Mt. Lemmon Tucson Ski ResortSkiing in the Desert?
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| Tall pines surround the lifts and runs |
But locals know that when that when winter storms come calling, the craggy peaks on the town's northern edge can turn into a winter playland.
The Tucson Ski Resort, known as Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, is famous as the southernmost ski resort in the continental United States.
It’s perched high up on the slopes of 9,157 foot Mt. Lemmon, next to the village of Summerhaven.
Mt. Lemmon is the highest peak in the Santa Catalina Mountains.
These dramatic, rugged peaks rise up from the desert to form the northern boundary of the city of Tucson.
To reach the Tucson ski area, skiers must first drive 27 miles up the winding and beautiful Santa Catalina Highway, which is the main route through the Santa Catalina district of the Coronado National Forest.
As it climbs upward, the road passes through dense stands of saguaro cactus forest and thick oak woodlands before reaching the forests at the top, where its 30 degrees cooler than it is down on the desert floor.
In the summer, these cool pine forests on top of the mountain are a welcome escape from the desert's heat.
In the winter, the mountain top changes from cool to a cold and snowy climate that would please any Northerner.
Although Mount Lemmon Ski Valley Resort is small at just 200 acres, it offers nice skiing for all ages and abilities in a scenic, forested setting.
Tucsonans and visitors alike have the best of both worlds – they can hit the ski slopes at the Tucson ski resort in the morning and, just an hour later, be down in the desert relaxing by the pool in the afternoon.
Winter Sports: Skiing and Snowboarding
In spite of the fact that the Mt. Lemmon Tucson Ski Valley is so far south, it can have pretty good skiing when there’s been good snow. |
| Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Tucson’s chair lift ferries skiers in winter and sightseers the rest of the year |
Mt. Lemmon's ski season usually begins sometime in December and ends around mid-April.
Like other Arizona ski resorts, snow accumulation is highly variable in the Southwestern climate and can change considerably from week to week.
Annual snowfall varies greatly from about 70 inches to 175 inches, but can be much less during drought years.
Also, because Mount Lemmon is in the desert, the snow conditions can become icy by afternoon as the temperature warms up.
So, it’s best to get to the slopes early and to call ahead for current conditions before heading up the mountain to ski.
The Tucson Ski Resort is on 200 acres with about 70 acres of skiable terrain.
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| Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley’s ski rental shop |
The top elevation at Mt. Lemmon Tucson Ski Valley is 9,150 feet and the base elevation is 8,200 feet, providing a vertical drop of 950 feet.
The majority of the 21 downhill runs are for intermediate and advanced skiers with some good, challenging backcountry runs.
All trails lead down to one area at the bottom of the mountain, making it easy for groups and families to meet up at the bottom.
If there is enough snow, Mt. Lemmon Tucson Ski Valley sets up a terrain park for snowboarders. The terrain park features pipes, rails and jumps.
There is no Nordic skiing or snow play at this Tucson ski resort. However, there are plenty of places for cross country skiing, sledding and snow play in the surrounding Coronado National Forest.
Year Round Activities at Tucson Ski Resort
Once the snow is gone, the Mount Lemmon Tucson Ski Resort’s chair lift operates the rest of the year as a scenic sky ride.The ride takes about 1/2 hour and goes up to about 9,100 feet; roughly over 900 feet above the ski area base at 8,200 feet.
At the top, the scenic overlook has sweeping views of the Santa Catalina Mountains and the city of Tucson. On a clear day, you can see all the way south to Mexico.
The resort’s Iron Door Restaurant is also open year round.
Nearby hiking trails in the area make it a popular destination any time of year.
Visitor Facilities at Tucson Ski Resort
Because the Mt. Lemmon Tucson Ski Valley Resort is small, there isn’t much of a day lodge. |
| The shops at Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley |
Parking is limited and the bathrooms consist of porta-johns.
However, you can get ski rentals and full service ski school instruction.
The Grub Stake is a patio cafe offering hot dogs, hamburgers, chips, coffee and cold drinks. The seating is slope side.
There’s also the Miner’s Sweet Tooth shop for popcorn, fudge, candy, ice cream and gifts.
The Tucson Ski Valley’s Iron Door Restaurant is open for breakfast and lunch and serves burgers, sandwiches, chili and cornbread.
Currently, the only lodging available on Mt. Lemmon is a few privately owned cabins in the tiny town of Summerhaven, which is 1.5 miles away.
There is no lodging at the ski area.
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| The Iron Door Restaurant |
The forest fires a few years ago destroyed many of the businesses and homes that were once in the area.
There are also a few other food options in Summerhaven.
Here you'll find the Mt. Lemmon Cookie Cabin, Living Rainbow Gift Shop and the Mt. Lemmon General Store, all of which have food and beverages.
If you're looking for the popular Mt. Lemmon Café, known for its pies, we're sad to report that it closed in May 2009.
Fast Facts: Mt. Lemmon Tucson Ski Valley, Tucson, AZ
What to Know Before You Go:- If you plan on making stops at recreation sites on Mt. Lemmon during your drive up to the top, you'll need to pay the U.S. Forest Service $5 per vehicle Day Pass Fee. The Day Pass can be purchased at the Molino Fee Station at milepost 4.5 or at the Palisades Visitor Center at milepost 19.5. If you drive straight up to Mt. Lemmon without stopping, you do not have to pay the fee.
- Pima County has spent about 10 years improving the Catalina Highway that leads all the way up Mt. Lemmon. It is paved and passable for all vehicles. However, it may be temporarily closed following snowstorms. Because there can be traffic jams on busy ski days, the Pima County Sheriff’s department may temporarily close the road.
- While the road is paved, snow tires, chains or four wheel drive may be required depending on the weather. Obey all conditions signs and do not attempt to drive the road if you are not prepared for snowy or icy conditions. The resulting traffic accidents from unprepared drivers may force closure of the Catalina Highway.
- At the Ski Valley, there have been problems in the past with not enough parking and overflowing portable toilets. It’s best to arrive early in the day.
- There is no gas available on Mt. Lemmon, so make sure you have a full tank of gas before you head up the mountain.
- During summer, the Tucson Ski Resort sky ride may close early due to lightning during afternoon monsoon thunderstorms.
Location: Santa Catalina Mountains, about 1 hour northeast of Tucson
Directions: Take Tanque Verde Road in Tucson to the Catalina Highway. Drive up Mt. Lemmon on the Catalina Highway for 30 miles. Turn right at the Ski Valley turnoff and it is 1 mile to the ski area.
Address: 10300 Ski Run Road, Mt. Lemmon, Arizona 85619
Google Map Directions: Click on "+" and "-" signs on Map Controls in upper left hand corner to zoom in and out on the location.
Mt. Lemmon Tucson Ski Valley Phone: 520-576-1321
Santa Catalina Highway Road Conditions Phone: 520-547-7510
Clcik here for the National Weather Service Mount Lemmon Weather Forecast
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Hours on Ski Days:
Thursdays – Mondays 9:00 am – 4:00 pm.
Closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Iron Horse Restaurant Hours:
Monday, Thursday & Friday 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm
Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
Elevation: top elevation: 9, 150 feet
base elevation: 8,200 feet
vertical drop: 950 feet.
Skiable Terrain: 70 acres
Winter Activities: downhill skiing, snowboarding
Number of Runs/Trails: 21
Number of Lifts: 2 chair lifts, 1 surface tow
Snow Play Area: No.
All Day Lift Ticket Prices:
Full Day-All Lifts
Adult: $37
Child: $20
Military: $30
Seniors: $30
70 and over: Free
Half Day-All Lifts
Adult: $32
Child: $15
Military: $27
Seniors: $27
70 and over: Free
Summer Skyride Chairlift Days & Hours: Open Thursday-Monday
10:30 am - 4:00 pm during weekdays
10:30 am - 6:00 pm on weekend days
Summer Skyride Chairlift Ride Prices:
Adult: $9
Youth: $7
Seniors & Military: $8
Note: This information was accurate at the time of publication. All contact information, availability, access, directions and prices should be confirmed directly with the facility before making reservations and/or travel plans.
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