The Blue Spruce

The most skiing available in Arizona! All of Apache Peak and the majority of Sunrise Peak are OPEN! The next storm is expected on Thursday, so be ready for a fresh powder weekend.

Our first good snow of 2024. in #pinetoplakeside #woodlandlakepark #snow #dronevideography #pinetop @visitpinetoplakeside @visit_arizona @visitwhitemountains @visit.arizona @pinetoplakeside @pinetoplakesidechamber

Planning to do the Color Run? Fun Run Kits (optional) are available to order now.

We are still accepting entry applications for the Fall Festival Parade on Saturday, September 23. It's free to participate this year and our theme is "Fall in Love with the Arizona White Mountains." Entry forms can be found here: http://www.pinetoplakesideaz.gov/FormCenter/Events-and-Vendors-14/Fall-Festival-Parade-Participant-Applica-86

On behalf of the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside, our residents, community members, business owners and visitors, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Arizona Department of Transportation for the diligent work it has done to complete the much-needed emergency repairs to State Route 260, also known as White Mountain Boulevard. The harsh winter we experienced this year and the associated snow plowing efforts caused the highway to suffer significant deterioration and created thousands of dangerous potholes. Over the last few months, we heard loudly and clearly from people who traverse State Route 260 daily for business, pleasure and to access basic necessities such as food, healthcare, visiting family and friends, and from those traveling through our area. We did our best to explain that while the Town has no authority to repair or maintain State Route 260, we also asked for the public’s help in communicating their concerns to ADOT. The public responded in an unprecedented way and ADOT listened. The department re-allocated more than $4 million in funds to repair approximately 33 lane miles from the Wagon Wheel area to Hon-Dah Resort and Casino. And, what a difference it has made. There is more good news. ADOT has updated its FY24-28 Five-Year Program to include a pavement rehabilitation project along much of this stretch of highway in FY27 which will further improve pavement conditions in Pinetop-Lakeside. I specifically want to acknowledge ADOT Northeast District Engineer Ed Wilson and State Transportation Board Member Jesse Thompson, who represented Navajo, Apache, and Coconino counties, for their unwavering support to address our concerns. Finally, my thanks to Navajo County Supervisor Dawnafe Whitesinger for her leadership in helping put the spotlight on our need for highway improvements. This is a prime example of how government can work when we unite in solidarity to make our voices heard.

Thank You,
Stephanie Irwin
Mayor, Town of Pinetop-Lakeside

🌞🥾 Summer Hiking Safety Tips in Pinetop-Lakeside 🏔️🚶‍♂️

🚫 Avoid peak heat hours – Hike early morning or late afternoon.
🧴 Stay hydrated – Carry plenty of water and drink regularly.
🕶️ Protect yourself – Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses.
🦟 Bug alert – Bring insect repellent for a comfortable hike.
🐻 Wildlife awareness – Keep a safe distance and don't feed animals.
🗺️ Know the trail – Plan your route and bring a map or GPS.
👫 Hike in groups – Safety in numbers, bring a buddy or two.
📞 Emergency contact – Share your hiking plan with someone.
🔦 Be prepared – Pack a first aid kit and essential supplies.
🚮 Leave no trace – Respect nature, take your trash with you.

Happy and safe hiking adventures! 🌲🏞️
📸:

Sign up at https://www.wmbfaz.com/volunteer-crew

Kick off summer at Arizona's Ultimate Mountain Adventure! Sunrise Park Resort is now open Friday - Sunday (plus Memorial Day Monday) with fun for the whole family!

Join in on the fun with:
- Downhill Mountain Biking
- Scenic Chairlift Rides
- Realistic 3D Archery Courses
- Axe Throwing *New
- Target Archery Range *New
- Zip Lining
- Summer Tubing
- Airbag Jump
- Climbing Wall
- Hiking
- Disc Golf

🏂 Apache Peak opening Thursday (1/5) and Cyclone base area opening Saturday (1/7)!

Apache Peak - open daily starting Thursday. This includes Geronimo (Lift 5) servicing the peak and the Apache Peak Lodge will be open with dining and restrooms daily. Come check out the delicious BBQ menu and the new deck!

Cyclone Base Area - open starting this Saturday (1/7) and will regularly be open Thursdays through Sundays. Cyclone base offers ticket sales, additional parking, Ski Bike rentals, Ski Bike lessons, dining, lockers, and restrooms, Fort Apache (Lift 4) will provide service from Cyclone base up to Geronimo (Lift 5).

CYCLONE CIRCLE TRAILS WILL NOT BE OPEN - The trails on Cyclone Circle will not be opening at this time. No hikers will be allowed to access trails on Cyclone until the new cord lift is in place. The new Cyclone Cord is scheduled to be installed in the coming weeks and we will provide additional information soon.

Ski season has arrived!

...WINTER STORM WATCH IN EFFECT FROM LATE SATURDAY NIGHT THROUGH
MONDAY AFTERNOON ABOVE 6000 FEET...

Heavy weekend snow is possible above 6000 feet beginning Saturday night through Monday. Total snow accumulations are estimated at around 6 to 12 inches, with as many as 22 inches possible. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.

Travel could be difficult, so plan accordingly and monitor road conditions as they can deteriorate quickly.

Snow forecast:

Alpine 9 to 13 inches
Pinetop-Lakeside 9 to 13 inches
Show Low 5 to 9 inches.

What steps can you take?
Home
weather stripping
caulking
pipe insulation
cut away branches that could fall
check batteries on smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
gather supplies, i.e.:
water
food
blankets
medications
pet supplies
shovel

Vehicle
keep a full tank of gas
jumper cables
warm clothes
blankets
bottled water
non-perishable snacks
extra chargers
tire chains
tow rope or chains
flashlight
hazard reflectors or road flares

Monitor the latest forecasts for updates on this situation.

Pinetop-Lakeside Weather:
https://owc.enterprise.earthnetworks.com/OnlineWeatherCenter.aspx?aid=7761

For more information from the National Weather Service visit:
http://weather.gov/flagstaff

For current travel info visit:
https://www.az511.com/

For a more detailed table of forecast snow amounts for counties,
reservations, and roads go to:
http://weather.gov/flagstaff/SnowTables

Learn to ski or snowboard this winter at Sunrise!

Online Booking Now Available - Sunrise Mountain Learning Center features a variety of lessons ranging from never ever to advanced skiing, snowboarding, and ski biking (coming soon). Group Lessons are available Thursday through Sunday and private lessons are available daily.

Book your lessons online today at www.sunrise.ski/winter/lessons/

UPDATE: White Mountains-area highways closing for the winter on Dec. 27
SR 261, 273 closing three days earlier than originally scheduled

The Arizona Department of Transportation is advising drivers of the following state highways that are closing for the winter on Tuesday, Dec. 27:

State Route 261 between Eagar and Big Lake in the White Mountains.
State Route 273 between Sunrise Park and Big Lake in the White Mountains.
State Routes 473 and 67 closed earlier this year for the winter.

ADOT closes these state roadways annually as part of the agency’s winter shutdown schedule due to the significant amounts of snowfall these parts of the state typically receive.

For information on winter driving preparedness, visit azdot.gov/knowsnow.

AZ 511 Provides up to the minute traffic and transit information for Arizona. View the real time traffic map with travel times, traffic accident details, traffic cameras and other road conditions. Plan your trip and get the fastest route taking into account current traffic conditions.

ADOT’s high country advisory: ‘Know Snow’ for winter driving.

Before traveling, research weather conditions to determine whether it would be better to wait for the storm to pass so ADOT’s nearly 200 snowplows can clear the highways. Check road conditions by calling 511 or visiting az511.gov. ADOT’s Twitter account () and page (facebook.com/AZDOT) provide real-time information and interaction.

For winter driving safety tips visit azdot.gov/KnowSnow.

Know Snow and Ice | ADOT Make sure your vehicle is in good working condition by paying special attention to the battery, ignition and exhaust systems, thermostat, defroster, heater and brakes. Take these precautions as well:

This year's display is coming along quite nicely. Just the finishing touches left before we start up! Christmas on Evergreen Drive