< PreviousL'Auberge DE SEDONA Dec Issue.indd 8811/27/19 11:26 AMSedona BY ALISON BAILIN BATZ AND MELISSA LARSEN From its snow-capped red rocks to its multicolor medley of crinkly leaves, Sedona wins out when it comes to a close-to-home winter retreat. Grab your favorite fireside snuggle buddy, your must-have s’mores fixings and come along. Dec Issue.indd 8911/27/19 11:26 AM90 AZFOOTHILLS.COM r L'Auberge DE SEDONA Many have seen the majesty of the iconic Sedona red rocks, but not all have experienced them ever-so- delicately dusted with snow during the winter months in Arizona. This Sedona institution—a 2019 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Award winner and Forbes Travel Guide Four- Star Hotel, Restaurant and Spa—not only offers the chance to take in (and journey through) these picturesque frosted peaks and vortexes, but it also offers the chance to snuggle up next to a fire in one’s own private cottage set along Oak Creek and indulge in one of the highest-rated dining experiences in the Southwest via Etch and Cress on Creek. Through March, the resort is offering a Sedona Snowmance package. Starting at $649 per night, it includes two nights of accommodations in one of the resort’s cottages; a $380 spa credit toward two 60-minute in-room, fireside spa treatments; a s’mores kit for two; and a signature throw blanket as a take-home gift. V lauberge.com. HILTON SEDONA RESORT at Bell Rock Starting Dec. 1, Hilton Sedona Resort at Bell Rock wants to wish its guests a holly, jolly Fitmas! Fitmas & Funmas is a month-long holiday celebration with a focus on wellness, adventure and seasonal festivities. Valley dwellers looking for lower temps and a wellness-inspired holiday are invited to head north for activities like Rise with Rudolph Sunrise Yoga, seasonal musical performances, ornament-decorating classes, storytime with Mrs. Claus and s’mores and hot cocoa and much more. And don’t forgo the winter nightcap that awaits fireside on the Porch at ShadowRock Tap + Table. Rates start at $217 per room, per night. Vhiltonsedonaresort.com.r Dec Issue.indd 9011/27/19 11:26 AM @azfoothills #azfoothills 89 Dec Issue.indd 9111/27/19 11:26 AM92 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Dec Issue.indd 9211/27/19 11:26 AMAMARA RESORT and Spa An ideal getaway for a late- autumn or winter retreat (hello, red, burgundy and golden leaves!), Amara Resort and Spa in Sedona invites guests to savor the cool mountain air in comfort and luxury. With temps coming in around 80 degrees, wading the day away in the heated infi nity-edge pool is pure bliss. In between dips, hit up the courtyard for a game of cornhole and Connect Four or borrow a complimentary mountain bike to feel the breeze in your hair. After working up an appetite, grab a bite on the patio of SaltRock Southwest Kitchen. At SaltRock, guests can dig into crispy-skin branzino, shrimp and grits and braised osso buco while enjoying views of Cleopatra Rock and Snoopy Rock. For a dose of “me time” that is oh-so vital during the bustling holiday season, Amara Spa o ers a grand selection of massages, facials, body treatments, foot and hand rituals and more designed to harmonize the mind, body and spirit. Once the sun goes down, extend the relaxation at a stargazing demonstration led by a local astronomy expert every Monday night. Now through February 2020, Amara is o ering a variety of di erent stay packages all featuring luxury accommodations in a patio guest room and starting from $199 per night including: Stay In and Snuggle (features s’mores kit at check-in to use at the fi re pits, a souvenir throw blanket and daily breakfast); and Starry Seasonal Sojourn (includes a bottle of bubbly upon arrival and a $100 spa credit). Plus, guests who are looking for a great value can take advantage of Extend Your Winter Escape; if you book three nights, you get the fourth night complimentary. V amararesort.com. r @azfoothills #azfoothills 93 Dec Issue.indd 9311/27/19 11:26 AMBY LILLY BERG Beyond the heat waves and desert monsoons, Arizona is also known for its unique winter snowscape (seriously!). Debbie Johnson from the Arizona O ce of Tourism says, “Arizona is beautiful this time of year. From Flagsta to Tucson, our state transforms into a winter wonderland full of adventures in the snow.” Your holiday to-do list wouldn’t be complete without a road trip to the best snow spots in the usually-sun-drenched state. Let it Snow 94 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Dec Issue.indd 9411/27/19 11:26 AMLet it Snow MT. LEMMON SKI VALLEY @azfoothills #azfoothills 95 Dec Issue.indd 9511/27/19 11:26 AM96 AZFOOTHILLS.COM FLAGSTAFF SNOWBOWL From skiing to sightseeing, Snowbowl has got you covered…in fresh powder! As the only resort to offer views of the Grand Canyon, its vibe is truly one of a kind. Over 50 trails are available for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, from beginner to black diamond. The heaviest snowfall tends to hit the slopes in February and March. snowbowl.ski. ARIZONA NORDIC VILLAGE Arizona Nordic Village in Flagstaff offers a specialized recreational experience, encouraging guests to enjoy the great outdoors through activities like snowshoeing, snow- bike riding and cross-country skiing. Savor the snow with over 25 miles of trails, perfect for families and those seeking lessons. arizonanordicvillage.com. FORT TUTHILL COUNTY PARK You will find Fort Tuthill County Park within the depths of the Ponderosa Pine Forest, located in Flagstaff. Guests of the County Park will appreciate its wide array of outdoor adventures like sledding, snow-shoeing and cross- country skiing for all ages. Cabins and camping are also accessible at Fort Tuthill. coconino.az.gov. GREER SUNRISE PARK RESORT You’ll love shredding the slopes this season at Sunrise Park Resort. Sunrise Park Resort is the largest ski resort in Arizona with 65 runs. Located in Greer, the winter wonderland opens in late November for families with children of all ages. Beginners can test out their skills in ski school or private lessons, available for both minors and adults. sunriseskipark.com. TUCSON MT. LEMMON SKI VALLEY As Arizona’s southernmost ski valley, Mt. Lemmon offers a unique snow-sighting destination situated in Tucson. With 22 trails and a ski school, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is your ideal winter escape. Mt. Lemmon is also known for its scenic forest environment where lodging and campgrounds may be rented. skithelemmon.com. ALPINE HANNAGAN MEADOW LODGE Looking for an incomparable winter experience? Venture out to Hannagan Meadow Lodge in Alpine. This destination is known for its rustic charm and old-fashioned lodging accommodations. Relax and watch the snowfall, or indulge in it with ice fishing and sledding. Plus, trail usage is completely free for your convenience and enjoyment. hannaganmeadow.com. Dec Issue.indd 9611/27/19 11:26 AM @azfoothills #azfoothills 97 JUST SNOW YOU KNOW: Arizona Office of Tourism says it is best to visit these destinations in December and January, unless otherwise noted, for the plushest snowfall. From top to bottom: HANNAGAN MEADOW LODGE, SNOWBOWL, SUNRISE PARK RESORT Arizona Office of Tourism says it is best to visit these destinations in December Arizona Office of Tourism says it is best to visit these destinations in December Dec Issue.indd 9711/27/19 11:27 AMNext >