Tackling the Arizona Double at Lake Pleasant

It’s finally springtime, and you’ve got your flip-flops, board shorts and wakeboard in tow—but are you not quite ready to say goodbye to the splendor of ski season?

In Arizona, you don’t have to! At least, not for a few more weeks. Until the Arizona Snowbowl closes on April 21^st, you’re free to tackle both snowy slopes and cool, refreshing swells on the water. And you can do them both in one day.

We’ve talked about the California Double before—the SoCal tradition where participants surf and snowboard in the same day—but who knew Arizona was just as apt at providing a two-for-one adventure?

Just a two-and-a-half hour’s drive through Arizona’s sunny, picturesque landscape separates snow fun from water sport thrills—so enjoying both in the same day is an attainable goal. Read more about the Arizona Double below!

From sun-soaked fun at Lake Pleasant…

The fun begins on Lake Pleasant, which routinely ranks as one of the country’s best destinations for boating and water sports. Spend just a few hours here and you’ll quickly see why…

The lake’s wide center channel is perfect for wakeboarding, wakesurfing and waterskiing—of course, if you prefer a breezy fast-paced cruise, you can do that, too! Closer to the lake’s coves, you will find a laidback social atmosphere on warm, sunny days. The sparkling shorelines are perfect for taking a break from the fast-paced action and indulging in some kayaking or stand-up paddle boarding.

When it’s time to dry off and prep for the next leg of your journey—the snowy one—you’ll enjoy strolling around the water or snapping photos at such scenic spots as the lake’s North Overlook, which offers you a great bird’s eye view of the fun below. Lake Pleasant’s rich blue water stands out against the rolling desert landscape—dotted with saguaro cacti, it’s the quintessential Arizona escape. For a midday bite, enjoy the breeze and some delicious eats at one of Lake Pleasant’s many waterfront cafes.

… to a snowy escape at the Arizona Snowbowl

Once you’re dry and ready to experience the next half of your adventure, drive up north! The Arizona Snowbowl is known as one of the region’s premier snow sports destinations, and offers everything you need to carve in some serious shredding. The white, powdery landscape may be a far cry from the sunny waters you surfed just a few hours before—but when it comes to sheer thrills, the Snowbowl has you covered! Even if you’ve never been boarding in the snow before, you might find that you have a natural knack for it after so many runs on the water.

Tips for tackling the Arizona Double

Our tips for tackling the Arizona Double? Fuel up! High-protein meals before (and between) your sporting adventures will help you feel energized enough to enjoy the ride.

If you’re worried about travel time, consider an overnight stay—for example, by camping at Lake Pleasant the night before your Double Day, you can avoid rush hour traffic and hit the water bright and early so that you’re well on your way to snowboarding bliss by mid-afternoon.

With warmer days ahead, the Arizona Double may be a limited-time-only experience—but don’t let that stop you from soaking up Arizona’s on-the-water thrills in the months ahead! And before you know it, you’ll be able to enjoy the slopes and the surf all over again.