Ski in the Morning, Desert by Afternoon

Arizona contains more climate zones than almost any other state in the country. While Phoenix and Tucson regularly hit 110 degrees in summer, the San Francisco Peaks near Flagstaff rise to 12,633 feet and receive enough snow to support Arizona Snowbowl, a full ski resort operating from December through April. The peaks are sacred to 13 Native American tribes. On the right winter day, a skier can carve fresh powder in the morning and be sitting by a cactus-lined pool in the desert by late afternoon, having driven just two hours.