Golf Destination

ARIZONA: A winter destination for golf and skiing

Story by PAUL LEAHY

If you love to golf and snow ski, then Arizona is where you need to spend a little time this winter. The Northern part of the state has some impressive mountains and a number of ski resorts. This is one of the few places in America you can go from the golf course to the slopes all in the same day. Arizona skiing is affordable and is oldschool compared to other more popular ski destinations, with a great mix of people on the hill.

The most accessible powder close to a major hub with great golf is the Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff. The Snowbowl is right outside of Flagstaff. The drive up the volcano can be challenging on the twisty and steep terrain so in January and February a free shuttle from downtown Flagstaff runs every 20 minutes. Located 2.5 hours form the Phoenix metro area you can be back in the sun and fun quicker than you can get to Lambert Airport from the Lake. Sedona is even closer taking only a mere 1.5 hours to reach the Snowbowl.

The Snowbowl is considered the best skiing experience in the state, and the view from the top of Mount Humphreys is spectacular. The hill, which has been in operation since 1938, receives just over 22 feet of snow a season. The elevation at its peak is 12,000 feet which makes for some incredible views and great mix of easy, intermediate and difficult runs.

Another popular ski destination situated a little farther from major cities is Sunrise Park Resort. It is situated not far from the New Mexico border in the far eastern part of the state. This is more of a destination trip and not really considered a day trip. It is located four hours from Phoenix and 4.5 hours from Tucson.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley situated on the Santa Catalina Mountains gives you the best opportunity to ski and golf in the same day. Only about a 90 minute drive from

downtown, Tucson Mt. Lemmon offers some short but fun runs (22 runs spread out over 200 acres) as you ride the double chair lift back to the top. You will be able to ski while looking out at the brown desert below. Not as large as the other ski areas but if getting your fix of powder on your golf vacation is on your list, this may be the place.

Golf is plentiful in Arizona, so when you’re wintering check out these popular courses in the Phoenix/Scottsdale and Tucson areas. Spend a week or a month, there are plenty of places to play after you enjoy the powder on the slopes.

Wherever you’re staying in Arizona golf courses and sunshine will be a plenty. Start planning your adventure today and don’t forget to pack the clubs, and skis. If you run out of room clubs and skies can both be rented, so go and enjoy the sunshine and snow that’s just a short trip away.

Paul is a PGA golf professional and the director of golf and Margaritaville Lake Resort.

PHOTO PROVIDED BY SUNRISE PARK RESORT

PHOTO PROVIDED BY ARIZONA SNOWBOWL

Over 200 golf courses can be found in the Phoenix/ Scottsdale area. A wide variety of quality, terrain, price and amenities can be found. Prices range from $50 to over $300 depending on the course and time of year you plan to play. Here are some of the more popular places to tee it up. These courses are beautiful and full of service, amenities and have a price tag to match the beauty. • Troon North • TPC Scottsdale • Greyhawk Golf Club • The Boulders • Wickenburg Ranch Golf Club Other great options that will be lower on the price scale but will still offer plenty of appeal, beauty and service are: • McCormick Ranch • Starfire Golf Club • Camelback Golf Club • Lookout Mountain • Scottsdale Silverado

Golf Club If price is the determining factor than these will suit the bill. • Golf Club at Johnson Ranch • Hillcrest Golf Club • Foothills Golf Club • Ken McDonald Golf Club If you’re heading to Tucson for golf and a day trip to Mt. Lemmon then try out these favorites of the more than 35 courses that surround the area: • The Ritz Carlton Golf Club at Dove Mountain • AZ National Golf Club • Heritage Highlands Golf

Course at Dove Mountain • Forty Niner Country Club • Hilton El Conquistador Golf and Tennis Resort