Flagstaff Winterfest

The 24th annual Flagstaff Winterfest returns as a month-long celebration chock-full of activities for outdoor enthusiasts, sports nuts and food and art lovers.

The festival began as a fun-filled way to introduce visitors to Flagstaff’s pristine, mountain wonderland. Since then, Winterfest has grown to include sled dog races, Nordic and Alpine skiing competitions, snowboard and snowshoe activities, snowmobile drag racing and rentals, sled dog play day, stargazing, special children’s’ activities, sleigh rides, concerts, cultural events, and winter workshops and lectures.

This winter Flagstaff has received record snowfall that has blanketed the San Francisco Peaks in white powder perfect for the skiers and sledders who thrive on the winter activities at Arizona Snowbowl, the town’s largest ski resort and home to many of the activities that make up Winterfest.

Here are just a few of the main events taking place:

• The popular Sled Dog Races, February 6 and 7 at Mormon Lake Lodge and a weight pull competition on February 27 at Wheeler Park.
• Northern Arizona University’s (NAU) men’s and women’s basketball games plus track and field events.
• In addition to Arizona Snowbowl, try Wing Mountain and the Nordic Center for skiing, snowboarding and snowshoeing.
• For art lovers, there are several exhibits during the month at the Museum of Northern Arizona and the Coconino Center for the Arts. In addition, the First Friday Art Walk on February 5 is a great evening celebration of the arts. Stroll through numerous boutiques and galleries in Historic Downtown beginning at 6 p.m.
• NAU will host two film festivals at the Cline Library. Every Tuesday evening the university will showcase critically acclaimed films as part of the 2010 Spring Film Series. During the weekend of February 20 & 21, a French film festival will show five unique examples of cinema.
• Live theatre includes “The Merry Wives of Windsor” and “MacBeth” and performances by the Flagstaff Symphony Orchestra concert, the NAU Jazz Madrigal Festival and the Flagstaff Master Chorale’s Sing for the Cure to benefit the American Cancer Society.
• Dining is another big part of Winterfest. Many Flagstaff restaurants offer Winterfest specials, such as Main Street Caterings  “Winter Food Fest” each Saturday in February and Valentine’s Day.  Themed meals and events, such as the annual Robert Burns Supper is on February 7.

Whether you are a visitor or a resident, you’ll be able to find activities that will fill up sunny days or cold snowy nights.  Here is the lowdown on all the activities that take place each week during the festival.

Week 1 Feb 1-7

Week 2 Feb 8 – 14

Week 3 Feb 15-21

Week 4 Feb. 22-28

If you’re making a weekend trip of your visit to Flagstaff, here is a listing of hotels, cabins and other lodging choices for your stay.

Little America Hotel in Flagstaff

I have heard great things about Little America hotel.  It’s located near 500-acres of private forest land and offers many nice amenities for your whole family.

Little America
2515 East Butler Avenue, Flagstaff (map)
Reservations:     800-865-1401
Phone Number:   928-779-2741

Arizona Snowbowl
Phone: 928-779-1951
Fax: 928-779-3019
E-mail: info@arizonasnowbowl.com

Photos courtesy of flickr
and Little America Hotel

1 places are mentioned in this post!

1. 2515 E Butler Ave

View Details on the Map

Click on the place name to learn more

Close