Here’s everything you need to know about the Alpine Coaster at Sunrise Ski Resort that just opened up this summer.
Arizona has four ski resorts in the state, and Sunrise Ski Resort in Greer, Arizona, near the White Mountains is an easy-to-get-to resort and is known for having the most runs of any of the resorts.
Over the last few years, Sunrise Ski Resort has been building summer fun options for families to enjoy the slopes during the warmer months; this year a new roller coaster opened that will remain in operations during the summer and winter.
Keep reading for more tips for visiting Sunrise Park Resort’s summer activities.
For more family fun to experience near Greer, Arizona, here’s our favorite summer activities with kids in Greer.
XO,
Amy
Sunrise Ski Resort Summer Activities for Kids
The resort offers a mix of summer family activities including a scenic ski lift ride, the Alpine Coaster ride (25mph), summer downhill tubing, zip lines, rock wall, airbag jumps and more.
The attractions are aimed at school aged kids, with several having age minimums of 6 years old (the 3D archery course and zip line).
My four year old had a full adventure with the offerings he could participate in, including the scenic ski lift (allows children as young as 2 years old), rock climbing wall, summer downhill tubes and the Alpine Coaster (there are height restrictions on this!)
Most activities can be purchased al la carte, or there’s a full bundle package that includes everything except the Alpine Coaster, which is an additional fee.
Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster with kids
A few things to know before riding the coaster with kids:
- Each car on the ride is individually controlled by the passenger, allowing you to choose how fast to go (up to 25 mph)
- There are height restrictions for young children: 38″+ height and age 3+
- For the summer of 2024, riders can purchase two rides and get a third ride free
- The attendant on duty the day we went required hair longer than shoulder length to be up in a ponytail, braid or bun. I didn’t see signage for this, but luckily I had a spare scrunchie to quickly follow this rule while in line
I liked that the ride goes through the forest, it’s a very unique ride that compliments its natural surroundings, and you won’t see the entire coaster from the parking lot–it truly goes through the trees.
How to maximize your day at Sunrise Ski Resort with kids
- The inclusive bundle package is the way to go with kids–it’s all unlimited access to everything except the coaster and allowed us to go from activity to activity without worrying about getting more tickets, etc.
- Bring an extra layer of clothing for the ski lift–it does get chilly and my son wished he had a jacket on the way down.
- Food and drinks are for sale (including beer), but they also have nice shaded picnic tables outside if you choose to pack a picnic lunch–that’s what we did.
- The ticketing line took longer than anticipated; every ticket sold requires a name and date of birth attached to it, so there’s a lot of data collected by each cashier. With so many ticket options, a lot of guests had questions about different options as well, slowing down the lines. If possible, I’d recommend the ticket buyer to go alone and let another caregiver watch kids outside so they don’t get too frustrated at the line. It took us about 30 minutes to get our tickets on a Wednesday morning.
