Chilling in Arizona

I spent my pre-teen and college years in the Midwest, and I certainly don't miss wearing gloves or two pairs of socks with my boots every day. Still, there are times, when I get a little nostalgic about the snow. It's usually about the time my Michigan-raised husband decides he needs to teach our girls what "cold" in the wintertime really means. Luckily for us, we can jump in the car, and in less than three hours be up to our ankles in snow. Here are some of our favorite places to chill:

• Arizona Snowbowl: I don't ski (I drink adult beverages and watch everyone else wipe out), but if I did, this would be my first Arizona ski destination (www.arizonasnowbowl.com). Located just 7 miles north of Flagstaff, the Snowbowl offers skiers and snowboarders 32 scenic trails in the San Francisco Peaks. My advice is to hit the slopes early. When the parking lots on the mountain fill up, late skiers are turned away. Lifts operate from 9 am to 4 pm, weather permitting. Ticket windows open earlier, 8:30 am on weekdays and 8 am on weekends and holidays.
• Flagstaff Nordic Center: Cross-country skiing is more my style. The Flagstaff Nordic Center (www.flagstaffnordiccenter.com) offers 25 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. If you're a foodie, don't miss the center’s annual Eat, Drink and Ski Merry event where participants dine on a 3-course meal and sip wine on the trails.
• Highway 180: If you want to build snowmen, make snow angels, or sled, there are several areas along Highway 180, beginning just south of the Snowbowl turnoff. The Wing Mountain Snowplay Area (www.snowplayaz.com) charges a $10 per vehicle use fee and offers equipment sales, hot drinks, snacks and restrooms. The other four locations offer free parking but are more limited.
• Fort Tuthill County Park/Mormon Lake Lodge: Fort Tuthill is located two miles south of Flagstaff and allows visitors to play in the snow, snow shoe and cross country ski. No sledding, though. Mormon Lake Lodge is further away, 40 miles east of Flagstaff, but you can rent snowmobiles and cross country ski here .
• Elkridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation: This recreation area offers skiing, snowboarding, and tubing. I haven't been before (Williams is a long drive from Queen Creek), but the tubing looks like a blast. Check it out on their website www.elkridgeski.com.
• Sunrise Park Resort: Sunrise (www.sunriseskipark.com) is the White Mountains' skiing destination. There's skiing, cross country skiing, sledding and sleigh rides. This is probably where I'll end up going to tube; rentals are $8 at the Sunrise General Store.
• Payson: Our winter trip usually takes us to Payson and the Mogollon Rim (www.paysonrimcountry.com). It's the snow closest to us--that's the main reason we choose Payson--but it's also more of a drive than a destination. You can pull off to the side of the road, play in the snow, and then jump back into the car and continue your drive. Just make sure you have good tires and snow chains, if necessary. If you are looking to do some sledding, Payson has a good area just north of town on 260. A word of warning: Bring winter gear, including sleds, with you. We've stopped at the Payson WalMart in the past to buy sleds and gloves only to learn they sold out weeks before.
• Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley: Located in the Santa Catalina Mountains, Mt Lemmon is the southernmost ski destination in the United States. It takes about an hour to get to Ski Valley from Tucson. You can drive up Mt. Lemmon and spend time in the snow at recreation areas along the way, but be prepared to pay the Coronado National Forest's $5 day use fee. For more information, call 520-576-1400.

I know there are other great places in Arizona to enjoy the snow, but I think I've covered the major ones. I'd love to hear from anyone that knows of a hidden gem or some unique way to enjoy Arizona's winter.