Why We Assemble

It is important that we gather in a prayerful and joyful way that first and foremost shows reverence and respect for the mountain and for her gift of snow. This is a peaceful demonstration aimed at growing our solidarity with the Peaks and the Indigenous Peoples who hold her Sacred. This event is part of a larger effort to pressure the Flagstaff City Council not to renew its water contract with the resort in 2034.

Social change does not happen overnight. It begins with a group of people who are willing to commit their time and loyalty to a project. We encourage you to use this event to share your stories, be loud, and connect with others who care. After the event, we encourage you to continue defending the peaks by educating those around you and by refraining from financially contributing to Snowbowl. 

Many of SBs clientele are naive to the depth of the issue, and we believe many choose to stay naive to lessen their guilt. The purpose of this event is not to fight, but to ensure they cannot look away from the education of what is going on. People will hold signs along the route, sharing educational information about the cultural and ecological harm SB causes to the peaks. People will stand along the side of the road/ at a table holding signs and info pages that can be shared with cars if they want more information. These info packets will be designed specifically for the skier audience and offer ways they can get involved on the day of, such as not buying food or drink at the resort. If the press talks to us, we will be sure to make our demands clear, as listed below. 

1. End the City of Flagstaff’s Reclaimed Wastewater Contract with Arizona Snowbowl

2. Do Not Renew Arizona Snowbowl’s Special Use Permit

3. Restore the Sacred Peaks to Their Natural State

Learn more at: https://www.defendthepeaks.org/about

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Assembly Agenda

CARPOOL

We ask that everyone carpool to cut down on traffic and parking congestion. Please organize your own carpool group meetup and parking (see directions below).

7:00-7:30  OPENING PRAYER  

Meet at Humphreys Peak Lookout parking lot (just before mile post 222 on Highway 180/Ft. Valley Rd.) for an Opening Prayer offered by Diné Elder, Dorothy Denetsosie Gishie. 

Please bring gifts and/or monetary donations for our prayer leader. For more information on gifts to bring, visit this document.

Maps to Opening Prayer:

Humphreys peak lookout flagstaff - Bing Maps

Humphreys Peak Lookout, Peak View Parking Lot - Google Maps

8:00am - 10:00am SOLIDARITY ASSEMBLY (AFTER THE PRAYER)

Gathering along N. Snowbowl Rd. - Several yards north of the turnoff from 180/Ft. Valley Rd
After the prayer, we will head to the Solidary Assembly location.

• Park cars along N. Snowbowl Rd., north of the assembly gathering spot

• Assemble with posters and banners. https://maps.app.goo.gl/pW2xk1o2VhhmiJfi6 (directions below)→

• General assembly will be from 8:00 - 10:00 am, we imagine this will be the busiest time for folks driving up the mountain to ski/snowboard.

  • We will have a mic set up for speakers, songs

  • Please stay off the road to stay safe

• At 9:00 am there is typically a press conference  

• SB opens at 9:00 am

10:00 RETURN TO CARPOOL

At 10:00, people are welcome to stay, but the assembly will be over at 10:00am. 

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How to Prepare

• Prep Yourself

  • Have a buddy or buddies you will go with - carpool and stick together.

  • Check the weather before you go- make decisions based on your health, safety & well being

  • Dress warmly, wear comfortable shoes, pack snacks, water, sunscreen, and medications.

  • Have an emergency contact - be aware of your location and activity.

  • Bring a Sign (We will provide extra signs during the event for those that don't have one!)

• Know Your Rights!

  • This demonstration is protected under our First Amendment rights.

    • Public property ownership of the San Francisco peaks gives us the ability to speak out along roads, sidewalks, parking lots, and in front of establishments. Please stay off of private property (see map below!)

  • Snowbowl is privately owned, but operates on public land.

• To stay within legal bounds:

  • Do not approach or touch vehicles.

  • Do not obscure traffic or create possible traffic hazards.

  • Do not respond to counter-protest with violence.

• Consider Bringing a Gift of Reciprocity

  • If you plan to participate in the Opening Prayer, please consider bringing a gift of reciprocity for our prayer leader. Please gather one of the following to add to the collective gift basket.  You are welcome to leave your item on the porch of Hilary’s house (416 West Birch Ave) on Nov. 19 or 20.  If your item is perishable or requires a special delivery, please text 928.380.1055 to make arrangements.

    • Cash sealed inside an envelope
      Something homemade: scarf, potholder, painting, poem, bread, cookies, jam, etc.
      Coffee or Tea
      Honey
      Fresh fruit or Something Grown in your Garden
      White, blue, yellow, or black cotton fabric
      Sweetgrass
      Cedar
      Gift card for groceries or gas

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Directions & Parking

The Solidarity Assembly will be here:
https://maps.app.goo.gl/pW2xk1o2VhhmiJfi6 
8011 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
35.270412, -111.718987

Park north of the assembly along N. Snowbowl Rd. This is Forest Service land. Please do not park on private property!

Directions from Flagstaff: Take 180 from Flagstaff to North Snowbowl road. Turn right/ North onto N. Snowbowl Rd. Drive a few hundred yards till you get to the Blue Snowbowl sign, (see picture), that says “Snowbowl hours of operation” on the right hand (driving north/ up mountain)/ eastern side of the road. Directly behind this sign we will gather.

Please park cars on the side of the road NORTH OF THE ASSEMBLY AREA. Should we have any issues the group will move spots as a caravan - if you arrive late and do not see us at this location, keep driving up the mountain. We may have been asked to move. 

Accessibility: *Note that there will be no bathrooms where folks are assembling. 

Terrain will be rocky along roads. Parking on public land is not immediately accessible to the rally point.

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Questions 

LEARN MORE about Snowbowl

• defendthepeaks.org

• Land Defenders Podcast - Snowbowl Series Land Defenders RSS Feed

• Defend the Peaks NAU Educational Brochure

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Nearest Health Care

Flagstaff Medical Center - nahealth.com

Medical center in Flagstaff, AZ
1200 N Beaver St, Flagstaff, AZ 86001
(928) 779-3366

Open 24 hours