The ubiquitous saguaro cacti of the Arizona desert.

The great thing about living in the Phoenix area is that in the winter we only have to experience snow if we want to. Snow is an outright novelty reserved for the adventurous who wish to travel the two- to five-hour drive to get to elevations that receive snowfall. Otherwise, for the most part we enjoy balmy temperatures and only the occasional rainstorm. So, if you’re currently stuck in a snow drift and craving a non-arctic getaway, might I recommend a visit to Arizona? Here are eight great winter activities to do in the state.

One – Visit Kartchner Caverns State Park. The caves have a year-round average temperature of 72 degrees Fahrenheit. Check out this article for more information.

Two – Stroll among the shops of Old Town Scottsdale. Sunny days get up into the high 60′s in the winter, and there’s no slush on the sidewalks! Take a look at this article for more information.

Three – Hike the Superstition Wilderness. Take a stab at finding the Lost Dutchman’s hidden stash of gold!

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A ski lift up the mountain at Sunrise.

I recently posted about Arizona Snowbowl, the ski resort in Flagstaff, Arizona. However, Flagstaff is not the only Arizona town that boasts a great ski resort.

The Sunrise Park Resort is located in the town of Greer, in the White Mountains of Central-Eastern Arizona – 218 miles from Phoenix and 230 miles from Tucson. Folks can travel 250 from Albuquerque New Mexico, and 299 miles from El Paso Texas. Three mountains (Sunrise Peak – 10,700 ft; Apache Peak – 11,100 feet; Cyclone Circle – 10,700 feet) with 800 acres of skiing offer 65 runs for all levels of expertise, as well as separate areas for snowboarding, cross country skiing, tubing, and sleigh rides. There is an on-mountain equipment rental shop, ski school, and child care.

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The Arizona Snowbowl

When people think about Arizona, they tend to picture hot arid deserts and Saguaro cactus. However, there ARE portions of Arizona where the elevation is high enough to enjoy four seasons. Flagstaff is one of those places. The town itself is at an elevation of 7000 feet, and enjoys between 16 and 22 inches of average snowfall between the months of December and March.

The San Francisco Peaks, just north of downtown Flagstaff, top out at an elevation of 12,633 feet, and get much heavier snowfall than the town below. The Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort resides on the San Francisco Peaks, just fourteen miles outside of downtown Flagstaff (2 hours from Phoenix, 70 miles from the Grand Canyon). Base elevation is at 9,200 feet, and summit elevation is at 11,500 feet. There are 32 runs spread out over 777 acres, fairly evenly distributed between beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails. The ski season usually runs from mid-December through mid-April, depending on snowfall (which averages at 260 inches).

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April Chill Extends Ski Season

In a recent post I mentioned the schizophrenic nature of a Northwest spring.  It was snowing in Seattle on April 1st only to be sunny and 75 degrees less than a week later.  Just a couple of days ago another frigid spring storm produced a nasty hail storm at sea within the city limits.  As annoying as an April snow storm can be to Seattleites, avid alpine enthusiasts benefit from the fresh new powder accumulations in the mountains and the promise of a precious few more days added to the ever shortening ski season.

The bottom line is that although spring is upon us and the weather gets milder by the day, there are still plenty of good skiing and snowboarding opportunities to be had at Northwest ski resorts.  Add on end of the year deals on lift tickets and it makes for a great time to send winter off in style.  With that in mind, here is a quick rundown of snow levels, lodging options, and lift schedules at the few local mountain resorts that remain open. 

1. Crystal Mountain - Washington’s Largest ski area still has 128″ total Snow with an 86” base.   

Adult (age 18 – 69) All Day: $60, Half Day (12:30pm – 4pm): $55
Youth (age 11 – 17) All Day: $55, Half Day (12:30pm – 4pm): $50
Junior (age 7-10) All Day: $30, Half Day (12:30pm – 4pm): $25
Child (age 0 – 6) All Day: FREE
Senior (age 70 & over) All Day: $35
Discovery Chair Only (for beginners): $35

Ski Season ends Sunday, April 19th. Lift ticket are now Half Price. Check here for lodging options. Includes Crystal Mountain Lodging Suites.

Don't delay - ski season ends soon

2. Mt Baker - 172″ Base. Starting April 17th on Spring Schedule. Open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Spring Lift Tickets:
Adult (age 16-59)  $43.17
Youth ( age 7 – 15)  $32.50
Senior (age 60 – 69)  $37.61
Super Senior (age 70 & older) $20.91
Child (age 0-6 ) FREE

Click here for lodging options, including The Inn at Mt. Baker.

4. Snoqualmie Pass – 91″ Base at Summit West.  The Summit at Snoqualmie Pass is operating on a Spring Schedule – weekends only but with no set closing date.

Spring Lift Tickets:
Adult (age 13-61) $48
Youth (age 7 – 12)  $32
Senior (age 62 +) $32
Child (age 0-6 ) $11
Super Senior $11

Lodging options, including The Summit Lodge, can be found here.

Ski Lift at Mt. Baker Ski Resort

5. Stevens Pass – 111″ Base.  Ski Season ends Sunday April 19^th. 

Spring Lift Tickets:
Adult (age 13-61) $62
Youth (age 7 – 12) $38
Senior (age 62-69) $39
Child (age 0-6) $7
Super Senior $13

Look for local Stevens Pass lodging options here.

6. White Pass -  Currently open Saturday and Sunday through April 26^th.

Spring Lift Tickets:
Adult (age 13-64) $47
Youth (age 7 – 12) $29
Senior (age 65-72) $29
Child (age 0-6) Free
Super Senior Free

For lodging options, including The White Pass Village Inn, click here.

 Photos: Top from www.summit-at-snoqualmie.com remaining two from http://www.mtbaker.us/