Skiing in Arizona is a delightful surprise. High on the San Francisco Peaks, a short drive north of Flagstaff, Arizona Snowbowl is a proper mountain resort with its summit at 3,505m. The Peaks are the eroded remains of an ancient volcano, and their upper slopes hold snow from late autumn well into spring, with forested runs below and wide Southwestern views in every direction. Skiing here dates back to 1938, making Snowbowl one of the oldest ski areas in the United States.

The skiing covers 777 acres of varied terrain, with a vertical drop of 700m and a longest run of 3.2km. There's a lot here for beginners and intermediates: Snowbowl has the largest learning area in the Southwest, 50 acres of gentle, open meadow at Hart Prairie, along with a good spread of blue cruisers winding down through the forest. Stronger skiers have plenty to test themselves on too, with steep black runs and the hike-to Upper Bowl up top for anyone after something wilder. The high elevation and a serious snowmaking system keep the season long, usually running from mid-November well into May, the longest in Arizona.

Off the slopes, Snowbowl has day lodges at the base serving hot food and drinks, a handful of terrain parks for freestylers, and rental shops on site. There's more to do in the snow nearby, too, with tubing at the Flagstaff Snow Park and cross-country skiing and snowshoeing on the groomed trails of the Arizona Nordic Village. Flagstaff itself is a lively university town, with independent restaurants, a strong craft-beer scene, and historic Route 66 running through the centre. And with the Grand Canyon only about 90 minutes away, a day trip to one of the world's great natural wonders is easily done on a ski holiday here.

Check out Arizona Snowbowl ski deals to start planning your trip.