Snow Skiing in Northern Arizona

Arizona is home to some of the most beautiful forested mountain tops, deep ski bases, and thick layers of snow in the winter months. These terrains offer perfect spots for snow-skiing from the elevated areas down to the deep bases.

These Arizona ski areas have slopes favorable to all ages and experience levels, from children and beginner skiers to experienced adults. If you want to spend some time in Northern Arizona or engage in fun activities near the Grand Canyon, check out some of these snow skiing spots.

Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff

Photo by Hamish Duncan on Unsplash

In Snowbowl, you’ll enjoy the view and thrilling skiing experience at a base elevation of 9,200 feet and five lift options offering 32 runs. It's an ideal place to sharpen your skiing skills on the terrain park, parked with spines and rails. 

It’s considered Arizona’s premier ski resort and stands 15 miles from Flagstaff's San Francisco Peaks, with the whole Snowbowl mountain covering over 777 skiing-friendly acres. Therefore, it is one of the largest skiing areas in the West, with beautiful, challenging terrain. You’ll love the views of the impressively tall trails, with one of them boasting a vertical drop of over 2,300 feet.

Snowbowl is open to snowboarders and skiers and has a ski school with well-versed trainers for each level. Families with kids will love the instruction programs designed for kids and can also ease their rides with the skiing equipment from the resort’s equipment rental shop. 

Sunrise Ski Area Near Pinetop Lakeside

Photo by Alain Wong on Unsplash

Sunrise Ski Area is a perfect skiing spot for all ages and experience levels, boasting three mountains in one, with over 65 runs of varying terrain. Experienced skiers can flex their adrenaline on the Sunrise Express High-Speed Quad lift, while families with kids and less experienced downhill racers can have fun at the Ski-wee section of the resort.

There is a snow half pipe and implanted rails for snowboarders in the terrain park, while the whole family can have fun slithering down the mountain. If looking for a family reunion venue, Sunrise Ski Area is a perfect choice, where everyone is sure to have an engaging time with the welcoming terrain while connecting with loved ones.

Later on, you can relax at the swimming pool and spa or lounge by the fireplace. You may even take an intriguing charge ride in the woods. Remember to choose a suitable vocational rental for your family, where you can settle and rest as you share experiences with your loved ones.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, North of Tucson

The Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is a ski area north of Tucson in Arizona's Rincon Mountains. The mountain features two slopes—one for beginners and another for experienced skiers who wish to challenge themselves with more difficult terrain and challenging jumps. The mountain also has an off-piste facility where you can enjoy a ride down the mountain without having to worry about bumping into other skiers while making your way down. 

It sits over 9,000 feet above the valley floor and can accommodate over 2,000 snowboarders and skiers per hour. It operates in three lifts with up to 21 runs on over 200 acres. Twenty percent of these are beginner-friendly, while 38% require more experience. Mt. Lemmon also has top-class instructors and equipment rentals to help inexperienced skiers improve their skills.

Brighten Up Your Winter in Northern Arizona

While most people only associate it with desert recreation and warm sunshine, Arizona offers many snow-fun opportunities and beautiful winter scenes. When planning your list of fun things to do in Arizona, ensure snow skiing is right at the top, as you don’t want to miss the chance to enjoy riding down these wintry beauties. For accommodation, contact us to book your spot in your preferred vacation rental home, and have an easy time settling in your vacation spot.