Arizona may not be the first state that comes to mind when you think of skiing, but it actually has several great options for hitting the slopes.

One of the most popular resorts in Arizona is Sunrise Park Resort, located in the White Mountains. With an average snowfall of around 200 inches per season and a peak elevation of 11,000 feet, this resort offers a variety of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The best month to visit Sunrise Park is typically February or March.

Another great option is Arizona Snowbowl, located just outside of Flagstaff. This resort boasts an impressive 260 inches of average annual snowfall and a top elevation of 11,500 feet. Snowbowl is known for its challenging terrain, with plenty of steep runs for advanced skiers and snowboarders. The best time to visit Snowbowl is typically from December through February.

In terms of ski history, Arizona has an interesting connection to the sport. The first organized ski race in the United States actually took place in Arizona in 1915, on the slopes of Mt. Lemmon near Tucson. The state also used to be home to a ski resort called Mount Elden, which operated from the 1940s through the 1970s before closing due to financial troubles.