Winter Sports
Alan Beveridge
Whether the desire is for a quick day trip to enjoy a few inches of freshly fallen snow for a fun-filled day of sledding and snowman building, or an extended trip for skiers and snowboarders that demand world-class facilities, Arizona has something for everyone during the winter season.
Just 80 miles to the north of Mesa and located on the tip of the Mogollon Rim is the small but busy city of Payson, Ariz. At an elevation of just under 5000 feet, Payson averages about 2 feet of snow a year with the coldest winter months maintaining a 12- to 15-inch base of snow on the ground. These conditions, in addition to the friendly small town atmosphere, make Payson and the surrounding area a great choice for a casual snow day with friends and family.
For those seeking more challenging snow activities, Arizona offers a choice of great ski park destinations within a three-to five-hour drive of Mesa. Working to accommodate the most demanding skiers and snowboarders, both Sunrise Ski Resort and Arizona Snowbowl resorts are focused on the wants and needs of the college-aged snow enthusiasts.
In addition to the ski areas, both Sunrise and Snowbowl offer terrain parks with snow half-pipes, implanted wood and metal rails, and special event areas with jumps ranging from beginner to advanced. “Snowbowl offers a variety of skiing and snowboarding venues for students,” Dave Smith, marketing director for the Snowbowl Ski Resort, said.
The Arizona Snowbowl Ski Park is located just seven and a half miles north of Flagstaff. With well over 750 skiable acres and a vertical drop of 2300 feet, most ski and snowboard enthusiasts can find loads of excitement with reasonably priced accommodations nearby.
“Snowbowl will be offering periodic student discounts throughout the season, and students are encouraged to keep checking the web site for updates and event schedules” Smith said.
For those looking for the most extreme snow conditions Arizona has to offer, the Sunrise Ski Resort located in the White Mountains near Arizona and New Mexico border may be the ideal destination. With an average annual snow fall exceeding 250 inches and 800 skiable acres, Sunrise is the largest ski area in the state. The resort offers a 100-room hotel complete with dining, indoor pool, whirlpool, lounge, and game room.
Depending on the type of activity being sought, Arizona offers a variety of snow destinations for the beginner and advanced snow buffs, with each destination offering its own unique experience for families and students alike.
