Williams Arizona Ski AreaNorthern Arizona's Elk Ridge Ski Area is Perfect for Families and BeginnersAbout the Williams Arizona Ski AreaFor a quiet, cozy and family-friendly ski trip, the Williams Arizona Ski Area is a good choice. Recently renamed the Elk Ridge Ski Area, this Arizona ski resort is located just south of the historic town of Williams, famous as a stop along Route 66 and gateway to the Grand Canyon.
The Elk Ridge Ski and Recreation Area is set on the north slope of Bill Williams Mountain, in the Kaibab National Forest. This 9,256 foot peak is named after Bill Williams, who was a famous mountain man, trapper and scout on the old Santa Fe Trail in the 1880s. The Williams Arizona Ski Area gets its new name from the ridge line just south of the ski resort. The forests of the Kaibab still look as rugged and wild as when Bill Williams roamed this area. Dense stands of ponderosa pines are home to elk, mule deer, black bear and bobcats. As you drive up the steep, winding road to the Williams Arizona Ski Area, breaks in the forest give scenic views of nearby mountains. At 40 acres, this ski area is small when compared to the other three Arizona ski resorts. However, the staff is friendly and helpful and this is a fun, casual spot that's perfect for beginning skiers and snowboarders to hit the slopes for the first time, as Elk Ridge Ski Williams has good deals on equipment rental and lessons. Plus, it's great for families looking for a fun-filled day on the powder. Winter Sports: Skiing and SnowboardingAs with other Arizona ski resorts, the Williams Arizona Ski Area's ski season usually begins sometime in December and ends in April.
Elk Ridge generally receives an annual snowfall of around 150 inches, although amounts can vary greatly during the season. The top elevation is 8,100 feet and the base elevation is 7,500 feet with a vertical drop of 600 feet. There are two surface lifts servicing 10 trails. The majority of the runs are geared toward beginning and intermediate skiers. Elk Ridge Ski and Recreation Area is open to downhill skiing, snowboarding and tubing although there currently is not a snowboarding terrain park. Children will especially enjoy the tubing hill, where they can slide down a run on a large, inflatable rubber tube. Yearround Activities at Williams Arizona Ski AreaThe Williams Arizona Ski Area is open in for tubing in the non-winter months, too.A nylon tow rope takes tubers up to the top of a specially prepared hill that’s coated with synthetic "Powderpak" material, a snow-like substance. Child size and adult size tubes are available. The ski resort's White Stag Restaurant is also open all year. Visitor Facilities at Elk Ridge Ski WilliamsThe Williams Arizona Ski Area has a small day lodge with a snack bar, ski equipment rental and first aid station.
The lodge's White Stag Restaurant serves American grill food, including hamburgers, hot dogs and sandwiches, for lunch and dinner. There are no overnight accommodations at the Williams Arizona Ski Area. The closest lodging is in Williams. Here you’ll find a number of motels and hotels like Holiday Inn and Best Western, and a few bed & breakfasts. There’s also a variety of restaurants in town. We particularly liked a dinner at the Red Raven Restaurant (135 West Route 66, 928-635-4930). This may be the most upscale restaurant in a town better known for its tourist shops and railroad to the Grand Canyon. The atmosphere at Red Raven was comfortable and cozy in the restored brick building that now houses the restaurant.
Our meals of basil pesto salmon ($18) and grilled chicken angel hair pasta ($14) were excellent, but the service was a bit slow at this busy place. Fast Facts: Elk Ridge Ski Area Williams ArizonaWhat to Know Before You Go:
Location: Northern Arizona, about 5 miles south of Williams Arizona and Interstate 40. Directions: Elk Ridge Ski and Recreation Area is about 180 miles from Phoenix. Head north on I-17 to Flagstaff, then take I-40 west to Williams. Take Fourth Street south which will become Perkinsville Road. After about 2.5 miles, look for mile marker 183 and turn right onto Ski Run Road. This point is just before the Kaibab National Forest sign. From here, it's 1.5 miles to Elk Ridge. Address: 2467 South Perkinsville Road, Williams, AZ 86046 Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location. Phone: 928-814-5038 Hours: Friday - Monday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Subject to change). White Stag Café Hours: Call ahead for hours Skiable Terrain: 30 acres Winter Activities: downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing Number of Runs/Trails: 10 Number of Lifts: 2 Snow play Area: Designated tubing hill only Day Lift Ticket Prices: Half day (starts at 1:30 pm) Season passes available. Ski Rental Packages: includes skis, boots and poles – all day Beginning Skier Package: includes ski, boots and pole rental, one hour ski lesson & lift ticket Snowboarding Rental Packages: includes snowboard and boots Beginning Snowboarder Package: includes snowboard and boots rental, one hour snowboarding lesson & lift ticket All Day Inner Tubing Ticket Prices: Student (with ID): $150 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 Williams Arizona Ski Area
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