Arizona is generally associated with warm sunshine and desert recreation, but it actually boasts a ton of winter attractions and opportunities to play in the snow as well. You won’t find better snow-or alpine recreation than in Arizona’s mountainous regions between December and March.

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Skiing in Arizona

Do you want to ski in Arizona? Don’t miss Arizona Snowbowl Winter Resort in Flagstaff. Located less than half an hour from historic downtown Flagstaff, Arizona Snowbowl is the only resort that offers views of the Grand Canyon, which can be seen from the top of the Agassiz Chairlift.

In addition to more than 50 trails, there is bowl skiing, tree skiing, and a special adaptive program (with optional 2- and 4-hour lessons) for riders of all abilities. For freestylers who want to hone their skills, there are three terrain parks.

Sunrise Park Resort is another great ski resort in Arizona’s White Mountains. There are 65 runs here, making it the largest ski resort in Arizona. One of the resort’s three peaks, Cyclone Circle, has a 1,400-foot vertical drop and multiple black-diamond trails. For beginners and intermediate skiers and snowboarders, Sunrise Park really shines, with long lazy rides like Crown Dancer and Spirit Trail that provide plenty of practice for turns and stopping. It offers group and private lessons for experienced skiers as well as for beginners and younger skiers.

Winter thrills aren’t limited to the big resorts in Arizona. There are 22 trails at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, the southernmost ski area in the U.S. The small mountain town of Summerhaven is home to a casual indoor restaurant, a fudge shop, and a general store with a gift shop.

With Flagstaff’s location being the high mountains of Arizona and it being home to the state’s tallest point, Humphrey Peak, it’s no secret why Flagstaff is a hotspot in the ski season.

People from all over Arizona and even across the country travel for miles to Flagstaff just to experience the ski of their lifetime. If you’re planning to ski in Flagstaff, then you just signed up for a really good time.

Here’s what to know before booking a skiing trip to get the most out of your experience.

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When to Ski in Flagstaff

The best time to ski in the city of Flagstaff is anywhere from mid-November to April as the snow is thickest during these months. The most ideal time, however, within this season to go skiing is between February to March when snow coverage and weather are most reliable.

Don’t forget to bring your protective equipment, pair of skis, and wear your winter clothes as the temperatures are sure to be freezing in Flagstaff during the ski season.

More ways to play in the snow

The Arizona Nordic Village in Flagstaff offers 25 miles of multi-use trails for snowshoeing, snow-bike riding, and cross-country skiing adventures, as well as ski rentals and lessons for beginners.

The Hannagan Meadow Lodge near Alpine is a great place to relax in the backcountry. The lodge itself offers cozy accommodations, but the real attraction is outdoors. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers will enjoy the free trails that flow into the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests from the lodge. The wintertime smorgasbord includes ice fishing, sledding and local events.

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