It’s always hard to believe when the end of the year is among us. Winter is a magical time of year to get out and explore, with cities across the state offering seasonal activities and fun wintery events. It’s never too early to start planning your next vacation, so here are some of the best Arizona winter getaways that the state has to offer!
Sedona
Sedona is beautiful all year long, but there is something extra special about visiting the city during the colder winter months. For one thing, the hikes up to Cathedral Rock or Devil’s Bridge won’t be nearly as harsh with milder weather, and the snowfall they get sometimes looks drop-dead gorgeous over the red rock formations. Camping in Oak Creek Canyon is always a great option too!
Snow Bowl
This alpine ski resort has the largest drop in Arizona at a height of 2,300 feet and is equipped with five lifts that work the mountain. The Arizona Snowbowl has been operating since 1938 and on an average year gets around 260 inches of snowfall on its 777 acres. There are also two lodges at the Snowbowl, the Agassiz and Hart Prairie Lodge, that service the skiers who use the 10 trails on the resort.
The White Mountains
Arizona’s White Mountains are a lovely forest retreat for local desert dwellers, as well as people who just prefer to live in a mountainous region. Just as their name describes, the White Mountains do get a lot of snowfall each winter which makes the area a prime spot for taking in colder weather. Skiing trails and snowshoeing paths are located nearby, but most people love to rent a cabin during their breaks from either school or work when possible.
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is a popular place to visit in Arizona as it is, but during the winter, visitors get to experience it when the weather isn’t so hot and steamy. Camping in this part of the state is favorable during the winter months as the air is fairly crispy, and occasionally, travelers get to see the canyon dusted with snow for an incredible view. Be sure to check into the Grand Canyon Railroad rides as the train magically transforms into the Polar Express for some family fun during the holiday season!
Arizona Nordic Village, Flagstaff
The Arizona Nordic Village is a wonderful Northern Arizona region that is home to several skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, and race trails. It has also developed into prime real estate for those who like tent camping and glamping or even staying in a cabin for a night or two in the wild pine forests. During the winter months, the Arizona Nordic Village gets covered with lots of snow, and you may even forget that you’re in a “desert” state!
Mormon Lake Lodge
Mormon Lake Lodge in Northern Arizona is something special, as the cabin rentals are available to everyone and provide visitors the most complete and rural outdoor ranch experience. Their cozy log cabins are situated right under the Ponderosa Pines and are not too far away from Flagstaff, which makes Mormon Lake Lodge a convenient place to stay while checking out this part of the state.
Summer Haven
Summer Haven is the town located right on top of Mount Lemmon near Tucson, and it’s a cozy, very cute little mountain town that is perfect for experiencing some winter weather, which is, of course, subject to road conditions. Summer Haven also has a smaller but fun ski resort where local Southern Arizonans can get a taste of some winter sports while there is still snow on the ground. There are cabins to rent up in the Summer Haven area that are amazing for getting away and having a chance of scenery during the winter.
Greer
Greer is located in the northern part of Arizona, right by the New Mexico state border, and it is one of the most popular summer vacation spots for Grand Canyon state locals. However, this four-hour drive from Phoenix also is home to the Sunrise Park Resort, where skiers can hit the slopes on a snowy day, and day-trippers can bask in the sun under the Aspen Trees on a chilly day with a picnic.
