Skiing and Snowboarding

The ski season usually starts in mid-December and ends in mid-April.

Arizona Snowbowl. Seven miles north of Flagstaff off U.S. 180, the Arizona Snowbowl, on the western slope of Mount Humphreys, has 55 downhill runs, eight lifts, and a vertical drop of 2,800 feet. The eight-person Agassiz Lift gondolas whisk skiers 2,000 feet up in seven minutes, affording a fabulous view of the Grand Canyon in the distance. There are two restaurants, an equipment-rental and retail shop, and a SKIwee center for kids ages four to seven.

All-day adult lift tickets are $99, and children 10 and under can ski for free all season. (Prices can vary based on dates and demand.) The closest lodging to the ski area is Snowbowl's Ski Lift Lodge, with cabins and a restaurant at the base of the mountain. Some Flagstaff motels have ski packages that include transportation to Snowbowl. Snowbowl Rd., North Flagstaff, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86002. 928/779–1951; 928/779–4577; www.snowbowl.ski.

Arizona Nordic Village. Nine miles north of Snowbowl Road, the Flagstaff Nordic Center has 25 miles of well-groomed cross-country trails here that are open Thursday through Monday (when there's enough snow). Coffee, hot chocolate, and snacks are served at the lodge. Lessons, equipment rental (with or without lessons), and snow bikes ("fat tires") are available as full-day or half-day packages. 16848 U.S. 180, North Flagstaff, Flagstaff, Arizona, 86001. 928/220–0550; www.arizonanordicvillage.com.