Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley
Skiing near Tucson, Arizona
The Southernmost ski area in America
When folks think of cold, snow and mountains, their minds tend to go North. However the American Southwest is sprinkled with ski areas that defy that logic and arguably the most unique among them is a small hidden gem ski area just outside of Tucson, Arizona.
Skiing, in Tucson, Arizona? Yeah that’s a thing! One of the county’s least known ski areas is also one of it’s coolest and most unique. High above the desert in one of the least probable places you could ever think of lies a ski area like no other, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley.
To reach Mount Lemmon, one must take the Mount Lemmon Highway from the outskirts of Tucson. It is truly a surreal experience to witness the stark beauty of the desert while passing cacti and huge rocks on the ascent only to find snow at the top.
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley resides on the highest peak of Arizona’s Santa Catalina Mountains, topping out at around 9,157 feet. The ski area is open all year round for scenic chairlift rides and offers a respite from the heat in the Summer. During Winter, when Mother Nature decides to be generous, the chairlifts fulfill their true purpose by carrying skiers and snowboarders up the slopes where they can pick from any one of 21 trails.
No snowmaking is present here, so the ski season can be rather “on again, off again” as the storms come and go. A normal ski season isn’t really a thing here, but the slopes tend to be open sporadically from late December through Mid-March.
Mt. Lemmon does a good job of communicating with its customers via it’s Facebook Page, which offers road conditions and skiability updates.
Powder skiing in the desert
When the storms come, savvy powder hounds know to drive up the mountain a day in advance and grab a room at the local lodge or an Airbnb. Big snow storms often close the access road from Tucson to Mount Lemmon, preventing skiers from getting to the slopes, sometimes for days. Those staying in the nearby mountain village of Summerhaven can reap the rewards of their own private ski area until the road is cleared, a unique experience only gifted to a hearty few.
Lift TIckets
Lift tickets for skiing and sky rides are sold on site at the base of the ski area. For skiing the prices are: $69 for adults, $39 for kids and half day tickets are $59 and $35. No season passes are offered at Mt. Lemmon.
Transportation
While the Mt. Lemmon Highway is usually clear, the ski area is unfortunately at the mercy of Pima County to plow and maintain the mountain access road from Tucson after storms which is often very slow to happen. The road has been known to stay closed for days after a big snow dump. Private shuttle service is available from Tucson starting at $55.
Amenities
Mt. Lemmon has 2 chairlifts and one surface tow. Parking is free at the base and directly across from the ski area is the Iron Door Restaurant which keeps similar hours to the ski area. About a mile and half down the road in the town of Summerhaven, are several lodging options, additional restaurants and a general store.
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180″
Annual Snowfall
21
Named Runs
957′
Vertical Feet
200
Skiable Acres
26
Miles from Tucson
8,200′
Base altitude
9,157′
Summit Altitude
2
Chair lifts
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Open all year round
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is open for every month of the year.
*All photos taken by Snow LLC from November 2020. (Before the ski season).
The drive up
The Mount Lemmon Highway is a winding 2 lane road that begins in the fringes of suburban Tucson, cacti and unique rock formations line both sides and their are a few turn outs to stop and enjoy the view.
Vintage snow groomer
Most runs here are ungroomed, but Mt. Lemmon is very capable of laying down some sweet corduroy when the snow is good.
Clarence Chairlift
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley has 2 chairlifts, one for beginners and one that runs base to summit. They also have one surface lift in the beginner area.
Trail map
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley has 21 named trails of varying difficulty plus 3 lifts.
Slopeside Dining
Directly across from the slopes of Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is the Iron Door Restaurant that offers a wide variety of hot food and drinks and is open Thursday – Monday until 4pm.
Coffee with a view
The patio area at the slopeside Iron Door Restaurant lets you take in the views of the nearby ski slope while you sip your coffee or enjoy a meal, even in the Winter!
Location and hours
The following is address and operational schedule for Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley.
10300 E. Ski Run Rd, Mt. Lemmon, AZ. 85619
Thursday – Monday 9am-4pm
Mt. Lemmon is open all year round for scenic chair rides.
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