When you picture Arizona, there’s a good chance you picture deserts and sunshine, but you might be surprised to know just how many winter activities are available across the state. In the winter months, you can expect plenty of crisp, sunny days along with lots of places hosting activities you might associate more with alpine destinations. If you’re looking for a winter adventure in Arizona from your home base of Sierra Vista, here are some of the activities you should consider.
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley
Mount Lemmon is conveniently located near Tucson and boasts year-round activities for adventure seekers. Ski Valley is the attraction that brings visitors in during the winter months. There are 21 miles of ski trails for skiers of all experience levels, and onsite rentals so you don’t need to have your own gear. If you are new to skiing or need a refresher, there are group and private classes available at Ski Valley to help you get your confidence on the slopes. If you’re interested in tackling the trails on a snowboard, snowboarding lessons are also available.
If skiing and snowboarding aren’t your thing, there are still plenty of things to do in Ski Valley. When the slopes are closed, you can use the lifts to take in the views on the Sky Ride up and down the mountain. There are also plenty of dining options on site, a gift shop, and of course, the fudge that Ski Valley is known for, with 10 different flavors on offer.
Arizona Snowbowl
The Snowbowl is the most popular skiing destination in the state. You’ll need to head to the north of the state to ski the Snowbowl, and you’ll be rewarded with great views of the Grand Canyon from the slopes. The Snowbowl gets about 260 inches of snowfall each year, and ski season lasts from November until April, giving you plenty of time to enjoy an extensive network of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders, including premier tree skiing.
After the slopes, there is plenty to do at the Snowbowl resort, including the Agassiz Lodge deck for the perfect apres-ski experience, restaurants, and a pedestrian overpass to check out the slopes. Classes are available as well, and all of the instructors are bilingual.
Hannagan Meadow Lodge and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
If downhill skiing and snowboarding isn’t your style, head to the area around Alpine in the north of Arizona for other winter activities. The Hannagan Meadow Lodge is a popular destination for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Trails from the resort are free to access and lead out into the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest, where you’ll find miles of backcountry to explore. You’ll also find opportunities for ice fishing, tubing, and sledding nearby, before enjoying rustic comfort in a cabin at the lodge.
If you’re new to exploring the backcountry, guided tours are available, including snowmobile tours for the adventurous. The whole family will find something to do at this laid back destination.
Sunrise Park Resort
The Sunrise Park Resort is owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe and is perfect for family adventures. The park has three mountains and 65 runs of skiing, and if you’re traveling with kids, you’ll be pleased to know there is a special “ski-wee” area for kids to safely enjoy activities. Cross-country skiers will also find trails to explore in this park.
The hotel at the lodge has 96 rooms near Sunset Lake, plus an indoor pool and whirlpool. There are also game rooms and great dining options. If your family falls in love with Sunrise Park Resort, you’ll be pleased to know that you can return during the summer months, when ski trails turn into downhill mountain biking runs, ski lifts turn into scenic mountain rides, and there are ziplines, water sports, and horseback tours on offer.
When you call Sierra Vista home, you’ll never be short of new adventures and places to explore, all year long. Whether you choose to head into the mountains to experience some of the state’s great skiing or decide to stick close to home and enjoy the moderate temperatures instead, there’s never a bad time of year to be in Arizona. With a Castle & Cooke home, you can enjoy everything the state has to offer from one of our welcoming communities of built-to-order and move-in-ready homes. To learn more about our Sierra Vista homes and all of our neighborhoods, call us at (520) 378-5110.