For those craving snow, mountains have plenty

There is something quite wondrous about breaking a fresh trail - in science, in art and even in a medium as simple, and yet sublime, as new-fallen snow.

Mt. Lemmon, with 29" of snow, is a big white magnet for skiers

Though tracks lead every which way, this snowboarder at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley has a route all planned out. "It's been really good this year - good snow and good crowds," said Graham Davies, general manager of Ski Valley, which opened on Dec. 20.

Mt. Lemmon, with 29" of snow, is a big white magnet for skiers

Skiing enthusiasts Mary Cavada, 8, and her father, Francisco, take advantage of the excellent conditions at Mount Lemmon Ski Valley.

Mt. Lemmon, with 29" of snow, is a big white magnet for skiers

Skiers are schussing the slopes of Mount Lemmon Ski Valley on 29 inches of natural snow - while more northerly ski areas such as the Arizona Snowbowl near Flagstaff rely partly on artificial snowmaking.

Some Mount Lemmon highway restrictions lifted

The highway up Mount Lemmon remains closed to most travelers due to severe weather conditions. However, the road reopened at noon to visitors with four-wheel drive or tire chains.

Fall makes a colorful appearance

It's one of the wonderful, quirky pleasures of life in Tucson: finding fantastic fall foliage in the Catalina Mountains barely an hour's drive from our desert city.