Kid-free weekend in the Old Pueblo

We arranged a sleepover for the kids with Grandpa Larry and Grandma Judy and planned a kid-free weekend in Tucson.  There were no sporting events, no concerts and no events to attend - just a chance to get out of town and do whatever we wanted.

After watching the weather forecast, we decided to check another item off our Arizona list: ski Mt. Lemmon.

The ski area is called Ski Valley and according to their website, "During World War II, a group of skiers made up of Lowell Thomas , a noted journalist and adventurer, a local forest ranger, and many Davis Monthan serviceman which included Thomas’ son, later a Governor of Alaska, and Art Devlin, a future Olympic ski jumper and Television commentator, formed the Saguaro Ski Club. The well known cartoonist, Paul Webb, created a patch and membership certificates for the club showing a skier wrapped around a saguaro cactus. Thomas sent honorary memberships to dozens of friends, famous personalities around the world, making membership a tongue in cheek must. A ski gala was held that first year at the Arizona Inn with many of Thomas’ friends in attendance. A Forest Service lease was obtained, an old model “A” with it’s tires removed propelled a rope tow and Mt. Lemmon Ski Valley had it’s beginning."

Mt. Lemmon is the highest point in the Santa Catalina Mountains, located in the Coronado National Forest approximately 45 minutes north of Tucson. The elevation at the top is 9,157 feet above sea-level - compared to the average elevation of Tucson which is 2,600 feet.  The mountain receives approximately 180 inches of snow annually!

Facing North looking towards Oracle

The sun came out for a bit in between snow showers.  Photo is facing southeast.

Great weather watching on top.  Photo facing southwest.

Boarding in the Old Pueblo, done.  Photo facing south.  Tucson in background.

Whit lasted for about 6 runs and then her wet rental boots had sufficiently frozen her feet as the temperature at top was approx 12 degrees.  Scott did about 6 more runs while Whit sat inside the barely heated lodge (therm read 40 degrees). 

At the end of the day they headed back to the car and went to check out a new pizza joint known for their large selection of craft brews.  The evening rounded out by watching the Wildcats beat Oregon State at one of Scott's former hangout spots.

We packed up the car the following morning and headed out to Oracle so Scott could give the 17 mile course for his upcoming 24-hour mountain bike race a test run.  Yes, he signed up to ride his single-speed bike (with no suspension) for 24-hours straight.  Rider who completes the most laps in 24-hours wins.