Arizona Snowbowl, in partnership with the Forest Service, plans to install and realign the Aspen chairlift this summer and fall, and have it operating by ski season. The bottom terminal will be moved 190 degrees north of its current location, to improve the overall skiing experience. The new chairlift will service new lower intermediate and beginner ski terrain all within Snowbowl’s current Special Use Permit. It is part of several projects that were approved by the Forest Service in 2005. … [Read more...] about Snowbowl Installing New Quad Chairlift
Tourism
Lessons from a Meteor
Some 50,000 years ago, a momentous and earthshaking event occurred in Northern Arizona. A giant fireball of rock, hurling through space at about 26,000 miles per hour, collided with our planet, and left behind a huge hole – 550 feet deep and nearly a mile across. Scientists and visitors have studied Meteor Crater for decades. However, today, the educational possibilities are expanding with a new nonprofit organization. In mid-April, the Barringer Crater Company Board of Directors and Meteor … [Read more...] about Lessons from a Meteor
Caring for Wild Babies and Racehorses
Nature can seem cruel sometimes, even among Arizona’s majestic wild horses. Since June, Wildhorse Ranch Rescue has taken in six sick foals, abandoned by the herd, and also provided financial assistance for a thoroughbred while its owner seeks treatment for a life-threatening disease. “Every year, we take in orphaned and/or injured wild baby horses,” said Kimberly Meagher, Wildhorse founder and co-author of Alternatives to Auction and Slaughter. “We have a team of volunteers we call The Foal … [Read more...] about Caring for Wild Babies and Racehorses
Galleries, Artists Share their Night Visions, Promote Flagstaff’s Dark Skies
As Arizona Handmade Gallery prepares for “Dark Skies Downtown” in the First Friday Art Walk on Sept. 6, co-owner Holly Averbeck says every artist she has talked to about the event wants to participate. “We’ve got five potters, three glassblowers and then most of our wall artists want to create a dark skies piece, too!” “We have supported celebrations of the dark skies for a long time,” said Arizona Handmade owner and glassblower George Averbeck. “Why? Because Flagstaff is home of the Dark … [Read more...] about Galleries, Artists Share their Night Visions, Promote Flagstaff’s Dark Skies
Celebrating Dark Skies Downtown
Telescope viewing, music, dancing, jewelry, paintings, glasswork, beer and more will be part of “Dark Skies Downtown” as the Flagstaff Dark Skies Coalition and Downtown Business Alliance join forces to invite locals and visitors to the heart of the city in celebration of Flagstaff’s famous night sky on First Friday Art Walk, Sept. 6. “Our dark skies are indeed part of the deeply valued natural wonders that have come to define Northern Arizona and the people who live here,” said Flagstaff Dark … [Read more...] about Celebrating Dark Skies Downtown
Arizona Snowbowl Makes History with June Skiing
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. … [Read more...] about Arizona Snowbowl Makes History with June Skiing
Blood Sport
Just as a summer day warms, Dan Bergland is explaining how Erythropoietin (EPO) works when a squad of rail-thin, ultra-fit young adults arrive at a popular coffee shop. Most wave as they make their way inside. Dressed in dolphin shorts and sports tanks, they have the unmistakable look of serious athletes – and they are. Bergland greets Nico Young, who won two NCAA championships with Northern Arizona University, holds collegiate records in the 5000m and 10,000m and is about to leave to compete … [Read more...] about Blood Sport
Whitewater Fiend Launches River-Gear Shop
Thomas Herring is in his element on turbulent rivers, whether it’s as a boatman on the raging Colorado or kayaking some of the world’s gnarliest rapids. Rivers have been good to him and he’s giving back. Herring, 37, opened Vishnu River Supply in December in East Flagstaff. He is leasing a 3,000-square-foot building at 3780 N. Eagle Mountain Drive formerly occupied by Wet Dreams River Supply. Vishnu’s retail space is stocked with kayaks, pack rafts, stand-up paddleboards, lifejackets, … [Read more...] about Whitewater Fiend Launches River-Gear Shop
Refreshing a Village
Off the grid and into the woods, Arizona Nordic Village, about 15 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180, is becoming more of a village as backcountry yurts are being moved closer to the main lodge. Other improvements guests can expect this fall include a fresh coat of paint and new furniture and decorative touches including mattresses, linens and bedding, along with vintage-style lanterns. “We will have six yurts and four cabins all near the lodge and restrooms,” said Manager Sydney Nieminen. … [Read more...] about Refreshing a Village
Mother-Daughter Team Promotes Crafts Among the Ghosts
A new gift shop in an old town is what Ghost Town Handicrafts owners Valerie Whitcomb and her daughter, Anasthasia Darrah, have brought to the storied city of Jerome. Perched 5,000 feet up on an escarpment overlooking the Verde Valley, Whitcomb loves to step outside her store for the view. “Every evening when the sun starts to set behind Mingus Mountain, a shadow is cast over Verde Valley and for about 10 minutes the red rocks of Sedona brilliantly light up. It is so amazing to see. We also … [Read more...] about Mother-Daughter Team Promotes Crafts Among the Ghosts