Few people think of snow and skiing when they think of Tucson. Cactus, desert, and diamondbacks more readily come to mind. The Santa Catalina Ranger District, however, is home to the southernmost ski area in the United States, which is perched near the 9,157-foot summit of Mt. Lemmon. Ski runs are usually open from mid-December to early April, depending on winter weather and snowfall. Located just an hour's drive from the sun drenched resorts of Tucson, area visitors can go golfing, swimming and downhill skiing in the same day. Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley offers ski equipment rentals, instruction, the Iron Door Restaurant, a snack bar, and gift shop. Overnight accomodations are available in the nearby village of Summerhaven. The chair lift is in operation all year round, taking visitors to a high overlook from which they can enjoy views of the Santa Catalinas, the city of Tucson, the San Pedro Valley, the Reef of Rocks, and the distant mountains near Globe and Phoenix. These scenic views, combined with the many trails and overlooks in the area, and the Iron Door Restaurant make this a popular place to visit in any season.
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