traveler2258

We're planning to spend a few days skiing in AZ at Sunrise (already tried the AZ Snowbowl). We’d like to spend 2-3 nights/days. It looks like Sunrise Lodge is pretty dismal. Can anyone tell me if I’m wrong. It seems Greer has a number of options, but is 25 miles away. Does anyone know what the roads are like there in the winter? Is 25 miles = 30 minutes or = 2 hours? Do we need chains? Are there any good places to eat dinner? The Red Setter Inn in Greer has apparently changed hands and is no longer recommended. The Amberian Peaks and White Mountain Inns have nice web sites, but I can’t find anyone who’s stayed there. Does anyone have more info on this area?

Bill_H

It seems Greer has a number of options, but is 25 miles away.

When we skiied at Sunrise we stayed in the Pinetop - Lakeside area.

Does anyone know what the roads are like there in the winter?

Relatively flat (compared to most ski areas) and we don't get much snow, so most of the time the roads are dry and you can drive the posted limit. The exception would be just after a passing storm (like right now), when roads will be snowy for a day or so.

Is 25 miles = 30 minutes or = 2 hours?

30-45 minutes most of the time.

Do we need chains?

4 WD has always been enough for us ...

Bill

odie1

traveler2258-My family has a home in Greer and I spent many a days skiing at Sunrise. The drive was 20 minutes and the roads are usually perfectly fine, except as Bill_H mentioned, in the midst of a storm, where you definitely have to be careful of white-out conditions on the main highway. We never needed chains on the section of the highway. The only place I ever saw they were requiring them was coming down the mogollon during a very bad storm.
In Greer Molly Butler Lodge has consistently good food-steaks, prime rib, fried chicken, etc. Rendezvous diner is great for breakfast, and dinner if they are open. Jane's Greer Mountain is another great place for breakfast on your way out to the ski slopes. The Sports bar at Snowy Mountain Inn is good but they are only open on weekends I believe. As for places to stay, Red Setter is a gorgeous location and if you are only sleeping in the rooms, I am sure it is fine. Molly B's rooms are very basic but clean. There is Greer Lodge (same owners now as RS) and again, fine rooms. I have never been in White Mountain Lodge rooms but I had always heard good things about them and I am sure would be just fine. I also haven't been in Amberian's rooms for a long time. You could also consider a cabin rental, Greer Cabin Keepers is who I would recommend. There is a luxurious lodge, hidden meadow ranch, that is located before Greer Junction but farther down a dirt road. It is gorgeous but it might an extra 10-15 minutes to your drive as, although this road is cleared in the winter, it is a dirt road and thus more slow going.

ilovegreeraz

Greer is about 8 miles from the Sunrise turnoff and then another 5 into the town. It takes about 30-40 minutes to get to the lifts from here. There are many options in the town as far as lodging and you may find great rates for a 2-3 night stay. Check out these websites for some more information:
ilovegreerarizona.com
greerarizona.com
greeraz.com
You sholuld know all the hotspots of Greer after some resourceful surfing. Make sure to visit the Ice Cream/Espresso shop for some treats. No chains needed by 4x4 is good to have anywhere up here. Peaks has GREAT food, Molly's is also awesome prime rib and such. I am the president of the Greer Business Association and can answer any questions for you at [email protected]

traveler2258

Thank you everyone for your advise. We had a great time. The skiing was excellent. This is the only place I've been to where there are NO lift lines! However, their rental equipment isn't the newest, so it might be worth bringing your own skis and boots, but we did okay. The driving was fine. We had front wheel drive and thankfully it didn't snow during our stay. We did get a little stuck in a parking lot, but the locals were great and helped us out in not time.
We stayed at the White Mountain Lodge in Greer. It was very nice and homey. There were a couple of minor problems I emailed the owners about afterwards. I haven't heard back from them so I would guess they aren't the most attentive, but it didn't hamper our stay.
We at the the Molly Butler Lodge. It was a great lodge atmosphere. The food was good. We also ate at the Watering Hole, a pub recently taken over by the Greer Lodge for casual dining. We really liked the decor. The food was mainly fried and they had pizza. Although neither was up to our usual taste, it all hit the spot after a long day on the slopes.
Thanks again for all your help.