Sunrise Park Resort in Greer, Arizona, transforms into a winter playground each year during its annual WinterFest—an event that offers more than just snow-covered slopes. Here, winter is a force that challenges you, whether through snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or simply embracing the crisp mountain air. The resort sits at roughly 9,200 feet elevation, making the cold tangible and the surroundings starkly beautiful. Pine trees stand firm in snowy coats, their branches heavy and deliberate, while icy breezes push against your layers as you move.

WinterFest isn’t just about skiing—the festival brings an atmosphere of practical adventure. Traversing the groomed trails helps build stamina, with elevation gains of up to 500 feet on certain routes, rewarding hikers and skiers with views that stretch across the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest. Terrain mainly mixes soft powder and packed snow, requiring footwear or skis with solid traction. Expect some gentle inclines interspersed with steeper hills that test leg muscles and balance.

Planning your day means thinking strategically: hydrate before heading out, as high altitudes thin out the air, encouraging quicker dehydration. Footwear with ankle support prevents slips on icy patches. Timing your trip to morning or midday avoids the harsher winds that tend to gather later, while allowing for visibility and warmth. Layers are non-negotiable; the mountain can shift suddenly from sun to shadow, cooling fast.

WinterFest also calls for respect to nature’s mood swings. The forest, while welcoming, is fiercely itself—trees creak under snow weight, and icy streams dare you to pass carefully. Wildlife like mule deer often appear in gaps between the pines, cautious but present, a reminder you share this space.

If you want a taste of adventure that’s equal parts invigorating and accessible, WinterFest at Sunrise Park Resort is worth your calendar. It’s an event that embraces winter’s challenges without glossing over practical demands, inviting hikers and skiers alike to engage with the season on active, thoughtful terms.