Williams Arizona Ski Area

The Williams Arizona Ski Area is a great place for a child’s first time on the slopes

Now known as 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 bears, 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 their first time. Elk Ridge Ski Williams has good deals on equipment rental and lessons too.

The top elevation is 8,100 feet and the base elevation is 7,500 feet, with a vertical drop of 600 feet.

Thick ponderosa pine forests surround the ski runs at Elk Ridge Ski Area Williams

There are two surface lifts servicing 10 trails. The majority of the runs are geared toward beginning and intermediate skiers.

Children will especially enjoy the tubing hill, where they can slide down a run on a large, inflatable rubber tube.

As with other Arizona ski resorts, the Williams Arizona Ski Area's ski season usually begins sometime in December and ends in April.

It can open as early as mid-November if there has been enough moisture-laden storms.

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 White Stag Restaurant at the Williams Arizona Ski Area

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.

Route 66 runs through the center of historic Williams Arizona

The Williams Arizona Ski Area day lodge

• The 1.5-mile long Ski Run Road to the Williams Arizona Ski Area and the parking lot at the resort are unpaved but passable by passenger car in summer.
• Snow and ice may be on the road up to Elk Ridge. Chains or four wheel drive may be required depending on weather conditions.
• No RVs are allowed in the parking area.

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

Phone:   928-814-5038

Hours:   Friday - Monday 9:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. (Subject to change without notice).

White Stag Café Hours:   Call ahead for hours

National Weather Service Williams Arizona Forecast

Elevation:   top elevation: 8,100 feet
base elevation: 7,500 feet
vertical drop: 600 feet.

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:
Full Day - All Lifts
Adults: $25
Children 4 to 12 years old and Seniors: $15
Children 4 and under: Free with paid adult

Half day (starts at 1:30 pm)
Adults: $20
Children 4 to 12 years old and Seniors: $15

Call for ski rental package information.

All Day Inner Tubing:   
Adult (13 and up): $12
Children (4 to 12 years old): $10
Children 3 and under with adult: free
Family (2 adults, 2 children 12 and under): $35

Ski and Board Season Pass:   
Student (with ID): $150
Single: $210
Family Price (2 adults and 2 children 12 or under): $600

Military and school discounts available.

Prices subject to change without notice.

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