January 18, 2018
Winter Fun In Flagstaff
We know how snow goes in Flagstaff. It often melts as fast as it comes, leaving us with fleeting moments of celebration. But the most recent snow storm dropped more than a foot of fresh powder at Arizona Snowbowl, so that might stick around long enough for winter sports enthusiasts to actually get a chance to play for a bit.
Even though the snow at lower elevations disappears quickly, as it did with our most recent storm, we will get more. At some point. And when it comes, we’ll be ready to play. Since Pine Canyon is positioned near the San Francisco Peaks and the Coconino National Forest, the outdoors is basically a playground for our members all year long. But come winter, there are a few ways for snow-lovers to get the most out of every precious snowflake that falls.
The most obvious outing is one to Arizona Snowbowl, which will celebrate its 80th anniversary this February, hosting a formal celebration the weekend of Feb. 23-24. In addition to the snow that Snowbowl manufactures on site, the storm that recently dropped more than a foot of fresh powder at the mountain allowed for 19 of the resort’s 55 trails to open. And every lift is open, too.
If downhill skiing isn’t your bag, there is frosty fun to be had at Arizona Nordic Village. The winter wonderland offers snowshoeing, cross country skiing and snowbiking across a number of trails that weave in and out of an Aspen and Ponderosa-spotted landscape. And, it’s not uncommon to encounter wildlife on the trails, which is always an added bonus.
Within our community, we love sledding down the fairway at the 18th hole. If you haven’t tried it yet, you should. And, don’t forget about the Flagstaff Urban Trail System (FUTS) that runs along the edge of Pine Canyon and includes 56 miles of trails for non-motorized use. Even a dusting of snow, which may not be enough for sledding or skiing, gives our beautiful landscape a whole new look.
So, here’s to making the most of winter. Because hot cocoa tastes better when cold hands are wrapped around it.