Southerly 32

In a desert and a city where the temperature reached 38 ° C on average 89 days during the year, it may be a surprise that you can ski on real snow, real mountains, just a few hours of the City of Phoenix, Arizona.

Snowfall in Phoenix itself is extremely rare, the city average of only 5 days per year where temperatures drop below zero, and since records began, the snow has only fallen seven times - the last one January 2001 (the first snowfall in 22 years).

However, much to the enjoyment of skiers and snowboarders of Phoenix, there are several ski resorts within a few hours drive that are perfect for day or weekend trip and must satisfy the desires for love snow white matter.

Northern Arizona is located in the San Francisco Peaks in the Coconino National Forest, just two hours drive from Phoenix. The ski area offers more than 2,300 feet of vertical drop and 32 scenic trails that cover 777 hectares and the Arizona desert climate: The resort also has many sunny days of skiing.

Those who prefer their skiing can visit the quieter Flagstaff Nordic Center, located just seven miles north of Snowbowl. This region offers winter sports fans a vast network of backcountry skiing and snowshoeing and sledding. Flagstaff also supports a stage race in good health, with competitions for different lengths throughout the winter for skiers.

The largest ski area in Arizona is Sunrise Park Resort, located in McNary Arizona White Mountains. Owned and operated by the White Mountains Apache Tribe, the area has eight lifts, and more than 13 miles from Cross-country skiing trials.

And finally, if you want to ski in the ski resort further south in the States not bound, the head of Mount Lemmon Ski Valley. Although Tucson is more likely to evoke thoughts of sand rather than snow (several well known resorts are located here) - one hour drive from the sea there is skiing and snowboarding to find. The area is small, with a vertical drop of 290m only, 3 lifts and a ski-able acres 200, but despite its location in the south, the station can open from December to April and panoramic views overlook the area are Mt Lemmon a popular skiing destination.

Accommodation is available in (or near) all of these cities winter in the form of cabins, lodges and motels. Be warned though - people come here to ski rather than part if you are looking for a wild time, a better option would be to stay at a hotel in Phoenix and commute to the ski areas during the day.