Sunrise Park Resort is thrilled to welcome families back to the mountain as the 2025/26 winter season officially begins on Friday, December 12. This year, Sunrise is launching its most family-friendly initiatives yet, designed to make skiing and snowboarding more accessible, more affordable, and more fun for kids of all ages.

A cornerstone of this season’s effort is Sunrise’s new family-focused ticket structure, created to help parents introduce their children to winter sports without the high cost often associated with a day on the mountain. Children 12 and under ski and ride for free, and seniors 75+ also receive free lift tickets, making Sunrise one of the most family-inclusive resorts in the Southwest. All other ages enjoy dynamic pricing starting at just $25, ensuring families can enjoy quality time together on the slopes at a price that fits their budget.

This season, Sunrise has also made significant upgrades to improve the experience for young learners and families. The resort has added 24 new snowmaking units, including air/water Grizzlys, tower fan guns, and swing-arm mounted fans strategically placed to ensure consistent snow coverage—even during warm or dry periods. These improvements help ensure that learning areas, family-friendly trails, and beginner zones have the reliable snow parents count on when planning winter trips.

“We’re incredibly excited to welcome families back to Sunrise for a season built around accessibility, affordability, and fun,” said Sunrise Park Resort General Manager, Walter Guasch. “Whether a child is learning to ski for the first time or a family is returning to make new memories, we want Sunrise to be the place where those experiences happen. With our new ticket structure and expanded snowmaking, this is one of the best years ever for families to get outside and enjoy the mountain together.”

Families planning their visit are encouraged to purchase tickets online and follow Sunrise Park Resort on social media (@sunriseskiaz) for updates on snowmaking progress, trail openings, kids’ programs, and special family-focused events happening throughout the season.

Greer, Arizona – Sunrise Park Resort officially kicked off snowmaking operations on Saturday, November 1, marking the start of preparations for the 2025/26 winter season. With a target opening date of Friday, December 12, the resort is focused on building strong base levels across key trails while awaiting natural snowfall.

This season’s snowmaking efforts are bolstered by a significant equipment upgrade. Last week, Sunrise received and installed 24 new pieces of snowmaking equipment from SMI Snow Makers, dramatically enhancing coverage, efficiency, and reliability across the mountain.

The new additions include:

• 9 air/water SMI Grizzlys with compressors designated for the Nastar
• 9 manual air/water SMI Grizzlys for flexible deployment across various terrain
• 2 fan guns mounted on swing arms for strategic coverage at Midway and Lodgeview
• 2 regular tower fan guns
• 2 access tower fan guns targeting Fairway and Pinedale

“We couldn’t be more excited about these incredible upgrades to our snowmaking capabilities!” said Walter Guasch, General Manager. “This investment shows our dedication to providing the best possible experience for our guests all season long. Our team now has state-of-the-art equipment that will help us deliver outstanding snow conditions from opening day through spring, with enhanced coverage across the mountain. It’s going to be a fantastic season.”

Guests can follow snowmaking progress and winter updates online at www.sunrise.ski and on Sunrise’s social media channels.

Greer, Arizona – February 15, 2025 – Sunrise Park Resort is excited to announce the arrival of a significant winter storm that has blanketed the mountain with 16-20 inches of fresh snow in the past three days. This much-needed precipitation has created excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding, transforming the resort into a winter wonderland for all visitors.

“With some much-needed precipitation the conditions are now the best of the season,” said Sunrise General Manager, Todd Clarke. “Over the last three seasons, we averaged over 100 inches of snow by mid-February. Until this storm, we had only received 47 inches this season. The fresh snowfall, combined with the heavy efforts on snowmaking this week, ensures that our guests will enjoy the best winter conditions of the season. It’s an ideal time for families and winter sports enthusiasts to visit.”

To make the winter experience even more enticing, Sunrise Park Resort is offering special deals and packages:

• Carload Mondays: Bring your friends and family, pack the car, and enjoy a full day of skiing or snowboarding at a fantastic group rate.
• Ride on your Can Donation Tuesdays: Support the community by donating canned goods and receive discounted lift tickets in return.
• Three-fer Thursdays: Buy two lift tickets, get the third one free, making it a perfect day for a group outing.

Additionally, the recently remodeled Sunrise Park Lodge hotel is featuring exclusive stay and ski packages:

• Weekday Stay and Ski Packages: Enjoy a midweek escape with special rates that combine lodging and lift tickets for a convenient and affordable winter getaway.
• Extended Weekend Packages: Maximize your weekend fun with extended stay packages that offer extra value and more time on the slopes.

Full information about these winter deals, snow conditions, and mountain information is available at www.sunrise.ski.

Sunrise Park Resort invites anyone to visit and capture the excitement of this major storm and the resort’s exceptional winter offerings. With breathtaking scenery, excellent snow conditions, and enticing deals, Sunrise Park Resort is the ultimate destination for family winter fun.

Greer, Arizona – January 20, 2025 – Sunrise Park Resort is thrilled to announce the arrival of a significant winter storm that has blanketed the mountain with over a foot of fresh snow in the past two days. This heavy snowfall ensures excellent conditions for skiing and snowboarding, creating the perfect winter wonderland for all visitors.

“This storm was substantial and much needed,” said Todd Clarke, General Manager of Sunrise Park Resort. “It snowed heavily throughout the day on Wednesday providing phenomenal powder conditions across the mountain. The next few days will be the best of this season so far.”

Sunrise has averaged over 60 inches of snow in January over the past three years (2022 – 43 inches, 2023 – 91 inches, and 2024 – 61 inches) and there had only been nine inches of snow this January prior to this storm. Despite the lack of natural snowfall, crews at Sunrise have worked tirelessly to make snow since October to provide positive conditions for guests. The mountain also offers other family activities, such as the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster and a snow tubing hill, making the mountain a winter getaway destination for Arizona families.

To make the winter experience even more enticing, Sunrise Park Resort is offering special deals and packages over the coming weeks:

• Weekday Ski/Snowboard Deals: Carload Mondays, Ride on your Can Donation Tuesdays, and Three-fer Thursdays. More information and further details on the current specials is available at the resort’s website, www.sunrise.ski.
• Lodging Specials at Sunrise Park Lodge: The recently remodeled Sunrise Park Lodge hotel is featuring exclusive stay and ski packages this winter. The hotel features dining, an indoor pool, and fitness center and is located just minutes away from the mountain, offering a convenient stay for families visiting the mountain. The deals include Weekday Stay and Ski for $59 and Extended Stay weekend deals. Room booking and more information about the current deals is available on the hotel’s website, www.sunriseparklodge.com.

Sunrise Park Resort invites media networks to capture and share the excitement of this major storm and the resort’s exceptional winter offerings. With breathtaking scenery, excellent snow conditions, and enticing deals, Sunrise Park Resort is the Ultimate Mountain Adventure this winter.

The latest winter deals, snow conditions, and mountain information is available at www.sunrise.ski.

Media Attribution: The attribution for all photos and videos below are noted in the file names. They are either “Sunrise Park Resort” or “Ryan Maher.”

Greer, Arizona – January 14, 2025 – Sunrise Park Resort is thrilled for the return of the night skiing and snowboarding experience in celebration of Martin Luther King Jr. Day Weekend. On January 18th and 19th, guests can enjoy the unique opportunity to ski or snowboard under the lights and witness breathtaking sunsets while on the slopes. As the only ski resort in Arizona offering night skiing, this event is not to be missed.

“Night skiing at Sunrise Park Resort offers a magical experience,” said Todd Clarke, General Manager of Sunrise Park Resort. “There’s nothing quite like watching the sun dip below the horizon while enjoying the thrill of skiing or snowboarding under the stars. It’s a special opportunity for our guests to create unforgettable memories.”

During night Riding dates the Sunrise Pub and Day Lodge Cafeteria are open late for guests to enjoy dinner, drinks, and a warm fire after spending time on the slopes.

In addition to the MLK Jr. Day Weekend event, Sunrise Park Resort will also offer night skiing and snowboarding for Presidents Day Weekend, February 15th and 16th. These will be the only weekends this season where night riding is available, making them truly exclusive events for winter enthusiasts.

Night Skiing and Snowboarding Schedule:

• MLK Jr. Day Weekend: January 18-19 from 4:30pm to 8:00pm
• Presidents Day Weekend: February 15-16 from 4:30pm to 8:00pm

Guests are encouraged to take advantage of these rare opportunities to experience the magic of night skiing at Sunrise Park Resort. The resort’s expertly groomed slopes and state-of-the-art snowmaking capabilities ensure excellent conditions for all visitors.

More information about night skiing and other mountain offerings is available at www.sunrise.ski

Media Attribution:All photos and videos at the link below can be attributed to “Sunrise Park Resort.”

Greer, Arizona – January 14, 2025 – Great snow conditions providing the best winter experience in Arizona thanks to exceptional terrain, advanced snowmaking capabilities, and a commitment to providing top-notch family fun. Despite the challenges of an unseasonably warm start to the season and a shortage of natural snowfall, the snow conditions are great across the mountain for an unforgettable winter experience.

“Our team has been relentlessly dedicated to overcoming the weather obstacles this season,” said Todd Clarke, General Manager of Sunrise. “With strategic investments in snowmaking equipment, we have been focused on ensuring great terrain. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster and our snow tubing park ensure we’re able to offer guests an unforgettable winter experience.”

In the past three years, Sunrise Park Resort has invested approximately $1 million in state-of-the-art snowmaking equipment. This substantial investment has resulted in better snow quality and more extensive coverage on open trails, ensuring excellent skiing and snowboarding conditions.

Winter Fun Activities: Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Sunrise Park Resort is a winter destination unlike any other in the region, with a range of activities for the entire family to enjoy:

• Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster: Open Thursday through Sunday and select holidays (Jan. 20 and Feb. 17), this thrilling ride is perfect for adventure seekers looking to add excitement to their day on the mountain.  Younger riders (ages 3+ and heights of 38”+) can also ride tandem with an adult for a fun family experience.
• Snow Tubing Hill: Open Friday through Sunday and select holidays (Jan. 20 and Feb. 17), the snow tubing hill provides family-friendly fun, offering an exhilarating snow experience for kids and adults alike.

Resort staff are working diligently to maintain and enhance the snow coverage, ensuring pristine trails and a winter wonderland ambiance. Visitors can expect a safe and enjoyable winter season filled with memorable moments and outdoor adventures.

More information about the mountain, coaster, and tubing is available at www.sunrise.ski

Media Attribution: Photos and videos at the “More Photos + Videos” link below can be attributed to “Sunrise Park Resort.”  Photos from Jan. 10 were taken by Sunrise employee TreVon Palmer and can be attributed “TreVon Palmer/Sunrise Park Resort.”

Greer, Arizona – July 17, 2024 – Get ready to hold onto your hats (and maybe scream a little) because the White Mountain Apache Tribe is about to unleash an adrenaline-packed marvel upon the scenic slopes of Sunrise Park Resort. Introducing the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster, a gravity-defying adventure that combines breathtaking mountain views with heart-pounding twists, turns, and drops!
Key Features:

“Sunrise is thrilled to become the first tribal entity to with a thrill ride of this nature. Being only the second in the region, the coaster will be an experience for families from across Arizona, New Mexico, and beyond to enjoy. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is just the latest in a growing number of summer and winter offerings as Arizona’s ultimate mountain adventure destination.” – Todd Clarke, General Manager

Key Features:

• Year-Round Excitement: The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is a true all-season wonder. Whether you’re chasing thrills in the cool summer mountain air or zipping through snowy landscapes in the winter, this coaster promises year-round fun for the whole family.
• 3,287 Feet of Track: Picture this: you, a sleek coaster cart, and over half a mile of exhilarating track. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster winds its way downhill, offering pristine mountain views.
• Rider-Controlled Speed: Forget about being at the mercy of gravity alone. In these individual carts, you’re the captain. Hand brakes on each cart automatically start slow for a leisurely descent and allow riders to dial up the adrenaline by easing off the brakes as much as desired. And yes, young adventurers that meet the secondary height requirements can ride with a parent!
• Top Speed of 25 MPH: It’s not a rocket launch, but it’s close. As you hurtle down the mountainside, the wind in your hair and the thrill in your veins, you’ll hit speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. Hold on tight!
• Safety: Each rider cart has an advanced safety system that automatically maintains a safe distance from carts ahead, ensuring a worry-free ride. Riders must be at least 54 inches tall and can ride with a passenger of at least 38 inches in height. The maximum combined weight of riders is 375lbs (170kg) under normal conditions and 330lbs (150kg) with a wet track.
• Tribal Pride: The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster isn’t just any coaster—it’s the only tribal coaster in the entire country. Operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, it’s a testament to their commitment to fun, family, and unforgettable experiences.

Join Us for the Grand Opening!
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster officially launches. Bring your friends, your family, and your sense of adventure. This is a moment you won’t want to miss!

Greer, Arizona – November 10, 2023 – Sunrise Park Resort announces the development of the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster, the first tribally owned/operated coaster in the country and the second ever mountain coaster in the state of Arizona. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster will provide guests with thrilling drops, heart-pounding turns, and breathtaking views as riders glide through the trees along the side of Sunrise Peak.

“Sunrise is thrilled to become the first tribal entity to with a thrill ride of this nature. Being only the second in the region, the coaster will be an experience for families from across Arizona, New Mexico, and beyond to enjoy. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is just the latest in a growing number of summer and winter offerings as Arizona’s ultimate mountain adventure destination.” – Todd Clarke, General Manager

The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster will offer thrills to families, with individual carts that provide a secondary seat for children to ride with an adult. The 3,287-foot track will send riders downhill at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Riders can control their speed with a handbrake on each ride cart and an advanced safety system maintains a set following distance between carts.

The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is being engineered by Wiegand, the inventor and world leader of mountain coasters. This installation will be version 2.0 of Wiegand’s coaster, offering advanced safety features and smooth ride experience. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster will be a welcomed addition to the wide range of activities available at Sunrise Park Resort in both the summer and winter seasons.

Sunrise opens Fri., Dec. 1, 2023 for the ski season. More information about the resort offerings are available on our website.