Winter comes, and a few things might pop into your mind: The weather is going to get cold, the days will get shorter, and the list of fun things to do seriously dwindles. Well, we are happy to report that this is an old-school way of thinking! Next time the winter season is fast approaching, we guarantee that all you need is a little change of mind and inspiration to enjoy your few months in the cold weather.
Although you might have only thought about visiting Arizona during the summer months, due to the hot weather, the winter is arguably one of the best times to come to this fun and vibrant area. You can partake in winter sports, cuddle up inside your luxurious home by the fireplace with your loved ones, and go shopping at the numerous shops that line the downtown historic area. The possibilities are truly endless! Check out our ultimate winter Flagstaff vacation guide and why this is a MUST visit location for you and your friends or family.
Snowshoeing on the Miles of Trails
Not sure what to do during your time here? Well, the possibilities are truly endless when you book a holiday home here in this vibrant winter wonderland! First thing is first: The best way to explore the city and the rolling hills, lush green pine forests, and wooded trails is by snowshoeing. Snowshoeing is a fun and aerobic way to see all that the area has to offer, and you can stay fit on your holiday!
We recommend going to the Arizona Nordic Village to get more information on the trails, rent snowshoes and other winter gear, and get a map to use during your excursion. This village is less than 10 miles from the center of the city, so you can easily get there in less than 15 minutes from any one of our homes. Plus, once you’re done snowshoeing, you make full use of the amenities at the village, including snowshoe rental, a yurt to relax and chill out with a hot drink after snowshoeing, beer to chill out after an intense sweat session, or a hot chocolate for your kids.
Or, if you want to try somewhere new for your Flagstaff getaway, then we highly recommend going to Kendrick Park. Kendrick Park and Kendrick Peak are two great spots for you to head to for a full-day outing, including easy trails through the park and a towering mountain pass near the peak that is great for a hard hike to the top of one of the best viewpoints in the entire state.
Another popular spot that we love going for snowshoeing, relaxing, bird watching, or cross-country skiing is Humphreys Peak. This peak is the highest in the entire state, coming in at just over 12,600 feet at the tallest point. So, it is no joke! Even if you’re not a huge fan of heights, you can still do the paths surrounding the base of the mountain. For those who are keen on winter hiking or off-piste skiing, the slopes and snowshoeing options here are great. Take the 10+ mile Humphrey’s Trail to reach the top of the mountain, and don’t forget your camera for some of the best Insta-worthy photos of the entire trip!
The final mountain that we think is a must-do for your snowshoeing adventure is Slate Mountain! Slate Mountain offers a 4-mile round-trip hike that is a great way for beginners to become more comfortable with snowshoes and offers just the right amount of challenge for moderate alpinists. This 4-mile round trip path isn’t for the faint of heart, though; the uphill parts and the steepness make it a great workout that will have you sweating by the end! But trust us, the view from the top of Slate Mountain is well worth the effort.
Skiing Down a Freshly Covered Mountain
The next must-do activity for those who come to Arizona from far away to get an adrenaline rush and enjoy the beauty of nature is skiing. We highly recommend starting with a day trip to the nearby Arizona Snowbowl Ski Resort so you can check out the impressive views, large drops, and lush green pine forests that surround the resort and après ski lodging. You can choose from any one of the 700 acres of skiing meadows that work with your desired difficulty.
Once you want to try somewhere new, the Sunrise Park Resort that is a few hours north of the downtown of Flagstaff is a great spot for you to head to for a full-day or multi-day adventure. This resort near Greer offers the largest ski resort in the state, three towering mountain peaks, and ski schools for beginners.
Lastly, the Flagstaff Snow Park is a great spot for kids who want to go tubing instead of skiing! If you are not a fan of seeing your kids whizz down the ski slopes at break-neck speeds, then the Snow Park could be your best bet to still have an adrenaline rush, keep your kids entertained, and have fun in the process. The Flagstaff Sno Park offers the best tubing and food trucks for you to enjoy during your trip here.
Grab a Hot Cup of Coffee
The next must-do activity during your Flagstaff vacation if you are a bit cold after a full day of skiing or walking around the town is to grab a hot cup of coffee or cup of cocoa with your family! Luckily for you, there are tons of tasty and mouth-watering cafes that dot the downtown area of Flagstaff for you to check out during your vacation here. Mocha, anyone?
First off, you NEED to visit Lux North if you are in Flagstaff for more than a couple of days. Lux North is a little-known spot that is popular among locals, making it a great non-tourist destination that offers perfect coffee for take away when you are on the move to get to a nearby ski slope or snowshoeing path. We recommend getting one of their espresso-laden drinks, like a honey lavender latte with soy milk, and a flaky cardamom bun or croissant to pack in your backpack for a full-day skiing adventure.
The next stop on your caffeine journey should be Lund Canyon. If you have been on a Euro adventure in the past, you might be missing the cafe and coffee culture. In this case, Lund Canyon is going to be your new haven in Flagstaff, featuring an industrial-style cafe that is great for remote workers and reflects a Scandinavian vibe.
Another European-influenced cafe is Foret, a French cafe and coffee shop that also serves up some of the tastiest brunch dishes in the entire city. We recommend grabbing the avocado toast with an iced oat milk latte. If you want something on the go or a pastry to go with your coffee, the cinnamon bun with a hot cup of coffee is the perfect way to wake up from a long day of snowshoeing or snowboarding! Plus, if the weather is warm and the sun is shining when you get here, we recommend sitting on the patio to people-watch and soak in the perfect mountain views.
Indulge in Brunch for a Post-Ski Treat
After a long morning of skiing, snowshoeing, or snowboarding, you might be a bit peckish. If just coffee won’t do enough to warm you up and fill you up, then we recommend going to one of the best brunch spots in Flagstaff to keep your vacation rolling in the best way possible.
Firstly, you need to go to Martanne’s at least once during your vacation here. Martanne’s is a local and tourist favorite due to its Tex-Mex dishes that hit the spot every single time. It doesn’t matter what you get – you are going to want to come back for more. We have tried the green chili chilaquiles and they are the perfect blend of cheese-goodness and spice to start your day! If you would rather have something less spicy, the huevos rancheros with eggs over easy is a savory and tasty way to fuel up for a big ski session later in the day. Plus, it is right in the heart of downtown Flagstaff, so you can easily walk here after you ski off the slopes or wake up after a night of partying and dancing in one of the local bars!
Next, we can’t recommend La Bella Via enough if you are an egg lover. Head here if you are in the mood for creamy and savory eggs benedict with smoked salmon and hollandaise sauce. Even if you are more of a sweets person first thing in the morning, we guarantee that the pancakes here will truly curb your cravings. Plus, they make pancakes in the shapes of koalas for kids to be entertained with their food — and love the taste!
Another popular spot among tourists is the Tourist Home – they named this restaurant very creatively! We recommend going here when you want to get brunch or breakfast in bulk to bring back home for a nice treat, since they offer flaky and buttery pastries, deserts, and danishes every day of the week. Plus, you can get a hot cup of coffee, strong latte, or bloody mary if you dine in here for a morning treat. Sit outside if the weather cooperates and gaze at the people walking by on a Sunday morning!
Lastly, no Flagstaff getaway is complete without a visit to Toasted Owl. The Toasted Owl offers one of the best meals at any time of the day for tourists and locals alike in Flagstaff, since they offer a changing and rotating menu that works with fresh and local produce. The laid-back atmosphere and chilled-out vibe makes this a go-to spot for locals and tourists alike, featuring down-home classics like hearty sandwiches AND vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options for those who are a little pickier with their eating. Talk about convenience!
Use Porter for Your Flagstaff Vacation Needs
Doesn’t a winter wonderland getaway in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff sound ideal? We think so, too! There is so much for you to do and see when you stay here. It isn’t just a getaway for the hot summer months, when you might also be overrun with tons of tourists. Instead, we think that Flagstaff is THE best spot for you to head to during the winter so you can enjoy a little bit of everything: shopping, restaurants, cafes, outdoor sports, and fun things to do.
When you book your vacation, you can rest assured that we take care of all of the hard work for you. When you use Porter, you never have to worry about the logistics or the convoluted travel details. We help you book the holiday home of your dreams, so all you have to do is choose the house, show up, and have fun!
We even have a local representative who will be with you every step of the way so you can always feel taken care of before, during, and after your stay. After all, with Porter, our number one goal in mind is your happiness! Contact us today to get started.
