| In a desert state and a city where the | | | | competitions of various lengths held |
| temperature reaches 38C on an average of | | | | throughout the winter for cross country |
| 89 days during the year it may come as a | | | | skiers. |
| surprise that you can ski on real snow, | | | | The largest ski area in Arizona is |
| on real mountains, just a few hours from | | | | Sunrise Park Resort, located in McNary |
| the city of Phoenix, Arizona. | | | | in the Arizona White Mountains. Owned |
| Snowfall in Phoenix itself is extremely | | | | and operated by the White Mountains |
| rare; the city only averages 5 days per | | | | Apache Tribe, the areas comprises of |
| year where the temperature drops below | | | | eight lifts, and over 13 miles of cross |
| freezing and since records began, snow | | | | country skiing trials. |
| has only fallen seven times - the last | | | | And finally, if you want to ski in the |
| of which was January 2001 (the first | | | | most southerly ski resort in the Untied |
| snow fall in 22 years). | | | | States, head for Mount Lemmon Ski |
| However, much to the enjoyment of | | | | Valley. Though Tucson is more likely to |
| Phoenix's skiers and snowboarders, there | | | | conjure up thoughts of sand rather than |
| are several ski resorts within a few | | | | snow (several well-known beach resorts |
| hours drive which are perfect for a day | | | | are located here) - just an hour's drive |
| or weekend trip and should satisfy snow | | | | away from the sea there is skiing and |
| lovers' cravings for the white stuff. | | | | snowboarding to be found. The area is |
| Arizona Snowbowl is located in the San | | | | small, with a vertical drop of just |
| Francisco Peaks in the Coconino National | | | | 290m, 3 lifts and a ski-able area of 200 |
| Forest, just a two hour drive from | | | | acres, but despite its southerly |
| Phoenix. The ski area offers over 2,300 | | | | location, the resort still manages to |
| feet of vertical drop and 32 scenic | | | | open from December to April and the |
| trails that cover 777 acres and the | | | | scenic views that overlook the area make |
| Arizonan desert climate means the resort | | | | Mt. Lemmon a popular ski destination. |
| also enjoys plenty of sunny skiing days. | | | | Accommodation is available in (or near) |
| Those who prefer their skiing more | | | | all of these winter towns in the form of |
| sedate can visit the Flagstaff Nordic | | | | cabins, lodges and motels. Be warned |
| Center, located just seven miles north | | | | though - people come here to ski rather |
| of Snowbowl. This area offers winter | | | | than party so if you're looking for a |
| sports fans an extensive network of | | | | wild time, a better option would be to |
| Nordic ski trails, as well as | | | | stay at a hotel in Phoenix and just |
| snowshoeing and sledding. Flagstaff also | | | | commute to the ski areas during the day. |
| supports a healthy racing scene with | | | | |