The 3 ski resorts of Arizona, ranked

The first weeks of January welcomed a fresh blanket of snow in the higher elevation areas. Here are the three ski resorts in Arizona, ranked, to enjoy the snowy slopes.

By some lucky star, Arizona has a ski resort in all three slivers of the state. Southern Arizona houses Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley in Summerhaven, Northern Arizona is home base for Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, and Central Arizona boasts Sunrise Park Resort in Greer. Each resort has its own distinct pros and cons, from pricing to amenities to diversity of activities and beyond. Considering all of the offerings and accessibility, here are the three ski resorts of Arizona, ranked in descending order (we saved the best for last).

#3. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley

Location: 10300 E. Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon
Lift tickets: $63+ adult, $39+ youth
Rentals: $40+
Lessons: $50+
Lodging: $200+ nightly with a two-night minimum

Summerhaven is a tiny town that sits at a higher elevation, and therefore celebrates milder summer heat as well as snowy slopes! Although there is not enough snow to open the ski runs as of mid-January, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is an oasis in southern Arizona that offers year-round fun. Visitors may experience a sky ride, a fudge and gift shop, wildlife viewing, a restaurant, hiking trails, and of course, skiing. Ski Valley is open Thursday through Monday and maintains 21 runs and three lifts when in full swing. Located in the Coronado National Forest, Summerhaven at Mount Lemmon is a breathtaking escape from the desert landscape synonymous with the lower half of the state. Disconnected from the slopes is “Arizona’s Sky Island” at Mount Lemmon Lodge. Opened in 2023 after a couple of decades without lodging—due to the Aspen Fire of 2003—this lodge offers a way to unwind after a day of exploring the surrounding area. Keep your eye on the weather report in anticipation of snow day play.

#2. Sunrise Park Resort

Location: 200 Highway 273, Greer
Lift tickets: $25+
Rentals: $53+ adult, $31.80+ youth
Lessons: $84+
Lodging: After the January promo ends, standard rooms start at just over $100 per night

Coming in close at No. 2 is Sunrise Park Resort in Greer. The largest resort in Arizona, there are 67 trails, eight ski lifts, seven dining options, and year-round outdoor fun, complete with the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster, which I can personally say is worth the price. This resort is also fairly economical, with reasonable lift ticket prices, lessons available for all, and a newly opened lodge that has special rates. The month of January has all rooms available for $100/night to celebrate the opening month of the lodge. Keep your eye out for specials in the future, though overnight stays are typically accessible for even those on a tighter budget. Only 200 miles east of Phoenix, you could make a day trip out of it, too.

#1. Arizona Snowbowl

Location: 9300 N. Snow Bowl Road, Flagstaff
Lift tickets: $19+ adult, Free for youth under 12
Rentals: $25+ adult, $15+ youth
Lessons: Free first-time lessons with the purchase of a lift ticket
Lodging: Free lodging is available with promotions. Basecamp averages $200 per night

Arizona Snowbowl earns the No. 1 spot for both size and very competitive pricing. Between regular rates and promos, this ski resort makes snowplay an affordable family trip. Not only are there promos for a free night’s stay at local lodging locations, but kids 12 and under ski for free if they have their own equipment—otherwise, they ski for the price of rentals, which is still nominal compared to nationwide rates. Best yet, the associated lodging, Basecamp, offers two free lift tickets per nightly stay and is pet-friendly, so even your four-legged friend can join in on the vacation. If that isn’t a priority, there are several lodges available with a range of nightly pricing to accommodate any budget. The mountain also boasts three restaurants, as well as 61 runs—the longest is two miles long—and eight ski lifts. If you get hooked on this ski resort, which would be easy to do, the Power Pass season pass offers access to runs nationwide! Whether you are in a group, a novice, or an expert, the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl are ready for you to explore. You can make it an even snazzier trip and plan a visit to the Grand Canyon, just 80 miles away.

Arrive prepared 

Chilly weather can be tricky. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and mind your personal physical limits. It is also helpful—and more economical—to come prepared with as much of your own snow gear as possible. Thrifting is often a good way to gather cold-weather staples if you are on a budget, but regardless, remember that purchasing gear is always priciest at the lodge.

Here’s what to bring:

• Layered clothing
• Waterproof outerwear
• Ski socks
• Waterproof gloves
• Goggles
• Helmet
• Skis (or snowboard!)
• Boots
• Poles