Year-Round Fun at Sunrise Park Resort

Who is This For?

This article is for families, couples, outdoor enthusiasts, and RV travelers looking for a four-season mountain destination with activities ranging from winter sports to summer adventures.

Table of Contents

• Winter Activities
• Summer Activities
• Stay or Live at Paradise RV & MHC

Located in Arizona’s White Mountains, Sunrise Park Resort transforms with the seasons to offer outdoor recreation throughout much of the year. Winter brings countless opportunities for snow play, while summer offers everything from biking to archery. 

With cool mountain temperatures, beautiful scenery, and activities for different ages and experience levels, Sunrise is one of the most popular Arizona ski resorts for year-round fun.

Winter Activities

When snow covers the White Mountains, Sunrise Park Resort becomes Arizona’s largest ski resort, with terrain ranging from beginner runs to challenging expert slopes. Whether you already know your way around a mountain or want to try something new, the resort offers several ways to enjoy the winter landscape.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Skiing and snowboarding are the resort’s signature winter activities, with terrain spread across three mountain peaks and runs for a range of abilities.

While at the resort, visitors can:

• Take ski or snowboarding lessons
• Explore advanced terrain including double-black-diamond runs 
• Rent equipment such as skis, snowboards, boots, and poles
• Purchase lift tickets in advance 

When it’s time to warm up between runs, head to the Sunrise Pub inside the Sunrise Day Lodge, where you can relax by the fireplace while enjoying a hot drink and views of the base area. The resort also has several other dining options across the mountain, including the Sunrise Day Lodge cafeteria and Midway Café, so skiers can grab a meal or snack without straying far from the slopes.

Snow Tubing

Snow tubing at Sunrise ski resort provides a simple way for visitors to enjoy the mountain without learning to ski or snowboard. Riders climb aboard an inflatable tube, use the surface lift to reach the top of the groomed tubing hill, and then race downhill. The activity is especially appealing for families because it requires little instruction and lets participants experience the excitement of the snow without needing skis or boards.

A few things to know before you go: 

• The tubing hill is located at the base of Sunrise Mountain 
• Tubing availability is seasonal and weather-dependent, so check the current operating schedule before visiting 
• Snow conditions can also affect when the hill opens and how long it remains available during the winter
• There is a fee associated with snow tubing; check the resort website for current information

Ski Bikes

For something a little different, try ski biking, sometimes called skibobbing. These bicycle-like machines replace traditional wheels with skis and allow riders to descend the mountain in a completely different way.

Information regarding ski bikes includes:

• Sunrise offers ski bike rentals and lessons
• Ski bikes can use the lift system to reach the top of the mountain
• First-time ski bike riders at Sunrise must receive a safety certification from the ski bike staff before loading the lifts, even if they have previous experience elsewhere 
• Ski bikes are currently permitted on Cyclone Circle and Apache Peak
• Riders bringing their own equipment must have it inspected by resort staff 
• Lessons are available for riders ages 13 and older

This is a great activity for anyone wanting to find a new way to explore the mountain, try a group activity with friends, or experience a different kind of adventure.

Summer Activities

When the snow melts, Sunrise shifts from a ski destination into a mountain playground filled with activities for adventurous visitors and families. The resort’s summer lineup takes advantage of its elevation, forests, trails, and mountain scenery, offering everything from downhill biking to relaxing chairlift rides.

Downhill Mountain Biking

Sunrise offers Arizona’s only lift-served downhill mountain biking, allowing riders to load their bikes onto the lift instead of climbing the mountain between runs. This makes it possible to spend more time riding and exploring the resort’s downhill terrain. The combination of forested trails, elevation changes, and mountain scenery makes Sunrise an exciting destination for riders looking to challenge themselves.

Some important tips to keep in mind:

• Riders should choose trails according to their experience level
• Riders should come prepared with appropriate protective equipment
• Trail conditions can change throughout the season, so check current trail status before arriving
• Bike rentals and lift tickets are available through the resort during operating periods

3D Archery

The resort’s 3D archery courses offer a more immersive alternative to traditional target shooting. Instead of shooting at flat targets, participants navigate outdoor courses featuring three-dimensional animal targets in a mountain setting. Sunrise also hosts its annual 3D Archery Shootout, a major regional event that includes recreational and competitive courses.

• The courses appeal to both experienced archers as well as anyone interested in trying something new
• Participants generally need to bring their own bow and arrows
• Special events may have separate registration requirements
• Check the resort’s current schedule for course availability and event dates before planning your visit
  

Zip Line

The Apache High-Flyer Zip Line gives visitors a fast-paced way to take in the White Mountains from above. Sunrise describes its zip line as Arizona’s longest tandem zip line, making it one of the resort’s signature summer attractions.

The zip line has specific safety requirements, including:

• A minimum age of 10 and a permitted weight range of 70 to 230 pounds
• Riders must wear secure, closed-toe shoes and remove loose items such as hats and jewelry before the experience
• Because the zip line may operate on a different schedule from other summer activities, check availability before arriving

Scenic Lift Rides

A scenic lift ride provides a more relaxed way to experience Sunrise Mountain and the surrounding White Mountains. The chairlift carries visitors through the forest toward higher elevations, where panoramic mountain views make the ride worthwhile even for those who are not interested in more adrenaline-filled activities.

Once at the top, visitors can:

• Enjoy the scenery
• Take photographs
• Go on a hike
• Play disc golf

Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster

The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster combines a mountain coaster’s twists, turns, and drops with views of the surrounding White Mountains. Each rider controls the speed of the coaster, making the experience exciting while still allowing participants to choose a pace that feels comfortable. The attraction is one of only two alpine coasters in Arizona and is operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe.

More about the Alpine Coaster: 

• Especially great for visitors who want a thrilling activity without needing specialized athletic skills or equipment
• The coaster is also available during winter, operating on select weekends and holidays when weather permits
• Check the current schedule because operating days and conditions can change with the season

Stay or Live at Paradise RV & MHC

Make your White Mountains adventure even more convenient by staying at Paradise RV & Mobile Home Community in Lakeside. Located in the heart of the Pinetop-Lakeside area, our community provides easy access to Sunrise Park Resort as well as to activities such as hiking, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing, dining, and other year-round recreation. Our 50 full-hookup RV sites are spacious and offer a peaceful setting among the pines. 

Guests also enjoy:

• Pet-friendly accommodations
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Cable TV through Sparklight for extended stays
• Conestoga Glamping Wagons with king beds, twin bunks, private bathrooms, heating and air conditioning, and other modern comforts

Whether you're visiting for a winter ski trip, a summer mountain biking adventure, or a longer stay in the White Mountains, Paradise RV & MHC gives you a comfortable home base close to the area's outdoor attractions. Sites are available by the day, week, or month, making it easy to plan everything from a quick getaway to an extended mountain escape.

Book your stay today!