If you’re wondering where to see snow in Arizona this time of year, you’ve come to the right place!
Here we’ll share all of the best places to see snow in Arizona and what fun things there are to do.
Check out these snow-filled spots in Arizona!
From the White Mountains to Flagstaff, there are plenty of places to enjoy the snow. There is a variety of ways to see snow in Arizona.
So, whether you’re looking to build a snowman or go sledding, be sure to check out one of these snowy spots in Arizona!
There is no better feeling than waking up to a winter wonderland outside your window. The best part is, you don’t have to travel to the North Pole to enjoy it!
Here in the Grand Canyon State, we may not get a lot of snow, but when we do, it’s sure to be a magical experience.
I moved to Arizona to escape the months of snow back home. I left when my kids were young and while they had seen snow, they have no memory of it because they were just too young.
So naturally, they began asking when they could see and play in the snow.
Not wanting to travel far, we began looking for options closer to home and it turns out there are so many fun places to see snow in Arizona.
We’ve made it an annual activity to try out a new snowy activity each year.
While the Phoenix area doesn’t tend to get snow, northern regions of Arizona do get quite a bit! We’ll even look at some options in Southern Arizona if that’s closer to you.
Where to See Snow in Arizona
If you’re looking to enjoy a winter wonderland this season, but don’t want to deal with the cold, then head to one of these Snowy Spots in Arizona to have a great time with the whole family!
Greer, AZ
This small town in Arizona’s White Mountains is the perfect place to enjoy a winter getaway and catch plenty of snow.
With its charming cabin rentals and scenic views, Greer is a great place to relax and enjoy the snow during the winter season.
#1 Tubing at Sunrise Park (Park Resort Tubing Hill)
A great spot for winter sports, Sunrise Park Resort is located in the White Mountains of Arizona and offers skiing, snowboarding, and cross country skiing.
The Sunrise Park Resort, located 200 miles from the Phoenix area, is owned by the White Mountain Apache Indian Tribe.
RELATED: Spots for Snow Tubing Near Tobyhanna PA: Where to Go
#2 Road trip to Greer through the White Mountains
Take a Road trip to Greer and enjoy as much as 8 feet of snow during the snow season. This 8500 feet elevated town has 65 sixty-five ski trails.
Ski season starts on Thanksgiving Day and lasts till Easter.
Trails in Greer are open from 7 am to 4 pm every day.
You can enjoy skiing at night here, and also have the option to hire an instructor if you’re a beginner in skiing.
Cabins at Molly Butler Lodge and Cabins are a great place to stay in Greer.
Flagstaff, AZ
Here are some of the best places to see snow in Arizona, Flagstaff.
The nearby San Francisco Peaks receive an average of 260 inches of snow each year, making them a popular spot for sledding, snowboarding, and skiing.
The city of Flagstaff is a great place to start your Arizona snow adventure.
Situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet, the city is one of the best places in the state to experience snowfall.
#3 Arizona Snowbowl
9300 N Snow Bowl Rd, Flagstaff | Website
The activities here include:
- Snowboarding
- Skiing,
- Riding the scenic gondola
- Taking ski lessons
The Snow Bowl ski area is located just minutes from downtown Flagstaff and offers a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
Located in the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff, Snow Bowl is a great place to enjoy some winter activities like skiing, snowboarding, and snow tubing.
They typically open around mid-November. Kids 12 and younger ski free here!
#4 Ice skating in downtown Flagstaff
Jay Lively Activity Center
1650 N Turquoise Dr, Flagstaff | Website
For all visitors to Flagstaff, Arizona, a good idea for some winter fun is to visit Jay Lively Activity Center. They offer public skate sessions, open hockey, sticks and pucks, and adult-only skating.
Hiking at Humphrey’s Peak
Humphrey’s Peak is the trail to the highest point in Arizona. This Trail is 5 to 5.5 miles long. Scenic Hart Prairie is at the base of the incline.
Grand Canyon and Painted Desert are visible from this trail.
It is a medium to heavy trail, which can be finished in 3 to 4 hours.
#5 Arizona Nordic Village
16848 US-180, Flagstaff | Website
Here are a few fun things to experience at the Arizona Nordic Village:
- Stay in a yurt
- Go cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Fat-biking
- Take ski lessons all during the winter
Ski trails are prepared for skaters as well as for skiers. All trails are around 16 feet wide. Snowshoe / Multi-Use Trails are available to all visitors.
Snowmobiles, snow bikes, and dogs are welcome on these trails.
Check out their website for pricing details and season pass.
#6 The Flagstaff Snow Park at Fort Tuthill Country Park
2446 Ft Tuthill Lp, Flagstaff | Website
Arizona’s Winter Wonderland is located in Flagstaff, one of the snowiest cities in the US, on 7000 feet.
All visitors to Northern Arizona can enjoy this snow attraction.
Flagstaff Snow Park offers tubing and passive snow playing. Check out their website for opening date and pricing details.
An outdoor fireplace is available for visitors to roast marshmallows and warm up. Areas for snow playing are not covered with artificial snowmakers, so they have only natural snow.
ALSO READ: Tubing Near Boone NC: River Tubing & Snow Tubing Spots
#7 Crowley Pit and Wing Hill
Crowley Pit is the best place to enjoy sledding and tubing. This is a very popular place for visitors of all ages. Although it has no facilities and no restrooms, visitors are asked to pick up their trash.
Wing Mountain play area is a place for the whole family. Visitors can enjoy snow activities such as cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and sledding. As per Google, this place is permanently closed, so remember to verify on your own.
It has restrooms and a snack bar. Vehicles can enter this area for $20 per vehicle with 5 persons. Every extra person has to pay an entrance fee of $5. Buses can enter for $200.
Williams, AZ
#8 Sledding and tubing at Elk Ridge Ski Area
2467 S Perkinsville Rd, Williams | Website
Elk Ridge Ski Area is a family oriented ski, snowboarding and tubing recreation area located 7 km from the center of Williams,
It typically opens from mid-December to early March.
#9 Oak hill Snow Play Area
To know the current status of the Oak hill area, visit this website.
This is a great place near Williams and it is free.
The Oak Hill Snow Play Area is located about 10 miles east of Williams on Historic Route 66.
Always make sure to check the local weather conditions for Williams before heading out there.
#10 Hannagan Meadow Lodge
23150 U.S. 191, Alpine | Website
Hannagan Meadow Lodge is located on the Mogollon Rim in Eastern Arizona.
This lodge has nice, rustic cabins in the mountains surrounded by snow! They have snowmobile tours and you’re also permitted to go sledding here.
There is also the possibility to rent the entire lodge for large groups. They’re not pet-friendly. For all snow lovers, there is a variety of activities.
Grand Canyon
#11 Hiking at the Grand Canyon South Rim in winter
Get the latest updates on park closures on the official National Park Service website.
Grand Canyon is one of the most visited national parks in the united states which transforms into a snowy wonderland during winter. Hiking across the Grand Canyon from South Rim to North Rim is a total of 21 miles (34 km).
While the South Rim is open all through the year, the North Rim is open for day use only from October through November.
A trip to Grand Canyon can be a great winter getaway but requires careful planning. Be sure to check the road conditions and weather alerts before planning your visit.
#12 Visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests
The high country on the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest receives ample snow each year for various types of snow play.
The popular snow activities in this area include:
- snowmobiling
- cross-country skiing
- downhill skiing
- snowshoeing
- tubing
- ice fishing
Payson, Arizona
#13 Green Valley Park
1000 W Country Club Dr | Website
Payson does get snow but there is not always enough snow to enjoy sledding and other snow activities.
You’ll definitely want to watch the forecast here to see where there will be enough snow as this is the closest place to see snow in Arizona when coming from the Phoenix area.
Head to Green Valley Park for sledding.
Tuscon, Arizona
#14 Mount Lemmon Ski Valley, Tucson
10300 E Ski Run Rd, Mt Lemmon | Website
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is open the whole year. Sky ride start times may vary. The ride lasts 30 minutes and offers an unforgettable experience.
The price per person for adults is $15, for seniors $12, for the military is $12, for youth $12, and for children $10. Kids under 3 years can enter for free.
You can go skiing and snowboarding at Ski Valley, however, sledding isn’t allowed. So, if you just want to play in the snow or go sledding, check out Rose Canyon.
Average Snowfall in Arizona Cities
Here are annual snowfall averages for other Arizona cities, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Climactic Data Center:
- Williams, 73.8 inches.
- Grand Canyon Village (South Rim), 49.6 inches.
- Payson, 20.1 inches.
- Prescott, 12.7 inches.
- Chiricahua National Monument, 6.8 inches.
- Bisbee, 6.3 inches.
Key Takeaway:
To have the best fun and enjoy Snow Sports, all visitors should visit Snow Bowl and Sunrise Park Resort, and spend one or more nights in Greer and Flagstaff.
Map of Sledding Locations
In Flagstaff, you can’t just slide anywhere so it’s best to know where to go and which places to avoid. See here for details on specific locations.
When to Go
- Looking to experience a winter wonderland without having to deal with the cold?
Head to Arizona! The state is home to a number of scenic spots that are perfect for a winter getaway. - Canyon National Park.
- Grand Canyon National Park is another great spot to see snow in Arizona. The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is typically closed during the winter months due to heavy snowfall, but the South Rim is open year-round.
- While the South Rim doesn’t typically receive as much snow as the North Rim, it’s still a beautiful place to experience a winter wonderland. The best time to visit is typically from December to February when the chance for snow is at its highest.
- Sedona.
- Sedona is a popular destination for those looking to experience the great outdoors, and it’s also a great place to see snow in Arizona.
- The city is situated at an elevation of 4,500 feet, which means it gets a decent amount of snowfall each year. There are a number of hiking trails in Sedona that are perfect for a winter hike.
- And for those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping experience, the nearby Snowbowl ski area offers a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
- Williams.
- The city of Williams is another great spot to see snow in Arizona.
- Situated at an elevation of 7,000 feet, the city typically receives a few feet of snow each year.
- The nearby Kaibab National Forest is a great place to go for a winter hike or snowshoeing adventure.
- And for those looking to hit the slopes, the nearby Arizona Snowbowl ski area offers a variety of slopes for all skill levels.
- When to Go.
The best time to see snow in Arizona is typically from December to February. However, snowfall can occur as early as November and as late as April.
Key Takeaway:
Arizona is a great place to see snow, with Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, Sedona, and Williams being some of the best spots. December to February is typically the best time to visit.
What To Bring
- If you’re headed to Arizona to see the snow, there are a few things you’ll need to pack in order to make the most of your trip.
- First and foremost, you’ll need to bring warm clothing.
- Even if you’re used to the cold weather, the snow can be a bit chilly. Make sure to pack a coat, gloves, and a scarf.
- You’ll also need to pack some comfortable shoes. Snow boots are a good option, but make sure they’re comfortable enough to walk in for long periods of time.
- Finally, don’t forget to pack your camera. The snow is a beautiful sight, and you’ll want to be able to capture it.
Tips for Seeing Snow in Arizona
#1 Check the Weather Forecast.
This may seem like a no-brainer, but it’s important to know when the next snowfall is expected. Keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to your trip so you can plan accordingly.
#2 Pack Your Winter Gear.
Once you know when the snow is coming, make sure you have all the gear you need to stay warm. This includes items like a heavy coat, hat, gloves, boots, and anything else you might need to keep yourself comfortable in the cold.
#3 Choose Your Destination.
Arizona is home to many beautiful places to enjoy the snow. Some popular spots include the White Mountains, Flagstaff, and Sedona.
Pick a place that is convenient for you to get to and has activities that interest you.
#4 Get There Safely.
Driving in the snow can be tricky, so it’s important to take your time and use caution. Make sure your car is in good condition before hitting the road, and be sure to pack a winter survival kit in case of emergencies.
#5 Have Fun!
Once you’ve made it to your destination, it’s time to enjoy the snow! Sledding, snowman building, and snowball fights are all great ways to have fun in the snow.
Just be sure to dress warm and stay safe. Enjoying the snow is a great way to get outside and have some fun during the winter months.
Key Takeaway:
In order to enjoy the snow in Arizona, be sure to check the weather forecast, pack your winter gear, and choose a destination.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for a winter wonderland, Arizona is the place to be! With so many snow-filled spots to choose from, you’ll never be bored.
So whether you’re looking to build a snowman or go sledding, be sure to check out one of these snowy spots in Arizona!
Looking to explore a new location and see some snow this winter? Arizona is the perfect place! With so many different places to go and things to do, you’ll never be bored.
Frequently Asked Questions
The closest places for a day trip from Phoenix to see snow are Payson and Greer. While Flagstaff has lots of snow and winter related activities, you’ll need to spend at least one night.
North Arizona is a great choice. White Mountains are full of snow. Spend one or more nights in Greer, Flagstaff, Williams, Grand Canyon, and Tucson. Snow Bowl and Sunrise Park Resort will be near.
Most of the snow visitors can find in northern Arizona. For all snow lovers, Sunrise Park Resort is a great place to visit.
A great place for kids during the snowing season is Flagstaff. Jay Lively Activity Center, Arizona Nordic Village, The Flagstaff Snow Park at Fort Tuthill County Park, and many more attractions are offered to kids.
Sedona’s Red Rocks usually have up to 3 ½ inches of snow every year. That is a great place for hikers who like to hike on snowy trails.
Flagstaff AZ is elevated 7000 feet above sea level and normally has over 100 inches of snow. This is the snowiest place in the US..
