Jetsettersblog

Who says there’s no snow in Arizona? While the Grand Canyon state is known for its deserts, Arizona is also home to countless snow-capped peaks, as well as developed ski areas for downhill skiers and snowboarders and natural areas perfect for cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and even snow villages!

In Flagstaff, enjoy the sights of winter year round when viewing snow capped peaks and try out seasonal skiing on more than 32 trails, four chair lifts and an average snowfall of 260 inches in Arizona’s Snowbowl. Flagstaff’s Nordic Centre, another snow destination offers more than 25 miles of groomed cross-country trails and 10 miles of snowshoe trails through beautiful forests. The trails will entertain and challenge beginners and seasoned cross-county skiers alike. Flagstaff’s combination of high altitude, low humidity and diverse terrain provide mild weather conditions and clear air throughout the year. At 7,000 feet elevation, Flagstaff is located in the largest contiguous ponderosa pine forest in the world. www.flagstaffnordiccenter.com  or www.arizonasnowbowl.com

Ski seeking travellers can also put their skills to the test in the White Mountains, on the White Mountain Apache lands, at the Sunrise Park Resort which offers some of the finest skiing in the Western United States. Their 65 runs promise adventure for skiers of any level. There is also a separate snowboarding area, cross country ski trails and a special children’s “ski-wee” area. www.sunriseskipark.com

Magical snow is brought to the desert especially for the holidays – a Christmas treat! Yuma Visitors Bureau and the Yuma Crossing National Heritage Area are joining forces to sponsor a magical Centennial Christmas Village at the Yuma Quartermaster Depot State Historic Park between December 16th to 23rd 2011. This year, Santa is bringing enough snow to blanket a sledding hill! The village will also feature a trip back in time aboard the “Heritage Express” train, which will tour the brightly-lit historic buildings of the park to experience Christmas traditions in 1912, the year Arizona became a state. With fun, free activities and thousands of sparkling lights throughout the park, the Centennial Christmas Village is the perfect place to make memories that will last a lifetime. www.yumacalender.org

Vast, magnificent and inarguably beautiful, the Grand Canyon is easily Arizona’s most distinguishable landmark – and a natural wonder that you simply have to see to believe. Have you ever imagined the Grand Canyon view covered with snow? If not, it’s time to head there either for Christmas or New Year’s.

It is truly breathtaking scenery you won’t be able to see anywhere else www.arizonaguide.com

News

The Saguaro Plants its Roots in Scottsdale

The Saguaro, Joie de Vivre Hotels’ first property outside of California, opened its doors to the public on 3rd November 2011 after undergoing a $10 million (approx. £6.4 million) renovation that showcases the colourful, vibrant spirit of the Southwest.

The new hotel promises to leave its mark on downtown Scottsdale with the debut of three new dining destinations, 10,000 square feet of meeting space, two heated outdoor swimming pools and cabanas, and a full-service spa. Consulting chef Jose Garces, named the “Best Chef Mid-Atlantic 2009″ by the James Beard Foundation, is the innovator behind the hotel’s foodie havens. Distrito, The Saguaro’s signature restaurant, is slated to open in December and will showcase the diverse street food of Mexico City, known for its Barbacoa (Mexican barbeque). Garces also is the brainchild behind the hotel’s Old Town Whiskey, a bar evocative of frontier drink parlors, and Garces Trading Company (GTC) Coffee To-Go.

www.jdvhotels.com/hotels/saguaro

2012 Rankings Position Kai as Arizona’s Only Five-Star and Five-Diamond Restaurant

Forbes Travel Guide, formerly Mobil Travel Guide, unveiled its 54th annual listing of five-star and four-star hospitality establishments worldwide, and awarded Kai restaurant at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa with their highest rating, the Five-Star Award.

Kai now stands as one of only 25 restaurants in all of North America and the sole restaurant in Arizona to receive the prestigious Five-Star commendation.

In addition, AAA announced their list of 2012 Five-Diamond Award winners and Kai was the only restaurant in Arizona to be named to this venerated list. These recent announcements mark Kai’s fourth five-star rating and sixth five-diamond designation.

This dual recognition once again solidifies Kai’s place as one of the most prestigious and essential dining experiences in North America.

www.wildhorsepassresort.com

World’s Greatest Margarita

La Fuente’s Mario Rocha won the 2011 World’s Greatest Margarita contest for his Tamarindo Margarita, created at the Tucson Culinary Festival event at Maynards Market & Kitchen, October 27th. Julio Blanco of Marinaterra Hotel & Spa San Carlos garnered the People’s Choice award for his spicy Margarita Marinaterra.

This celebration of tequila and the quest for the perfect margarita drew 14 contenders from Tucson and Mexico. Proceeds benefit the Arizona Children’s Association.

www.TucsonCulinaryFestival.com

RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup returns to Phoenix

Golf gurus rejoice at the return of The RR Donnelley LPGA Founders Cup to the Wildfire Golf Club at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort and Spa on March 13th to 18th, 2012. The event marks the 38th year of LPGA Tour competition in the Valley since 1962, promising an unexpectedly celebratory affair. www.lpga.com/lpgafounderscup.aspx

Events

Now through to January 7th 2012 – Grand Canyon

Now through to August 5th 2012 – Grand Archaeology Excavation and Discovery Along the Colorado River
The Museum of Northern Arizona in Flagstaff is exhibiting 24 large prehistoric artifacts, including pots, bowls, jars, and stone tools, plus numerous small projectile points, beads, pendants, gaming pieces, and other artifacts from the excavation sites at the Canyon floor and along the Colorado River corridor. Entry $4-7, from 9 am – 5 pm. www.musnaz.org

1st December 2011- 1st May 2012 – Verde Canyon Railroad Eagle Watching

As Arizona’s first human snowbirds arrive, migrating bald and golden eagles settle into the Canyon sanctuary where they play and prey all winter. Passengers aboard the Verde Canyon Railroad are privileged to view American bald eagles display remark­able courting rituals and prepare their nesting sites in this remote destination only accessible by rail … unless you have feathers.

All train rides are four hours long and

Prices start $34.95 per child, and $54.95 per adult.

www.verdecanyonrr.com

16th February – 26th February 2012 – 57th Annual Scottsdale Arabian Horse Show & Shopping Expo
WestWorld venue presents the largest event of its kind in the world, 2,200 of the world’s most beautiful Arabians, Half-Arabians & National Show Horses in competition, celebrities, barn parties, more than 300 vendor booths, international cuisine, exhibitors sell artwork, jewelry, equine gifts, horse care products. Entry $7-15, starting at 8 am – 10 pm.

www.scottsdaleshow.com

18th – 19th & 23rd – 26th – Real Cowboy Games

The 87th Annual La Fiesta de los Vaqueros-Tucson Rodeo and Parade, February 18th -19th and February 23rd – 26th, 2012 is an exciting way to spend time outdoors with family and friends.

Arizona’s celebration of the cowboy includes six professional rodeo events as well as the Coors Barn Dance, Rodeo Slack Competition, Dodge Mutton Bustin’ and the Justin Junior Rodeo, and the Tucson Rodeo Parade (Feb. 23rd).

www.TucsonRodeo.com