GetOut Magazine

Major AZ ski resorts are open ... for now
By BILL NORMAN
Get Out
Jan. 2, 2003

For the first time in recent years, Arizonas high country has received a respectable dose of snow, and operators of the states two biggest ski resorts are loving it. More than 90 percent of both areas is open to skiers, with a mixture of fresh powder and groomed runs.

SUNRISE PARK RESORT
Arizonas largest ski resort estimates that more than half of its clientele comes from the Valley, and thats not surprising. The drive is relatively short (about 220 miles), nearby lodging and dining amenities abound and a triple- mountain array (the highest at 11,000- foot elevation) offers 65 downhill runs to suit all levels of skiing expertise.

Owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Sunrise got off to a bumpy start when it first opened more than 20 years ago. In recent years, though, the resort has added four day lodges at the midway point and the top of the mountain; high-speed, four- person lift chairs; day-care facilities; top-quality rental equipment; and well-maintained slopes.

Sunrise isnt a killer mountain for extreme skiers, but its four double black diamond runs can be exhilarating. Snowboarders have a park set aside exclusively for them at Sunrise, and its in direct view of the main day lodge, so they can cavort and perform their stunts before a sizeable audience.

The resorts forte, though, is family appeal. With a special childrens ski area, dozens of beginner and intermediate runs and a complete menu of private and group lessons, along with multiple food and beverage pit-stop sites, Arizonas answer to Colorado downhilling compares very favorably. On a busy winter weekend day, 10,000 skiers may ascend on Sunrise, but its 10 chair lifts, with a ferrying capacity of 16,000 skiers per hour, can easily handle that number, so long waits in the lift line are now only a memory. Current price for an all-day adult lift ticket is $38. For children younger than 12, its $22. Seniors ages 65 to 69 pay $16, and if youre older than 70, hurrah! The mountain is yours at no cost.

Getting there: From the East Valley, head northeast to Payson or east to Globe. From either of those towns, continue to Show Low. Turn right onto Highway 260 through Pinetop-Lakeside to its intersection with Highway 273, then south on 273 for seven miles to the ski area.

Details: , www. sunriseskipark.com.

ARIZONA SNOWBOWL
This Flagstaff-area resort is the highest (11,500 feet) and steepest (2,300 feet of vertical drop) among Arizonas downhill ski sites. It has plenty of family appeal, but it also is the pick of more advanced skiers who enjoy both speed and technical challenge.

Snowbowls 32 runs are parceled out at 25 percent expert, 43 percent intermediate and 32 percent beginner. North Star Terrain Park is reserved solely for snowboarders. Average annual snowfall here is 260 inches. That didnt pan out last year in snow-poor Arizona, but the operators are justifiably jubilant this winter.

Adult all-day lift tickets sell for $40, and children's tickets are $22. Seniors ages 65 to 69 get in for $20, and, as at Sunrise, the 70-plus bunch ski for free.

Getting there: From Flagstaff, drive northwest on Highway 180 seven miles, then turn right at the Snowbowl sign and drive another seven miles to the base of the mountain.

Details: , www. arizonasnowbowl.com.