The White Mountains: A Winter Wonderland in Arizona
- ganaaramerika
- 2 feb 2017
- 2 minuten om te lezen
After removing the Christmas decorations, ringing in the new year and making new year's resolutions, we thought it was about time to actually see some winter. And we didn't even have to leave the state for the Winter Wonderland feel. Because you might not expect it, but besides a desert and a Grand Canyon, Arizona actually has a couple of good skiing destinations! One of them is located in the White Mountains, a four hour drive from Tucson and part of the Apache tribe territory. We rented a small cabin, much needed fireplace included, in the village of Greer. Tucson was not scorching hot when we left, but the -18 degrees Celsius in that place did almost give us (me, mostly) a heart attack when we arrived. I mean, it was really really cold...The small town, or street, has a fire station, a cafe and one restaurant. The Molly Butler Lodge, to be exact. Not great, but it will have to do when the closest supermarket is 57 minutes away. Actually, the peace and quiet of this remote area has it's charm, especially when you can finally unpack your sweaters, that dusty wintercoat and even snow boots to take a hike in the beautiful woods surrounding it.
The Apache tribe exploits the nearby Sunrise Ski Resort, where during the week the ski slopes are all yours. The 'resort' has 4 ski lifts, a restaurant, 2 bars, a small ski school and ski rental. There is also a tubing hill, where you can use your butt instead of legs to go down the hill. Just in case you wanted to. The road leading to the slopes is not snow free so you need to trust your car, or tires, on this one (ours surprisingly made it without much effort), but let's just say that is part of the winter adventure. And don't take the shortcut from Greer, you'll definitely get stuck. Or so I heard...
During the day, the sun on the slopes makes up for the freezing cold in the mountains. And with an Arizona brewed Barrio Blonde on the side life in the snow is actually quite good! Although 'drinking on the slopes' is not like in Europe, where the drinking is more important than the skiing and the 'Apres Ski' phenomenon was invented. On the slopes of the White Mountains the bars close at 4 and force the visitors to party in their own cozy cabins. Where they can play Cards Against Humanity and drink whatever they brought from home. Better than Apris Ski, trust me.
And when the cold finally got the better of us, it only took a couple of hours to drive back to the summer, and the everlasting Tucson sun.
I love this State!
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