Top 10 Winter Activities in Flagstaff

The quintessential American road trip has to be the scenic byways of ol’ Route 66. I have road tripped throughout the state of Arizona, but one place I’ve not explored in a long time is Flagstaff.  I thought it would be fun to head to the highest city along Historic Route 66 and discover the top winter activities.

Many people think of Arizona as a desert landscape, but the state is actually quite diverse. Flagstaff has an elevation of 7000’, which makes this mountain town a great reprieve for desert dwellers in the summer, and a winter wonderland for snow enthusiasts.

Top 10 Winter Activities in Flagstaff, Arizona by MikesRoadTrip.com.Fat tire biking is just one of many things to do in Flagstaff, Arizona. Here is a top-10 list of winter activities in Flagstaff by MikesRoadTrip.com

I spent five fun-filled days driving from one end of town to the other in search of the most popular and exciting winter activities in Flagstaff. Be sure to watch the video below as I run down the following list:

1) Skiing and Snowboarding is one of the top winter activities in Flagstaff

Snow may not be the first word that comes to mind when you think of Arizona, but Arizona Snowbowl accumulates an average of 260 inches each winter. While the area receives a lot of snow, the sun is never far away.  Skiing and snowboarding are likely the most popular winter activities in Flagstaff, and with a new quad-chairlift, snow making equipment and many new runs, the Arizona Snowbowl is more exciting than ever.

2) Snowmobiling in Flagstaff

My next activity was just southwest of town at the Mormon Lake Lodge, where I went on a snowmobiling adventure. There are miles of pristine back-country trails to explore on either a one or two hour tour. There are a number of other activities at the Mormon Lake Lodge, so you may want to stay the overnight in one of the cozy cabins.

Snowmobiling at Mormon Lake Lodge is one of the top-10 winter activities in Flagstaff, AZ. Photo by: MikesRoadTrip.com

3) Sledding in Flagstaff

Kids and adults alike will have a blast sledding at the Wing Mountain Snow Play area. There are several hills with different heights and elevations you can choose depending on prowess and nerve. I learned that the cheaply made sleds available at the nearby gas station or at the Play Area, have a tendency to break if you catch some air and hit a bunny hill on the way down. Tubes seem to provide the biggest adrenaline rush as they have less friction and really move down the hill.

Snow Play Sledding is one of the things to do during Winter in Flagstaff Arizona. Photo by: MikesRoadTrip.com

4) Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and more at the Nordic Center in Flagstaff

Just down the road of the Snow Play sledding area is the Nordic Center, where they have a number of activities for the snow bound enthusiast. From nordic or cross-country skiing, to exploring through the forest on snowshoes, they also have the newest trend in mountain biking, the fat-tire variety for riding in the snow…so much fun! The facility also offers several cabins and yurts for overnight camping, each with a real wood-burning fireplace.

Flagstaff Nordic Center for Fat Tire biking is just one of many winter activities in Flagstaff. Photo by: MikesRoadTrip.com

5) Star-gazing at Lowell Observatory

Right in town, perched on a hill overlooking Flagstaff, is the Lowell Observatory, well-known for discovering Pluto. This celestial venue has a museum, artifacts, and of course many telescopes for discovery and star-gazing. Interesting to note that Flagstaff was the world’s first international dark-sky city.

Lowell Observatory in Flagstaff by MikesRoadTrip.com

6) Horse-drawn sleigh rides in Flagstaff

My next stop was a special activity for families and those looking for a creative and romantic gesture…a horse-drawn sleigh ride. At the Hitchin’ Post Stables you can take a horse-drawn sleigh ride (actually wheels) out to their campsite an up into the nearby hills for some hot cocoa and a warm bonfire. The authentic looking western camp has a number of covered wagons, artifacts and some tents set up for a dinner service.

Hitchin

7) Beer Tasting

There is a bevy of craft beer in Flagstaff with many award-winning breweries in town. As a matter of fact, there’s a Flagstaff Ale Trail, which is a self-guided beer tasting adventure.

Mother Road Brewing outside by MikesRoadTrip.com

8) Ice Skating

Over at the Jay Lively Ice Arena, nothing says winter more than donning a pair of blades and gliding across the icy smooth surface. While not all of us can look like a figure skater, it’s still a whole lot of fun. The arena has a number of programs; you can drop in for open skating, private lessons or even ice hockey.

Ice skating is one of many winter things to do in Flagstaff

9) Christmas Lights

At the Little America Hotel during the holiday season, the property is decorated with millions of lights creating a stunning display. The hotel is situated on 500 pine-covered acres with a great view of the San Francisco Peaks. In addition to all of the holiday lights, visitors will see many other holiday exhibits, such as Santa flying through the trees in his reindeer sleigh.

Holiday Light Display at Little America in Flagstaff by MikesRoadTrip.com

10) North Pole Experience is one of the more popular seasonal winter activities in Flagstaff

Little America also serves as the trolley stop for the North Pole Experience. Visitors are transported from Flagstaff to the North Pole through a magic portal. Once at the North Pole, Santa’s guests can walk through the workshop where all the gifts are made, packaged and readied for the massive delivery around the world. This is such a fantastic experience for the kids, and adults with kids.

North Pole Experience is one of many winter activities in Flagstaff Arizona. Package wrapping area. Photo by: MikesRoadTrip.com

That’s a look at the top-10 winter activities in Flagstaff, Arizona. If you have some other favorites that didn’t make the list, please post a comment below and share with other readers. Click the following link to see more of my pictures of Flagstaff.

Oh, and if you’re looking for a couple of great places to eat in Flagstaff, I highly recommend BRIX for fine-dining, Pizzicletta for some wood-fired pizza, and MartAnne’s on Historic Route 66 for breakfast.

Flagstaff sign by MikesRoadTrip.com - Top-10 Winter activities in Flagstaff

FAQ

  • What is top winter activities in flagstaff and How does it work?

    Lots of fun activities to keep in mind if you find yourself visiting the Northern Arizona region this winter, it is a winter wonderland for snow enthusiasts. Skiing and Snowboarding, Snowmobiling, Sledding, Horse-drawn sleigh rides and a lot more you can do in Flagstaff. Do not miss BRIX for fine-dining, Pizzicletta for some wood-fired pizza, and MartAnne’s on Historic Route 66 for breakfast.

  • What fun things can a tourist do in Arizona in December?

    December is the month to experience chills and freshness of the winter season. No wonder why Arizona is densely populated with tourists in winter. Depending on the weather, Arizona is pretty much everything you need in December. The fun things you can do this winter are Snowmobiling, Skiing and Snowboarding, Sledding, Horse-drawn sleigh rides, and much more

  • What are some family-friendly things to do in Flagstaff, AZ?

    Road trips with family at Flagstaff, Arizona is one of the best things one can do this winter, especially in late December if you are going with your kids or with your grandparents. Enjoy best of bests family-friendly winter activities in Flagstaff, Arizona this season.

Mike Shubic

Mike Shubic is a seasoned road trip travel video blogger, traversing the byways of the world looking for those hidden gems of the road. From unique destinations, unexpected discoveries, creative cuisine, intriguing inns to exciting attractions…the road is his page. The experiences are his ink. And every 300 miles, a new chapter begins. Whether you live vicariously or by example, Mike will do the exploring so you can have an adventure.
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7 Comments

  1. Hey Mike…great write-up and video! We’ve been to Flagstaff a couple times in the summer, but have yet to go there in the winter. This gives us some things to consider. Thank you!

  2. Next time in Flagstaff, check out Black Bart’s restaraunt and campground just off the 66. They feature singing waiters (male and female) and excellent food.

  3. Hey Mike, what a fantastic wrap up and video. I am thinking this will make a great trip later this year. Thanks for all the idea.

    Best,
    Jane

  4. Taking my girlfriend up there next weekend, thanks for the info. By the way, enjoyed the video too.

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