Flagstaff offers plenty of outdoor adventures this winter! Visit the Arboretum, a stunning outdoor space filled with native species that offers something fun for everyone to do.
Wet days vary throughout the year and can be divided into rain only days, snow only days and mixed rainfall/snow days. November through March sees the greatest incidence of rainfall events.
January 1st – January 31st
Flagstaff Nordic Village, nestled at the foothills of Northern Arizona’s San Francisco Peaks, is the premier cross-country ski resort and offers an unrivalled snow play experience. Amid lush forest terrain dotted with aspens and pines trees, skiers can explore these captivating snow-covered terrains while reveling in a snow-covered environment. Boasting groomed trails and an inviting lodge make this destination ideal for an enjoyable day of skiing.
On New Year’s Eve, a winter storm with heavy snowfall and strong winds brought cold temperatures and blizzard conditions across parts of the nation. South Dakota saw some three to four feet of accumulations while Idaho and Washington experienced problems where schools closed along with highways due to snow accumulations.
On January 31st, snow continued to fall across Idaho’s Bonner, Kootenai, Latah, and Boundary Counties, prompting state of emergency declarations in each. Snowfall amounts were between six to ten inches near Lewiston and Lenore areas with blowing snow reducing visibility to under one mile in some locations. Power outages occurred throughout this region with most losses occurring between Coeur d’Alene and Spokane areas.
The City applied cinders on major hills, signalized intersections, railroad crossings, shaded areas and problem areas in order to mitigate icy roads; however due to their slippery surface it was not possible to use them effectively on flat roads.
February 1st – February 28th
The main snow bands began impacting central and northern Arizona on Wednesday night and increased rapidly overnight into Thursday, creating record snowfall for Munds Park and Kachina Village by Friday morning – some areas such as Munds Park reporting over 24 inches of new snow accumulation within 24 hours! So rapidly was this accumulation that it buried an Arizona state trooper vehicle near Payson, forcing SR-87 closure; additionally state parks such as Petrified Forest National Park, Montezuma Castle National Monument, and Tuzigoot National Monument also experienced closure due to snow accumulation.
Flagstaff experiences variable snowfall between years. About one out of every four years has an accumulation of over 27 inches while 25 percent experience less than 9.3 inches. February typically experiences the most snow, with heavy years producing up to 25.4 inches and light years providing only nine.
The Arizona Snowbowl ski resort, conveniently situated only seven miles outside Flagstaff in Coconino National Forest, is an extremely popular tourist destination among both local and out-of-town skiers and snowboarders alike. Offering trails suitable for all skill levels and boasting its own snowmaking machine using water from Flagstaff for extra snowmaking when necessary – currently, snowpack is at an average 102 inches, so skiing may not be required when visiting. In addition to skiing trails there are hiking trails which lead to breathtaking mountainous landscape views from where one can explore further into nature on foot!
March 1st – March 28th
On Wednesday, a winter storm brought snowfall to northern Arizona and caused schools to close and roads to close, prompting Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) officials to urge motorists to remain home or consider alternative routes as much as possible.
The snowstorm is expected to last through Thursday and bring anywhere from one-inch of accumulation or more across parts of California, from foothills and mountains alike. Expectations for foothills could range between several inches of accumulation to more.
Flagstaff is an exquisite city located in Arizona that features four distinct seasons ranging from cold winter temperatures to monsoon season temperatures in high summer. Due to its higher altitude, Flagstaff typically remains 15-20 degrees cooler than Phoenix during these seasons.
Flagstaff typically experiences its first snowfall of the season between October and December. On average, light snowfall occurs about 11 times annually.
Winter months bring with them significant snowfalls for Flagstaff. Snowfall typically peaks on seven days in January and four days in February with a depth of six or more inches typically reaching its maximum depth; rare blizzards dumping more than 10 inches can occur about twice or three times each winter season; on average, Flagstaff receives approximately 113 inches annually in snowfall.
April 1st – April 28th
Flagstaff experiences snowfall every winter season. On average, over 100 inches is usually fallen upon this mountain town due to its elevation above sea level and consequently colder climate.
Flagstaff typically sees snowfall between November and June. Snowstorms tend to happen several times each month and occasionally result in accumulations up to 10 inches; major blizzards have also been known to happen – although these events tend to be rarer.
Flagstaff, Arizona, is known for being one of America’s snowiest cities and home to Arizona Snowbowl ski resort. Offering 777 acres of trails and eight lifts for skiing and snowboarding enthusiasts alike, its state-of-the-art snowmaking technology enables it to open its slopes before other resorts in the country do.
The Arizona Snowbowl hosts numerous events throughout the year, from free concerts and movie nights to family activities and family friendly activities. Situated within San Francisco Peaks’ unique snow pocket provides incredible panoramic views and offers unforgettable experiences for everyone. Just 12 miles outside Flagstaff lies this Winter Sports haven; offering skiing, snowboarding and other winter-based sports from mid-November until mid-April every year!
