Arizona’s Winter Wonderlands: Best Snowy Destinations
Your Guide to Where to Winter in Arizona
Welcome to the hidden winter wonderlands of Arizona! Often overshadowed by its sun-drenched deserts and iconic cacti, Arizona’s snowy escapes remain one of its best-kept secrets.
People don’t realize that many Arizona areas are at a higher elevation and they get to enjoy a seasonal snowfall. The best part? Most of the snow doesn’t just disappear the next day, making it ideal for you to have the best winter vacation in Arizona!
So get your boots and coats ready, we’re going to the best snowy destinations in Arizona!
Flagstaff
Flagstaff, located in northern Arizona, is one of the state’s most well-known places for snow. It’s situated at a high elevation, about 7,000 feet, and often receives significant snowfall during Winter.
Each Winter, Flagstaff is transformed into a picturesque scene straight out of a holiday card, with its landscape blanketed in a thick layer of powdery snow.
The city becomes a playground for winter sports, offering some of the best skiing and snowboarding in the region at the Arizona Snowbowl. And it’s so much more affordable than other ski destinations around the country!
Fun fact: Flagstaff was where I experienced my first real snowfall! Seeing the flurries coming down among the ponderosa pine trees was so magical!
It was also where I had a near-death experience and learned the importance of snow chain on the tires and that my car can not make it up a snow-covered mountain.
Beyond sports, Flagstaff’s historic downtown, adorned with twinkling lights and cozy cafes, offers a warm and festive atmosphere that perfectly complements the chilly outdoor experience.
✨ Pro tip: I personally recommend visiting the Grand Canyon Brewery. A perfect place to relax apres-ski!
Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is already a site to see, but add in a sprinkle of snow and it somehow becomes even more magical!
✨ Pro tip: I recommend budgeting an extra day to visit during Winter months.
When I visited, it was snowing in the Grand Canyon, so it was very hard to see more than a mile or so into the Grand Canyon. However, the next day, after the snow had fallen and the skies were clear, it was so pretty!
The winter snowfall accentuates the vastness and the intricate contours of the canyon, offering a serene and uncrowded viewing experience that is starkly different from the bustling summer months.
But make sure to wear layers. It gets cold out there!
Note: The South Rim is open all year and provides easy access to this winter spectacle. Meanwhile, the North Rim is often closed due to heavy snow. Check the Grand Canyon’s website to see if it is open before visiting. And don’t forget your National Park Pass!
Mount Lemmon
You might not think that a place like Tucson could get snow, but if you head up the Catalina Mountains, you will find Mount Lemmon.
Its high elevation ensures that it receives a substantial snowfall, turning the landscape into a pristine white paradise. This transformation allows for a variety of winter activities that are rare in southern Arizona, such as skiing and snowboarding at the southernmost ski resort in the United States, Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.
The scenic Sky Island Scenic Byway, which winds its way to the summit, offers breathtaking views of snow-covered forests and rugged terrain, making the drive up an adventure in itself.
The small, charming community of Summerhaven provides a cozy retreat with its local eateries and cabins.
✨ Pro tip: Stop by the Mount Lemmon Cookie Cabin and get a warm cookie and hot cocoa!
Sedona
Sedona is one of my favorite places on this whole planet, regardless of the season. But something about Winter and the holiday spirit makes it special.
Fun fact: I got engaged in Sedona during Winter, so this place, at this time, definitely holds an extra special place in my heart!
Now, Sedona does not get as much snow as Flagstaff, the Grand Canyon, or Mount Lemmon, but it’s still at a high enough elevation where it gets just enough snow to transform into an enchanting winter wonderland!
The beautiful red rocks powdered with snow is a sight that can only truly be appreciated in person!
✨ Pro Tip: Winter is the perfect time to go hiking due to the cool temperatures! The trails are less crowded and the longer hikes are so much more comfortable because you are not dying of heat exhaustion.
Be sure you are careful if you do go hiking! Some of the rocks get slippery due to the rain and melted snow.
Greer
Greer is located in Eastern Arizona in the White Mountains, at an elevation of 8,400 feet, making it the highest town in the state of Arizona. So you know they are getting snow in Winter!
The Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests surround Greer, which provides a playground for winter activities, including snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling through the quiet, snow-laden forests.
Sunrise Park Resort is also located in Greer and is Arizona’s largest ski resort. It has 3 mountains, 8 lifts, and 5 lodges. This resort is excellent for downhill skiing and snowboarding!
Sunrise Park Resort is a four-hour drive from Phoenix and under four hours from Tucson. Are you in New Mexico? Sunrise Park is also less than four hours from Albuquerque.
Prescott
Prescott, Arizona, officially designated as “Arizona’s Christmas City” in 1989, transforms into a charming winter wonderland beginning in November and going on until January.
Its historic downtown, adorned with festive lights and decorations, exudes a warm holiday spirit that captivates visitors and locals alike. They have events running all of the holiday season.
The town’s famous Courthouse Plaza becomes the center of winter festivities, hosting an array of events like the annual Christmas parade and the lighting of the courthouse, which draws crowds seeking holiday cheer.
While Prescott may not receive as heavy snowfall as some of Arizona’s higher elevation areas, its gentle snowflakes delicately coat the Victorian-style buildings and pine-covered landscapes, creating a winter wonderland.
Williams
Williams, AZ, is home to Elk Ridge Ski Resort. However, as of 2019, the resort closed for the 2019-2020 season and has yet to open again. As of now, there are no plans to reopen.
I will update this section if that changes.
Winter in Arizona
So, as you can see, as crazy as it may seem, Arizona does get a lot of snow! From the snow-kissed peaks of Flagstaff and the serene beauty of the Grand Canyon in Winter to the unique charm of Sedona and the peaceful retreats of Mount Lemmon, Greer, and Prescott, Arizona presents a diverse array of winter wonderlands.
Each destination we’ve explored brings its own unique flavor to the season, whether it’s through snow sports, festive celebrations, or simply the tranquil beauty of nature.
These winter gems prove that Arizona’s allure extends far beyond its sunny skies and arid landscapes, inviting visitors to discover a different side of the state—one that’s draped in snow and rich with seasonal charm.
