It may come as a surprise that a state which reaches well above 100 degrees fahrenheit in the summer has amazing skiing in the winter. There are many great skiing destinations in Arizona to get your powder fix. Here are our picks for the best places to ski in Arizona.
Arizona Snowbowl
Not only are there scenic chairlift rides that face the San Francisco Peaks, but there are 55 runs of every level to keep you coming back for more. The new high-speed six-person lift also gives ample opportunity to explore the entire mountain. Close to Phoenix, the Snowbowl has a taste of winter while not leaving the heart of the desert.
Ski Lifts: 8
Runs: 55 (22% beginner, 43% intermediate, 22% advanced, 13% expert runs)
Season: Mid-November through April
Closest City: Flagstaff
Just outside Tucson, Mt. Lemmon is the southernmost ski resort in North America. At its highest point, it reaches over 9,000 feet above sea level. Don’t let the few lifts fool you, this resort has 200 skiable acres to explore. The mountain gets its name from Sara Plummer Lemmon, who summited it with her husband in 1881.
Ski Lifts: 3
Runs: 21
Season: Mid-December to April
Closest City: Tucson
Sunrise Park Resort
Owned by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Sunrise Park Resort is a destination ski resort located in Greer near the New Mexico border. These guys have snow guns, enough said.
Ski Lifts: 8
Runs: 69
Season: Late November to April
Closest City: Located in Greer, 3 hours from Flagstaff and 4 hours from Phoenix
Elk Ridge Ski Area
Located in the historic town of Williams, this ski area is on the famous Route 66. Elk Ridge Ski Area is a small, family-friendly destination for skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. The area itself is near the southwestern entrance to the Grand Canyon. This is a great place to get some ski turns in while exploring Arizona’s other treasures!
Ski Lifts: 2
Runs: ~14
Season: December to March
Closest City: Located in Williams and 30 miles from Flagstaff
Whether you are looking for a resort experience or a local hideaway, Arizona has great ski destinations. Check out some ski tips HERE. We hope our picks for the best places to ski in Arizona help you plan your next winter adventure in the Grand Canyon State!
