Popular California ski resort opening a week early after a foot of fresh snow

MAMMOTH LAKES, Calif.– Mammoth Mountain in the Sierra Nevada Mountains is opening a week early for the season, after more than a foot of snow fell on the resort, making for perfect skiing conditions. 

The resort was originally slated to open for the season on Nov. 13.

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On Tuesday, Mammoth Mountain said they'd recently received 12 to 20 inches of snow across the resort, along with ideal snow-making conditions. 

The mountain said it will open Lower Panorama Gondola and Broadway Express (Chair 1) with access to Broadway, Silver Tip and Rusty's.

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As conditions allow, Mammoth will continue to open more terrain for skiers.

"Mother Nature has been kind to us with this past storm cycle, dropping 9 to 15 inches of fresh snow over the weekend," Emily van Greuning, communications director for Mammoth Resorts, said. "Snowmaking teams have also been able to take full advantage of the colder temperatures over the past few days to get the mountain ready for an early opening."

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Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee will be available to those who visit Mammoth Mountain on Thursday, while supplies last.

The first 100 people in the line for the ski lift will also receive a free Mammoth Beanie for the 2026/27 season.

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There will also be live music from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on the Tusks Sundeck, Mammoth said.

Ski rentals, lessons and dining options will all be open as well on Opening Day.

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"We have some of the best in the business working hard on all the necessary preparations and can't wait to see everyone for opening day on Thursday," van Greuning said.

Learn more about Mammoth Mountain and their opening day festivities at their website.