The Snowbowl Controversy: A Tale of Progression and Culture

Although the US Forest Service has granted Arizona Snowbowl the right to expand and renovate the resort, there are still those who have much resentment towards the decision to do so and the US Supreme Court for not hearing the trial that could have stopped any expansion outright. Many of the planned renovations of the resort seem harmless enough, including updating lifts and installing newer ones, along with thinning some trees and cutting down others to make room for new trails. But the biggest concern comes from the talks of putting in snow guns that would use reclaimed water to make artificial snow. Those who question this say that the reclaimed water is desecrating this area of the Kachina Peaks, which are sacred to many Native American tribes who have lived in Arizona far longer the any snow bums.

Arizona Snowbowl Needs Snow

To say that Snowbowl is on short supply of snow would be a huge understatement considering the overall lack of snow that Arizona receives in general. To have the ability to artificially make snow would not only make snow sports enthusiasts happy, but also the residents of Flagstaff.  With the added snow stability of snow guns the area would become a much larger destination for snowboarders and with a larger influx of tourists the economy of Flagstaff would definitely boost.

The Kachina Peaks are Sacred

The prominent peak that is Mt. Humphreys conveys awe and inspiration to all those who are blessed to look upon the majestic mountain. However, if the planned expansions of Snowbowl are carried out the sacred nature of the peaks would be ruined and violated by reclaimed artificial snow. It's just like inviting the whole of Flagstaff, to come take a dump in your backyard, no one would really wants that to happen to them, and the only reason Snowbowl is doing it is for money.