Snow Much Fun in AZ | Where to sled and build a snowman!

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Snow Much Fun in AZ | East Valley Moms Blog

Snow in the mountains it just around the corner, do you wanna build a snowman? 

Being just a few short hours away from a winter wonderland is one of the best parts of living in the Valley.  We can visit it and not have to deal with it on a daily basis like our friends in other parts of the country!

Build a snowman or just go out and play, put these great spots on your list!

FLAGSTAFF

Arizona Nordic Village : 

  • Arizona Nordic Village offers snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, snowman building and pull-behind sledding and night play on Fridays when conditions allow. 
  • The center is about 15 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff and 160 miles from central Phoenix. Head north on Interstate 17, which leads into Milton Road in Flagstaff. Follow Milton Road downtown to U.S. 180 north. The parking lot is along the highway at mile marker 232.
  • Hours: 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. daily and 6-9 p.m. Fridays if conditions allow.

 

Elk Ridge Ski and Recreation Area:

Named for the ridge line south of the ski area, this site once was known as the Williams Ski Area. Tubing, cross-country skiing and snowboarding are available. The lodge has been renovated and is under new management. Check their website for schedules and holiday closures.

  • It’s about 180 miles from central Phoenix. Take Interstate 17 north to Flagstaff and Interstate 40 west to Williams. Go south on Fourth Street, which turns into Perkinsville Road, then Ski Run Road to Elk Ridge.
  • Hours: 9:30a.m.-4:00 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.
  • Prices: $20 Adults ages 13+; $15 Kids ages 4-12; $40 Family (2 adults, 2 children under 13); Free for children younger than 4 with an Adult.
  • Details: 928-814-5038 or elkridgeski.com

WHITE MOUNTAINS

Sunrise Park Resort::

Sunrise Park Resort is one of Arizona’s best ski resorts. Located on Highway 273 it not only has three mountains with 65 runs for skiing but also a great tubing and sledding hill located behind Lake Ono right off the main ski area entrance. The resort rents tubes or you can bring your own sled or tube. The Rental Shop also provides warm winter gear for customers who came without. Owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Sunrise Park caters to overnight guests with a 100-room lodge with indoor pool, RV Park and campground.

  • Sunrise Park Resort
    Highway 273, Greer, AZ 85927
  • For more information and/or road conditions: 855.735.7669 or sunriseskipark.com/

Williams Valley Winter Sports Area:

Williams Valley Winter Sports Area outside Alpine, Arizona ,off Highway 191 and Forest Road 249, provides an area for cross-country skiers and sledding. At the Williams Valley Ski Area fifteen kilometers of trails groomed for both diagonal striding and ski-skating wind through a picturesque area of evergreen forests and wide mountain meadows. Williams Valley is located 6 miles from Alpine along a forest road that is kept open except during and immediately after major winter storms. The elevation here is 8,700 feet, so snow usually comes early and stays late. Because of the variety of terrains and conditions at Williams Valley both novices and more experienced skiers will find plenty to enjoy here. With a steep enough descent for a fun ride yet an easy climb back to the top, Toboggan Hill makes a good area for sleds, toboggans and tubes. No fees are charged for the area. Gas and food are available in the small community of Alpine a few miles east of the sledding area.

  • Williams Valley Winter Sports Area
    Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
    P.O. Box 469
    Alpine, AZ 85920
  • For more information and/or road conditions: 928-339-4384 or wmonline.com/attract/trails/wmski.htm

Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area and Hannagan Meadow Lodge:

Tucked away in the White Mountains, Hannagan Meadow Recreation Area located off U.S. Highway 191 approximately 22 miles south of Alpine, Arizona has several hills suitable for casual sledding.

Most sledding in the area is done at Hannagan Meadow Lodge. Since it’s located at 9,100 feet the lodge generally receives plenty of snow all winter long. The main sledding and tubing hill is located right behind the main building and open to guests of the lodge and the general public without fee. Tubes and sleds are available through the lodge’s General Store.

  • Hannagan Meadow Lodge
    Box 335
    Alpine, AZ 85920
  • For more information and/or road conditions: 928- 339-4370 or hannaganmeadow.com

TUCSON

Mount Lemmon Ski Valley

The Santa  Catalina Mountains is home to the southernmost ski area in the United States! Few people think of snow and skiing when they think of Tucson.

Located just an hour’s drive from the sun-drenched resorts of Tucson, area visitors can go golfing, swimming and downhill skiing in the same day.

Mount Lemmon Ski Valley offers ski equipment rentals, instruction, the Iron Door Restaurant, a snack bar and gift shop. Overnight accommodations are available in the nearby village of Summerhaven.

The chair lift is in operation all year round, taking visitors to a high overlook from which they can enjoy views of the Santa Catalinas, the city of Tucson, the San Pedro Valley, the Reef of Rocks, and the distant mountains near Globe and Phoenix.

  • 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619
  • For more information and/or road conditions: 520.576.1321 or skithelemmon.com

Do you have some “unofficial” sledding spots you like to visit?  Please share them with us at [email protected]!

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