Let’s Play in the Snow!

We are now in the month of December and you know what that means! Snow, Snow, and more Snow! Maybe not here in the Valley at least but up north there is plenty of snow! A couple of my friends and I were debating whether to go have an overnight “snow play day” up in Flagstaff but thanks to azcentral.com once again I found a couple of good snow play recommendations for sledding, skiing, and snowboarding, so it looks like we’re definitely going now! Here are just a few places suggested by azcentral.com for some fun in the snow

Sledding/Snow Play Areas

1. Oak Hill Snow Play Area
Features: Only soft flexible materials may be used here - no metal, wood or hard plastic sleds are allowed. Inner tubes are best. Toilets, designated parking area.
Status: Open.
Where: From Williams, take Interstate 40 east to the Pitman Valley Exit (No. 171). Turn north, then proceed east on Historic Route 66 for about two miles.
Admission: None.
Details: 800-863-0546

2. Crowley Pit Snow Play Area
Features: No restrictions on snow play materials. Toilets on site.
Status: Open.
Where: From Flagstaff, take U.S. 180 north. About a mile north of the Flagstaff Nordic Center, look for the parking sign near Mile Marker 233.
Admission: None.
Details: 928-526-0866, www.fs.fed.us/r3/coconino/recreation/peaks/winter-rec-opportunities.shtml.

3. Wing Mountain Snow Play Area
Features: Only soft snow play materials are permitted on the trails - no metal, wood or hard plastic. Toilets, concessions.
Status: Open.
Where: From Flagstaff, drive about 10 miles north on U.S. 180. Near Mile Marker 226, turn west on Forest Road 222B and proceed about a mile to the parking area.
Admission: $10 per vehicle.
Details: 928-226-0493, snowplayaz.com.

Skiing and Snowboarding

1. Arizona Snowbowl
Features: Four lifts, 32 trails. Open to skiers and snowboarders. Lessons and rentals available.
Status: Open.
Where: From Flagstaff, take U.S. 180 north about seven miles. Turn right on Snowbowl Road and continue seven miles to the ski area.
Lift tickets: $26-$53.
Details: 928-779-1951, arizonasnowbowl.com.

2. Sunrise Park Resort
Features: Eight lifts, three peaks, each with several trails.
Status: Opens Dec. 23.
Where: From Show Low, drive about 30 miles southeast on Arizona 260. Turn south on Arizona 273 and proceed about seven miles to the ski area.
Lift tickets: $16-$57.
Details: 928-735-7669, sunriseskipark.com.

3. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
Features: Two lifts, 21 trails. Lessons and rentals available.
Status: Awaiting more snow.
Where: From Tucson, take the Catalina Highway off Tanque Verde Road. Drive 4.2 miles to the Coronado National Forest boundary and continue 26 miles to the Ski Valley turnoff. Turn right and drive one mile to the ski area.
Lift tickets: $15-$37.
Details: 520-576-1321, skithelemmon.com.

4. Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation
Features: Tow rope, 9 trails. Tubing, lessons and rentals available. A snowmobile can take experienced skiers higher on the mountain, at no extra charge.
Status: Opened Dec. 12.
Where: From Williams, drive south a couple of miles on Fourth Street (which becomes Perkinsville Road). Turn right onto Ski Run Road (also posted as Forest Road 106) and proceed about 1.5 miles.
Lift tickets: $15-$30.
Details: 928-814-5038, elkridgeski.com.

Cross-Country Skiing

1. Flagstaff Nordic Center
Features: 25 miles of groomed trails. Lessons and rentals available.
Status: Opened Dec. 10.
Trail passes: $10-$18 (skiing); $5-$10 (snowshoeing).
Where: From Flagstaff, take U.S. 180 about 15 miles north. The center's parking area is near Mile Marker 232.
Details: 928-220-0550, flagstaffnordiccenter.com.

2. Hannagan Meadow Lodge
Features: 16 miles of groomed and/or marked trails. Ski and snowshoes rentals available.
Status: Call for details.
Trail passes: Free.
Where: From Alpine, drive 22 miles southwest on U.S. 191.
Details: 928-339-4370, hannaganmeadow.com.

3. Mormon Lake Lodge
Features: 17 miles of trails. Ski rentals available.
Status: Call for details.
Trail passes: $8 per day.
Where: From Flagstaff, drive about 20 miles southeast on Lake Mary Road (Forest Road 3). Between mile markers 324 and 323, turn west on Lake Mary Loop Road (Forest Road 90) and proceed about seven miles to the lodge.
Details: 928-774-0462, ext. 10, mormonlakelodge.com.

These are just a few of the awesome places you can visit and do various snow activities in. I really recommend heading up north to check out some of the snow we have here in Arizona. The drive to Flagstaff is only about 3 hours from Phoenix so a short little day trip can easily be done. Hopefully this weekend I’ll be up there with my plastic sled hitting the slopes! For more information call or visit the websites of the areas. I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday and have a Great Day!!!



Lonni Summers