Where To Go Snow Sledding And Tubing In Arizona
Yup. It really does snow in Arizona and during the winter it snows a lot in some places. And when it does, the avid skiers head for the best ski areas at Flagstaff's Snowbowl, the White Mountain's Sunrise Park Resort and Mt. Lemmon, north of Tucson.
But sometimes families and kids just want to play in the snow, safely out of the way of downhill skiers. Like sledding and tubing down snow covered hills, building a snow man, throwing snowballs, or going snow shoeing or cross country skiing. Below are a few spots where kids and adults that think they're kids can have a blast frolicking in the winter snow. The following facilities are generally open when the first heavy winter snow falls. Always call ahead for season beginning and ending times.
Wing Mountain Snow Play Area. (Flagstaff)
Located just north of the Snowbowl in Flagstaff, Arizona, Wing Mountain is one of the best places to let the kids zoom down slick hills on sleds and inner tubes. It even has teeny moguls for tots and lots of room for building snow men. You can purchase plastic snow sleds and on weekends and major holidays there are concessions that sell snacks, drinks and hot chocolate. Parking is convenient within a short walking distance to play areas. If you like snowshoeing, strap on the gear and get going. Click here for more information about Wing Mountain Snow Play.
Directions. About 150 miles north from Phoenix and short distance northwest of Flagstaff. Take Interstate 17 North from Phoenix and it will run into Milton Road which is the main drag in Flagstaff. Take US 180 North and at mile marker #226 which is about 2.5 miles past Snowbowl Road, turn left onto Forest Road 222B.
Wing Mountain Snow Play
Hours: 9 AM to 4 PM daily during season
Admission: $10 per car.
(928) 226-0493
Flagstaff Nordic Center. (Flagstaff)
Snowshoeing, cross country skiing and sledding is featured at Flagstaff Nordic Center which is about 15 miles northwest of downtown Flagstaff, Arizona. It also features "night play" on Fridays when conditions permit. You'll find 40 kilometers of cross county ski trails.
Directions From Phoenix. About 150 miles from the Phoenix area. Take I-17 North directly to Flagstaff. I-17 runs directly into Milton Road which is the main street in Flagstaff. Take US 180 North for about 15 miles and you'll find the parking lot at mile marker #232.
Flagstaff Nordic Center
(928) 220-0550
Hours: 8 AM to 4 PM Saturday through Thursday and 6 AM to 9 PM on Friday if conditions permit.Reservation of cross country ski rentals must be made by 3 PM three days before your visit. There are about 9 miles of snowshoeing trails. Dogs are permitted if kept under control. Fees are charged. A snow sledding area is located at Crowly Pit, about 1 mile past the Nordic Center where several nice sledding hills are located.
Sunrise Park Resort. (White Mountains)
Sunrise Park Resort is known for its great downhill ski runs, but it also has areas for snow-tubing, snowshoeing and cross country skiing with over 13 miles of groomed fee-based trails. The snow tubing area is located behind Lake Ono near the main entrance. Visitors may bring their own tubes or rent gigantic tubes. Sunrise also features sleigh rides at $25 per person for a 25-minute ride or $40 for a 40-minute ride. Please note that fees are subject to change without notice. Read more about Sunrise Ski Resort.
Directions From Phoenix. Located about 225 miles from Phoenix. Take Highway 87 (Beeline Highway) North to Payson, Arizona. Then take Highway 260 East through Show Low and Pinetop Lakeside to Highway 273. Turn South (right) on 273 for about 4 miles to Sunrise Park Lodge, The ski area is about 3 miles past the lodge.
Sunrise Park Resort
(928) 735-7669
