Arizona Nordic Village Yurts, Snowshoeing & Cross Country Skiing

If you have ever dreamed of escaping it all for a nature-filled retreat, then you must visit Arizona's Nordic Village during a snowy winter. Fifteen miles north of Flagstaff, and just west of the San Francisco Peaks, this wooded wonderland is like walking through the wardrobe into Narnia. With over 35 miles of trails adventuring through the Ponderosa Pines with snow beneath your feet, you tune into something peaceful and perfect.

During the winter season you can cross-country ski on the well-groomed ski trails. The Nordic Village has over 40 km of ski trails groomed for both classic and skate style skiing. They also host over 15 km of well-marked and mapped snowshoe trails. They have trails for the novice visitor as well as the advanced skier, and they offer affordable lesson packages if you'd like to hone your skills We can personally say that these are fun trails that you will never forget. Feel at ease with your history of snow play – this place welcomes everyone and creates memorable experiences for all.

Staying in a Yurt

The Nordic Village also offers a variety of accommodations if you want to sleep where you ski. Front country cabins and yurts, to a single studio apartment, and back-country yurts are all available and warm in the winter season and offer you a beautiful winter vacation to ski and sleep conveniently, comfortably, and affordably. Some accommodations offer linens and have electricity, while others are more rustic and more like camping, just make sure to know what to bring! Each yurt and cabin provide mattresses and a wood-burning stove, so plan your sleeping gear and food prep accordingly.

Don't let that discourage you though, if you want to stay at a backcountry yurt you can add a gear shuttle to your reservation. Complimentary coffee, hot chocolate, or tea is available in the lodge at 8 am every day for overnight guests. And in the winter season, they host movies on Friday and Saturday evenings as well as skiing until 7 pm. You can book your overnight stay at the Nordic Village's website.

What You Need to Know About the Gear Shutttles

What: The Nordic Village provides a 30-gallon bin for you to fill with items you wish to have shuttled to your yurt.

When: You must arrive at the main lodge no later than 2:00 pm for your gear to be shuttled to your yurt or cabin. For your returning gear shuttle, you must have your gear ready for pickup by 9:00 am the day you check out.

How: When making your online reservation, look for the gear shuttle option. You must arrange for your gear shuttle PRIOR to your arrival. Any last-minute gear shuttles may not be accommodated.

Cost: $40 round-trip transportation of your gear.

Location: 16848 U.S. 180 Flagstaff, AZ 86001 15 Miles NW of Flagstaff, AZ

Nordic Village Hours

Winter Season (November 12, 2019 to March 30, 2020): Open Thursday through Monday: 9 am – 4 pm Closed Tuesday and Wednesday (except Front country Lodging will remain available)

Special Holiday Hours: Christmas Eve open 9 am to 2 pm, CLOSED Christmas Day, New Year's Eve Open 9 am to 4 pm, New Year's Day Open 10 am to 4 pm.

Summer Season (March 31 to November 9, 2020): Open 7 days a week: 8 am – 4 pm (trails accessible 24/7)

A sample packing list for your winter Nordic Village adventure: