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SNOW PLAY AREAS
Crowley Pit Snow Play Area - Flagstaff Wing Mountain Snow Play Area - Flagstaff Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley - Tucson
http://www.azcentral.com/travel/features/articles/2009/12/10/20091210snow1212.html Limited skiing, but where to play in the snow by John Stanley - Dec. 10, 2009 10:02 AM The Arizona Republic. It's about time. Now that snow has hit the high country, it's time to grab your sleds and head for the hills. It won't be long before all Arizona ski slopes are open, but you can always sled or just toss a few snowballs around. Whatever your interest there are plenty of places to enjoy the white stuff around the state. There are several designated sledding and snow play areas across the state. Some are open, others are still waiting for more snow. Just remember that conditions in Arizona can go from terrific to terrible in a matter of days - or hours - so always call ahead or check Web sites for current conditions. Take a slideshow tour of some of our favorite places in Arizona to play in the snow at travel.azcentral.com. SNOW PLAY AREAS 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. 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. 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. Cinch Hook Snow Play Area Coconino National Forest officials have announced that the Cinch Hook Snow Play Area will be closed throughout the winter. PLACES FOR SKIING Arizona Snowbowl Features: Four lifts, 32 trails. Open to skiers and snowboarders. Lessons and rentals available. Status: Plan to open soon. 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. Sunrise Park Resort Features: Eight lifts, three peaks, each with several trails. Status: Awaiting more snow. 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. 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. 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: Opens Saturday, 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. FOR CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING 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. 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. 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. |