Hi all. I'm taking my kids (teens/tweens) to Williams New Year's weekend to see the snow. We are going to do some sledding and going to the Grand Canyon. We live in the Phoenix area, so obviously do not have any winter wear. I am mostly concerned about our feet. I really don't want to spend $200 on snow boots for one weekend, but also don't want to be stuck with cold, wet feet. Any alternative solutions?
Better Bring your own Snow. There is none here. Dress warm because it does get cold at night. Ski hat.
I'm not looking for several feet of it. Even just a bit is fine to me. The Canyon Coast place keeps it snowy for sledding if I read correctly.
It's been in the upper 60s and low 70s for the last week and other than some rain later this week no snow in sight.
Big 5 has cheap snow boots and gloves. Gloves are essential. Not just knit gloves but actual snow gloves. My kids grew out of them after one use so I never bought expensive stuff. You can always try thrifting as well.
They only make snow when the temperatures allow. It’s been incredibly and unseasonably warm. There is no snow. I would call canyon coaster to check.
Hiking shoes/boots and socks. Bring an extra pair of socks and shoes to keep those tootsies warm.
Also, just wanted to give a heads up that it's been a pretty light year in terms of snow this year. Hope it changes by new year.
What snow you talking about? 😂
I was wondering the same thing.
There’s rain forecast but no snow. Little bit of snow left on the San Francisco Peaks but not much. Keep an eye on the forecasts, it could change.
Bring plastic bags and wear them outside your boots, close them with ducktapr
If you put on warm socks then put your feet into shopping bags and tape them around your ankles, you won't risk tearing the bags. Your shoes will get wet, but your feet will stay warm and dry. Just make sure to bring an extra pair!
And that is slippery as f*ck
We got some used (like practically new, used once only) on FB Marketplace. It worked perfect.
Layers, boots, and crampons (this is the most important equipment).
Bring all the extra socks you can find. When you get to where you're staying, leave a dedicated space for drying socks and shoes.
First, check your car's tires. Second, what snow? Maybe Flag will have snow.
I’m dreaming of a white Christmas too, but it’s not in the cards this year
Anything water resistant helps, with a lot of extra pairs of socks. Also, don't expect snow in williams but maybe flagstaff. If it does the roads can get bad as well, so plan accordingly. Also, if using cheap plastic sleds bring extra because they break.
Big has $20 hiking shoes that work well. I don't think there is any snow for sledding in Williams though
If things stay like this, you may not need them......
There suggestion about warm socks and an extra pair of "dry shoes" can help
When my kids were younger, we would look at the local marketplaces and find the spot that was selling winter gear.
Basically a buy/sell operation out of someone's garage - after the first year, we'd bring the prior season stuff and get some money knocked off the current season replacement
There is also goodwill, etc that may have options
Didn't make a ton of sense to me to pay full freight for something used at most 15 times in a year
Kid2kid or once upon a child might have better options too
Tonight's weather news said snow over 10,000 ft is about all the snow they guarantee. That's for Wednesday and Thursday.
Rain is expected in Flagstaff. Snow is a strong maybe in Flag.
We -might- get a little rain in the Valley of the Sun.
If something drastic takes place you ain't going to see no snow.
Unfortunately you aren’t going to have snow for sledding. Maybe on the north side of Bill Williams Mountain there may be some patches, but not enough for sledding. It is supposed to rain this week, maybe snow at the highest elevations. I wouldn’t cancel my trip, you can find plenty to do. Enjoy your trip, stay safe.
Uhhhh… what snow?