Arizona Ski Areas

Snow in Arizona is a Winter Wonderland for Skiers and Snowboarders

Think of Arizona and Arizona ski areas are probably not the first thing to come to mind.

Most Arizona vacationers picture warm sun, miles of cactus-studded desert and maybe a resort pool or two.

Skiing in Arizona offers everything from downhill skiing to snowboarding

But, ski bums know that snow in Arizona is a Southwest vacation secret.

Arizona has over 2 million acres of pine forests, broad meadows and steep mountains that become a snow-covered wonderland every winter.

As a matter of fact, Arizona has some of the best snow skiing in the Southwest, comparable to Colorado or Utah, but Arizona ski resorts generally don’t have the long lines.

Winter travelers to Arizona and residents have the best of both worlds during an Arizona winter – you can be skiing in Flagstaff in the morning and sunning by the pool in Phoenix in the afternoon, just a mere 3 hours later.

When Does It Snow in Arizona?

In a normal year, the Arizona snow season begins around mid-November and stretches into mid-April.

However, it’s not uncommon for Arizona snow season to get started late.

That’s because how much snow Arizona's higher elevations get depends on the number, frequency and strength of the moisture-laden storms.

The forests around Flagstaff Arizona carpeted in a thick blanket of snow

Early in the Arizona snow season, the storms come in from the Pacific Northwest.

Later in mid-winter, wet storms originating deep in the Pacific Ocean create even more snow over Arizona.

On average, March is often the month with the heaviest snowfall.

Sometime in April, storms mixed with warm air from the south start to bring slushy snow.

Snow depths vary widely in Arizona, depending on location and elevation but usually range from 150- to 200-inches each season.

Winter temperatures can also fluctuate dramatically. This is especially true late in the season during mid-spring.

So, don't be surprised if the good powder you skied on in the morning has turned slushy by the afternoon.

Arizona skiing tip: When Arizona's ski resorts open and close for the season varies from year to year, so it’s best to call ahead for current conditions.

There are four ski resorts in Arizona that offer a variety of challenges for all levels of skiers plus scenic cross country trails and snow play areas.

Arizona's ski areas aren't upscale like Aspen or Vail. They're casual and relaxed. Yet they still offer great opportunities for winter recreation.

So, whether your passion is downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross-country, snowshoeing or just playing in the snow, there's an Arizona ski resort in Northern, Eastern or even Southern Arizona for you.

Arizona Ski Resorts and Snow Play Areas

Arizona Snowbowl, Flagstaff, Arizona

Nestled in the dramatic San Francisco Peaks, this is a popular Arizona ski area. Snowbowl has 32 ski runs, a snowboarding terrain park, two lodges, cabins, ski lessons and an average of 260 inches of annual snowfall. Yet, it is close enough to town to quickly get to your favorite pub.

Sunrise Park Resort, Greer, Arizona

Set in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona, Sunrise is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Nation. It's the largest of the ski resorts, with 65 runs spread out over 3 peaks. The resort includes a snowboarding area, cross-country trails, motel, "ski-wee" kid’s area and day care.

Elk Ridge Ski Area, Williams, Arizona

This is the perfect Arizona ski resort for those who want a relaxing and family-friendly ski trip. Set on Bill Williams Mountain in the scenic Kaibab National Forest, most of the runs are perfect for beginning and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There's also a tubing hill, day lodge and cafe.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, Tucson, Arizona

This cozy Arizona ski resort is the southernmost ski area in the United States. Skiers must drive the spectacular Santa Catalina Highway, up through cactus and woodlands, before reaching the evergreens and aspens on Mt. Lemmon and the ski area. The 21 ski trails are perfect for all levels.

Arizona Snow Play Areas

Even if there isn't enough snow for skiing, Arizona snow play areas often have enough snow for sledding, tubing, snowball fights and making snowmen. Some of the best snow play sites are near Flagstaff and in the Santa Catalina Mountains outside of Tucson.

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