By Joe Fletcher
While Arizona might not be your top choice for a destination ski vacation, there are several ski
resorts throughout the state. If you happen to be traveling to one of Arizona's cities during the winter months, there is a ski
resort just a short commute away. While conditions might not be as reliable as Utah or Colorado, Arizona's four ski resorts provide an ample serving of terrain and powder for anyone craving some turns. Since the state is relatively off the grid for ski travelers, you'll find cheap lift tickets and amenities that will stretch your money further than other more expensive resorts.
Sunrise Park Resort
Sunrise Park tops the list because it is Arizona's largest ski resort. With 65 trails on three separate mountains and 1800 feet of vertical, Sunrise Park offers skiers and riders some significant terrain. The snow conditions here are considered to be some of the best in the state with an average of 250 inches per year. While Sunrise doesn't offer expansive open bowls or leg-shaking steeps, you'll find a nice mix of groomers, cruisers and advanced terrain. A terrain park serves up a halfpipe, jumps and rails for freestyle enthusiasts. Don't be fooled by Arizona's desert reputation; topping off at 11,100 feet, Sunrise Park is a true high alpine resort.
Sunrise Park Resort
P.O. Box 117
Greer, AZ 85927
(928) 735-7669
sunriseskipark.com
Arizona Snowbowl
Snowbowl only offers half as many trails as Sunrise with 32, but it does serve up more vertical with 2300 feet. Like Sunrise, you won't be close to sea level here as lifts whisk you up to 11,500 feet and several 12,000-foot peaks surround the resort. Expect diverse terrain that includes open bowl skiing on Upper Bowl and expansive views that reach as far as the Grand Canyon some 70 miles away. One of the best things about Arizona Snowbowl is its easy access to the city of Flagstaff--just 14 miles of highway and mountain road driving.
Arizona Snowbowl
P.O. Box 40
Flagstaff, AZ 86002
(928) 779-1951
arizonasnowbowl.com
Mt. Lemmon
If you were surprised to read that there is skiing in Arizona, you'll be even more surprised to know that there is skiing in Tucson. Mt. Lemmon, just an hour from the city, marks the southern limit of United States skiing. A small resort of 200 acres and 950 feet of vertical, Mt. Lemmon provides an intimate ski environment excellent for families, as well as beginner and intermediate skiers. Three lifts serve access to 21 separate trails. The resort also offers a halfpipe and terrain park. While not as high as the previously-listed resorts, Mt. Lemmon is still home to impressive mountain peaks that soar above 9000 feet providing a beautiful contrast of alpine and desert environments.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
P.O. Box 612
Mount Lemmon, AZ 85619
(520) 576-1321
Elk Ridge Ski Area
Elk Ridge (formerly Williams Ski Area) is Arizona's smallest resort and caters primarily to families. While the ski area offers just seven runs spread across 30 acres of skiable terrain, it also offers incredible scenery due to its location near the southwestern entrance of the Grand Canyon. The resort is just minutes from Williams, Arizona.
Elk Ridge Ski Area
2467 S. Perkinsville Rd
Williams, Arizona 86046
(928) 814-5038
elkridgeski.com
About the Author:
Joe Fletcher has been a writer since 2002, starting his career in politics and legislation. He has written travel and outdoor recreation articles for a variety of print and online publications, including "Rocky Mountain Magazine" and "Bomb Snow." He received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers College.
