The crisp air, deep snow, and absolute silence make the North Rim a delightful place to ski. The closest skiing to the park starts south of Jacob Lake, at the gate that closes Highway 67. You can park your car here, then ski south on the snow-covered highway. Snowmobiles are banned from the highway and the land east of it. To ski into the park (44 miles and several days' travel from the gate) and spend a night on the North Rim, you'll need to obtain a backcountry permit from the Backcountry Information Center (tel. 928/638-7875).
Cross-country skiing is unreliable on the South Rim. When there is sufficient snow, the Kaibab National Forest grooms trails near the Arizona Trail east of Grandview Point. For information about which trails are open in winter, call the Kaibab National Forest Tusayan Ranger District Office at tel. 928/638-2443.
