Most people are surprised to learn that Arizona gets real winter. Munds Park sits at 6,500 feet in the Coconino National Forest, about 25 minutes south of Flagstaff, and from December through March our neighborhood regularly wakes up under a fresh blanket of snow — while Phoenix, just 90 minutes away, is enjoying sunshine and 65 degrees.
If your family has been dreaming of a snow day, here is how to make a winter weekend of it from our cabin.
Snow Play Right in Munds Park
When there has been recent snowfall, you do not have to drive anywhere. Kids can build snowmen and have snowball fights right in the yard, and locals sled the gentle hills around the neighborhood. Bring snow boots, gloves, and a change of clothes for everyone — cold, wet kids are the fastest way to end a snow day early.
Sledding and Snow Parks Near Flagstaff
Twenty-five minutes up I-17, the Flagstaff area is northern Arizona’s winter playground. Flagstaff Snow Park at Fort Tuthill County Park offers groomed sledding hills with provided tubes, and the forest roads around town fill with families on powder days. Openings depend on snowfall, so check current conditions before you drive up.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Arizona Snowbowl
Yes, Arizona has a real ski resort. Arizona Snowbowl, on the San Francisco Peaks about 45 minutes from the cabin, offers runs for every level plus lessons and rentals. Go midweek if you can — weekend lift lines during holiday periods can get long, and the drive back to a quiet cabin beats a crowded hotel every time.
After the Snow: Cozy Cabin Evenings
This is the part our guests talk about most. Come back to the cabin, hang the wet gear, and settle in for hot chocolate, board games, and movie nights. The cabin sleeps your whole crew, and up to two dogs are welcome to join the fun — most pups lose their minds the first time they see snow.
Winter Driving Tips
I-17 is paved and plowed all the way to Munds Park, and most winter weekends require nothing special. After a major storm, ADOT may require chains or four-wheel drive on mountain routes, so check az511.gov before you leave the Valley. One house rule that matters in winter: please park in the driveway only. Snow plows come through the streets, and vehicles parked on the road risk damage — and the Sheriff has been known to ticket or tow.
Book Your Winter Getaway
Winter weekends fill up fast once the first storm hits the forecast. Book direct on our website to skip the Airbnb and Vrbo service fees, and check out our full guide to things to do in Munds Park for the rest of your trip planning.