Welcome to Flagstaff, Arizona’s Official Winter Wonderland. That is the designation recently bestowed upon our city through proclamation by Governor Ducey, and we are truly a winter wonderland. Not just because Flagstaff is one of the snowiest cities in the United States or because it is home to so many snow-related activities, but because Flagstaff offers a winter experience to residents and visitors, snow or shine (or both), which can only be found in the northland.
Being named the Winter Wonderland of Arizona is not only a marketing slogan to use, but celebrates the activities that Flagstaff offers year in and year out. The Little America Holiday Lights has been an annual tradition that provides travelers a twinkling welcome to the city. This is only made better through holidays as the North Pole Experience joins them, making the classic hotel a destination experience.
This year, downtown Flagstaff will not only be host to the New Year’s Eve Great Pinecone Drop, but offer a full season of events for everyone, from holiday movies to a Christmas Crawl. All of these highlighted with additional winter decorations and festive programming. Businesses will be competing to win a winter storefront decorating contest that you will want to see.
December hosts holiday events including Winter Wonderland at the Aquaplex, the annual Holiday Lights Parade, Luminaria and the Nutcracker, to name a few. This year, the Flagstaff Visitor Center will be hosting the inaugural Snowflake Festival from noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 12, featuring photos with Santa, crafts, story time and live music at the historic train station. This is just after The Polar Express movie is featured by the Downtown Business Alliance at the Orpheum Theater.
Although attractions and events happening throughout winter are not necessarily related to snowfall, we cannot forget the snow-related activities that make Flagstaff such a unique treasure within the state. With expanded runs, a new lift and snowmaking, Arizona Snowbowl had its earliest opening date in years and offers opportunities for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. The Nordic Center continues to provide an unparalleled mountain experience with more than 25 miles of groomed cross-country runs and unique adventures such as snow-biking and yurt camping. A full winter recreation map is available online at flagstaffwinter.com.
Most of Flagstaff’s winter activities extend well past the holiday season and into the New Year, making the Winter Wonderland designation appropriate for our mountain town. Dew Downtown Flagstaff will once again visit downtown, but with a fresh format providing more activities for attendees. The Flagstaff Chocolate Walk is scheduled in February again as part of the annual Winterfest activities. Don’t forget the ever popular Kahtoola Uphill Race in its ninth year happening Saturday, Feb. 20, as well.
The Convention and Visitors Bureau recently launched a multi-faceted campaign, including print, online and social media efforts alongside creating a festive atmosphere within the city, highlighting the Winter Wonderland designation and #azwinterwonderland. More information is available at flagstaffwinter.com, including winter recreation maps and event links. FBN
Heather Ainardi is the marketing and public relations manager at the Flagstaff Convention and Visitors Bureau, located at 211 W. Aspen Ave. in Flagstaff. She can be reached at 928.213.2916 or hainardi@flagstaffaz.gov.