Mount Lemmon Ski Valley is open

Plenty of snow on the mountain

(1/8/05) The Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley and lift is open for the winter season. A good series of storms left enough snow on the ground to open this weekend.

Although the Ski Valley wasn't damaged much from the summer of 2003 Aspen Fire, the fire destroyed 340 buildings and burned 84,750 acres before it was extinguished.

Road construction continues through 2005. Construction is suspended on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Other days may have some closures. Check ahead to see conditions of the road, especially from mileposts 11.2 to 15.9, where construction is being done.

New cabins are being rebuilt and some stores are also rebuilding from the devasting fire.

Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley 520-576-1400 Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Lift tickets: $35 Rental package of skis. poles and boots available for $20. Road Travel Conditions Phone: 547-7510 Road Project Conditions URL: www.mtlemmonhwy.com Phone: 751-9405

Ski Touring Arizona By Dougald Bremner