Is There Snow on Mt. Lemmon Right Now?
This is the question that matters, and the answer changes week to week. Mt. Lemmon gets its snow in short, intense storms — a sunny morning can turn into an afternoon snowstorm and a powder-filled forest by the next day. So instead of guessing, check the live sources below. They take about two minutes and tell you exactly what is on the ground before you commit to the drive.
Mid-winter depth in Summerhaven — a picnic table under a season of snow.
Check Conditions Right Now
- Summerhaven station, live temperature and snow depth: Weather Underground — Mount Lemmon. The fastest read on what the village looks like this minute.
- Ski Valley snow report and webcams, 8,701 ft: Snow-Forecast — Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley. Updated several times a day in season.
- Official forecast for the summit: National Weather Service point forecast. If it shows summit temps below freezing with precipitation, it is snowing up top — even when Tucson is sunny and in the 60s.
- Village webcams: our weather page and the General Store webcams in Summerhaven.
- Road status before you leave: call the Pima County road hotline.
Recorded 24-hour status for the Catalina Highway — closures and chain restrictions. Details in our Mt. Lemmon road conditions guide.
Reading the forecast like a local
- Watch the snow line, not the city. Snow on Mt. Lemmon typically starts around 7,000 feet. Summerhaven (about 8,000 ft) and the summit (9,171 ft) hold snow while the lower canyon and Tucson stay dry — so a storm that dumps nothing in the city can still bury the village.
- A cold storm is all it takes. The mountain runs roughly 30°F cooler than the valley. When Tucson is expecting a cold rain, expect snow up here.
- Snow lingers. It does not melt overnight. Summerhaven and the summit usually keep snow for days or weeks after a storm, so you do not have to be there on the exact day it falls.
- Melt-out is real. In a warm, dry stretch after a storm, low-elevation patches go first. If you are chasing snow in a mild winter, head for the highest ground and give it a few days at most.
The Three Questions Everyone Asks
Is there snow up there?
Check the Summerhaven station and the Ski Valley webcam above. If the village shows snow on the ground, you will see it — it is visible from the road as soon as you pass the 7,000-foot mark.
Are chains required right now?
Only while restrictions are in effect, which happens on average 5 to 15 days each winter. During restrictions, only vehicles with 4WD, AWD or chains are allowed past the closure point. Call (520) 351-3351 — it is a recording, and it answers the chain question directly.
Can we go sledding today?
If there is enough coverage, yes — and guests sled right at Mt. Lemmon Hotel. As a rule of thumb from living up here: under 4 inches is fine for snowballs, snowmen and photos but too thin for sledding; 6 inches or more is when the hills really work. The sledding guide covers the best hills around Summerhaven and the safety rules.
Yes, It Snows in the Desert
Most people picture Arizona as endless cactus country, but Mt. Lemmon is the exception: a forested mountain that tops out at 9,171 feet, where snow falls every winter just 45 minutes from northeast Tucson and about three hours from Phoenix. When Tucson is in the 70s, the summit can be a white wonderland — sledding hills, snow-dusted pines, and the southernmost ski area in the continental United States.
Heavy snow piles up fast at Mt. Lemmon Hotel — the cabins stay warm and cozy inside.
When Does It Snow on Mt. Lemmon?
Peak snow season runs roughly December through March, with the biggest storms usually arriving December through February. Snow is possible as early as November and as late as April, and those shoulder-season storms are the ones people miss — a November dump can be the quietest snow day of the year.
The upper mountain gets the most snow: Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, rising from 8,200 feet toward the 9,171-foot summit, averages around 180 inches of snow a season. Summerhaven (where our cabins are) and the summit area hold snow for days or weeks after a storm, while the lower canyon may stay dry — which is exactly why the snow line matters more than the calendar.
Storms here are famously quick. A sunny morning can turn into an afternoon snowstorm and a powder-filled forest the next day, which is why locals watch the Mt. Lemmon weather page and webcams before heading up.
The mountain dresses up for winter — first snow and holiday lights in Summerhaven.
From Tucson: A 27-Mile Climb to Winter
From northeast Tucson, the Catalina Highway (Sky Island Parkway) climbs 27 miles and nearly 6,000 feet in elevation, taking about 45 minutes to an hour. It is a paved, two-lane scenic highway with switchbacks and 35 mph posted limits — slow, not scary. Thousands of families drive it every winter, and snowplows keep it open in most conditions.
In snowy weather, carry chains and be ready to use them: Arizona law requires chains or four-wheel drive when signs say so, and the road can close briefly during the heaviest storms. Call the road hotline at (520) 351-3351 before you leave. There is no gas station on the mountain — fill up at Tanque Verde or Bear Canyon at the base.
Winter roads on the Catalina Highway — plowed and passable in most storms.
The Catalina Highway in winter — a scenic ribbon of asphalt through snow-dusted pines.
From Phoenix: The Southernmost Snow in the US
Phoenix to the snow is about 163 miles and roughly 3 hours: take I-10 East toward Tucson, then exit onto the Catalina Highway and climb 27 miles to Summerhaven. It is the southernmost snow experience in the continental United States — a genuine novelty that Phoenix families, skiers, and photographers make the trip for every winter.
It works as a long day trip, but we recommend staying the night: the drive down in the dark after a day of snow play is no fun, and waking up to snow-covered pines is half the magic. See our weekend getaway from Phoenix guide for the full plan.
Follow the signs: Ski Valley and the UA Sky Center, both buried in the good stuff.
Snow play starts right outside your cabin door.
Where to Play in the Snow
Ski & Snowboard
Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is the southernmost ski resort in the US: 200 skiable acres, a chairlift, rentals, and a lodge with food — about 10 minutes above Summerhaven.
Sledding
Bring a sled (or use ours) and hit the hill right at the hotel — no lift tickets, no crowds, just snow and laughter. See our sledding guide for the best spots.
Snowshoeing
Rent snowshoes and wander silent forest trails where the snow stays deep all winter. Our snowshoeing guide covers routes and rentals.
Sky Ride & the Iron Door
Even without snowplay gear, the chairlift ride to the top and lunch at the Iron Door Restaurant are worth the drive. Ski Valley is closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Sleds are ready and waiting at Mt. Lemmon Hotel.
Before You Go: Chains, Road Closures & Safety
- Carry chains or drive a 4WD/AWD vehicle in winter — chain laws can go into effect quickly during storms, and having chains means you do not turn around at the gate.
- Call the road hotline (520) 351-3351 or check our weather page before driving.
- Arrive early on storm days. Snow weekends fill Summerhaven fast, and the Sheriff's Department can hold traffic at the base once parking is full. Before 10 AM makes the difference.
- Do not park on the shoulder to play in the snow — it blocks plows and emergency vehicles. See our road conditions guide for where to park in Summerhaven.
- No gas station in Summerhaven — fill up at the base of the mountain (Tanque Verde or Bear Canyon areas).
- Pack warm layers: it is typically 30°F cooler up top than in Tucson, and snow play works up an appetite.
- Our snow removal team is on site during big storms, keeping cabin paths and the parking area clear.
Expect your car to look like this after a storm — pack a scraper and snow brush.
The road is plowed and passable, but conditions change fast — call the hotline first.
Full details, including what to pack and how to prepare your vehicle, are in our Mt. Lemmon snow travel guide.
Where to Stay: Cabins in the Snow
Mt. Lemmon Hotel sits right in Summerhaven, in the heart of the snow zone. All 21 private cabins have full kitchens and heating — 12 of them welcome dogs (up to 3 pets, no pet fee). Walk out your door to sledding hills, or drive 10 minutes to Ski Valley. It is the closest place to stay to the snow, whether you are coming from Tucson or Phoenix.
Our team clears cabin paths so you can enjoy the snow without digging out.
Snow Near Tucson & Phoenix — FAQ
Is there snow on Mt. Lemmon right now?
Check the Summerhaven weather station for live temperature and snow depth, or the Ski Valley webcam. The fastest read is Weather Underground's Mount Lemmon page, which reports conditions from a station in Summerhaven, and the Ski Valley snow report on Snow-Forecast. For road status, call (520) 351-3351.
Does it really snow on Mt. Lemmon?
Yes — every winter. The summit sits at 9,171 feet, and snow falls from roughly December through March, with Ski Valley averaging around 180 inches a season. Tucsonans and Phoenix residents regularly drive up the same day a storm hits.
What is the best time to see snow near Tucson?
December through February, right after a storm passes. The upper mountain holds snow for days or weeks, so even a few days after snowfall there is usually plenty to play in. November and April storms are possible and much quieter.
How deep does the snow get on Mt. Lemmon?
In mid-winter, Summerhaven and the summit commonly hold several inches to a couple of feet, and Ski Valley averages around 180 inches over a season. Depth varies a lot week to week — the dry stretches between storms are what whittle it down.
Do I need chains or four-wheel drive?
Carry chains in winter and be ready to use them. When restrictions are in effect, only vehicles with 4WD, AWD or chains are allowed up. This happens on average 5 to 15 days each winter. Call the road hotline (520) 351-3351 for current conditions.
Can we go sledding on Mt. Lemmon?
Yes, once there is enough coverage — roughly 6 inches or more for a good sledding hill. Guests sled right at Mt. Lemmon Hotel, and there are other popular hills around Summerhaven. The snow play area at the Ski Valley base is not an approved sledding zone. See our sledding guide for spots and safety tips.
Is the drive up Mt. Lemmon scary in winter?
No. The Catalina Highway is a paved two-lane road with switchbacks and 35 mph limits, plowed in most conditions. Slow down, carry chains, and check conditions first — thousands of families make this drive every winter.
Can we visit the snow from Phoenix in one day?
Yes — it is about 3 hours each way, so a long day trip is doable. Most families prefer staying the night in a cabin so they can enjoy the snow without a late, dark drive home.