Ski Arizona

Ice, snow-capped mountains, cold days; these are some of the things people may imagine when thinking of a skiing getaway. People may envision themselves on some ski slope in the state of Colorado or Vermont or maybe they can see themselves venturing out to Canada and spending some quality time on a ski hill nestled in the Rocky Mountains. It seems one rarely thinks about going to ski in Arizona. Why would anyone think of a state that is synonymous with a hot, dry, desert landscape as a skiing destination? Such a shame really, how Arizona has been overlooked when it comes to this cherished winter sport because it is actually an ideal place for skiing. Arizona is home to some pretty awesome ski hills and resorts, so get the ski gear ready, pack up the car, throw the kids, friends and dog in the back and head out to Arizona for the ultimate skiing adventure!

	Family Skiing in Arizona1

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL

For those who don't think of Arizona as a skiing destination, the Arizona Snowbowl is one of the country's oldest continually run ski areas. The Snowbowl has been operating since 1938 and is located on the breathtaking San Francisco Peaks. It is situated 14 mi (22.5 km) from Flagstaff, AZ, 70 mi (113 km) from the Grand Canyon, and it is approximately a two hour drive from Phoenix, AZ.

Ski Hill
The Arizona Snowbowl has 777 acres (314.4 ha) of skiable terrain with 32 runs. Most of the runs are for the intermediate level skier, followed by beginner runs, and finally runs that are ideal for advanced skiers. The longest run measures 2 mi (3km) long. The average skiing season at the Snowbowl is from mid-December to mid-April and the ski hill averages around 260 in (660 cm) of snow.

Lessons
Being an experienced skier or snowboarder at the Arizona Snowbowl is not a requirement. They offer lessons through their Ski and Ride School, which is registered with the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and the American Association of Snowboard Instructors (AASI). The instructors are able to get beginners ready for the slopes and help experts brush up on their skills.

Accommodation
For those not wanting to miss any action on the slopes, the Arizona Snowbowl offers comfortable accommodations. The Ski Lift Lodge and Cabins are located at the base of the San Francisco Peaks on Highway 180, only minutes away from northwest Flagstaff. The Ski Lift Lodge has 25 rooms, some of which are in a cabin-like setting. Plenty of amenities are available, including a full-service restaurant operated by the lodge.

Other lodging options include one of the many hotels in Flagstaff such as the Holiday Inn Express or perhaps spending the weekend in a cozy bed and breakfast or cabin.

The San Francisco Peaks in Arizona2

SUNRISE PARK RESORT

Located in Arizona's majestic White Mountains, Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe. They warmly invite visitors to enjoy the natural beauty of the resort and the surrounding area. The resort is about a four hour drive from Phoenix and Tucson, AZ.

Ski Hill
Sunrise Park Resort offers three mountains for downhill skiing with separate areas for snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, and a children's ski area known as “ski-wee.” Sixty-five runs are available for all ski levels, from beginners to advanced. Snowboarders and skiers will definitely enjoy the resort's Sunrise Express High Speed Detachable Quad Chairlift, which has a capacity of carrying up more than 16,000 skiers per hour! Sleigh rides are available from Snowy Mountain Stables, located at the base of the resort.

Lessons
Whether someone is just beginning to learn how to ski or is just looking for a brush-up course, Sunrise Park Resort offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding lessons. They have programs designed for children as young as two months old to 12 years old. Teen and adult lessons are also available, as well as personal coaching. The resort also offers childcare services so parents can have some fun of their own without having to worry about the little ones.

Accommodation
Sunrise Park Lodge offers the ideal setting for a skiing getaway with plenty of amenities. Close enough to all the skiing action, the lodge offers 100 comfortable rooms, a deluxe suite, two restaurants, a lounge and gift shop. Meeting facilities for corporate or social gatherings are available for up to 200 guests.

For those who love the outdoors and camping, Sunrise RV Park and Campground is located at the entrance to Sunrise Park Resort. The RV Park has 20 spaces available during winter and summer months. Each site provides a 30-amp electrical hook-up, however water is not available at the sites. The campground area is ideal for travelers who are looking for a more primitive experience. The campground has no modern facilities or hook-ups and the 200 camp sites can only accommodate tents or large motor homes.

FLAGSTAFF NORDIC CENTER

Located 15 mi (24 km) northwest of Flagstaff in the Coconino National Forest, the Flagstaff Nordic Center is a great place for families to enjoy a cross-country skiing getaway or perhaps do some snowshoeing or sledding. The center also offers lodging options and features facilities ideal for weddings and parties. Breathtaking mountain views of the San Francisco Peaks can be seen from the ski area as well as opportunities for viewing wildlife.

	A Fun Day Cross-Country Skiing3

Ski Hill
Flagstaff Nordic Center specializes in cross-country skiing. They offer more than 25 mi (40 km) of groomed trails, ranging from beginner to expert. Snowshoe enthusiasts will love the 9 mi (15 km) of marked trails that are available. Dogs are even allowed on the snowshoe trails as long as they are kept under control. Sledding can be enjoyed 1 mi (1.6 km) past the Flagstaff Nordic Center near Highway 180 at Crowley Pit. For those who don't own their own skis or snowshoes, the center offers rentals.

Lessons
Whether brushing up or learning how to cross-country ski for the first time, the Flagstaff Nordic Center offers lessons for all ages and abilities. Group lessons are available and are ideal for beginners but are also useful for expert skiers. Private lessons are also given and are tailored to the skill level of the student.

Accommodation
The Eco-Hideaway Cabin is available to rent for those wanting to stay close to the skiing action. The cabin is environmentally friendly, using solar and wind generated power. A slightly more rugged experience can be had while staying in the Aspen Yurt located in a meadow situated along the cross-country ski trails. There is no running water in the yurt and heating is provided by a wood-burning stove. The location of the Aspen Yurt also allows guests to take advantage of nearby hiking opportunities.

Snowboarding Fun in Arizona4

Like visitors to the Arizona Snowbowl, those heading to the Flagstaff Nordic Center have a variety of accommodation options in nearby Flagstaff.

ELK RIDGE SKI AREA

Formerly known as Williams Ski Area, the small Elk Ridge Ski Area is geared towards families and offers skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Travelers will find the ski area near the southwest entrance to the Grand Canyon and is minutes from the historic town of Williams in northern Arizona.

Ski Hill
Elk Ridge Ski Area offer 30 acres (12.1 ha) of skiable land and seven runs that are great for all abilities, from beginners to advanced skiers. Two lifts are available and the ski area receives an average of about 150 in (127 cm) of snow. Designated snowboarding and tubing areas are also featured at Elk Ridge.

Lessons and Rentals
Lessons are offered at the Elk Ridge Ski Area as well as rentals. They have reasonably priced packages for beginners, which include all the necessary gear, lessons and a lift ticket. Both private and group lessons are available. Elk Ridge has a day lodge which can be used to relax and take a break from all the skiing action and it also features a snack bar for those who get the munchies.

Accommodation
Although, the Elk Ridge Ski Area does not offer lodging to its guests, visitors will find plenty of accommodation options in nearby Williams.

MOUNT LEMMON SKI VALLEY

Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, just an hour's drive from the sunny Tucson resorts, Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is the southernmost ski resort in the United States. This is a great option for travelers in this area that wish to partake in summer activities like swimming and golfing and a couple of runs down a ski hill all in the same day!

Ski Hill
Poised near the 9157-ft (2791 m) Mount Lemmon, the ski area offers 200 acres ( 80.93 ha) of skiable terrain and 21 runs for all levels, from for beginners to expert skiers. The ski hill averages around 200 in (508 cm) of snow.

Lessons and Rentals
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley provides lessons for all skill levels and also offers equipment rentals. A snack bar and restaurant are also on-site to help skiers replenish their energy levels and for those who like shopping, a gift shop is also open for business.

Accommodation
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley does not offer lodging to its guests but vistors will find ample accommodation options in nearby Tucson.

If you enjoyed this feature, take a look at these other great WorldWeb.com skiing articles:
·Skiing & Snowboarding in Canada
·Ski Tahoe

1. Family Skiing, AZ, USA
2. The San Francisco Peaks; AZ, USA
3. Cross-Country Skiing, AZ, USA
4. Snowboarder, AZ, USA