Sunrise Ski Resort is the largest ski area in the state of Arizona. It is situated in the midst of the Apache National Forest near a small town called McNary in the Arizona White Mountains. Although it is remote, there is plenty of Sunrise Ski Resort lodging, including slope-side accommodations. The Sunrise Ski Area is sizable and provides a wide array of services for the eager guests who patronize the resort each and every year. The resort is just about 200 miles from Phoenix and Scottsdale and is a popular destination for skiers and boarders who are staying in state for downhill getaways. You could actually make a really cool ski vacation out of visiting several of the resorts in Arizona and neighboring New Mexico. With places like Ski Apache and Sipapu in New Mexico and the Snowbowl and Sunrise Ski Resort in Arizona, the southwestern United States starts looking a lot more alluring than you might first guess when it comes to downhill winter sports.

The Sunrise Ski Area mountain stats are enough to get any skier or boarder excited for the next time out on the slopes. This picturesque destination features 65 runs spread out over an impressive 800 acres of breathtaking terrain. The top elevation is 11,500 feet and the bottom elevation is 9,500 feet. There is a vertical drop of 2,300 feet. There are a lot of runs and a lot of skiers and boarders in the winter, so it is handy to be able to use any one of the ten lifts onsite. The trail difficulty is nicely distributed to suit people of all skill levels with 37 percent of the ski runs at the Sunrise Ski Area designated for beginners, 42 percent for intermediates, and 21 percent for the advanced riders who love to challenge the biggest and baddest black diamonds.

There are a couple of viable options when it comes to Sunrise Ski Resort lodging. The Sunrise Park Lodge provides 100 cozy rooms at the mountain. Overlooking Sunrise Lake, you will enjoy an indoor pool, whirlpool, game room, two restaurants, a lounge, and a gift shop. These are simple but very comfortable rooms and the guest service staff is very friendly. For people looking to stay at the Sunrise Ski Resort on the cheap, you may want to look into the Sunrise RV Park and Campground. Cheap ski vacations do not get a lot better than this. Park your RV or pitch a tent.

Arizona Map

There are activities going on year round at Sunrise. Long after the skiers and boarders have hung up their gear for the season, hikers and mountain bikers are out on the trails. There is also boating on the lake, horseback riding, disc golf, lift rides, live entertainment, and barbecues. You can also go cross-country skiing and tubing in the winter. There are two base lodges where you will find tasty food and a surprisingly nice lounge and bar. You will have no problem finding great ski or snowboarding instruction as well. The ski shop has you covered on everything from brand new gear to equipment repair. The Sunrise Ski Resort lodging is suitable if you are committed to staying as close to the slopes as possible, but you can also explore options like hotels, inns, and bed and breakfasts in the surrounding towns.