Dreaming of a white Christmas or itching to finally build that very first snowman? You don’t need to hop on a plane to Colorado. Winter in northern and central Arizona is full of surprises. The kind where towns suddenly don puffy coats, and mountain peaks turn into snowy playgrounds.
Just a few hours from Phoenix, you’ll find yourself crunching through fresh snow, sipping cocoa and wondering how this is the same state where you nearly melted in July.
From quick day trips to full-on snowy escapes, here’s what to do during the chilly season in and the best places to see snow in Arizona.
Flagstaff
Due to its high elevation, Flagstaff consistently gets more snow than any other city in the state and averages more than 100 inches of snow, according to Discover Flagstaff.
Winter there means hitting the slopes at Arizona Snowbowl, which offers everything from beginner-friendly runs to more advanced terrain. If skiing isn’t your vibe, you can still get your snow fix at Flagstaff Snow Park, where sledding, tubing and snowman building happen against a backdrop of pine trees.
Prefer something a little slower? Try cross-country skiing or snowshoeing at Arizona Nordic Village, where you can even stay overnight in a yurt if you want to embrace full-on cozy. Finish off your day by stargazing at Lowell Observatory and the Astronomy Discovery Center.
Sedona
Sedona offers a totally different winter mood: snow-dusted red rock formations. When the higher elevations get a dusting, it’s the perfect time to hike the West Fork Trail or Airport Mesa Loop, where views of white-topped cliffs feel almost surreal. For a slower pace, you can take a scenic drive along Oak Creek Canyon, sip wine in cozy tasting rooms, or try eating at award-winning restaurants like Mariposa Latin Inspired Grill, run by chef Lisa Dahl.
Prescott
In Prescott, winter brings a charming, small-town snow scene. They decorate downtown Prescott in Christmas lights and you can take a picture by the giant Christmas tree near the Courthouse. You can explore snowy trails around Thumb Butte, a classic spot often blanketed in white, or just enjoy the crisp air under towering ponderosa pines.
Mt. Lemmon in Tucson
Up at Mount Lemmon, winter is pure alpine magic. The Mount Lemmon Ski Valley offers skiable terrain, over 40 hiking trails and charming lifts, though the conditions are more rustic and natural. Accessing it means driving up the Catalina Highway, which itself becomes a scenic winter route. And make it a weekend getaway and stay at the Mount Lemmon Lodge, the only hotel or lodge on the mountain
Just make sure to check road conditions and be prepared for snow, because above certain elevations, tires with chains or something stronger might be required.
Reporting by Tiffany Acosta, Arizona Republic
