Arizona Nordic Village transforming from basic camping to rustic glamping.
Off the grid and into the woods, Arizona Nordic Village, about 15 miles north of Flagstaff on Highway 180, is becoming more of a village as backcountry yurts are being moved closer to the main lodge. Other improvements guests can expect this fall include a fresh coat of paint and new furniture and decorative touches including mattresses, linens and bedding, along with vintage-style lanterns.
“We will have six yurts and four cabins all near the lodge and restrooms,” said Manager Sydney Nieminen. “We also have potable water, electricity and Wi-Fi in the lodge. We plan to broaden our Wi-Fi reach in the near future and have the ability to create more electricity with additional solar panels.”
Nieminen says Arizona Nordic Village, owned by Babbitt Ranches, is using dynamic pricing for its yurts and cabins through Airbnb, which includes discounts during the week. Yurts start at $60 per night. Cabins range from $80 to $130.
Also available for rent is the Ponderosa Room, a charming 165-square-foot suite upstairs in the lodge, which often serves as a bridal suite during wedding season, May through October.
“The popularity of Arizona Nordic Village as a wedding venue has absolutely exploded since the pandemic,” said Nieminen. “Our bridal parties tell us they enjoy the outdoor spaces, the freedom to personalize their events and decorate as they wish, dancing under the stars and overnight options for guests.”
“My husband and I got married here September 2023,” said Savhanna Hawley in an online review. “It was amazing. It did pour down rain all day but stopped just enough for our ceremony and even with the rain and clouds it was beautiful. The staff was great and very helpful though the whole process.”
Search and rescue training, foot and bike races and other activities occur throughout the year, including cross-country skiing during the winter at the Nordic Village’s 8,000-foot elevation. Nieminen expects more businesses to take advantage of the nearby, yet wilderness-like, setting with indoor and outdoor gathering spaces and overnight opportunities for retreats, teambuilding and visioning sessions in the upcoming year.
“Arizona Nordic Village strives to deliver a meaningful and memorable experience set within the glorious surroundings of the ponderosa pine and aspen forest, whether it’s celebrating a big moment, camping together with family or friends, enjoying healthy outdoor activities like hiking, biking, camping, birdwatching, leaf-peeping, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing or planning the future for your company with co-workers,” said Nieminen. FBN
By Bonnie Stevens, FBN
The Arizona Nordic Village helps guests plan their events and works with local vendors such as caterers, photographers and florists to accommodate group needs. For more information or to plan your next camping trip or event, visit https://www.arizonanordicvillage.com or call 928-326-3121.
Courtesy Photo: This large yurt is available for meetings and gatherings.