Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff says continued snowfall is enough to keep the resort open through late May, making it the longest ski season since the resort opened in 1938.

Snowbowl added May 11-12 and May 18-19 to its spring schedule, in addition to the earlier decision to add May 3-5.

The previous longest season was 2016-17. The resort hasn't announced a closing date for this season.

“We’re all skiers at heart – that’s why we’re in the business that we’re in – and want to be on the slopes just as long as our guests,” said JR Murray, Arizona Snowbowl general manager, in a prepared statement announcing the extended dates. “We will continue to evaluate mountain conditions and keep everyone abreast of a closing date.”

A season of highs

Snowfall on Monday brought the total snowfall for the season to 30 feet, or 333 inches — the second-highest amount for a single season, according to the Snowbowl website.

Officials said the decision to extend the season is also a result of increased visitation numbers from prior seasons. While the resort does not report visitation, Snowbowl officials said the resort is seeing double-digit growth over the last season. March and April both had significant increases in visitors compared to 2018. In March, the resort had a 30% increase in skier visits.

READ: Arizona Snowbowl ski resort planning to stay open

Brian Klimowski, lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service, office in Flagstaff, has monitored the record-breaking snowfall this year.

On Feb. 20, Flagstaff registered 35.9 inches of snow, breaking the record for the most amount of snowfall in a single day. The previous record of 30 inches was set on Dec. 30, 1915.

Klimowski said the city of Flagstaff has recorded 117 inches this year, more than the yearly average of 100 inches.

The automated snow-making system for the long season is credited with making the elongated season a reality.

The system covers 75% of the ski trails to provide a strong base for the snow that falls on top. According to the release, the system can produce more than 21 acres feet of snow in a single night — enough to cover Route 66, four lanes wide with a foot of snow for four miles.

Celebrating the season

The resort is set to celebrate the record-setting season with live music and festivities all weekend long at the Agassiz Lodge.

Celebrations begin with live music from Viola & the Brakemen on May 4 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

On May 5, the resort will host "Snowbowl de Mayo," which will feature live music from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and a variety of food and drink specials.

Discounted lift tickets are available for May 3-5 at the ticket window. Lift ticket prices for May 11-12 and 18-19 have not been announced and may vary.

Reach the reporter at GOldham@gannett.com. Follow the reporter on Twitter @graceoldham123.

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