Nation's Southernmost Ski Resort Planning To Open Following Snow Storm

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, located just 40 miles from Tucson, Arizona, is the southernmost ski area in the entire country.

The ski area relies 100% on natural snowfall to operate, and announced today (January 24, 2024) that enough snow has fallen to open as soon as Friday, January 26th, 2024.

Skiing just an hour from Tucson, Arizona might sound bizarre, and well, that's because it is!

Mt. Lemmon rises from the desert floor to an impressive 9,157 feet above sea level. This elevation is essential for turning any moisture that passes through the area into snow, and when that happens, Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley opens.

The ski area has delayed opening multiple times over the last two weeks after storms failed to pan out, but there seems to be a shift in the weather pattern.

According to Instagram posts by Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley, at least 16 inches of snow has fallen over the last two weeks.

Will it be enough to open? Maybe. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley is "shooting" to open on Friday, January 26th, 2024 and is planning to release more details tomorrow.

The ski area's season is short nowadays, and the locals are chomping at the bit. The comments section of the ski area's Instagram posts are riddled with antsy skiers hoping for an earlier opening.

NOAA is calling for relatively tame weather over the next few days.

Mt. Lemmon could see snow showers with "little to no accumulation" today, January 24th. The rest of the week is expected to feature high temps around 40 degrees, and lows hovering around freezing.

Here's hoping there's enough snow to open, even if only temporarily.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley Stats/Info:

Vertical: 950 ft.

Skiable Terrain: 200 ac.

Average Snowfall: N/A

Lifts: 3

Trails: 21

Snowmaking: NO

Night Skiing: NO

Mega-Pass: NO

Related: Early Forecasts Show Potential For 30+ Inches Of Snow In California

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