Mount Lemmon
Ski the southernmost ski area in the continental US at 9,157ft in the Santa Catalinas — just one hour from Tucson in Arizona's Sonoran Desert.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
14 Dec 2025
Closes
27 Feb 2026
Days open
75
Annual snow
170in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley holds a geographic distinction shared by no other ski area in the United States: it is the southernmost ski destination in the continental US, sitting at 9,157 feet in the Santa Catalina Mountains of the Coronado National Forest at roughly the same latitude as Dallas, Texas and approximately 80 miles from the Mexican border. The ski area covers 200 acres across 22 runs with a 950-foot vertical drop from the summit to the 8,200-foot base, with terrain breaking down as 29% beginner, 47% intermediate and 24% advanced — a profile weighted toward accessible, varied skiing rather than extreme challenge.
Three lifts serve the mountain: two double chairlifts and one surface lift with a combined uphill capacity of around 2,000 skiers per hour. Mount Lemmon does not groom its slopes — the terrain runs on natural snow only, which gives the ski area a distinct character compared to resort-managed mountains and rewards visits in the days immediately following a winter storm when the powder is fresh and undisturbed.
The ski area has operated since the late 1940s and sits within a landscape that has no real equivalent in American skiing: the drive up the Catalina Highway from Tucson climbs through multiple biotic zones in under an hour — Sonoran Desert scrub at the city's edge giving way to oak woodland, then pine and fir forest at the ski area — a transition in ecosystem equivalent to driving from Mexico to Canada in elevation terms.
On a clear day from the summit chairlift, the view extends across the full Tucson basin and the San Pedro Valley to the east, with the mountains near Globe and Phoenix visible on the horizon. The Iron Door Restaurant at the base area and the nearby mountain village of Summerhaven at 7,600 feet provide the primary on-mountain services and overnight accommodation options.
748ft
Vertical
22
Runs
200 acres
Skiable
170in
Annual snow
The Terrain
22 runs across 200 acres skiable
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is the southernmost ski area in the continental United States, set in the Santa Catalina Mountains above Tucson. It is a small hill, with 22 runs over about 200 acres (81 hectares), a base at 8,270 feet (2,522 m) and a summit at 9,020 feet (2,750 m), giving a vertical of roughly 750 feet (228 m). Intermediates take 47% of the trails, beginners 29% and advanced skiers 24%, with no expert terrain. Two double chairs and a t-bar do the work, and average snowfall of about 170 inches means the season depends entirely on natural snow.
There is no snowmaking and the slopes are not groomed, so skiing here is about soft, natural snow and the days right after a storm. The runs are short, with the longest roughly 8,500 feet, and the gentle pitches suit beginners and intermediates. Advanced skiers will find a few steeper lines, but the mountain is small and conditions can change quickly. The ski season is often short, so visitors should check conditions before driving up. Mount Lemmon suits Tucson locals and curious travellers after a novelty day, with desert-to-pine scenery and views over the basin.
Terrain split
22
runs
22 runs across 4 grades
Beginner6 runs · 29%
Intermediate10 runs · 47%
Advanced5 runs · 24%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Mount Lemmon
Mount Lemmon operates from mid-December through to late February or early March, with the 2025/26 season running 14 December to 27 February — a shorter window than most US ski areas reflecting both the mountain's southerly latitude and its reliance on natural snowfall without the backing of snowmaking infrastructure.
The summit receives an average of approximately 180 inches of snowfall annually, delivered primarily through winter storm systems that push moisture north from the Gulf of Mexico and the Pacific, producing heavy, often wet snow at the lower elevations of the Santa Catalinas and drier, lighter powder higher on the mountain. The most reliable period for quality snow conditions is typically January and early February, when temperatures at 9,000 feet remain consistently cold and storm frequency is at its peak for the region.
The seasonal rhythm at Mount Lemmon is unlike that of any other ski area in the country. On days when the mountain is open and conditions are good, Tucson residents can leave the desert floor at 70°F and be on snow within an hour. The same afternoon, it is physically possible to ski in the morning and play golf or swim in the Tucson valley in the afternoon — a combination the resort has traded on for decades and that remains one of the more unusual day-trip propositions in American skiing.
Because the mountain does not groom, the best skiing follows storm cycles directly, and conditions can vary significantly within a single week. Checking the webcam feeds from the summit and the base area before making the drive is a practical necessity that the resort's local following understands well.
Season 2025 - 2026
14 Dec 2025
Opens
27 Feb 2026
Closes
75
Days open
170 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Mount Lemmon
Daily snow reports at Mount Lemmon go back to 2026, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
1 in
Snowiest day
10 Mar 2026
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
0.5 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Mount Lemmon, and where to stay
Mount Lemmon Ski Valley sits in the Santa Catalina Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest, approximately 41 miles northeast of downtown Tucson via the Catalina Highway — also known as the Sky Island Parkway — a paved, scenic mountain road that climbs 6,000 feet from the desert floor to the ski area turnoff in around 30 miles.
The drive takes roughly one hour under normal conditions, though the road can close temporarily following heavy snowfall requiring chains or 4WD for safe passage, and road conditions are monitored via the Pima County Sheriff's 24-hour hotline during the ski season. Tucson International Airport is the nearest gateway for visitors flying in, with connections from major US hubs, placing the ski area within 90 minutes of most Tucson accommodation options.
The broader Mount Lemmon massif is a designated Sky Island — one of a series of isolated mountain ranges rising sharply from the surrounding desert that support distinct ecological communities found nowhere else at these latitudes in the United States.
The nearby village of Summerhaven at 7,600 feet provides limited overnight accommodation and dining immediately adjacent to the ski area for visitors looking to avoid the Tucson round-trip. The Mt. Lemmon SkyCenter Observatory, operated by the University of Arizona higher on the mountain, offers public stargazing programmes that can extend a ski visit into an evening, with the summit's altitude and distance from city light pollution making for exceptional night sky visibility.
For visitors combining the ski area with broader southern Arizona travel, the Mexican border crossing at Nogales is around two hours south of Tucson, and the Saguaro National Park West and East districts bracket the city within 30 minutes.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Stays map loads when you scroll here
Hotels and lodges near Mount Lemmon, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Mount Lemmon's ski season?
Mount Lemmon's 2025 - 2026 season typically runs from December 14 through February 27. That window is roughly 75 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Arizona, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Mount Lemmon have?
Mount Lemmon lists about 200 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 22 named runs (81 hectares alongside 200 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Mount Lemmon?
Trail grading at Mount Lemmon breaks down roughly as 29% beginner, 47% intermediate, 24% advanced. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Green/Blue) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Mount Lemmon have?
Mount Lemmon operates 3 lifts across 2 lift types. The fleet includes 2 double chairs and 1 t-bar.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Mount Lemmon?
Base elevation at Mount Lemmon is about 8,274 ft (2,522 m), with the summit around 9,022 ft (2,750 m), giving roughly 748 ft (228 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Mount Lemmon get each season?
Mount Lemmon averages about 170 inches (432 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Where can I buy Mount Lemmon lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$17 to US$69, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Mount Lemmon before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 3 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Mount Lemmon so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Mount Lemmon have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Mount Lemmon. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Mount Lemmon located?
Mount Lemmon sits in Arizona, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026
Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season
Winter has officially started in North America, and it is one blue run long. On Wednesday 28 October, Arapahoe Basin fired up the Black Mountain Express at around 10:30 am after a surprise announcement just hours earlier, becoming the first major North American resort open for 2026/27. Cold nights, a dusting of natural snow and a lot of snowmaking made it happen in the resort’s 80th winter. More terrain is promised as the snow guns keep running.
28 Oct 2026