Arizona Sunrise Park ResortSunrise Ski Park Offers Winter Sports and Summer Recreation TooAbout Arizona Sunrise Park ResortArizona Sunrise Park Resort is not only the largest Arizona ski resort, it’s also the most remote. This sprawling ski park is tucked away in a far corner of northeastern Arizona’s beautiful White Mountains.
Sunrise Park Resort also has the distinction of being the only Arizona ski resort run by a Native American tribe. This ski area has been owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Nation since it opened in 1970. Although Arizona Sunrise Ski Resort is about a 218 mile drive from Phoenix (and roughly 230 miles from Tucson), it’s worth a visit for its serene setting, family friendly atmosphere, large skiable terrain, deep powder and good weather. Located between the small towns of Pinetop-Lakeside and Greer, the country here is quiet and picturesque. Large meadows, filled with wildflowers in summer, dot the thick stands of ponderosa pines. Lakes and sparkling rivers filled with trout slice through the valleys and canyons. In winter, these idyllic peaks and meadows become blanketed with deep snow, perfect for downhill and Nordic skiing and snowboarding. Year-round, this area makes a great outdoor recreation destination. It's a perfect getaway for escaping the desert heat, where you can go horseback riding, hiking and mountain biking amid the cool pines, or trout fishing at one of the many quiet lakes. Don’t let the long drive discourage you from taking a ski trip to Arizona Sunrise Park Resort.
The routes to the White Mountains are some of the most scenic in the state, crossing through national forests and over rivers, passing through mining towns and across two American Indian nations. Much of the land still seems as wild and rugged as it was during the Old West. Because Arizona Sunrise Ski Resort is nowhere near a major airport, you generally won’t find crowds of skiers from out-of-state. However, the resort can be busy with Arizonans on holiday weekends in winter and during rodeo weekends. Make sure to plan ahead for lodging as rooms are limited near the ski resort. But, at the end of the ski day, it’s not too far of a drive back into Pinetop-Lakeside for pizza, burgers, steaks or sushi. Or, stop in at the White Mountain Apache Nation’s Hon Dah Resort and Casino to try your luck at the slots. Winter Sports: Skiing, Snowboarding and MoreArizona Sunrise Park Resort’s ski season usually begins in December and ends in the middle of April.
Annual snowfall ranges from 250 to 350 inches. Sunrise Park Resort has 65 trails on 800 acres. Most of the trails are wide, making them perfect for cruising. The ski runs are spread out over three peaks. The tallest summit is Apache Peak at 11,300 feet, followed by the summits of Sunrise Peak and Cyclone Circle, both at 10,700 feet. Advanced skiers will want to try the steep terrain on Cyclone Circle. Beginners should stick with the two gentle and well-groomed lower slopes. There are a total of 10 ski lifts including Arizona’s only high speed detachable quad chairlift, boasting a 16,000-skiers-per-hour uphill capacity.
For snowboarders, Arizona Sunrise has the Terrain Park. It features a snow half pipe, wood and metal rails and a special event area with a range of jumps. The Terrain Park is open to skiers, too. Arizona Sunrise Park Resort also has groomed cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails that stretch out over 13 miles through the scenic forests and meadows. For snow play, there’s a tubing hill behind Lake Ono, not far off the main entrance to the ski resort. Fun seekers of all ages can also sled here or just play in the snow. Sunrise Ski Park also has a special program’s for children at the resort’s Funland, which offers child care too. Plus, there are even sleigh rides for the ultimate in enjoying the snow without having to get in it. Year Round Activities at Arizona Sunrise Park ResortGiven its scenic locale, it’s no surprise that Arizona Sunrise Park Resort has year round activities.
Sunrise Lake is popular for fishing as it is one of the best trout fishing spots in the White Mountains. Anglers will find brook, rainbow and Apache trout in the lake. While the White Mountain Apache Nation is dotted with many lakes, Sunrise Lake is the only one where gas-powered motor boats are permitted at 10 hp or less. Horseback riding at the base of Sunrise Park Resort takes riders into the surrounding forest. There’s also an RV park with electrical hookups and a primitive campground. During some summers, Sunrise Ski Park opens one of its chairlifts for a scenic summer lift rides. Be sure to call in advance before you head out to see if they’re running. On summer weekends, mountain bikers can take the lift up to the top of Sunrise Mountain and ride the trails down. The chairs are fitted with special carriers for the bikes. Mountain bikes, helmets and accessories are available for rent. Visitor Facilities at Arizona Sunrise Park ResortThere are three day lodges at Sunrise Ski Park: Apache Peak, Sunrise and Cyclone.
Each has its own restaurant. If you want skiing and snowboarding lessons, sign up at the Sunrise Ski School. For ski equipment, head over to the Sunrise Rental Shop, located at the base of Sunrise Mountain. The shop rents skis, boots, poles, snowboards, jackets, bibs, pants and gloves.Services include ski and snowboard repair, tune-ups, binding adjustments and hot wax. The Sunrise General Store, on Highway 793 just three miles from the slopes, is the place for cross country ski and snowshoeing equipment rentals, trail permits and cross-country ski lessons as well as snow tube rentals and sleds.
The store is also the source for all kinds of supplies including gas and bait, tackle and permits for ice fishing on Sunrise Lake. Arizona Sunrise’s Sunrise Park Lodge is set off the mountains next to Sunrise Lake. It has 100 rooms, a restaurant, and an indoor pool. This is the closest lodging to the ski park. However, during the 2008 ski season, this hotel received bad reviews regarding the condition of the rooms, which are said to be in need of upgrading and renovation. The Hon-Dah Resort Casino is located on Highway 260 at the eastern edge of Pinetop.
The resort features 126 large rooms, free wireless internet, the Pine Top Restaurant, the Timber's Lounge and Showroom and 800 slot machines in the casino. (777 Highway 260, 800-929-8744) Both the Sunrise Park Lodge and Hon-Dah Resort and Casino are owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe. There are deals available on rooms that include lift tickets and discounts on ski rentals. Next door to the resort is Hon-Dah Ski and Outdoor Sport, an information center for outdoor recreation on the White Mountain Apache Reservation. Show Low is the largest town in the area. It has the most lodging choices including motels, new hotels like Holiday Inn Express Showlow About 25 miles from Sunrise is the closer town of Pinetop-Lakeside.
We stayed at the Best Western Inn Of Pinetop Our room was very clean, comfortable and recently renovated. The Best Western features 41 rooms, free wireless internet, complimentary breakfast and is pet friendly. The closest town to Sunrise Park Resort is Greer, about a 20-minute drive east. This modest mountain hamlet is tucked into a quiet valley bisected by the Little Colorado River. There are no big hotels or motels here, but there are a few lodges and bed and breakfasts. If you're in town, stop in at the Rendezvous Diner (117 Main Street, 928-735-7483).
We enjoyed a nice lunch here on a rainy afternoon. The sandwiches and home-made French fries were good, but we were looking forward to what came afterward. We knew that the diner was famous for its pies and cobblers, so we couldn't leave without having dessert. And we weren’t disappointed. The warm mixed berry cobbler came with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream. It was just the sustenance needed to forge back out into the rainy afternoon. Fast Facts: Sunrise Park Resort, White Mountains ArizonaWhat to Know Before You Go:
Location: Eastern Arizona. Sunrise Park Resort is about 218 miles (about 4 hours and 40 minutes) from Phoenix. Directions: Head east on Arizona 60 which becomes US Highway 60. Turn left at the junction of AZ Highway 70/US Highway 60. You are now on AZ Highway 77/US Highway 60. Continue on this route until you reach Arizona Highway 260. Turn right (east) on Highway 260, continuing through Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside. After Pinetop, you will enter the White Mountain Apache Nation. Continue east on Arizona 260 past the Hon-Dah Casino and Resort. At Arizona 273, make a right turn and go south. There is a large billboard at the intersection of Highways 260 and 273, pointing the way to Sunrise. About 4 miles south on AZ 273, you'll see Sunrise Park Lodge perched on a hill on the east side of the road. Just beyond the lodge, turn right to head to the ski area. It’s about another 3 miles past the lodge to Sunrise Ski Park. Address: Highway 273, Greer, Arizona 85927 Phone: 928-735-7669 or toll-free: 800-772-7669 Hours: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (subject to change) Skiable Terrain: 800 acres Winter Activities: Downhill skiing, snowboarding, cross country skiing, snowshoeing, sledding, tubing hill, sleigh rides Number of Runs/Trails: 65 Number of Lifts: 10 Snow Play Area: Yes, at the tubing hill near Lake Ono at the base of the resort Lift Ticket Prices: Half Day-All Lifts (Sun – Sat 12:30 pm – 4:00 pm) Sunday am ONLY – All Mountains (9:30 am – 12:30 pm) Season passes are also available. Snow Tubing Rentals: $8:00 per day per person. Sleigh Rides: $25 per person for a 20-minute ride Note: This information was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility before making reservations and/or travel plans. Return to Arizona Ski Areas page from Arizona Sunrise Park Resort
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