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Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster: Arizona’s Newest Mountain Thrill Ride Opens July 20, 2024!

Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster: Arizona’s Newest Mountain Thrill Ride Opens July 20, 2024!

Greer, Arizona – July 17, 2024 – Get ready to hold onto your hats (and maybe scream a little) because the White Mountain Apache Tribe is about to unleash an adrenaline-packed marvel upon the scenic slopes of Sunrise Park Resort. Introducing the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster, a gravity-defying adventure that combines breathtaking mountain views with heart-pounding twists, turns, and drops!
Key Features:

“Sunrise is thrilled to become the first tribal entity to with a thrill ride of this nature. Being only the second in the region, the coaster will be an experience for families from across Arizona, New Mexico, and beyond to enjoy. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is just the latest in a growing number of summer and winter offerings as Arizona’s ultimate mountain adventure destination.” – Todd Clarke, General Manager

Key Features:

  • Year-Round Excitement: The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is a true all-season wonder. Whether you’re chasing thrills in the cool summer mountain air or zipping through snowy landscapes in the winter, this coaster promises year-round fun for the whole family.
  • 3,287 Feet of Track: Picture this: you, a sleek coaster cart, and over half a mile of exhilarating track. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster winds its way downhill, offering pristine mountain views.
  • Rider-Controlled Speed: Forget about being at the mercy of gravity alone. In these individual carts, you’re the captain. Hand brakes on each cart automatically start slow for a leisurely descent and allow riders to dial up the adrenaline by easing off the brakes as much as desired. And yes, young adventurers that meet the secondary height requirements can ride with a parent!
  • Top Speed of 25 MPH: It’s not a rocket launch, but it’s close. As you hurtle down the mountainside, the wind in your hair and the thrill in your veins, you’ll hit speeds of up to 25 miles per hour. Hold on tight!
  • Safety: Each rider cart has an advanced safety system that automatically maintains a safe distance from carts ahead, ensuring a worry-free ride. Riders must be at least 54 inches tall and can ride with a passenger of at least 38 inches in height. The maximum combined weight of riders is 375lbs (170kg) under normal conditions and 330lbs (150kg) with a wet track.
  • Tribal Pride: The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster isn’t just any coaster—it’s the only tribal coaster in the entire country. Operated by the White Mountain Apache Tribe, it’s a testament to their commitment to fun, family, and unforgettable experiences.

Join Us for the Grand Opening!
On Saturday, July 20, 2024, the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster officially launches. Bring your friends, your family, and your sense of adventure. This is a moment you won’t want to miss!

2024-07-17T12:06:22-07:00July 17th, 2024 11:52 am|Press Release|0 Comments

Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster Opening May 2024

Opening Memorial Day Weekend of 2024, the coaster will provide a thrilling mountain experience for families in both the summer and winter seasons

Greer, Arizona – November 10, 2023 – Sunrise Park Resort announces the development of the Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster, the first tribally owned/operated coaster in the country and the second ever mountain coaster in the state of Arizona. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster will provide guests with thrilling drops, heart-pounding turns, and breathtaking views as riders glide through the trees along the side of Sunrise Peak.

“Sunrise is thrilled to become the first tribal entity to with a thrill ride of this nature. Being only the second in the region, the coaster will be an experience for families from across Arizona, New Mexico, and beyond to enjoy. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is just the latest in a growing number of summer and winter offerings as Arizona’s ultimate mountain adventure destination.” – Todd Clarke, General Manager

The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster will offer thrills to families, with individual carts that provide a secondary seat for children to ride with an adult. The 3,287-foot track will send riders downhill at speeds up to 25 miles per hour. Riders can control their speed with a handbrake on each ride cart and an advanced safety system maintains a set following distance between carts.

The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster is being engineered by Wiegand, the inventor and world leader of mountain coasters. This installation will be version 2.0 of Wiegand’s coaster, offering advanced safety features and smooth ride experience. The Sunrise Apache Alpine Coaster will be a welcomed addition to the wide range of activities available at Sunrise Park Resort in both the summer and winter seasons.

Sunrise opens Fri., Dec. 1, 2023 for the ski season. More information about the resort offerings are available on our website.

2023-11-12T15:35:19-07:00November 10th, 2023 3:15 pm|Press Release|0 Comments

Sunrise Park Resort Becomes One of the First Ski Resorts in the World Operating on Starlink Satellite Internet

SpaceX Starlink

Sunrise Park Resort is now one of the first ski resorts in the world to operate entirely on Starlink satellite internet from SpaceX. Four business-grade Starlink satellite dishes were installed at the resort and all point-of-sale systems, computers, and public WiFi spots across the resort will operate via the new system this winter.

Due to the extremely remote location of the resort, Sunrise has been confined to one dated DSL internet provider option for decades. In past seasons, fallen trees and heavy snow on utility lines have caused wide-spread internet outages in the region throughout the winter. The new SpaceX Starlink satellite dishes are designed for the elements, with heated dishes to melt off snow and ice so they will operate effectively throughout the winter. This will bring higher reliability and speeds over ten times that of the previous provider. Sunrise has also implemented a 5G cellular backup for critical on-site sales systems to further minimize downtime in the event of any outages.

Sunrise is expected to open Friday, December 1, 2023 for the ski season. Season Passes and more information about the upcoming winter ski season is available at the link below:

2023-11-07T15:22:59-07:00November 7th, 2023 3:21 pm|Press Release|0 Comments

Over $2M Invested in Preparation for Winter 2023/24 Ski Season

Sunrise Express Upgrade, Improvements to Snowmaking, RFID Technology Upgrade, Building Improvements, and More.

Greer, Arizona – October 24, 2023 – Sunrise Park Resort announces over $2M spent on improvements in Summer of 2023 for the upcoming 2023/24 ski season. Sunrise focused on guest experience with improvements this summer, including an overhaul of Sunrise Express, a high-tech RFID pass system for faster lift lines and ticket pickup, snowmaking upgrades with highly increased output, and renovations to buildings and facilities across the resort.

“Our focus is on the entire Sunrise experience, Summer and Winter. We have identified some of the most significant guest-centric improvements and really pushed the throttle to complete these projects – with one person in mind, the guest, and their experience. We take great pride in making Sunrise Arizona’s ultimate mountain adventure.” – Todd Clarke, General Manager

Sunrise Express Lift 1 Upgrades

Old computer and electrical removed

New operating systems delivered

New systems being installed

Lift Upgrades and Maintenance

Sunrise Express Overhaul

Sunrise Express (lift 1) is undergoing a complete overhaul of the lift’s control systems, electronics, and safety sensors. The lift, installed in the mid 1990s, is a true workhorse and the spirit of Sunrise. The electronics and related elements were showing their age, leading to routine faults and potential operating delays. This state-of-the-art retrofit will bring the lift to modern operating standards and will improve reliability for years to come.

Other Recent Lift Improvements

Spirit Ridge (Lift 8) had the motor removed and completely rebuilt this summer. All base-area lifts (Sunrise Express, Spirit Ridge, Pony Double, and Fort Apache) were professionally painted, both lift terminals and towers for each lift over this summer. Fort Apache (Lift 4) received a digital upgrade and motor rebuild last season. Pony Double (Lift 2) received a digital upgrade and a new haul rope last season. Geronimo (Lift 5) received a digital upgrade and bull wheel repairs last season.

All lift upgrades and projects are to ensure longevity and reliability for guests both this winter and for years to come.

RFID Technology Upgrades

Faster ticket pickup, faster lift lines, and more accurate pass cards are coming to Sunrise with new, high-tech radio-frequency identification (RFID) passes this season. Guests can now order passes online and pick up Day Passes from the Ticket Office at Sunrise or Cyclone base areas on a brand-new automated kiosk, called Skiosk. Guests just scan their purchase confirmation and the Skiosk will issue a Day Pass card on-the-spot. RFID cards also remove the need for barcode and scanners at the lifts, allowing guests to keep the pass in their left jacket pocket. As guests pass through a gate, it will automatically scan your pass. Finally, the new cards can be re-loaded online at any time, so guests who visit multiple times this season don’t have to return to the Ticket Office after the initial pass card is issued.

RFID Ski Pass Gate Scanners
SMI Snow Fan Guns

Snowmaking Improvements

Increased Snowmaking Capacity to the Peak

A new water pump system is being installed at Midway that will enable nearly double the water capacity to be delivered to the top half of the mountain. This allows Sunrise to run more snowmaking machines and higher output for upper-mountain trails.

Additional Fan Snow Guns and Air Compressor Upgrades

Sunrise operates a few different types of snowmaking arsenal including air/water guns and fan guns. Sunrise recently recommissioned 10 SMI high-volume fan snow guns, which will be added to the 10 current TechnoAlpin fan snow guns, nearly doubling the number of fan snow guns on the mountain. These seven SMI fan snow guns are currently being serviced and will be integrated into our snow making operations in the coming weeks. Additionally, Sunrise’s million-dollar Centac air compressor system received service upgrades and extensive repairs after being out of commission for over 10 years. This air compressor can operate up to 17 air/water snowmaking guns, compared to four with the prior system. Sunrise’s total arsenal now includes nearly 50 snowmaking guns in total.

The improvements have led to Sunrise getting the peak open several weeks earlier and the overall quality of snow has dramatically improved.

Building Improvements and Mountain Maintenance

Night Skiing to the Peak: About 100 new LED lights were installed from base to peak of Sunrise Peak, allowing night skiing to operate to the peak this winter for the first time in over seven years. Night skiing will be offered after Christmas through New Years Eve (Dec 26-Dec 31), MLK Weekend (Jan 13-14), and President’s Day Weekend (Feb 17-18).

Midway Day Lodge has an all-new deck, renovated bathrooms, and received interior flooring repairs.

Ticket Office was professionally repainted, and three windows are being retrofitted with new automated kiosk systems to issue new RFID Day Passes and speed up ticket lines.

Sunrise Day Lodge has an all-new deck, and the exterior was professionally renovated and painted

Apache Peak Lodge has an all-new deck and received interior flooring repairs.

Sunrise Day Lodge New Exterior Deck and Paint
Midway Day Lodge New Deck

Midway Café (new deck in progress)

Sunrise Day Lodge

Mountain Learning Center "After"

Mountain Learning Center

Sunrise Ticket Office

Ticket Office

Cyclone Day Lodge

Cyclone Lodge and Cord Lift

Cyclone Day Lodge and Regular Operations

Cyclone Day Lodge received a new deck, and the exterior was professionally sealed and repainted. The Cyclone Day Lodge is slated to open Thursdays through Sundays (plus holidays) when snow levels are sufficient. Cyclone Lodge will also feature a ticket kiosk with our new RFID cards and will offer a selection of rental equipment on operating days.

Cyclone Cord

Cyclone Circle is slated to be open Thursdays through Sundays (plus holidays) when snow levels are sufficient. The Cyclone Cord will provide access to the peak of Cyclone Circle via Geronimo (Lift 5) then riding Sunset Meadow to Denny’s Way. Cyclone features some of the most unique terrain in the region and we are excited to offer access regularly this season.

Additional Improvements for Winter

Prinoth Winch Snowcat: In an ongoing effort to offer a world-class skiing experience in Arizona, Sunrise invested about $500K on a brand-new Prinoth Bison X Winch Snowcat, which was delivered at the end of last winter. The winch cable can be mounted to an uphill anchor point to allow the cat to operate on extreme slopes, difficult terrain, and icy slopes with ease. It also allows us to push snow uphill and create more features in the terrain park.

All-New Rossignol Rental Equipment: Sunrise Rentals is featuring all-new skis and snowboards from Rossignol. We also offer new high-end Rossignol skis and boards for sale, with the ability to try before you buy with gear demos.

Premium Brands Now Available: The Sunrise Sports Shop is now a Patagonia retailer, featuring high-end jackets and winter wear. We also feature other great gear from these excellent brands: Rossignol, Dynastar, Helly Hansen, Smith, Spy, and Flylow.

Prinoth Winch Snowcat

Season Passes Now Available

New RFID Sunrise One Pass Season Pass Card

Season Pass

Are you an avid skier or snowboarder? Ready to shred the slopes this season? A season pass to Sunrise Park Resort is the best way to have full access to Arizona’s largest ski resort.

2023-10-24T21:52:44-07:00October 24th, 2023 9:00 am|Press Release|0 Comments

Big Mountain Enduro Returns to Sunrise Park Resort in 2024

North America’s Premier Enduro Series returns to Sunrise Park Resort in 2024 after a highly successful first-time race this past June

Greer, Arizona – August 4, 2023 – Big Mountain Enduro (BME) announced today that Sunrise Park Resort has been selected to host this prestigious enduro series for the second year in a row. Sunrise welcomed hundreds of skilled mountain bike competitors during BME in June 2023 to great success. For the 2023 BME schedule, Sunrise will be the third destination in this prestigious series and the event will be held June 8-9, 2024.

For the 2023 BME Race, Sunrise Park Resort added two new raw-cut trails on Apache Peak, which opened to the public after the completion of the event. BME also brought a number of world-class vendors of quality and custom bikes and equipment, which are expected to return in 2024. Sunrise has invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into the bike park this summer and continues to work on trail improvements and expansion, including brand new bike racks (doubling the uphill capacity), four new straights and 10 new turns to the Dual Slalom track, and expansion of the Jump Line trail. Additional trails are also being cut across the mountain to further expand the ridable terrain for events and the mountain biking community.

BME is North America’s premier Enduro tour and brings professional and amateur mountain bikers from across the country to compete at some of the most challenging mountain courses. There are six stops for the BME series, all specially picked for their challenge and trail offerings, and Sunrise is proud to be selected as a host mountain for the second year in a row. Registration for BME 2024 will be available soon at www.bigmountainenduro.com.

About Big Mountain Enduro (BME)

Established in 2012 and based out of Crested Butte, CO, the Big Mountain Enduro presented by Specialized is the premier enduro mountain biking series in North America. Over the past 10 years, BME has held major events throughout Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Arkansas, the Midwest and Mexico. BME has consistently ranked amongst the top global enduro series attracting the best riders and media in the world, while staying true to the roots of mountain biking. The foundation of BME is simple; offer authentic multi-stage Enduro events in unparalleled mountain biking destinations that fully support the riders, sponsors, the overall industry as a whole and the sustainable growth of Enduro racing.

Big Mountain Enduro 2024 Schedule
2023-08-04T19:13:31-07:00August 4th, 2023 7:12 pm|Press Release|0 Comments

Sunrise Park Resort Opens for the 2022/23 Ski Season

Greer, Arizona – December 2, 2022 – Sunrise Park Resort opened for the 2022/23 ski season Friday, December 2, 2022. The resort has been making snow since October 23 and has a base layer of over two feet of snow across all open trails. Sunrise Park Resort is now open Friday through Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm and plans to transition to daily operation starting December 16, 2022.

Open Trails: For opening weekend Spirit Ridge (Lift 8) will provide access to the trails Fairway, Pinedale, and Rooster Pass. Pony Double (Lift 2) will also provide access to the Bunny Hill for beginners.

Dining: Sunrise has three restaurants open at this time with the other four scheduled to open later this season. Dining for opening weekend includes the Sunrise Day Lodge Cafeteria, Sunrise Pub, and Midway Café. All dining locations feature updated menus with quality food, drinks, craft beers, and vegetarian options.

Rentals and Lessons: Rentals are available on-site at the new rental shop on the second floor of Sunrise Day Lodge. Private lessons are now available for ages four and up. Group lessons will be available after December 16. Both lessons and rentals are available for on-site purchase with online booking coming soon.

Cross Country Skiing and Snow Tubing will be available later this season as snow levels increase. Guests can visit the Sunrise website for a daily snow report with up-to-date snowfall levels, trail status, and condition information.

In an opening ceremony speech this morning, General Manager Todd Clarke said

“In the last year we have brought Sunrise to a whole new light. We have worked on projects that I could probably go on all day. We have a Cyclone access solution coming late December, we have converted Lifts 2 and 4 from analog to digital, we have re-build the decks of the day lodge and Apache Peak lodge, our snowmaking team has doubled the capacity of their efforts by repairing a million dollar compressor system that sat idle for years, and our hotel is undergoing a full renovation of all guest rooms and common areas. At the end of the day it’s everyone in this team that is making that happen. Even on that team are our customers. We are re-investing the love and passion of our guests into making Sunrise the best place possible.”

More information about Sunrise Park Resort, including lift tickets, rental info, and dining menus, are available on the Sunrise website at www.sunrise.ski.

Ribbon cutting of updated Sunrise Day Lodge
Ribbon cutting of updated Sunrise Day Lodge
Ribbon cutting of updated Sunrise Day Lodge
Preparing for First Chair
First Chair
Skiers on Pony Double
Snowboarders on the snow
Groom lines
Skier on the snow
2023-10-23T14:43:40-07:00December 3rd, 2022 5:42 am|Press Release|0 Comments

Winter 2022/23 Improvement Updates

Sunrise Park Resort has worked over the summer to implement a number of improvements going into this winter season

Sunrise Park Resort is excited to welcome you back for another great Winter season! There have been a number of projects at Sunrise this summer to improve the guest experience, which were detailed in our Improvement Plan announcement back in August. Below is an update on several of the projects at Sunrise:

Sunrise Day Lodge

September 17

October 24

September 17

October 24

New Decks and Paint on Sunrise Day Lodge: Both the second floor and third floor entrance decks and stairs have been removed and completely rebuilt with a new configuration to improve access to the building. The new deck facing the slopes was built to provide more dining and seating space to watch riders on the mountain. The build of the new deck is now complete and awaiting final finishing (completion photo coming soon). The exterior of the building has been completely repaired for any rotting wood and all gaps sealed from ground to roof. An all-new paint scheme has been started and should be complete near our opening date.

Apache Peak Lodge

September 20

September 20

September 20

New Deck on Apache Peak Lodge: The entire back deck of Apache Peak Lodge has been completely re-built with lumber from the White Mountain Apache Reservation. The new deck will allow guests to enjoy the amazing views of the mountains to the south of Sunrise once again. The Apache Peak Lodge be open daily for dining this season soon as the mountain opens.

Cyclone Cord Lift

Cyclone Access via Cyclone Cord: Crews have widened “Denny’s Way” to access the peak of Cyclone Circle. Cement pads are ready at the base and peak of the run to accommodate the new Cyclone Cord lift. The lift is scheduled to arrive in December and be installed by the end of 2022. It will run approximately 600′ in distance and have an approximate 50′ elevation gain. The Cyclone Cord is a “Swiss Cord” style surface lift and can accommodate around 5,000 people per day.

Additional Updates

Sunrise Base Dining: We have a new dining option at Sunrise Base! The Crown Dancer Cafe and Grill will be located in the former rentals building at the base of Sunrise Peak. There will be both indoor and outdoor seating and dining options will include a full grill menu, coffee and drinks, and a selection of alcohol.

Introducing Mountain Learning Center: Sunrise has developed a new “Mountain Learning Center” to replace Ski School. This new center will provide a number of improvements to the learning options at Sunrise and will consolidate everything into one area at the Sunrise Day Lodge (floor 2). Guests will be able to head straight to rentals to obtain their gear, lift tickets, and prepare for instruction. The Mountain Learning Center will provide ski and snowboard instruction at Sunrise Base. Ski Bike rental and instruction will be available at Cyclone Base when it opens later in the season.

Streamlined Rentals and Demo Gear: Rentals has been moved into the Mountain Learning Center on the second floor of Sunrise Day Lodge to consolidate everything into one location. Guests will be able to go straight to the Mountain Learning Center to rent gear and get their lift tickets for the day. Sunrise is also introducing a new Sunrise Demo Center. This location will offer brand new, top-of-the-line skis and snowboards for guests to test on the snow. The Demo Shop will be in the building between Camp Sunrise and the Sunrise Day Lodge.

Streamlined Rentals and Demo Gear: Rentals has been moved into the Mountain Learning Center on the second floor of Sunrise Day Lodge to consolidate everything into one location. Guests will be able to go straight to the Mountain Learning Center to rent gear and get their lift tickets for the day. Sunrise is also introducing a new Sunrise Demo Center. This location will offer brand new, top-of-the-line skis and snowboards for guests to test on the snow. The Demo Shop will be in the building between Camp Sunrise and the Sunrise Day Lodge.

Tubing Hill: The tubing hill has been adjusted to accommodate 2-3 tracks of tubing and turned to provide a longer and more gradual slope. The new tubing hill will provide lift-service via a “magic carpet” lift instead of the cable line last year. Skier’s left of the magic carpet will provide tubing tracks and skier’s right will provide a learning area for skiers and snowboarders in the Mountain Learning program.

Early Start to Snowmaking: Sunrise got one of the earliest starts to snowmaking ever! We started making snow on October 23, with 10 snow machines running from Sunrise Base to Midway. Snowmaking has continued since, and we are running every time weather allows so we can provide an amazing base and opening day experience to start off the 2022/23 season!

We look forward to seeing you on the slopes soon!

Winter season passes are available online now at the link below:

2022-11-12T23:46:08-07:00November 12th, 2022 11:26 pm|Press Release|0 Comments

Sunrise Park Resort is Hosting Big Mountain Enduro (BME) in 2023

BME Enduro is North America’s Premier Enduro Tour and Sunrise Park Resort was selected as one of the five stops in the national race series

Greer, Arizona – October 13, 2022 – Big Mountain Enduro (BME) has announced their summer 2023 schedule and has selected Sunrise Park Resort to host the second of five races for their 2023 BME Enduro Series.  This selection makes it a first for both Arizona and Sunrise Park Resort to be a host venue of this prestigious event series. The event is scheduled June 10-11, 2023.

Sunrise Park Resort has been and continues to work tirelessly on expanding the network of trails and improving upon the existing trails throughout the entire mountain. The resort opened four new trails this summer and is dedicated to continuing trail improvements and has plans for several additions in the coming years. These efforts have brought an increase in mountain bike riders and new bike events, such as the Sunrise Scramble collegiate national qualifying races in September.

BME is North America’s premier Enduro tour and brings professional and amateur mountain bikers from across the country to compete at some of the most challenging mountain courses. There are five stops for the BME series, all specially picked for their challenge and trail offerings, and Sunrise is proud to be selected as a host mountain this year. Registration for BME 2023 will be available starting January 1, 2023 at www.bigmountainenduro.com.

About Big Mountain Enduro (BME)

Established in 2012 and based out of Crested Butte, CO, the Big Mountain Enduro presented by Specialized is the premier enduro mountain biking series in North America. Over the past 10 years, BME has held major events throughout Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Montana, Arkansas, the Midwest and Mexico. BME has consistently ranked amongst the top global enduro series attracting the best riders and media in the world, while staying true to the roots of mountain biking. The foundation of BME is simple; offer authentic multi-stage Enduro events in unparalleled mountain biking destinations that fully support the riders, sponsors, the overall industry as a whole and the sustainable growth of Enduro racing.

BME 2023 Race Lineup
2022-10-13T10:01:37-07:00October 13th, 2022 9:33 am|Press Release|0 Comments

Sunrise Park Resort Announces $5.5 Million Improvement Plan

Facility Repairs, Lift Upgrades, Snowmaking Improvements, a Full Hotel Interior Renovation, and an All-New “Swiss Cord” Lift Accessing Trails on Cyclone Circle

Greer, Arizona – August 25, 2022 – Sunrise Park Resort is proud to announce over $5.5 million in investments on the mountain this summer in preparation for the upcoming 2022/23 ski season. Sunrise has focused on investing in facility repairs, lift upgrades, snowmaking improvements, a complete remodel of the Sunrise Park Lodge, and an all-new “Swiss Cord” lift for access to trails on Cyclone Circle.

Crews have already cleared areas on Denny’s Way and are working on concrete pads for the new lift.

New Lift on Cyclone Circle

Sunrise signed a contract with manufacturer Star Lifts for a Swiss Cord style lift that will operate from the base of “Denny’s Way” to the peak of Cyclone Circle. This Swiss Cord lift will provide access to the coveted and unique terrain of Cyclone Circle for over 5,000 people per day. This will greatly improve access to the mountain that has been limited to hike and snow cat access since the removal of Cyclone Lift 6 in 2017 due to its age and condition. The new lift is scheduled to be installed by the end of 2022.

Full Interior Hotel Remodel

Sunrise received approval for a $4 million remodel of the Sunrise Park Lodge hotel. This will be a full remodel of the rooms and updates in communal areas, such as the lobby, pub, pool area, and restaurant. Due to the large nature of this remodel, it will be completed in phases, with the lake-facing rooms to be remodeled first. Additional hotel remodel information will be released as it becomes available.

The Sunrise Park Lodge Hotel provides convenient guest accommodations close to the mountain, with an indoor pool, hot tub, pub, and restaurant.

Apache Peak Lodge offers a unique dining experience as the highest restaurant in Arizona with views for as far as you can see.

Facility Repairs

Sunrise has also invested in a number of key facility repairs prior to welcoming guests back this coming winter. The exterior decks at Sunrise Lodge and Apache Peak Lodge have been rebuilt, with a new surface and new supports. All stairs and entries are being replaced at Sunrise Lodge. These new decks will allow for increased usage of both lodges this winter season. Apache Peak Lodge is also undergoing kitchen repairs to offer a more diverse menu selection this winter. There will also be new and expanded on-mountain dining options for the winter season.

Cyclone Lodge Updates

Cyclone Lodge received a new fiber optic internet line this summer that will allow for expanded operations and services this coming winter. Last winter season Cyclone Lodge did not have wired internet, which limited the ability to facilitate credit card transactions for ticket sales and dining operations.

Cyclone Base area offers a secondary access point to park and enjoy the slopes. The day lodge offers dining and there is lift access that connects you to all three mountains

Lift and Snowmaking Improvements

Lift and snowmaking improvements are scheduled to be completed in October. This will include an analog to digital conversion for Fort Apache Lift 4 and Pony Lift 2 to ensure more reliable operation than with the current analog system. Pony Lift 2 will also be receiving a replacement haul rope and the Sunrise snowmaking infrastructure will be improved to increase output and operating efficiency.

Additional Improvements:

  • Renovations to the cabins at Sunrise Lake to offer nightly rentals beginning this ski season
  • New paint and exterior maintenance to buildings
  • Ski and Snowboard rentals will be moved to a new location to improve efficiency and improve customer convenience
  • Overhaul to Snowsports programs
  • Moved retail shop and improved efficiencies for customer convenience
  • Upgrades to ticket scanning systems and technology systems

Additional updates regarding mountain biking at Sunrise will be released soon.

With the number of renovations, addition of a lift on Cyclone, and the expansive renovation of the Sunrise Park Lodge, this coming winter will see the largest number of improvements to the mountain in over a decade. Photos and videos of the many improvements across Sunrise Park Resort will be available in the coming weeks on all of the resort’s social media channels as well as on Sunrise website at www.sunrise.ski.

2023-10-23T09:27:42-07:00August 25th, 2022 3:45 am|Press Release|0 Comments

Sunrise Park Resort Celebrating End of 2021/22 Ski Season

Greer, Arizona – March 14, 2022 – Sunrise Park Resort announces that the final chair of the 2021/22 ski season will leave the base of Sunrise Mountain at 4:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 20, 2022. A “Sunrise Spring Carnival” event is planned for the final weekend of the season and will feature a number of activities around the mountain.

Saturday, March 19 – Terrain Park Party: Music in the terrain park and riders will be encouraged to wear a fun costume on the slopes. The guest with the best costume in the Terrain Park Party will win a pair of Sunrise day pass lift tickets for the 2022/23 season.

Sunday, March 20 – Pond Skimming Challenge: The pond will be located at the base of the Bunny Hill and will be 90 feet long. Skiers and snowboarders must be wearing a costume and can participate in an attempt to cross the pond for a chance to win lift tickets. Participants can register at Guest Services prior to 1:00pm on Sunday, March 20. The competition will begin at 2:00pm and participants will be judged on air, distance, style, costume, and crowd participation. The winner of the Pond Skimming Challenge will win four Sunrise day pass lift tickets for the 2022/23 ski season.

“This season has been a great success with many operational improvements that took place, a daily dedication to consistent delivery of the experience and team Sunrise working hard to ensure a great experience,” said General Manager Todd Clarke. “Sunrise is the best mountain in Arizona. We have a full agenda this summer to revitalize the facilities and services ensuring Sunrise is Arizona’s Ultimate Mountain Adventure. We invite you to follow along on our website and social media pages as we provide regular updates on our summer progress.”

2022-10-01T09:22:35-07:00March 14th, 2022 5:56 am|Press Release|0 Comments
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