3 Best Ski Resorts in Arizona, 2023/24
The Grand Canyon State is more famous for its dry deserts than its snowy mountains, but if you know where to look there’s some excellent skiing for all, from first-timers to pros. We’ve picked out the top mountains to make it simple for you to tick Arizona off your ski trip bucket list!
Table Of Contents
Known for
True expert terrain in spectacular high-mountain territory
Highlights
777 acres of skiable terrain to explore on a dormant stratovolcano!
Blanketed with 260 in of dry powder on average each winter
Stunning views of Arizona’s highest mountain Humphreys Peak
Weekends and powder days can see long queues for the lifts
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Nov 17 2022
- Closing Date: May 29 2023
Closest airports
Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport - 162 miles (3 hour drive)
Flagstaff Pulliam Airport - 19.3 miles (35 minute drive)
Why Ski Arizona Snowbowl
If you’re serious about skiing in Arizona then this is the destination for you! A new high-speed chairlift and gondola combo is coming for 2020/21, that’ll whisk you up 2,000 ft in just 7 minutes. From the top at 11,500 ft there’s a hike-to double black diamond trails in the Upper Bowl, steep groomers and powder-filled glades. The Hart Prairie novice area enjoys its own corner of the resort where beginners can practice their parallel turns in peace, plus the resort's stand-out terrain park on Sunset Boulevard has its own dedicated chairlift. A mountain lodge with cosy wooden cabins offers nearby accommodation, otherwise 14 mi away in Flagstaff you’ll find a wide range of places to stay.
2. Sunrise Park
Known for
Intermediate-friendly slopes and an expert grooming operation at this full-service ski resort
Highlights
Arizona’s biggest ski area and the only to offer night skiing (for now)
The slopes are uncrowded and lift lines are rare
Try out snow biking, snow tubing, and cross-country skiing
Isolated location is a long drive from major cities like Phoenix or Tucson
22/23 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Dec 02 2022
- Closing Date: Apr 02 2023
Closest airports
Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl. Airport - 213 miles (4 hour drive)
Why Ski Sunrise Park
Sunrise Park enjoys a prime spot in the White Mountains of eastern Arizona, and offers a wonderful family-friendly ski experience for anyone prepared to make the journey here. There are seven lifts connecting 65 trails, with Apache Peak the largest of the three separate mountains at 11,100 ft. The ski school offers a kid’s ski program, plus childcare facilities are available right next to the slopes. Just 3 mi from the resort is Sunrise Park Lodge, offering comfy rooms, an indoor pool and hot tub, plus a free shuttle to the resort. If you don’t stay here the nearest accommodation options are in Pinetop-Lakeside, around a 45-minute drive away.
Known for
Affordable lift tickets and a laid-back vibe make this ski hill a local favourite
Highlights
Decent variety of trails from gentle greens to steep blacks
Excellent ski school and on-site ski rental for newbies
Unique mountain experience where you can look down over the desert!
Experienced skiers will find it easy to ski everything here in a day
24/25 Ski Season:
- Opening Date: Feb 28 2024* (Estimated open date based on historical data)
- Closing Date: Mar 06 2025* (Estimated close date based on historical data)
Closest airports
Tucson Intl. Airport - 49 miles (1.5 hour drive)
Why Ski Mt Lemmon Ski Valley
Carved out amongst the towering pine trees of Coronado National Forest, the slopes of Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offer the closest skiing to Tucson. In little over an hours’ drive you can be high up in the Santa Catalina Mountains, with 22 trails serviced by one trusty double chairlift! There’s actually a surface lift and short chairlift too, but these are just for the bunny slopes. If you’re a first-timer, learning to ski at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers great value for money. You’ll find no terrain park or snow tubing here, but kick back on the Grub Stake Grill patio to enjoy a rare view of snow-capped peaks above and sandy desert below!
