Dook’o’oosłííd, “the summit that never melts”, Diné (Navajo)
Nuvátukya’ovi, “high up place of the snow”, Hopi
Wii Haganbaja’, “snow mountain”, Havasupai
Wik’hanbaja, “snowy mountain”, Hualapai
Nuváxaru, “snow mountain”, Southern Paiute
Dzil Cho, “big mountain”, Dilzhe’e Apache
Wimonogaw’a,”cold mountain”, Yavapai
Sunha:kwin K’yabachu Yalanne, “western snow-capped mountain”, Zuni
Photo: Laura ZirinoLearn More
The Snowbowl Effect documentary argues that the fight over the ski resort is fundamentally a struggle over whose values determine the future of public lands. The film explores the tension between recreation, economic development, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous sovereignty, ultimately asking whether a mountain sacred to multiple Native nations can be treated as a commercial ski destination without causing cultural and spiritual harm.
Land Defenders Podcast
The Land Defenders podcast is a conservation and environmental justice series focused on the Greater Grand Canyon region, particularly conflicts involving Indigenous sacred sites, public lands, mining, and development projects in northern Arizona. The first season of the podcast (2025) includes conversations with biologists, legal scholars, Forest Service managers, and Indigenous leaders regarding the Sacred Peaks and the Snowbowl Ski Resort.
Listen wherever you get your podcasts!
In 2022 the Guardian Newspaper explored the history of the conflict over the Snowbowl ski resort as more than a local land-use conflict. Rather, it contrasted Indigenous spiritual relationships to land with Western relationship based on recreation and economic development, exposing fundamentally different understandings of what land is and how it should be used.
Upcoming Events
Snowbowl Information Session
June 4th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Flagstaff East Library - Community Room
Curious about the history of the Snowbowl as well as its future plans for expansion? Want to better understand the cultural, ecological, and human health impacts of the Snowbowl Ski Resort’s use of reclaimed waste water on our community? A panel of experts will be offering the latest information and answering your questions. All curious and open minds are welcome!
Supporting sponsors include: Arizona Faith Network, Sierra Club Grand Canyon Chapter, Sacred Land Alliance, Catch Fire Movement, Flagstaff Communiversity, The Forager's Path, and Goodrelative.com.
The Things People Say!
June 15th, 5:30 - 7:30 pm
Location provided upon registration
What are some of erroneous — and harmful — things that people say regarding the Snowbowl and the Sacred Peaks? We’ll explore some common narratives and, more importantly, we’ll have some fun learning how to disrupt those narratives when you hear them — and get people thinking in a more accurate and positive direction.
This event is tailored for non-Native folks who want to step into solidarity with Indigenous leaders who are defending the sanctity of the Peaks. Come hang out with other cool people committed to anti-racist work.
Registration required - location will be provided upon registration.