Snow falls on Mount Lemmon, slopes drawing crowds of skiers

Wildcat File Photo Arizona Daily Wildcat As of yesterday 38 inches of snow still clung to Mt. Lemmon. The spring skiing can continue as long as Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley keeps 30 inches of snow.

The optical engineering senior played hooky Tuesday to enjoy the first snowfall of the year at Mount Lemmon.

"Go out there now because the snow will be gone pretty fast," Liang said.

About 38 inches of snow yesterday clung to the ski-friendly mountain closest to the University of Arizona. Mount Lemmon is expected to stay open through Sunday, unless the peak gets another snowfall.

"I think there are a lot of college kids skipping out on class," said Heidi Davis, a retail sales assistant manager at the lodge.

Skiers yesterday headed down the slopes in T-shirts, enjoying the spring skiing weather, said optical engineering senior Peter Spuhler. He skipped class Tuesday with Liang to hit the slopes.

"It was pretty nice (and) crowded," Spuhler said. "We waited 15 minutes in line - there were a lot of people up there."

The spring skiing can continue as long as Mount Lemmon Ski Valley keeps 30 inches of snow.

"We're going to see if anything happens with this storm coming in today and tomorrow," she said.

Eric Hastings, the lodge assistant manager, said the usual skiing season lasts from mid-December to the end of March.

"This is the latest we've opened in memory," Hastings said. "As for staying open, we're keeping our fingers crossed and taking it day by day."

Although the ski lodge did miss business from UA students during winter and spring vacations, revenue was not at a complete loss.

Hastings predicted that this year's business would have fallen short of last year's, which was inflated because of the extra snowfall caused by El Niño.

But with the current snow-capped hills, Davis recommended that prospective skiers bring sunscreen and come early because parking is limited.

Davis also suggested that students rent equipment in Tucson if they are reluctant to wait in line. The wait for renting at the lodge is about a half an hour, plus a ski lift line lasting seven minutes.

Davis said the lodge is drawing customers of all ages, but expects that more college students will come out this weekend.

For an update on conditions for the road leading to Mount Lemmon, call 547-7510.