ski hats to watch the world’s best players.
But in reality, the WM Phoenix Open is renowned for its sunshine and blue skies, giving visitors from all over the nation and the world the impression that Arizona is nothing but saguaros and unbearable heat. However, Arizona is home to one of the most intriguing and diverse ecosystems in the country.
While the golfers teed off at TPC Scottsdale for the first round, students in Flagstaff, a mountain town about 140 miles north, were enjoying their second consecutive snow day due to a series of storms. This sparked an idea in our minds: Could we make a trip to Flagstaff’s ski area, Arizona Snowbowl, and still make it back in time to catch the afternoon action at the WM Phoenix Open? We decided to take on the challenge.
Our day unfolded like this:
The journey from Phoenix to Flagstaff used to involve navigating through the city and taking I-17, a mountainous and unpredictable road. However, in recent years, a bypass has been created around the city, leading us through Scottsdale and past the WM Phoenix Open grounds. Even at the early hour of 4:49 a.m., the signage directing patrons to various parking lots was clearly visible.
When a golf tournament attracts over 200,000 attendees for a single day, parking becomes a major concern. The intersection of routes 101 and 17 in north Phoenix showcased signs indicating the way to the WM Phoenix Open.
Back in the day when I worked at the Flagstaff newspaper, a few students from Northern Arizona University mentioned a fascinating concept to me: a “double ski day.” They would spend the morning skiing and then drive down the mountain to go water skiing in the afternoon. This idea intrigued me, and it served as the inspiration for our journey.
As I reached the intersection of 101 and Interstate 17, the temperature had already dropped to 46 degrees according to my rental car. I knew the battle against the elements was just beginning, as temperatures tend to get cooler the further north you go.
The journey from Phoenix to Flagstaff took me through captivating scenery, such as the Bradshaw Mountains and the valley that houses Sedona. As I ascended again on the I-17 after passing Stoneman Lake Road, snowflakes started to decorate the roads, swayed by the winds and creating a picturesque winter scene.
Tourists flock to the region, particularly those heading to the Grand Canyon, resulting in a multitude of out-of-state license plates. Many of these visitors find driving in the snow to be a daunting task. Consequently, a long line of cars seemingly trailed behind a snowplow, adhering to the right lane. This made for a nerve-wracking drive.
When I finally arrived in Flagstaff, the tables outside my favorite coffee shop, Macy’s, were buried under about two feet of snow. The downtown area resembled a snow globe, serene and pristine.
I ventured a few blocks north of downtown to visit my old friend and photographer Jake Bacon from the Arizona Daily Sun. He shared some valuable insights with me. Notably, he warned me not to drive back down the same way we came up, as the icy road would make it impossible to stop. Shortly after we finished recording a video, a truck honked and slid by on the slick road, adding an extra bit of excitement to the scene.
Schools being closed meant families filled the streets, looking for ways to occupy their children. This led to traffic congestion as we made our way up the mountain. The lodge at Arizona Snowbowl is around seven miles away, and the lines for both equipment rentals and lift tickets were quite long. Although Flagstaff’s ski season may not match the duration of major resorts in Colorado or the East, when the snowfall begins, business booms.
One of the Snowbowl employees informed me that while this level of snowfall doesn’t occur every day, it is quite typical. It seemed like the perfect day to hit the slopes, with fresh powder along the 2,300-foot vertical, comparable to popular ski areas like Arapahoe Basin near Denver.
After a series of falls on the runs, highlighting my lack of skiing skill, I returned the rental skis and headed back to catch the end of the first day of play at TPC Scottsdale. Although I would have loved to spend more time on the mountain, I had a mission to complete before the day’s action concluded.
If the journey up was exhilarating, the drive back was downright terrifying. The snowfall intensified during the initial 30 miles out of Flagstaff, causing several cars to skid off the highway and into the median. Thankfully, my four-wheel drive truck allowed me to continue safely, but smaller vehicles struggled to navigate the treacherous snow and ice. Soon after I passed through, the road was closed.
On my way back into the Scottsdale area as rain created chaos during the tournament’s opening round, I still managed to make it in time to witness the end of the day’s play. Photographer Cheryl Evans from the Arizona Republic captured a video just moments before play resumed after a weather delay. Here are my thoughts on the day:
And finally, we made it back to the 16th hole. Thanks for following along.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Is it possible to ski in Flagstaff and attend the WM Phoenix Open on the same day?
Yes, it is possible to do both, as shown in our journey. However, it requires careful planning and consideration of weather conditions.
How far is Flagstaff from Phoenix?
Flagstaff is approximately 140 miles north of Phoenix.
Is Arizona only known for cacti and extreme heat?
No, Arizona has a diverse ecosystem, including mountainous regions like Flagstaff, where snowfall is common during winter.
What is the typical climate in Scottsdale during the WM Phoenix Open?
Scottsdale usually experiences balmy and sunny weather during the tournament, but conditions can vary.
How many people attend the WM Phoenix Open?
Upwards of 200,000 people attend the golf tournament, making parking a major priority.
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Remember that Arizona offers more than meets the eye. From the sunshine and blue skies of the WM Phoenix Open to the snowy slopes of Flagstaff, the state provides a remarkable range of experiences.
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