Arizona residents looking to go skiing on a mountain in the Grand Canyon State really have just two options. Sunrise Park Resort is one of them. Located in Greer, Sunrise Park Resort is the largest ski resort in the state. Sunrise Park Resort offers 1,200 skiable acres across three mountains with 67 different runs. About 45% of the runs are for beginners, 30% are intermediate, and 22% are advanced. A handful of the runs are double black diamonds that are lift accessible, which is somewhat rare for these harder runs. Visitors also can go ziplining and cross country skiing, snowboarding, ski biking and snow tubing. “We’re basically the ultimate outdoor location for all winter sports,” says Tyler Shultz, marketing director of Sunrise Park Resort. “It’s a great place for anyone that wants to experience the winter.”
Tyler says one common misconception visitors have is that Arizona doesn’t have a winter. The area where Sunrise is located receives about 200 to 250 inches of snow per year. The winter season starts in late November and ends in late March, weather dependent. Sunrise estimates that it will receive roughly 50,000 to 80,000 visitors every winter.
The resort’s newest offering is its Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster. The alpine coaster opened in July and is one of just two in Arizona. The coaster features a total of 3,287 feet of track and is open in the winter and summer. The resort added this new coaster to attract more people to the resort. “We wanted to be able to offer more year round family fun,” says Tyler. Lessons are available for those who are brand-new to winter sports or want to brush up on their skills. Riders must be at least 13 to ride a ski bike. “We don’t have the major lines that a lot of resorts have. So your family can actually come up to Sunrise, have a great day on the snow, not be stuck in the hustle and bustle of larger resorts with major lines,” says Tyler. “Anyone visiting will have a great time. Even if they’re able to just make it for a day. Bring the whole family. We definitely recommend spending some more time and really enjoying the mountain.” – Teresa K. Traverse
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