Arizona might be part of a big desert (do you know which one?), but to the north are tall mountains and during the winter, skiing is a favorite pasttime for many. I used to ski in Southern California. Sun City even has a Ski Club!. I think they went to Teluride this year. Click below to learn more about Skiing in AZ. http://www.onthesnow.com/arizona/ski-resorts.html
I could never do cross country.. so hard! I like going down a mountain.. years ago I used to go down Smugglers Notch in VT and also, VAIL CO and Breckenridge, etc.. I was in Vail one time with a friend and 3-4 foot fell the night before and nothing but powder... My friend who skied there for 9 years said I happen to hit the best day he had ever seen... LUCKY!!!