Conversations with Joshua Sinclair

Today we’d like to introduce you to Joshua Sinclair.

Hi Joshua, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in Phoenix, Arizona, where snowboarding always felt like a distant dream—expensive, seasonal, and far away. But once I finally got on a board, it changed my life. I worked at Snowbowl and later became an ambassador for Steamboat Resort in Colorado, chasing snow and living the mountain lifestyle as much as I could.

In 2023, a wrist injury sidelined me. But during recovery, I had an idea—what if I brought the mountain to the desert? I started experimenting with dry slope materials in my backyard, but Arizona’s heat made it nearly impossible. So I pivoted, found a warehouse, and built what would become AZ SnowZone, the first indoor dry ski and snowboard park in the U.S.

My goal has always been simple: make snow sports accessible to everyone, especially those who grew up like I did—without easy access or money for mountain trips. I designed SnowZone to be affordable, welcoming, and year-round, with modular ramps, airbag jumps, and coaching for all levels.

Today, I’m proud to say we’re creating a community in Phoenix where kids, beginners, and experts can ride together—indoors, in the desert, 365 days a year.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. One of the biggest challenges has been converting our strong social media presence into actual foot traffic. We’ve built a lot of awareness online, but turning that into consistent, in-person visits takes constant creativity and adjustments.

I’ve been experimenting with changes to our ramps, features, and layouts to better match what our audience wants to see and ride. It’s a balancing act—staying true to our vision while also adapting to what excites our community. Like any new concept, there’s been a learning curve in figuring out the right mix of marketing, events, and on-site experiences to keep people coming back.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’ve always been someone who goes with the flow, following opportunities and experiences that interest me. For most of my life, I worked in the hospitality industry as a bartender and barback, learning how to connect with people, create great experiences, and adapt quickly in fast-paced environments.

Alongside that, I worked at Snowbowl in Flagstaff and later at Steamboat Resort in Colorado, which kept me deeply connected to my passion for snow sports. Those experiences gave me firsthand insight into the industry, from mountain operations to guest experience, and fueled my dream of bringing that culture to Arizona year-round.

What sets me apart is that I didn’t come into this from a purely corporate or sports background—I came in from a place of passion and people skills. I understand both the joy of snow sports and the importance of creating a welcoming environment, and that balance drives everything I do with AZ SnowZone.

What was your favorite childhood memory?
One of my favorite childhood memories is spending countless hours playing PC games like RuneScape and trading card games like Magic: The Gathering with my friends Joshua Hines, his brother Alex, and Rodney Diamond. We’d spend whole days questing online, battling in card games, and just enjoying each other’s company. Those times taught me the value of friendship, creativity, and having a shared passion—things I still carry with me today.

Pricing:

• Free half hour (rental not included which is $5)
• Hour price 10 plus 5 $ rental
• Private lesson up to 3 for 1 hour $75 rental included
• Group lesson up to 3 for 1 hour $75 rental included

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Azsnowzone.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/azsnowzone?igsh=MXI0YzU5bHYxOHR2cw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Image Credits
Alexis marijke photographer
Bradley malko board design artist