Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley: The Southernmost Ski Resort in the United States
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is a genuine Arizona original: the southernmost ski resort in the continental United States, sitting at 8,200 to 9,157 feet on the slopes of Mount Lemmon in the Coronado National Forest. Skiers and snowboarders ride 21 trails served by 3 lifts, and when the snow melts the same chairs keep spinning all summer as the scenic Sky Ride. Best of all, it's a 45-minute drive from Tucson up the Catalina Highway — and just a few minutes from your cabin at Mt. Lemmon Hotel.
Use this guide to plan your trip: the mountain's stats, what's open and when, tips for first-timers, and where to stay so you wake up minutes from the lifts.
Why Everyone Wants to Ski in Arizona
Mount Lemmon is a sky island: a 9,157-foot pine forest rising out of the Sonoran Desert. Skiers in Tucson enjoy a rare combination — morning runs through the pines, then back down to a 70-degree desert afternoon. Ski Valley is the southernmost ski destination in the US, which means:
- Mild, sunny ski days — temperatures typically 20 to 50°F on the slopes
- No crowds like Colorado — a local mountain with a local feel
- ~180 inches of snow a year on average at the summit
- 100% natural snow — no snowmaking, which keeps it quiet and woodsy
- The longest ski season in Arizona — usually mid-December through early April
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley at a Glance
Here's the quick version of what you'll find on the mountain (figures from Ski Valley's official info and Wikipedia):
- Summit: 9,157 ft • Base: 8,200 ft • Vertical drop: ~950 ft
- Trails: 21 total — 20% beginner, 38% intermediate, 42% advanced/expert
- Longest run: 8,500 ft
- Lifts: 3 — 2 double chairlifts + 1 surface lift; uphill capacity 2,000 skiers/hour
- Skiable terrain: 200 acres
- Snowfall: ~180 in/year average
- Season: mid-December to early April (weather dependent)
- Night skiing: none • Terrain park: no groomed park (natural, ungroomed terrain)
Terrain for Every Level
Whatever your ability, there's a run for you — and the ungroomed, natural terrain keeps even "easy" runs interesting.
Beginner • 20% of trails
Gentle green runs near the base, perfect for first-timers and kids. Great place to take a lesson or two.
Intermediate • 38% of trails
The heart of the mountain — wide blue cruisers through the pines with mountain and desert views.
Advanced & Expert • 42% of trails
Black-diamond steeps and glades for the adventurous. The longest run stretches 8,500 feet.
When to Go & What's Open
The ski season usually runs mid-December to early April, but snow comes and goes — always check the current conditions before heading up. Ski Valley is open all year (closed Tuesday and Wednesday), so even in summer you can ride the chairlift as the Sky Ride.
- Iron Door Restaurant: Mon, Thu & Fri 10:30 am – 4:00 pm • Sat & Sun 9:00 am – 4:00 pm (service animals only)
- Sky Ride, Gift & Fudge Shop: Mon, Thu & Fri 10:30 am – 4:30 pm • Sat & Sun 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (2-person limit per chair)
- Parking: $5 in the Ski Valley lot; free shuttle parking nearby
- Address: 10300 Ski Run Rd, Mt. Lemmon, AZ 85619 • Phone: (520) 576-1321
Ride the Sky Ride (Summer & Year-Round)
No snow? No problem. The lifts at Ski Valley run all year as the Sky Ride — a scenic chairlift that carries you over the slopes for sweeping views of the pines, the Santa Catalina Mountains, and the desert valleys stretching north. It's one of the most popular things to do on Mt. Lemmon in summer and fall, and it pairs perfectly with a stay at the hotel.
Stay Minutes From the Lifts
Mt. Lemmon Hotel sits in Summerhaven, a few minutes' drive from Ski Valley — with 21 private cabins, 12 of them pet-friendly. The Ski Tucson Cabin (sleeps 6, pet-friendly) is named for the mountain's ski heritage. After a day on the slopes, come home to a full kitchen, Wi-Fi, and a quiet cabin in the pines.
More Winter Fun on Mt. Lemmon
If skiing isn't your thing — or you want to mix it up — the mountain has more winter options:
- Sledding on Mt. Lemmon — tubing and sledding spots for the whole family
- Snow travel prep — chains, 4WD rules, and driving the Catalina Highway in snow
- Day trip from Tucson — the full itinerary for a snow day
- Fall colors guide — when the aspens turn gold
- Things to do on Mt. Lemmon — the complete activities hub
Ski Valley FAQ
When is ski season at Mt. Lemmon?
Usually mid-December through early April, depending on snowfall. The mountain gets about 180 inches of snow a year on average. Always check the snow report before you go.
Is Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley really the southernmost ski resort in the US?
Yes — it's the southernmost ski destination in the continental United States, one of the reasons skiers from Tucson, Phoenix, and beyond make the drive up the Catalina Highway.
Do I need chains or 4WD to drive up in winter?
Often yes. The Catalina Highway can close briefly after big storms, and chain/4WD restrictions may apply above certain elevations. Read our snow travel prep guide before heading up.
Can I ride the chairlift when there's no snow?
Yes — the lifts run year-round as the Sky Ride scenic experience (closed Tue/Wed). It's one of the best views on the mountain.
How far is Ski Valley from Mt. Lemmon Hotel?
Only a few minutes' drive. The hotel is in Summerhaven, at the top of the Catalina Highway — book the Ski Tucson Cabin or any of our 21 cabins.
Are there restaurants at Ski Valley?
Yes — the Iron Door Restaurant serves lunch (see hours above; service animals only), and the Gift & Fudge Shop has snacks. More dining options are a short drive away in Summerhaven — see our dining guide.
Ready to ski the southernmost slopes in the US? Book your cabin today — check availability → • Questions? Call (520) 277-2478