by Dan Christopher travel writer/photographer
Photos by the author

Tell a friend that you are headed for the wintry ski slopes of Tucson and they may all of a sudden speak softly and avoid any quick movement around you, fearing that the sizzling desert sun of southern Arizona has overheated your brain.

But alas, dear shusher, there really is a Mount Lemmon Ski Valley. From the often searing desert floor on Tucson's east side, Ski Valley is a mere 30 minute drive up wiggly and panoramic Cascade Highway; a route oft pedaled by world famous cyclist Lance Armstrong as he trained for the Tour de France. The end of the assent brings you to a skiers' retreat just above 9,000 feet.

There is no man-made snow up here. Only the real stuff, when conditions are right; generally in Decembers and Januarys. Okay, it's not exactly Colorado powder. But the white stuff does make great snowballs and is a suitable place to chill your molten flip-flops while you strap on some boards.

Ski Valley - the southernmost ski resort in the USA - is on the upper fringe of a tiny mountain top village called Summerhaven. The close knit community was virtually destroyed in the summer of 2003 by an expansive blaze driven by high winds that scorched 84,000 acres, caused $80 million property damage, and incinerated 320 homes and cabins; nearly 90 percent of the structures that occupied the alpine hamlet.

The skeletal remains of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir trees still stand as monuments to the presumably cigarette-caused blaze that dined for more than a month on buildings, forest, dense undergrowth and thick blankets of pine needles.

Undaunted by nature's fury, at least one-third of the resident mountain-toppers who relish this escape to 75 degree temperatures when it's 100 degrees in the valley, have either rebuilt or have permits to do so.

Along with those constructing stately new 'cabins', are more than a half-million visitors a year, drawn like moths to a flame by breathtaking views and idyllic hiking, camping and picnicking. And yes, skiing.

During their stay, few visitors can resist a stop at one of the handful of eateries including "Cookie Cabin," where the menu features mondo-sized cookies, decadent pizza, home-style chili and heavenly cobbler. A little spendy, perhaps, but your tummy will thank you for the treat.

On your drive up or down the mountain, pull over at one of the highway turnouts and do a little rock climbing or just meandering along the sky-high ridges that cap towering cliffs overlooking forests of saguaro cacti and seemingly endless horizons.

Mount Lemmon, nestled atop the Santa Catalina Mountain range that forms a northern crescent above Tucson, is a treasure frequently overlooked by visitors to the desert. Those who seek out this heavenly hide-away are rewarded with natural beauty and adventure, whether they wear skis, sneakers or sandals. For all the amenities you will find here, what you won't find is a gas station. So fill up before you come.

Oh yes, pack your camera!

Dan Christopher
Please visit us at www.danchristopherphotography.com

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