Firebird Lake R.I.P

[Bainesster]

Firebird Lake, Phoenix AZ is being turned into an overpass. Spent many days there in my time as a skier  for ASU. Figured we could post pics and story’s here to honor the salty ski site.

[DW]

 

[dbaconaz]

Had the privilege to ski there a few times. Even skied collegiate regionals there a long long time ago!! 

Great Memories!

[BKistler]

In the late ‘70s I was working for AWSA and was driving between Phoenix and Tucson to attend a conference and wanted to see Firebird. The site was closed but the gate was not locked. I entered and was confronted by a huge Pima security guard. I explained who I was and said I just wanted to see the lake. No luck. He kicked my ass out. 

[aupatking]

Where does this put the ASU ski team?

[Jody_Seal]

 many venues for water oriented motor sports are diminishing at a rapid pace. particularly fresh water venues.

I know Fire-bird was a salt lake or at least near brackish. The place was a mecca for going fast on the water.

Long Beach marine stadium, full assault by property owners across the street for shut down of boat racing. Miami marine stadium gone now for 40 years

Hopefully ASU has already found another site to train on as this project has been in the works for nearly 10 years.

 

[swc5150]

Isn't the ASU team skiing in the Salt River just north of the stadium now?  It's been a while since I've been out there, but I did see a course out there while driving by the U.

[jjackkrash]

ASU was at Firebird.  I hear they are looking for other options but nothing firm yet.  Fingers crossed. 

[ColeGiacopuzzi]

Don't know how true it is, but I heard from an alumni that they're going to train at Spring Mountain Ranch which is a private site. its just a lot farther away at 2 hours, where as firebird was about 15 minutes 

Edited February 27, 2023 by ColeGiacopuzzi

[liquid d]

2 hours away means they don't have training site.

[UWSkier]

No jump at Spring either. Not yet anyways. But it's more like an hour twenty from campus. 

[Luzz]

Bummer. I skied the NCWSA Nationals there in 2008 and had a blast!

[bananaron]

I think ASU is in Tempe and spring mountain I think is in Buckeye and they are only about 45 miles apart.I have driven by Spring mountain and they have 2 lakes that are not yet fully developed for many reasons.....

[anderslarson03]

Yep spring mountain is where they’re landing as of the west coast leadership conference in Vegas this last weekend. Shame none of the other closer lakes in the area are willing have them…

[jjackkrash]

Is there a ramp?

[dbaconaz]

@jjackkrash no ramp yet 

[UWSkier]

Spring Mtn skis great though. My fave of the PHX metro lakes I've skied. I like the depth. My top 5 personal bests are all from there. 

[SusanT]

Yes, sad to see Firebird come to an end. It was an affordable option for many since the cost to own a home on one of the tournament lakes in Arizona is expensive and out of reach for many waterski enthusiasts. The drive from ASU to Spring Mountain is about an hour. I hope that works out well for the ski team. There is room for a jump at Spring Mountain. Perhaps they would consider bringing the ramp from Firebird over to Spring Mountain. Fingers crossed on that.

[kmenard]

Doosee why the can't use Tempe town lake :)

[jercrane]

FYI the team as at an even bigger risk now due to the move. 
please donate if you can. 
https://gofund.me/c4b61871

 

[Jelasky]

Firebird is back! Ed was able to get a contact again as redevelopment is delayed so we’re about to start skiing there this week. We are taking on new members for month to month or annual. Call or text me if you want more info at 931-682-6540. Or if you were involved before you can go directly to Ed. We need to get about 10-12 members to make it financially viable and keep it going.  So all you AZ skiers please come support this thing!

Also boat storage on site available for longer term members.