Surely, not a winter holiday passes without people going over to a snow park or a sledding area and enjoying some quality time with friends and family.
Need to plan a great weekend this winter? If so, then a sledding session with your friends and family is a must to have on your list. Known for its stunning terrains, tourist attractions, and cozy cafes, Flagstaff is also known for providing some of the best sledding areas.
Located in northern Arizona, this place receives a major percentage of tourists from around the world for sledding.
If you are staying anywhere around Flagstaff or even in the neighboring states, then you should set your foot in the snow-capped mountains here. Apart from sledding, you can also enjoy taking a ride through the snow, building snowmen, or just having a good snowball match.
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Top Sledding Spots Near Flagstaff, Arizona
The following are some of the best sledding spots that you can visit and cherish each moment for a lifetime.
Flagstaff Snow Park
Offering online tickets for booking currently, Flagstaff Snow Park is one of the best spots for sledding this winter. Located at 2446 Fort Tuthill Loop, this snow park is easy to find, and they also provide great assistance across the campus. Usually, you have to book the tickets two to five days in advance before you visit the venue.
They are open all days, starting from 9 am to 5 pm every day. It is not necessary to bring your own sled as it is provided here for a seamless experience. The tickets here range from $9 to $15 per person. You can also get the tickets depending on your plan, i.e., whether you would like to stay only half of the day or the entire day.
You will also be glad to know that this snow park also makes its own snow apart from all the natural snowfall that it receives. Along with some mesmerizing views, cozy eating plazas, and groomed hills, this place is perfect for a fun day with your loved ones.
Some special amenities also include restrooms, cafes, an outdoor fire pit, extra gloves, and a picnic area. Due to the availability of these amenities, there are also personal celebrations held here, and families also book cabins for a month-long vacation. These cabins will give you the coziness
that you deserve on the cold chilly nights.
Oak Hill Snow Play Area
Dating back to its inception in 1950, this is one of the longest-running snow parks in Flagstaff. It is situated near the Kaibab National Forest and is easily accessible without any steep roads or rugged terrain.
It comprises two different sledding runs that you can choose from. As the hill on which it is located is 900 feet long; thus, it is best suitable for adults. However, great care is taken with all-time supervision for children who come to visit this snow park.
The administration here has a strict policy against plastic sleds. Thus, you will have to bring in your own foam-based sleds as they tend to retain the quality and avoid any cracks or breakage. This step has been taken up in order to avoid unnecessary litter around the campus, which is otherwise quite common in other snow parks.
They also provide up to twenty-five parking lots to the visitors. Thus, you do not have to worry about keeping your vehicle too far away from the main campus. Additionally, this snow park also consists of a warming zone where you can enjoy some beverage and food with your friends and family.
Crowley Pit Snow Play Area
Located at US-180, Flagstaff, Crowley Pit Snow Play Area, it is one of the most famous snow play areas for sledding in Arizona. Providing some very good services and facilities to its visitors, this place has also been awarded accolades.
As it is very famous, the administration here recommends coming a few minutes prior to the timing at which you have booked the tickets. This will let you avoid long queues and make the best use of time.
This snow park is also known for showcasing some of the most breathtaking landscapes as you go higher in the hills. The clouds that layer the roads, the terrain, and the overall atmosphere is one to make the most of with. Some local TV shows and independent films have also been shot here, given the stunning visuals that this place provides.
There are three main sledding hills. Two of these hills are perfect for adults, as these are big and steep. On the other hand, the other hill is shorter and flat, making it perfect for children of all ages. However, you must be careful while your children play around this area.
One of the most important things to note before you visit this snow park is that you need to bring your own food and water here. There is limited availability of snacks or restrooms here, and therefore, it would be best if you carry it along with you.
Walker Lake Sledding Area
Spread across an area of 2000 acres of land, this snow park has been maintained by the US Forest Service. It is located near the Kendrick Park fields.
This snow park is comparatively less crowded than the other snow parks and thus is perfect for visiting at the current post-pandemic times. Due to its seclusion, you will also come across varieties of wildlife at this place.
The parking lot and the sledding area here are almost a mile apart. Hence, it is advised that you wear appropriate shoes to be able to walk on the snow. However, in case you want to enjoy a snow fight or build a snowman, then there is an area just next to the parking lot, which can be used for such activities.
You must keep in mind that you need to carry a sled here as they do not provide one. As it is operated by the US Forest Service thus, such facilities are not available.
Mormon Lake Lodge
This is one of the most premium snow park areas in the south-eastern region of Flagstaff. Rom sledding to luxurious cabins, this is one of the most visited snow parks in the US. Perfect for families to spend some quality time here, Mormon Lake Lodge provides various amenities to its visitors.
Tickets here cost around $8 here for each person. On the other hand, it costs around $25 for a group of four people. Business hours are from 9 am to 4 pm. However, it is recommended to come a few minutes prior to your booking to make your entry hassle-free.
They also provide the right place for wedding ceremonies. You can talk to the customer support team here for further details.
The pine and aspen trees here add the perfect picturesque you would want to see this winter. Their steakhouse is a must-visit if you want to enjoy some scrumptious meals here after you are done sledding.
Their cabin rental services are also a great way you can spend a few days away from home. They provide the perfect mental rejuvenation that you need on holiday. Additionally, they also provide salon services so that you are assured of getting yourself pampered while being on holiday.
Elk Ridge
Comparatively, this is one of the new snow parks in Flagstaff. The tariff here depends upon the number of people in a group. Usually, the range is between $50 and $600. However, it is best to go through their website for the latest updates on the prices.
Due to its hilly runs, it is best for families to spend time here. Extreme sledding is not appropriate here as the steepness is not much. That is why Elk Ridge is known for being the quintessential place for families.
They also provide restrooms, but you need to bring in your own sled and food, given there are certain restrictions in the post-pandemic situation.
You can also enjoy the spectacular journey up here. Remember to bring in your camera for some Instagram-worthy posts. The touristy vibe of this place makes it a perfect destination for some great fun and adventure.
Benham Slow Play Area
This snow park is situated near the town of Williams. Though they do not have any website of their own as of now, you can get in touch with them by referring to some local stores nearby. It is easily accessible from the main road.
At an elevation of 7195 above ground level, this is a popular junction for families to spend quality time with each other. They also organize snowball contests here. Thus, children have a good time here with each other.
Sledding here is quite easy. Thus, if you are new at this sport, then you can easily try out your first time sledding at this snow park. They have a medical assistance facility as well in case of any emergency.
They do not provide sleds. Hence, you will have to bring your own sled and make sure not to litter their areas as they are very particular about the cleanliness of the premises. Moreover, you may even have to pay in case you are found throwing garbage or littering the campus.
Just like Elk Ridge, this is also one of the most family-friendly snow parks. So, if you are an expert at sledding, then you may not find it very interesting. However, newbies and those willing to spend some time at the weekend must definitely try this snow park.
For any queries, you may contact 928-527-3600. They do not have any website yet, and so you may have to call them in order to know about the ticket availability and the quote.
Sunrise Park Resort
Just as the name suggests, you will surely witness a beautiful sunrise on a trip here. They offer spectacular snow runs and tubing places here for both experts as well as first-timers.
To get an understanding of this park, you can also visit their website and watch live footage of this place. The live webcam feature available on their website is an eye-opener to the beguiling views you can experience here.
The tickets here cost as per the number of individuals in a family. The usual range is between $15 and $55. It also depends on the day and time on which you have booked it.
They provide both sledding and tubing experiences here. Thus, you will be sure to engage in various activities. They also offer assistance for first-timers, which is one of the most requested amenities in any snow park.
They also consist of a snack bar here. This means that after a full day of activities, you can relax and enjoy some delicious meals here. Their recent reviews suggest that they make some awesome coffee here. So, if you are a caffeine addict, then this is the right place to be this holiday season.
Another major attraction of this place is its connectivity to other parts of the town. In case you want to roam around the adjoining areas of the campus, then you will also come across some shopping plazas or eateries located nearby. Thus, after a nice snack, you can enjoy dinner at their local eateries. This place is also a fulcrum of some cultural activities. Especially during Christmas and New Year’s, the decorations on the street nearby this snow park is worth looking out for.
In case you don’t feel like driving back home, then Sunrise Park Resort also provides lodging facilities. They have some nice spacious rooms where you and your loved ones can spend the night.
You can bring in as much luggage as you want. Also, they provide great discounts for a group. Therefore, this snow park is famous for booking for groups of 5 to 10 or as many as possible. This holiday season, they are offering some amazing discounts that you must take a look at on their website. Online bookings, as well as telecommunication bookings, are also available.
Lone Tree Sledding Area
Offering an unlimited parking facility, this is another sledding area that you may visit this winter. It is nestled amid pine trees, snowy mountains, and some local breweries around.
As it has very steep runs, it is recommended mostly for experts or adults. However, you can bring in your kids under strict supervision. Moreover, there are no restrooms provided here. So, you may have to skip drinking water once here!
This area is not yet very popular, and hence, you will find plenty of space for the sled. This means that in this post-pandemic situation, if you want to sled at a very less crowded area, then this is where you need to be. You must know that you have to bring in your own sled too. They do not provide any on rent.
As the administration here is still in the process of developing this area, thus there might be areas within the campus that you must be very careful at. All necessary arrangements like fencing may not be available as there is not much work happening during the nationwide lockdown. However, they are planning to kick start their developments this winter again. It is, therefore, important that you come to this area with full precaution and have an expert with you in case of any crisis.
The best thing about this sledding area is that it is not too much away from the town. This means that you can enjoy at the nearby eateries as they do not have any food or warming centers nearby. This is why you must bring along some food and extra cloth in case you change your mind and intend to stay at this location for a few days. Overall, this place is totally worth a visit this holiday season.
Forest Roads
Everyone in Flagstaff is aware of the various forest roads that are spread across the town. These are great if you are looking to go sledding at nearby places and not too far away from snow parks.
Also, one thing to keep in mind is that these forest roads do not occupy too much space and area. Thus, they might be mini versions of the snow parks and sledding areas mentioned above. But, you may note down these places in case you ever think of sledding at a nearby location.
Foxglenn Park is a great place for sledding as well as cycling. Though they have various other adventure sports being organized, sledding is one of the famous activities here. They organize various other cultural events here. You can also log into their website or call regarding the booking of the tickets for sledding. This is because there have been some recent changes in terms of the timing and the number of people that are allowed inside the campus.
Thorpe Park is another forest road that provides some space for sledding. Mostly, you will notice kids here building snowmen or including in friendly snow fights. It is a good place for families to get together here and get inclusive in some friendly matches. But, this is not apt for experts or some thrilling sledding experience.
In the last few years, several sledding competitions were also held here, given its proximity to various towns. You can visit this place and enquire about the timings and booking of tickets, and they do not have a website yet. But, you will certainly enjoy the vibe of this place and powdery snow on which you can enjoy sledding and building snowmen.
The above-mentioned sledding areas are known to be some of the most famous in Arizona. Thus, if you are planning to enjoy some quality time with your dear ones, then one of these must be on your list. Though earlier there were various other sledding areas here apart from these ten, they have been shut down due to the pandemic situation.
Thanks to the administration of the above sledding areas, this sport is still going to be practiced this winter. Did you know that sledding helps you burn calories and is a great exercise for your calves and thighs? Thus, you must surely go out sledding with your friends and burn some fat in order to give yourself a healthy weekend getaway. So check out these places and make the most of your winter this year through some sledding, fun, and thrill.
