Elk Ridge Ski Area to Open for Weekend
Elk Ridge Ski Area in Williams, AZ is set to open on January 21st for the weekend. The smallest of Arizona’s 4 ski areas, Elk Ridge had to take a weekend off for the MLK holiday due to lack of snow. But, that won’t be a problem this weekend as Northern Arizona is hit with a trifecta of storms.
Northern Arizona’s Local Weather Man Lee Born says that this is the “biggest, strongest storm cycle of the Winter”. Pacific moisture means big snow totals for Northern Arizona in this cycle of three storms. “The Pacific Ocean has just been going bonkers in 2017″ says Born. And this time, the storms are including Northern Arizona as they dump snow across the West. Lee says up to 24” of snow is forecast for Williams, AZ.
Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation Area is a small, community oriented skiing, snowboarding and snow play area. Two 300 foot long snow tubing runs make the area an attractive option for families looking for fun in the snow. Owner Tammy Fountain says that “Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation offers a family friendly experience with all the amenities such as a café and bar.” In true family style the area offers lessons that Fountain says allow for personal attention to the beginner skier.
Located in Williams, AZ, Elk Ridge is easily accessible to travelers and vacationers traveling the I-40. Williams is known as the “Gateway to the Grand Canyon” and not many Canyon visitors know that they could stop for a day of good old fashioned family skiing on the way. The ski area offers about equal amounts of beginner and advanced terrain with 10 named runs and 37 acres of skiable terrain. Two surface lifts, one rope tow and one Poma, take skiers and riders up the hill.
Along with 8 other areas, Elk Ridge is part of a nationwide consortium of small ski areas, The Mountain Playground Group. The group is a solutions based initiative to assist small ski areas in becoming more profitable and more sustainable. As smaller ski areas in the country have been in decline the Mountain Rider’s Alliance created the group to help keep the great ski values around. MRA co-founder and CEO Jamie Schectman says, “small ski areas bring a value and authenticity to families and communities that you can’t find at the big corporate resorts. The key program of the Mountain Playground Group has been the Mountain Playground Card. This discount card is good for discounts at all of the groups 9 ski areas, including 33% off all lift tickets at Elk Ridge, as well as discounts and benefits at dozens of brand partners.
With prices that are well under half that of corporate mega-resorts and great snow in the forecast for this weekend, Elk Ridge Ski and Outdoor Recreation is the perfect place to take the family for a weekend of fun in the snow!!
Visit Elk Ridge Ski Area’s Website