Sunrise Park Resort

Arizona’s largest ski area, run by the Apache Tribe.

Owned and run by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Sunrise spreads 67 trails over three peaks (Sunrise, Apache and Cyclone Circle) in the White Mountains, about four hours from Phoenix and Tucson. It suits families and intermediates who want room to spread out, with tubing, an alpine coaster and holiday night skiing, but it leans on natural snow.

The mountain

Vertical drop

1,900 ft

Summit

11,100 ft

Skiable terrain

1,200 acres

Trails

67

Lifts

8

Average snowfall

250″ a year

Longest run

1.2 mi

Snowmaking

7% of terrain

Terrain mix

• Beginner 46%
• Intermediate 28%
• Advanced 26%

What’s here besides skiing

• Night skiing
• Terrain park
• Snow tubing
• Mountain coaster
• Kids programs

Holidays and events

2026–27 dates where they’re posted. “Usually” means the date follows past years. Confirm before you go.

• ChristmasDec 26–28, 4–8 pm

  Holiday night skiing

  Lights stay on for evening runs after Christmas; night skiing returns Dec 31–Jan 2, MLK weekend and Presidents’ weekend.

• New Year’sDec 31 (annual)Usually

  New Year’s Eve torchlight parade

  A torchlight parade, night skiing and a DJ to close out the year. Past years have added fireworks and a pub party.

• Opening dayThanksgiving Friday target, snow permittingUsually

  Opening day

  The anticipated start of 2026-27. In thin years opening slips into December (Dec 12 in 2025).

• Pond skimLate March (annual, snow permitting)Usually

  Pond skimming

  Costumed skiers and riders 16+ try to cross a 70–90 ft pond at the base of the Bunny Hill. Free to enter with a lift ticket.

Where to stay

• hotelSunrise Park Lodge

  The resort’s own hotel by Sunrise Lake, just through a $5.5 million remodel, with a pool and hot tub, Bigfoot Pub and ski-and-stay packages. Lots of stairs, no elevators and no pets.

  ~5 min drive
• hotelHon-Dah Resort Casino

  The tribe’s 128-room casino hotel near Pinetop, with ski-and-stay packages that include a shuttle.

  ~30 min drive
• innMolly Butler Lodge

  Historic lodge and restaurant on Greer’s Main Street.

  ~25 min drive
• cabinGreer Lodge Resort & Cabins

  Family-run cabins by the stream in Greer since 1948, sleeping 4 to 12, with dog-friendly options.

  ~25 min drive

Rates are typical winter lows before taxes and fees, and change constantly. Book on the property’s own site.

Things to do

• Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster · At the base

  A 3,287-ft coaster where you control your own speed, billed as the only tribal-owned coaster in the country. Winter weekends and holidays, weather permitting.

• Snow tubing · At the base

  Lift-served tubing lanes behind Camp Sunrise in 90-minute weekend sessions. Ages 6 and up.

• Ski biking · At the base

  Rent a ski bike and ride the chairlifts. First-timers need a short safety certification.

• Sunset Grill · ~5 min drive

  Sit-down dinners at Sunrise Park Lodge, open to the public. The Beast Burger mixes bison, wagyu, elk and wild boar.

• Hon-Dah Resort Casino · ~30 min

  Slots, poker and blackjack, plus the Indian Pine Restaurant, near Pinetop.

• Nohwike’ Bágowa Museum, Fort Apache · ~1 hr 15 min

  White Mountain Apache cultural museum at historic Fort Apache. Open weekdays only.

Après and nightlife

• Sunrise Pub

  Full bar and sit-down dining by the fireplace in the Sunrise Day Lodge, with craft and draft beer.

• Bigfoot Pub

  Pizza, billiards and darts next to the pool at Sunrise Park Lodge.

• Eagle’s Nest

  Summit café on Sunrise Peak with draft beer and views to New Mexico.

These themes are our summary of recent skier reviews, not quotes.

Getting there

• Phoenix Sky Harbor International (PHX) · about 4 hr drive
• Phoenix · about 4 hr
• Tucson · about 3.75 hr
• Albuquerque · about 3.75 hr

Directions in Google Maps