So, you’re standing in the middle of a Tucson cactus forest, sweating a little even though it’s January, and you look up. Those granite peaks are staring back at you, and the only question on your mind is whether it's worth the hour-long white-knuckle drive up the Catalina Highway. Honestly, the answer to is there snow on mount lemmon tucson right now is a bit of a "yes, but..." situation.
As of Sunday, January 18, 2026, the mountain is definitely in its winter rhythm, but it’s not exactly a winter wonderland from a postcard. While a significant storm back on January 7 and 8 dumped nearly a foot of snow at the highest elevations—specifically about 8 to 12 inches above 8,000 feet—the recent stretch of clear skies has changed things.
The current snowpack is sitting at a meager 2.0 inches. That’s about 16% of what’s "normal" for this time of year.
What You'll Actually See Up There
If you're looking for enough powder to strap on skis, you're going to be disappointed. Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is officially open for business, but they aren't skiing yet. They’ve stated they don't have enough base to open the runs.
💡 You might also like: How far is Columbus Ohio from Cleveland? The truth about your next I-71 trip
The Iron Door Restaurant is slinging chili and the Sky Ride is spinning for the views, but the "ski" part of Ski Valley is on hiatus. You've basically got patches of old, crusty snow in the shade and under the pines, but the south-facing slopes are looking pretty bare.
The weather today is surprisingly mild for nearly 9,000 feet. We’re looking at a high of 60°F on the mountain with clear to partly sunny skies. Tonight, it’ll dip down to about 44°F. When it’s 75 degrees down at the University of Arizona, 60 on the mountain feels like sweater weather, but it’s not exactly "keep the snow from melting" weather.
The Reality of Is There Snow on Mount Lemmon Tucson
Most people think if they see a white cap from Speedway Boulevard, it's time to grab the sleds. That’s usually a trap. The "visual" snow often melts off the rocks quickly, leaving the actual accumulation hidden in the trees near Summerhaven.
Currently, there is no new snow in the immediate forecast. The next chance for even a dusting (about 0.4 inches) isn't until Friday, January 23. If you're planning a "snow day" for the kids, you're mostly looking at mud and leftover slush piles in the parking lots.
✨ Don't miss: Exactly How Far From Atlantic City to New York? The Reality of the Jersey Shore Trek
Road Conditions and Safety
Even with low snow levels, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department doesn't mess around. When there’s any ice on the road, they frequently implement "4WD or Chains Only" restrictions at the base of the mountain.
- Current Status: Roads are open with no restrictions as of this morning.
- Wind: Expect a light breeze from the north at about 4 mph.
- Pro Tip: Check the @neartucson or @pimasheriff Twitter feeds before you leave. There is nothing worse than driving to Molino Basin just to be turned around by a roadblock.
Tucson's geography is wild. You can literally go from 2,500 feet to 9,150 feet in thirty miles. That’s like driving from Mexico to Canada in an hour. Because of that, the temperature drops about 3 to 5 degrees for every 1,000 feet you climb.
Why the Snow Matters (Even if You Can't Ski)
Even if the skiing is a bust, the presence of any snow changes the vibe of Summerhaven. The fudge shop is usually open (though they've had some staffing shortages lately, so keep your fingers crossed), and the smell of pine and woodsmoke is a massive relief from the desert heat.
✨ Don't miss: Pink trees in California and where to actually find them before the petals drop
If you're heading up today, don't expect deep drifts. Expect "patches." It’s enough for a snowball fight if you look hard enough behind the Cookie Cabin, but not enough for much else.
If you're desperate for real Arizona skiing, you're better off heading north to Arizona Snowbowl in Flagstaff, which currently has a much more stable base of about 33 inches. Mount Lemmon is the southernmost ski destination in the continental U.S., which makes it special, but also makes it incredibly fickle.
To get the most out of your trip today, dress in layers. That 60-degree high feels warm in the sun, but as soon as you step into the shadow of a Ponderosa pine, the 45-degree air will bite.
Actionable Steps for Your Trip:
Check the live cameras at the Mount Lemmon Hotel or Ski Valley website before leaving to see real-time ground cover. Pack a heavy jacket anyway—the wind at Windy Point can be brutal even on "warm" days. If you're hunting for snow, head straight to the Marshall Gulch trailhead; it’s higher, shaded, and holds onto the white stuff much longer than the village itself.