The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Sunrise Park's summit reaches 11,099 feet, dropping 1,900 vertical feet to a base at 9,199 feet across 69 runs spread over 1,200 acres in Arizona's White Mountains. Terrain splits 48 per cent beginner, 28 per cent intermediate, 18 per cent advanced and 6 per cent expert, the most beginner-leaning mix of Arizona's two ski resorts. Average annual snowfall reaches roughly 250 inches. The resort operates on the Indy Pass and is owned by the White Mountain Apache Tribe.
Three peaks, Sunrise, Cyclone and Apache, make up the resort's terrain, giving Sunrise Park more acreage than Arizona Snowbowl further north. Seven lifts, including three quads and two triples, serve the 69-run network across the three mountains. The heavily beginner and intermediate-weighted terrain reflects the resort's origins and continued focus on accessible, family-oriented skiing. Sunrise Park is one of relatively few ski resorts in the United States owned and operated by a Native American tribe.
The White Mountain Apache Tribe has owned and operated Sunrise Park since 1970, an initiative led by then-tribal chairman Ronnie Lupe and other tribal citizens following a mid-1960s Bureau of Indian Affairs feasibility study and a 1969 Economic Development Administration grant. The resort opened on Christmas Day 1970 with a single mountain, Sunrise Peak, and three trails named Spruce Ridge, Crown Dancer and Lupe, despite a fire having destroyed a 50-room hotel wing shortly before opening. Cyclone and Apache Peaks were added in the 1980s, growing the resort to its current three-mountain, 69-run scale on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation.
Indy Pass holders get access to Sunrise Park alongside dozens of other independent resorts across North America. Adult day tickets range from 60 to 95 US dollars depending on date, with a season pass priced at 699 dollars regular. The resort suits Phoenix and Tucson-area families seeking accessible, beginner-friendly terrain across three connected peaks. Its tribal ownership and origin story distinguish it from every other major ski resort in the Southwest.
1,900ft
Vertical
69
Runs
1,200 acres
Skiable
21ft
Annual snow
Indy
Pass
The Terrain
69 runs across 1,200 acres skiable
Sunrise Park spreads 69 runs across 1,200 acres skiable of terrain. It leans beginner at 48%, with 33 beginner runs to find your feet and 16 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
69
runs
69 runs across 4 grades
Beginner33 runs · 48%
Intermediate19 runs · 28%
Advanced12 runs · 18%
Expert4 runs · 6%
Time it right
When to visit Sunrise Park
The 2025-26 season at Sunrise Park ran from 12 December 2025 to 11 March 2026, a roughly thirteen-week window, shorter than Arizona Snowbowl's season further north. The resort's operating window depends on both natural snowfall and the White Mountains' typically drier late-winter pattern compared with the San Francisco Peaks. Season dates can shift based on early and late-season snow. This comparatively shorter season is typical for the White Mountains region.
Average annual snowfall of roughly 250 inches is substantial for Arizona, drawing on the White Mountains' elevation to catch winter storm systems. Base depth and season length depend on this natural snowfall more heavily than at some higher-elevation, snowmaking-intensive competitors. Snowmaking coverage is not confirmed in available resort information. The White Mountains' more southerly and interior position compared with the San Francisco Peaks can produce a different storm pattern.
January and February typically offer the most reliable natural conditions across the three-peak terrain. The resort's 48 per cent beginner terrain share makes conditions somewhat less weather-dependent for newer skiers than at steeper Arizona competitors. Late-season visits in March can be inconsistent given the resort's earlier close date relative to Snowbowl. Weekday visits are generally quieter than weekends, given the resort's role serving Phoenix and Tucson day-trip and weekend visitors.
Sunrise Park's calendar centres on family-friendly skiing across its three peaks rather than festival programming. As a tribally owned resort on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, its operations connect to the broader White Mountain Apache Tribe's economic development goals dating to the resort's 1970 founding. Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. The resort's identity centres on accessible, multi-peak skiing for Arizona's population centres.
Season 2025 - 2026
12 Dec 2025
Opens
11 Mar 2026
Closes
89
Days open
21 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Sunrise Park, and where to stay
Sunrise Park sits in Arizona's White Mountains on the Fort Apache Indian Reservation, with a base elevation of 9,199 feet and a summit at 11,099 feet across a 1,900-foot vertical drop over 1,200 acres and three peaks. This is White Mountain Apache tribal land in east-central Arizona, distinct in character and ownership from the Coconino National Forest setting of Arizona Snowbowl further north. The White Mountains carry a high-elevation, forested character within an otherwise arid state.
There is no substantial non-reservation town immediately adjacent to Sunrise Park; the resort operates as part of the White Mountain Apache Tribe's own community and economic infrastructure. Show Low and Pinetop-Lakeside are the nearest towns of meaningful size, providing additional lodging and services beyond the resort itself. The broader White Mountains region draws visitors for both winter skiing and summer recreation. Phoenix and Tucson, Arizona's two largest cities, sit several hours away by road.
Arizona state highways provide access to Sunrise Park from Show Low and the broader White Mountains road network. The drive from Phoenix takes roughly four hours, making Sunrise Park more of a weekend destination than a day trip for most of the state's population. Winter driving on the approach roads can include snowpack given the elevation. No public transport service reaches the resort, making a car necessary for access.
Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is the nearest major airport with extensive commercial service, roughly four hours away by road. Tucson International Airport offers a further alternative for visitors from the south. Show Low Regional Airport provides limited general aviation access closer to the resort but minimal scheduled commercial service. Most visitors drive from Phoenix or Tucson rather than flying into a small regional airport near the resort.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Sunrise Park, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Aspen Snowmass Marks 80th Anniversary With $3.75 Throwback Lift Tickets
Aspen Snowmass turns 80 this December, and it's marking the milestone with $3.75 lift tickets on the anniversary itself - the original 1946 price. A discounted long weekend, $19.46 dining specials, lodging deals up to 46 percent off, and a season of anniversary programming round out the celebration across all four mountains.
17 Sept 2026
Doppelmayr Group Posts 9.1% Revenue Growth in 2025/26, Passing 1.3 Billion Euros
Doppelmayr closed its 2025/26 business year with revenue up 9.1 percent to 1.3 billion euros, driven by projects including the Big Sky Explorer Gondola, Deer Valley's Mayflower East Village Gondola, and the first TRI-Line installation at Hoch-Ybrig. Headcount grew too, with the ropeway manufacturer now employing almost 4,000 people worldwide.
16 Sept 2026
Hintertux Glacier Replaces 40-Year-Old Gondola to Tuxer Fernerhaus
Hintertux Glacier is retiring its 40-year-old gondola to the Tuxer Fernerhaus. The replacement carries 10 people per cabin instead of four, with seat heating and nearly 40 percent more hourly capacity. Doppelmayr's new line opens at the end of October 2026, right as the glacier's high-altitude terrain becomes accessible again for the new season.
16 Sept 2026
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is looking at a major shake-up to its title events calendar. From 2032, World Championships could run not just in odd-numbered years but in every non-Olympic winter too, effectively putting a global title event on the calendar almost every season. The FIS Council has approved the concept following a feasibility study, though an accelerated rollout as early as 2028 is also under consideration.
4 Sept 2026
Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
Mount Buller closes out its 2026 season this Sunday, joining Falls Creek, Hotham and Charlotte Pass in a cluster of closures landing almost simultaneously and roughly a month ahead of schedule. The culprit is stark: Spencers Creek's benchmark snow depth hit 31.2cm on 3 September, just 18% of the 73-year average and an all-time low for this point in the season. Six of Victoria and NSW's best-known resorts will have shut their lifts early within a span of about two and a half weeks.
4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.
2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026
Sunrise Park Lift Tickets
Sunrise Park lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Sunrise Park closed on Mar 11, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$40, with peak rates up to US$95.
Indy13 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 18–64
Adult Full Day Lift Ticket
US$85up to US$95 peak
Experience Sunrise Park Resort, Arizona's largest ski area with 65 trails across 3 mountains and 1,800 feet of vertical. Located in the scenic White Mountains on Apache tribal land, 4 hours from Phoenix with night skiing on select holidays.
Buy passYouth 13–17
Teen Full Day Lift Ticket
US$69up to US$79 peak
Teen lift tickets at Sunrise Park Resort provide access to Arizona's most diverse ski terrain. With 65 trails spread across three mountains, teens can explore everything from beginner slopes to challenging expert terrain in the beautiful White Mountains.
Buy passChild 6–12
Child Full Day Lift Ticket
US$60up to US$70 peak
Child lift tickets at Sunrise Park Resort offer young skiers access to Arizona's largest ski area. With beginner-friendly terrain, professional ski instruction, and family amenities, Sunrise provides the perfect environment for developing skiing skills.
Buy passChild 0–5
Children 5 & Under FREE
Free
Free skiing for children 5 and under at Sunrise Park Resort when accompanied by a paying adult. Perfect introduction to skiing at Arizona's largest ski area with gentle beginner slopes and family-friendly amenities.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Full Day Lift Ticket
US$69up to US$79 peak
Senior lift tickets at Sunrise Park Resort offer discounted access to Arizona's most comprehensive ski experience. Seniors enjoy reduced pricing for 65 trails, three mountains, and beautiful White Mountain scenery with excellent grooming.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 13–99
Half-Day Afternoon Pass
US$50up to US$60 peak
Half-day afternoon passes at Sunrise Park Resort valid from 1pm-4pm. Perfect for shorter ski sessions or families with young children, offering access to Arizona's largest ski area at reduced pricing for afternoon skiing.
Buy passAdult 13–99
Night Skiing Pass
US$40up to US$50 peak
Night skiing at Sunrise Park Resort during select holiday periods including Christmas week, MLK weekend, and Presidents Day weekend. Experience Arizona's largest ski area under the lights with extended skiing hours.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 18–64
Adult Season Pass
US$699up to US$799 peak
Unlimited season pass at Sunrise Park Resort for Arizona's largest ski area. No blackout dates, 10% dining discount, buddy passes, and hotel discounts. Best value for frequent skiers with access to 65 trails across three mountains.
Buy passYouth 13–17
Teen Season Pass
US$499up to US$599 peak
Teen season pass at Sunrise Park Resort with unlimited access to 65 trails and three mountains. Includes buddy passes and dining discounts. Perfect for young skiers to develop skills on Arizona's most diverse terrain.
Buy passChild 6–12
Child Season Pass
US$399up to US$499 peak
Child season pass at Sunrise Park Resort for unlimited skiing at Arizona's largest resort. Includes access to ski school programs, family areas, and gentle learning terrain perfect for developing young skiers.
Buy passSenior 65–99
Senior Season Pass
US$499up to US$599 peak
Senior season pass at Sunrise Park Resort with unlimited access to 65 trails and three mountains. Seniors enjoy discounted pricing, buddy passes, and dining discounts at Arizona's premier family ski destination.
Buy passAdult 18–24
College Student Season Pass
US$399up to US$499 peak
College student season pass at Sunrise Park Resort with valid student ID. Unlimited access to Arizona's largest ski area with 65 trails across three mountains. Must provide proof of full-time student status.
Buy passChild 0–5
Child Season Pass (5 & Under)
US$199up to US$299 peak
Season pass for children 5 and under at Sunrise Park Resort. Excellent value for young families beginning their skiing journey at Arizona's largest and most family-friendly ski destination in the White Mountains.
Buy passLift tickets FAQ
How much does a Sunrise Park day pass cost?
Sunrise Park day passes range from US$40 to US$95 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Sunrise Park lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Sunrise Park lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Sunrise Park, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Sunrise Park lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Sunrise Park - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Sunrise Park lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Sunrise Park offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Sunrise Park directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Sunrise Park.
More Sunrise Park intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.