Quick Guide to Skiing in Arizona
by Aventura on February 03, 2023
Arizona skiing is a great way to get away from the heat of the desert and enjoy some snowy slopes. Most people don't think about Arizona as a place for skiing, but there are three ski resorts in Arizona.
Arizona is the perfect state for winter sports. With its dry climate and high elevation, Arizona can get cold enough to make snow in some places. The state’s three ski resorts offer a variety of terrain and amenities to satisfy skiers of all ages and ability levels.
The all-mountain resorts in Arizona are the best places for skiing and snowboarding. You can find them in Northern Arizona and Southern Arizona. If you're looking for a place to go skiing, here's a guide to some of the best ski resorts in the state.
Humphrey's Peak, Arizona's highest peak, is located in the state's extreme northern corner. Arizona Snowbowl, perched as it is on the shoulders of a once-mighty volcano, features no less than six ski lifts, the newest of which is a high-speed gondola that will whisk you to the resort's peak in elegance and luxury.
Arizona Snowbowl features miles of groomed routes and lots of more isolated, expert runs, perfect for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. The Arizona Gondola is the tallest lift in the resort, taking riders to an elevation of 11,500 feet, where they may enjoy breathtaking vistas and ride back down the resort's many kilometers of trails.
The climate in Snowbowl is mostly moderate, with plenty of sunny days and a rare blizzard. On days after storms, the road leading up to the resort might be slick, therefore chains or four-wheel drive may be necessary. Less than 30 minutes away, in the mountain city of Flagstaff, you'll find plenty of places to dine and stay before or after a day on the slopes.
Although Arizona Snowbowl is more well-known, Sunrise Park has more runs and is closer to Flagstaff and NAU. The town of Sunrise, Arizona, is situated in the Apache County White Mountains, a little over 200 miles from the state capital of Phoenix. The White Mountain Apache Tribe owns and manages the resort.
The resort offers a wide variety of activities for guests of all ages, including eight ski lifts, thirteen miles of cross-country skiing routes, and tailored programs for kids. Since Phoenix is so far away, you may choose to spend the night at the Sunrise Park Lodge.
Snowfall is a reality in southern Arizona. Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, Arizona, is the southernmost U.S. ski area. At an elevation of 2,791 meters (9,175 feet), it towers above Tucson to the west. It doesn't matter if there isn't much snow on the ground; you can always ride the lifts at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley and take in the breathtaking views since they are open all year long.
If you're looking for a large ski resort in Arizona, go elsewhere; Ski Valley is one of the smaller options with about 200 acres and 21 trails. They may be little, but they make up for it with the local fee. Mount Lemmon receives an average of 180 inches of snow each year, making it skiable for the majority of the year between mid-December and early April. Mount Lemmon Ski Valley gets significant amounts of fresh snow after late-winter rainstorms in the Phoenix region.
Top Tips for Arizona Skiing
Arizona may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think about winter adventure and skiing, but there are several ski resorts in Arizona.
The resorts offer excellent snowfall and terrain for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. Here are some tips for planning your trip:
Check the Weather Before You Go
You'll want to check the weather before you go so that you know what to expect. Some days at Arizona ski resorts can be sunny and other days it might be raining or snowing. Don't worry if you're going in December or January; the temperatures will still be mild enough for you to enjoy the slopes.
Double Check Resort Opening Dates
Snowbowl often begins production of its snow around the middle of November in preparation for its goal of opening around Thanksgiving. Midway through December is when Sunrise Park Resort traditionally opens, but they've made investments in more snow-making machines so they can open sooner and stay open for longer this year. Mount Lemmon Ski Valley does not have a snowmaking facility, therefore opening dates are contingent on the arrival of a substantial snowfall, which often occurs around the middle of December. If there isn't enough snow, Ski Valley may have to close for a while during the winter season. Midway through March is often when the ski season in Arizona at all three resorts comes to a close.
Summing Up
These Arizona mountains are one-way tickets to some fun winter action. Each of these resorts has the type of terrain and features that adventurous travelers seek out, from steep runs and breathtaking vistas to plenty of snowfall. The number of runs you can make on your trip will be just a fraction of the amount available.
Regardless of which mountain you choose, you will feel at home with smiling faces around every corner. Choose one of these resorts and enjoy a winter full of fun in the snow.
