Mt Lemmon Ski Valley

Summertime, this place is a mecca for getting out of the valley heat.  Cooler temps, blue blue skies, and trees.  Honest to goodness trees!  Wintertime, this place reminds you what winter is really like for the rest of the country.  Well, almost anyways.  Still, there's typically enough snow to make it worthwhile if you finding yourself just needing so bad to cruise down a slope on a snowboard or set of skis.  It's not the greatest for skiing, but it suffices in a pinch.  
Chairlift runs year round so even in the summer you can take the ride and enjoy the solitude with views that can't be beat.
Afterwards, Summerhaven is a quick jaunt down the road--head on down as a trip up the mountain essentially requires a visit to this small, bustling village.  
Lastly, don't forget to get some of that delicious fudge to enjoy on the way back down.  It goes nicely with the views!

This review is for summer only. I recently drove up Mt. Lemmon and decided to try riding the chair lift for a nice view. It was lovely! The view was beautiful and the ride was relaxing. It also wasn't too expensive. There is not much to do at the Ski Valley other than the chair ride. There was just a gift shop and a small snack stand selling candy and fudge.

Remember to bring a jacket, even in summer!

I can't wait to come back in winter and actually try some skiing! I have tried in the past, but it's pretty hard to get the weather and snowfall to cooperate in Tucson.

It's a ski lift, what's not to love? The cost is what.. 8 or 9 bucks. Free if you eat at the Iron Door Restaurant. My friend and I enjoyed a nice cool ride up in April, straight to the top and back down. About 30 minutes round trip? Lots of fun. Was not busy, no snow, just a quiet gentle ride up and down. What else can I say? If you want a ski lift ride this is it! You can walk around at the top where it drops you off, or you can drive up there in your car and hike a nice trail nearby. Lots of fun.