The hills above Flagstaff are buzzing with activity as Arizona's largest ski resort prepares to open its doors a full week earlier than usual. The resort is opening two of its chairlifts on Friday, Nov. 20, with the majority of the slopes opening on Saturday, meaning roughly 80% of the resort's slopes will be open. This is the earliest opening for the park since the 1970s, and is partly attributable to the several snow-producing storms that have already hit the peaks. Officials say the combination of natural snow and low temperatures that are perfect for artificial snow to be made has allowed the park to open early.
Earlier this month, the resort held a job fair where it hired over 500 seasonal employees to help bear the burden of the expected harsher winter. In the midst of all the preparations, the resort is also working hard to open its first chairlift in 30 years, the Humphrey's Peak lift. Construction began on the lift earlier this year, but is set to conclude before the Christmas weekend. It will be Snowbowl's first "quad" lift, taking four riders to altitudes of over 10,000 ft.
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