How to Go Skiing in Elk Ridge, Arizona

Formerly known as the Williams Ski Area, the Elk Ridge Ski Area is a family-friendly resort open to all winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding and tubing. Elk Ridge is located outside the town of Williams, along historic Route 66, near the southwestern entrance to the Grand Canyon in the Kaibab National Forest. This small ski resort features 50 acres of skiing, seven runs and a 600-foot drop.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Computer with Internet access
• Credit card to book your ski trip

Prepare for Your Ski Trip to Elk Ridge

1. Book local accommodations in nearby Williams online at the Arizona Office of Tourism Web site (see Resources below) or contact them at [phone].
2. Reserve reasonably priced accommodations for your trip to Elk Ridge. There are many affordable hotels, motels and travel lodges in Williams due to its proximity to the Grand Canyon National Monument.
3. Make reservations well in advance if you want to stay in a vacation rental. The number of available vacation rentals near Elk Ridge is limited.
4. Book air travel to nearby Flagstaff, Arizona, and then rent a car for the scenic 32-mile drive to Williams and nearby Elk Ridge Ski Area.
5. Check a current ski report (see Resources below) before you travel to Elk Ridge. Pack the appropriate clothing and travel accessories.

Ski at Elk Ridge

6. Check with the staff at the lodge or the ski patrol for information about daily conditions and safety issues, or to reserve a space in one of the ski classes, many of which cater specifically to children.
7. Visit the rental center for great deals on skiing and snowboarding equipment packages, or to rent an innertube.
8. Choose between downhill and cross-country skiing trails at Elk Ridge, and rent your equipment accordingly.
9. Take the kids out for a day of tubing in one of the specially designated areas.
10. Spend an afternoon warming up at the newly renovated day lodge, with its new snack bar and deli facilities.
11. Consider a season pass if you live in the area, or if you're going to stay in Northern Arizona for a while.

Tips & Warnings

• Elk Ridge is open to the public from Thursday to Monday all season long. Thursday, however, is reserved for skiing only, so you'll have to keep your snowboard and your innertube at the hotel.
• When booking your accommodations, be sure to inquire about package deals that combine meals, lift tickets and lodging.

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