Research and Statistics
2008-2009 Flagstaff Visitor Profile
Top 10 things to know about winter in Flagstaff
1. Call before you come: Flagstaff is a great place to visit year round, but in the winter, it’s always best to plan ahead and give us a call before you come. For up-to-date winter recreation information call the Flagstaff Visitor Center at 877-878-9377 and check the road conditions at 511 or visit www.az511.com.
2. Milton’s not the only way: Yes Phoenicians, we know that I-17 dumps you on Milton Road and it’s easy to just follow it to HWY 180, but there ARE other ways to get in and out of Flagstaff that will save you from sitting in traffic. *Insider tip for visitors: From I-17 exit onto I-40 East, take exit 198 to Butler Avenue and follow signs to Route 66. Turn left on Route 66 and go right on Switzer Canyon Road, which turns into HWY 180. Visitors can download a Winter Recreation Map online at www.flagstaffarizona.org which highlights this alternate route.
3. Don’t just stop and sled: At the first sight of snow, it’s tempting to pull off the road and start sledding on a great hill, but parking is NOT permitted along HWY 180 or along Snowbowl Road. Visitors must use official snow play areas in the Coconino National Forest. Wing Mountain Snow Play Area, Crowley Pit Winter Parking Area, Peak View Winter Parking Area and Walker Lake Winter Parking Area can be accessed off HWY 180. There are also a few locations south of Flagstaff to sled and build snowmen: Fort Tuthill County Park and Mormon Lake Lodge. See Winter Recreations Map online for directions.
4. Be prepared, like a good scout: Before driving in areas with snow and freezing temperatures have a mechanic check the following items on your car: Battery, wipers and windshield washer fluid, heater, defroster, brakes and tire tread. Drivers should also carry a car safety kit with a first aid kit, extra blanket, flashlight and extra batteries, ice scraper, water, high-protein snacks, jumper cables, and a brightly colored cloth to attract attention in case of emergency.
5. Go slow in the snow: Drivers need to be extra cautious on winter roads when snow and ice are present. The number one tip is to reduce speeds and increase the following distance behind other vehicles. Allow extra time for your trip and be patient and cautious.
6. Look like a pro: Stop in downtown Flagstaff at one of our many suppliers for ski, snowboard and snowshoe equipment rentals. This way you can arrive on the mountain with gear in hand and minimize the time from car to slope.
7. Sleep it off: After a full day of snow play, don’t rush back down the mountain, stay overnight in Flagstaff. Winter is technically the “off-season” around here and visitors can find super hotel deals. Check for ski and stay packages, which include lift tickets with your room, or the snow play package complete with hot chocolate and a snowman kit! Making your trip a full weekend getaway will help you avoid those heavy traffic times, too.
8. Don’t forget the gloves . . . and sunscreen: When you pack to visit Flagstaff in the winter, think layers and sun protection. Dress warmly and wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight clothing. Bring warm pants, short and long sleeve shirts, sweater or sweatshirt, winter coat, hats, gloves, boots and heavy socks. If you can, make sure your outer layer is waterproof. Remember: Even though it’s cold out, you still need to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses.
9. Warm up by the fire: In Flagstaff there is nothing better than seeking refuge from the cold in front of a crackling fireplace! Looking for the best fireplaces in town to curl up in front of? Try: The lobby of Little America Hotel, 1899 Bar and Grill on the campus of Northern Arizona University, The Flagstaff Mall center court, or Josephine’s Modern American Bistro.
10. For more information: The full 2011-2012 Winter Recreation Guide can be found online at flagstaffarizona.org/documents/WinterRec_Guide.pdf. If you need story ideas or other media resources contact the Flagstaff CVB Public Relations Department:
Joanne Hudson Jacki Lenners
928-213-2922 928-213-2921
C: 928-607-3475 C: 928-814-2539
jhudson@flagstaffaz.gov jlenners@flagstaffaz.gov
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FLAGSTAFF 2011-2012 WINTER RECREATION GUIDE AVAILABLE ONLINE
FLAGSTAFF, AZ (December 29, 2011) – The 2011-2012 Flagstaff Winter Recreation Guide, a booklet of useful winter information and seasonal resources for media and visitors to northern Arizona, is now available as a PDF download from the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau website at www.flagstaffarizona.org/documents/WinterRec_Guide.pdf. The guide provides essential information for winter in Flagstaff including winter driving tips, important phone numbers, locations and descriptions for official snow play and ski areas, and local shops to rent ski equipment.
The Flagstaff Winter Recreation Guide also includes a special map with driving directions to winter recreation sites in the area. The Winter Recreation Map highlights alternate routes, like the I-40 East to Exit 198/Butler Avenue, that are recommended during the winter season to avoid traffic. The map can be downloaded in English or Spanish from the CVB website at www.flagstaffarizona.org/winter_map.html.
New this year, the Flagstaff CVB created a “Top 10 things to know about winter in Flagstaff,” resource specifically for media professionals in Arizona. This document focuses on the key information to share with the public and provides story ideas for winter news coverage. The top ten list is attached to this alert for your convenience.
For more information on winter in Flagstaff, please contact Joanne Hudson, Public Relations Associate at 928-213-2922 or after hours and weekends, cell phone: 928-607-3475.
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Save Time, Buy Grand Canyon Park Pass at Flagstaff Visitor Center
FLAGSTAFF, AZ (September 8, 2011) – Visitors who begin their trek to Grand Canyon National Park in Flagstaff can now purchase a park entrance pass at the Flagstaff Visitor Center. The automated fee machine which sells both the $25 private vehicle pass and the $12 pedestrian/cyclist pass was recently installed by the National Park Service.
Passes purchased at the Flagstaff Visitor Center are good for seven days and include access to both rims of the Grand Canyon. The pass allows motorist entering the South Rim of the Grand Canyon to use the pre-paid entrance lane, which during the busy visitor season, may reduce wait times at the gate.
“The Grand Canyon park pass machine is a wonderful addition to the Visitor Center,” said Flagstaff Visitor Center Manager Kathy Hales. “We are a resource for visitors traveling throughout northern Arizona and this kiosk streamlines the process for those experiencing both Flagstaff and the Grand Canyon.”
The automated fee machine features a self-service, touch screen menu and provides information in five languages. A major credit card is required for payment; the machine is not equipped to take cash. Visitors will find the machine located inside the historic train depot building in the hallway between the Flagstaff Visitor Center and the Amtrak station.
For more information on Flagstaff, visit or call 800-842-7293. Located in the historic train depot at One E. Route 66, the Flagstaff Visitor Center is open Mon – Sat 8a.m. – 5p.m., Sunday 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years Day.
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© 2011 Flagstaff Convention & Visitors Bureau. All rights reserved. Contact us at 928-774-9541, 800-842-7293, or