Arizona Skiing - Yes, Snow Skiing!

Ah, Arizona. Land of sun, scorching summer days andSki Resort is open from the first week of December
winter skiing fun. That's right, skiing. Yes, Virginia,through the first weekend of April. Night skiing begins
Arizona, known for tumbleweed snowmen, actuallyJanuary 2. Lodging is available at the 100-room
gets snow.Sunrise Park Lodge located on Sunrise Lake. Winter
There are four ski areas to choose from in Arizona,rates begin at $124 per night. Call (800) 772-7669 for
all within a few hours drive from Phoenix, the capitalmore information.
of Arizona.Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is located on Mt. Lemmon just
The most well-known of the ski areas in Arizona isoutside Tucson, which is the largest city in Southern
located in northern Arizona, 7 miles north of Flagstaff.Arizona. Though smaller than the Arizona Snowbowl
The Arizona Snowbowl offers 4 lifts and 32 trails forand Sunrise Park Resort, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
skiers and snowboards of all levels, and 2,300 feet ofoffers 80 skiable acres, 3 lifts, 18 trails and a 907-ft.
vertical drop. You can also test your freestyle skills atvertical drop. The longest run is 8,500 ft. Their trail
their Sunset Terrain Park which includes obstacles andratings are: Easiest at 20%; More Difficult at 38%
spines. Lodging available in nearby Flagstaff or youand Most Difficult at 42%. There is no cross-country
can choose to stay at the ski resort at the Ski Liftor heli skiing available.
Lodge & Cabins located at the base of the SanFor those of you learning to ski, you might want to
Francisco Peaks. For reservations, call (928) 774-0729.head up to the Elk Ridge Ski Area, formerly the
The largest ski resort in Arizona is located in McNaryWilliams Ski Area located in Williams, Arizona,
in Eastern Arizona. The Sunrise Park Resort is ownedapproximately 30 miles west of Flagstaff. The Elk
and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe,Ridge Ski Area offers two lifts and seven trails. Elk
and is just a 4-hour drive from Tucson and Phoenix.Ridge is typically open Thursday through Monday,
You have for your skiing and snowboarding pleasurestarting mid December. Thursdays is "skiing only" day.
800 acres on three interconnected mountains. BaseFor more information call (928) 814-5038.
elevation is 9,200 feet extending up to 11,000 feet.If you're planning a visit to Arizona this winter, or if
They offer 8 lifts and 65 runs for skiers of all levels,you live in Arizona, it's nice to know a day of skiing is
as well as a separate snowboarding area, crosswithin driving distance. Who needs to hop a plane to
country ski trails, and a Terrain Park featuring a snowColorado or Utah when winter fun is right in your
half pipe, implanted wood and metal rails. The Sunriseown backyard?