Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest
Cross Country Skiing
The National Forest includes four areas designated for cross country skiing: Hannagan Meadow south of Alpine (approximately 45 minute's drive from Springerville/Eagar), Williams Valley west of Alpine, Pole Knoll and Greer (about 20 minutes west of Springerville/Eager), and Forest Lakes, just west of Heber-Overgaard.
Snowmobiling
Although there are few designated snowmobile trails, roads that are inaccessible to other vehicles at this time of year offer many miles of ready-made trails. One recommended snowmobile route, however, is from the Sunrise Park Ski Area to Big Lake along State Route 273, which is not plowed in the winter.
Tubing and Sledding
There are numerous downhill meadows and small pastures surrounding the communities of the White Mountains for tubing and sledding, although the area in Williams Valley west of Alpine that is very popular for tubing. This site offers opportunities to sled, tobaggon, or tube down the slope.
Snowshoeing and Ice Fishing
Snowshoeing opportunities exist throughout the Forest but can be particularly fun when combined with ice fishing at Woods Canyon, Willow Springs, or Luna lakes. It will take snowmobiles to access the other good ice fishing lakes such as Big Lake, Crescent Lake, Chevelon Canyon Lake, and Bear Canyon Lake. Ice fishing is most convenient at Nelson Reservoir since its accessible by automobile.
For additional information on facilities, accessibility, and general forest information, please visit the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest at http://www.fs.fed.us/r3/asnf/.
Sunrise Ski Resort
65 runs over three mountains, separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails, and a special children's area make Sunrise one of the premiere ski areas in the southwest. Owned and operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, the high speed quad chairlifts, with a capacity in excess of 16,000 skiers per hour, are also open during the spring months for scenic viewing.
During the winter months, the park is open from 9:00AM to 4:00PM, and closes at 12:30PM on Sundays. Lift tickets range from $15 (seniors) to $37 for adults, children age 12 and under from $16 to $21.
During the summer months, chairlift rides are available for $4 children, $8 for adults, and $15 for mountain bikers. During this season, the chair lift runs every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00AM to 4:00PM from mid-May to mid-October. For additional information, click here to visit the Sunrise Ski Park, or contact them toll free at 800-772-7669.
The Sunrise Lodge, and nearby communities of Show Low, Pinetop-Lakeside, Springerville, and Eagar offer a variety of dining and entertainment options to fit any budget. Many of the hotel/motels in the area offer rooms with jacuzzis or hot tubs. Whether a romantic weekend getaway, or a fun-filled time for the whole family, you'll find the winters in the White Mountains offer something for everyone.
