We Phoenicians may be desert dwellers, but thankfully, a winter wonderful is just a short drive away.
If you’re looking for a place to escape to, you’re in luck because we have five ski and snow play destinations.
Arizona Snowbowl
This Flagstaff ski resort is about a three-hour drive from Phoenix, depending on freeway traffic. They pump out their snow so you can always count on fresh powder. There are ski and snowboard rentals on site, lessons for beginners and lodging to get the full experience. Lift tickets start at $29. Rentals range from $10 to $49 for each person.
Arizona Nordic Village
This ski resort and hiking destination is just a short drive from Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff. Like Snowbowl, the Arizona Nordic Village also offers rentals on site and lessons. There are cabins, yurts and camping accommodations as well. Daily passes are $12 on weekdays and $20 on weekends for adults. Children 7 and under are free. Rentals range from $5 to $20 for each person.
Elk Ridge Ski Area
This one is also about a three-hour drive from Phoenix, but it’s located in Williams, Ariz. near the southwest entrance to the Grand Canyon. The Elk Ridge Ski Area has all the main accommodations as the first two ski resorts, but it also offers tubing. Prices vary depending on which activity you will be doing as well as for how much of the day you’ll be doing it. You can save by taking advantage of their package deals.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
You don’t have to drive up north to see snow. Ski Valley is located about three hours South of Phoenix on Mt. Lemmon. This ski resort offers a variety of lessons from private to group, adults to children. Lift tickets cost $45 for adults and $25 for children. Rentals can cost you anywhere from $15 to $40 more for each person.
Sunrise Park Resort
About four hours East of Phoenix you’ll find Sunrise Park Resort, located in the White Mountains of Greer, Ariz. Like the others, you can find all the equipment you need on site and take lessons. Lift tickets vary by age with the most being $66 for an adult and the least being $25 for children 5 and under.
With all of these locations, be sure to check their website to ensure there is snow before you plan your trip. The Arizona snow season typically runs from mid-December to mid-April.
