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Latest in California
Sugar Bowl, California, Rebuilds Its Historic Village Gondola
The rumours are true: Sugar Bowl is tearing out its Emerald gondola, in place since 1983, and replacing it with a new 8-person Doppelmayr system - nearly doubling uphill capacity to 1,800 people an hour. It's the fourth generation of a gondola line that dates back to 1953, when Sugar Bowl became the first resort on the West Coast to run one at all, and it's just one piece of a $100 million overhaul touching lodges, parking and snowmaking. Here's what's changing, and what's staying the same.
Michael Fulton
The 2026-27 Ski California Gold Pass Goes on Sale May 1 - Unlimited Access to 36 Resorts for $4,250
Ski California's Gold Pass returns on sale May 1, priced at $4,250 for unlimited, blackout-free access to 36 ski areas across California and Nevada. The pass is transferable - not tied to an individual - making it a legitimate option for families, groups, or corporate hospitality. Passes typically sell out fast.
Michael Fulton
Mammoth Mountain Records 40cm of Snow as California Season Winds Down
Late-season snowfall has delivered 30-40cm of fresh powder to Mammoth Mountain, one of only two California resorts still operating. The storm triggered delayed openings and widespread lift holds as crews tackled avalanche mitigation work.
Michael Fulton
How the West Lost Its Winter: The 2025-26 US Snow Drought Explained
The 2025-26 ski season across the western United States wasn't just a bad year - it was the worst on record. A massive marine heat wave, a stubborn high-pressure ridge, and relentless warmth combined to destroy snowpack across eight states, force at least 69 ski resorts to close early, and wipe roughly $100 million from Vail Resorts' bottom line. Here's what happened, why it happened, and what it means for skiing's future.
Michael Fulton
Mammoth Mountain Cancels Pond Skim But Keeps Pushing Its Second Season
Mammoth Mountain has scrapped its annual Pond Skim event at Canyon Lodge, but the resort isn't winding down just yet. With more than 100 trails still open and a spring events calendar running through late April, Mammoth is leaning into its "Second Season" campaign and plans to stay open through at least Memorial Day. Canyon Lodge wraps up on April 19, shifting operations to Main Lodge for the final stretch.
Michael Fulton
Heavenly Ski Resort Closes Early as Heat Melts Key Runs
Heavenly Ski Resort is ending its season on 5 April after record temperatures melted critical connecting runs. The Tahoe resort made it through its 70th anniversary season but couldn't stretch into mid-April as planned. Operations managed to patch runs together with limited snowfall before calling it.
Michael Fulton
Palisades Tahoe Abandons May Closing Date as Snow Drought Bites
Palisades Tahoe has scrapped its planned May 25 closing date, now targeting late April at best. The California resort is down to 15 of 39 lifts operating as early and mid-season snow shortfalls continue to take their toll on the 2024/25 season.
Michael Fulton
Western U.S. Ski Resorts Close Early as Warm Weather Compounds Poor Snow Season
A heat wave hitting the western United States has forced dozens of ski resorts to close early or abandon their seasons entirely. With below-average snowpacks across the region, the warm spell has ended operations at over 40 resorts from Arizona to Montana.
Michael Fulton
Sierra-at-Tahoe Introduces Paid Parking Reservations for 2026-27 Season
Sierra-at-Tahoe is rolling out a parking reservation system for weekends and holidays starting in the 2026-27 season. Free for passholders and carpools of four or more, but $25 a day for everyone else. Here's what you need to know.
Michael Fulton
Two Lake Tahoe Resorts Close Early as March Heat Wave Decimates Snowpack
Sierra at Tahoe and Homewood have pulled the pin on their 2025-26 seasons weeks ahead of schedule as temperatures hit the low 20s celsius and California's snowpack drops to 28 percent of average in the northern Sierra - the worst levels since 2015.
Michael Fulton
Vail Resorts Drops My Epic Gear Membership Fee, Makes Premium Rentals Standard
Vail Resorts is scrapping the $50 My Epic Gear membership fee and rolling premium rental features into standard offerings. Starting next season, anyone booking Demo rentals at 12 resorts can select specific gear models online, access BOA ski boots and Step On bindings at no extra cost.
Michael Fulton
Mt. Shasta Ski Park Closes Early as California Snowpack Hits 10-Year Low
Mt. Shasta Ski Park has shut down for the 2025-26 season after just 55 days on snow, with unseasonably warm weather and California's worst snowpack in a decade making continued operations impossible. Season pass holders are getting credits, and the resort is going out with a St. Patrick's Day party — because what else do you do when it's 70°F on a ski mountain.
Michael Fulton
Mammoth Mountain Confirms Skiing Through Memorial Day Despite Below-Average Snow Season
Mammoth Mountain has confirmed it will keep lifts running through at least Memorial Day 2026, despite a below-average snow season by its own standards. With 243 inches recorded so far this season and a summit sitting above 11,000 feet, California's high-altitude workhorse is doing what it does best — outlasting everyone else on the calendar.
Michael Fulton
Castle Peak Avalanche: California's Deadliest Slide Kills Nine Backcountry Skiers Near Lake Tahoe
On the morning of February 17, 2026, nine people lost their lives when an avalanche swept through a group of fifteen backcountry skiers near Castle Peak in the Sierra Nevada. It is the deadliest avalanche in California's recorded history — and the full picture of what happened that morning raises serious questions about decision-making, risk assessment, and the weight of avalanche warnings.
Michael Fulton
Palisades Tahoe Snowpack Climbs Above Average After Nearly 3 Metres in Four Days
A significant storm cycle has delivered 2.9 metres of snow to Palisades Tahoe over four days, pushing the Tahoe Basin snowpack to 104% of median. After a dry January, the resort's parking is sold out for the weekend as skiers and riders return to revitalised Sierra Nevada slopes.
Michael Fulton
10 Skiers Missing After Avalanche Near Castle Peak, Lake Tahoe
A group of 16 skiers was caught in a large avalanche near Castle Peak in Northern California on Tuesday morning, leaving 10 people unaccounted for as emergency crews mounted a major rescue operation. The incident occurred amid an active avalanche warning and severe storm conditions across the Sierra Nevada.
Michael Fulton
Mammoth Mountain Ski Patroller Dies During Inbounds Avalanche Mitigation Work
A 30-year-old ski patroller has died from injuries sustained during avalanche control operations at Mammoth Mountain on 26 December. The incident raises questions about patroller safety protocols during extreme storm cycles and marks the second fatal inbounds avalanche at the California resort in less than a year.
Michael Fulton
California Ski Resorts Set for Major Christmas Storm Cycle
After the driest start to a California ski season in years, resorts are set to receive 40-100 inches of snow just in time for Christmas. The two-phase storm system arrives this weekend, with the best conditions developing Wednesday through Friday as snow levels drop and quality improves across the Sierra Nevada.
Michael Fulton
Kirkwood Mountain Resort: Tahoe's Deep Snow and Advanced Terrain Destination for Serious Skiers
Kirkwood Mountain Resort stands apart in Tahoe with the region's deepest snowfall (354 inches annually), 58% advanced/expert terrain, and a refreshingly uncrowded atmosphere. Discover why this remote alpine valley offers California's most authentic skiing experience, where challenging terrain and quality snow take priority over flashy amenities.
Michael Fulton
Ikon Pass App Consolidation Forces Resort-Specific App Users to Switch
Alterra Mountain Company has consolidated 14 resort-specific apps into its upgraded Ikon Pass platform, requiring users at resorts like Winter Park and Palisades Tahoe to migrate ahead of the 2025-26 season. The move prioritises pass-holder convenience over individual resort identity.
Michael Fulton
Sierra-at-Tahoe Adds Two Trails, Expands Groomed Terrain for 2025/26
Sierra-at-Tahoe unveils modest improvements for the 2025/26 season, including two new trails and expanded grooming. While marketing touts these changes, their practical impact for most skiers remains to be seen.
Michael Fulton
California and Nevada Ski Resorts Unveil Upgrades for 2025-26 Season
Ski California's member resorts are rolling out new facilities and programs for the upcoming winter, but are they genuinely improving the guest experience or just chasing headlines?
Michael Fulton
Palisades Tahoe Development Compromise Reached After 14-Year Dispute
A long-standing development dispute at Palisades Tahoe ski resort has been resolved through a compromise agreement, reducing the scale of planned expansion while allowing for modernisation.
Michael Fulton
Sierra-at-Tahoe Plants 16,000 Trees for Future Ski Terrain
Sierra-at-Tahoe has begun a major reforestation project, planting over 16,000 seedlings to create new tree skiing areas and restore the landscape affected by the Caldor Fire.
Michael Fulton
Sugar Bowl Resort Launches Major Upgrade Project
Sugar Bowl Resort in California has begun a significant two-year development project, including a new Village Lodge deck, modern locker room, and upgraded gondola system.
Michael Fulton
Mammoth Mountain Extends Ski Season to June 15
Mammoth Mountain announces a June 15 closing date, offering skiers and riders an extended season of spring skiing opportunities in California's Sierra Nevada.
Michael Fulton
Homewood's New Gondola Project: Targeted Opening for 2026-27 Season
Homewood Mountain Resort is making significant progress on its new gondola project, with plans to open for the 2026-27 ski season. The gondola will connect the lakefront base to a new mid-mountain lodge, offering improved access and views.
Michael Fulton
Mammoth Mountain Extends Ski Season into June
Mammoth Mountain in California has announced it will continue its ski and snowboard operations into June, offering visitors an extended opportunity to enjoy spring conditions on the slopes.
Michael Fulton
Former Dartmouth Ski Champion Dies at Palisades Tahoe
A skilled 26-year-old skier and former Dartmouth College racing champion has died following an accident on a challenging run at Palisades Tahoe, California.
Michael Fulton
Northstar and Kirkwood Extend Ski Season After Great March Snowfall
Northstar California and Kirkwood Mountain Resort have extended their ski seasons until April 20 following substantial snowfall in March, offering skiers and riders an extra week on the slopes.
Michael Fulton
Homewood Mountain Resort to Reopen for 2025-26 Season: Gondola Plans Delayed
Homewood Mountain Resort on Lake Tahoe's west shore will resume operations for the 2025-26 winter season, despite delays in its planned gondola installation. The resort's reopening follows a year of closure and brings clarity to its future development plans.
Michael Fulton
2024-2025 Ski Season Chairlift Incidents Review
The 2024-2025 ski season saw an unusual concentration of chairlift malfunctions across global ski resorts, raising important questions about infrastructure maintenance and safety protocols. From mechanical failures to weather-related accidents, these incidents highlight the critical importance of ongoing vigilance at ski resorts worldwide.
Michael Fulton
Mammoth Mountain Avalanche Injures Ski Patroller Amid Heavy Sierra Snowfall
Two separate avalanche incidents at major California ski resorts marked a challenging day in the Sierra Nevada. At Mammoth Mountain, a ski patroller was seriously injured during avalanche control work, while Palisades Tahoe experienced two slides with no injuries reported. Both incidents followed intense snowfall of up to six feet in 36 hours.
Michael Fulton
Palisades Tahoe Resort Review: Home of North American Extreme Skiing Celebrates 75 Years
Discover Palisades Tahoe, the birthplace of extreme skiing in North America and former host of the 1960 Winter Olympics. With 54% advanced terrain across 6,400 acres, including the legendary KT-22 lift, this Lake Tahoe resort continues to challenge and inspire skiers and riders after 75 years of operation.
Michael Fulton
Heavenly Ski Resort Chairlift Accident: Five Injured in Comet Express Collision
A serious incident at Heavenly Ski Resort resulted in five people being hospitalised after two chairs collided on the Comet Express lift. The December 23rd accident occurred when one chair slid backward, impacting another occupied chair, leading to multiple injuries and an immediate investigation by resort officials.
Michael Fulton
Sugar Bowl Resort Breaks Early Season Snowfall Records in Northern Sierra
Sugar Bowl Resort in Northern California is experiencing an exceptional early season, with snowfall already reaching 118% of average December totals. Recent storms have blanketed the resort with 53 inches in just one week, creating premium skiing conditions well before the holiday season.
Michael Fulton
New World-Class Terrain Park Training Facility Opens in Lake Tahoe
Sugar Bowl Resort unveils its new premier terrain park facility, Sugar Bowl Parks | CA, designed for freestyle progression from beginner to elite level. With features ranging from introductory jumps to a 70-foot Big Air, this California-based training ground marks a significant investment in the future of freestyle skiing and snowboarding in the Tahoe region.
Michael Fulton
Heavenly Ski Resort: A Comprehensive Review of Lake Tahoe's Largest Single Resort
Discover the magic of Heavenly Ski Resort, where California meets Nevada in a skiing paradise overlooking Lake Tahoe. This comprehensive review explores the resort's vast terrain, stunning views, and unique features that make it a must-visit destination for skiers and riders of all levels.
Michael Fulton
Heavenly Resort Faces Unexpected Challenge with Gondola Closure
Heavenly Resort, nestled on Lake Tahoe's shores, faces challenges with the indefinite closure of its key 'Heavenly Gondola' due to mechanical issues. With the Stagecoach Express also not yet operational, the resort is redirecting activities to the California Lodge and advising guests to visit nearby Epic Pass Resorts like Northstar and Kirkwood, especially during the expected busy holiday week.
Michael Fulton
Kirkwood vs Heavenly vs Northstar California - Epic Battle In Lake Tahoe
Planning a Lake Tahoe ski adventure with your Epic Pass? Discover how Heavenly, Kirkwood, and Northstar compare across 8 key categories. With over 10,000 combined skiable acres, similar snowfall patterns, and terrain for all abilities, we break down which of these world-class resorts deserves your attention. Find out which Tahoe giant stands above the rest for your next mountain escape.
Michael Fulton
Latest News
More from the SnowStash desk
Aspen Snowmass Marks 80th Anniversary With $3.75 Throwback Lift Tickets
Aspen Snowmass turns 80 this December, and it's marking the milestone with $3.75 lift tickets on the anniversary itself - the original 1946 price. A discounted long weekend, $19.46 dining specials, lodging deals up to 46 percent off, and a season of anniversary programming round out the celebration across all four mountains.
17 Sept 2026
Doppelmayr Group Posts 9.1% Revenue Growth in 2025/26, Passing 1.3 Billion Euros
Doppelmayr closed its 2025/26 business year with revenue up 9.1 percent to 1.3 billion euros, driven by projects including the Big Sky Explorer Gondola, Deer Valley's Mayflower East Village Gondola, and the first TRI-Line installation at Hoch-Ybrig. Headcount grew too, with the ropeway manufacturer now employing almost 4,000 people worldwide.
16 Sept 2026
Hintertux Glacier Replaces 40-Year-Old Gondola to Tuxer Fernerhaus
Hintertux Glacier is retiring its 40-year-old gondola to the Tuxer Fernerhaus. The replacement carries 10 people per cabin instead of four, with seat heating and nearly 40 percent more hourly capacity. Doppelmayr's new line opens at the end of October 2026, right as the glacier's high-altitude terrain becomes accessible again for the new season.
16 Sept 2026
FIS Weighs Holding World Championships in Almost Every Winter, Starting 2032
The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is looking at a major shake-up to its title events calendar. From 2032, World Championships could run not just in odd-numbered years but in every non-Olympic winter too, effectively putting a global title event on the calendar almost every season. The FIS Council has approved the concept following a feasibility study, though an accelerated rollout as early as 2028 is also under consideration.
4 Sept 2026
Mount Buller Becomes Latest Australian Resort to Call Time Early on 2026
Mount Buller closes out its 2026 season this Sunday, joining Falls Creek, Hotham and Charlotte Pass in a cluster of closures landing almost simultaneously and roughly a month ahead of schedule. The culprit is stark: Spencers Creek's benchmark snow depth hit 31.2cm on 3 September, just 18% of the 73-year average and an all-time low for this point in the season. Six of Victoria and NSW's best-known resorts will have shut their lifts early within a span of about two and a half weeks.
4 Sept 2026
Tremblant to Add New Timber Summit Ski Sector for 2027/28 Season
Tremblant has confirmed a major expansion of its Quebec ski area, with a new Timber Summit sector adding 62 acres of terrain, eight trails and a high-speed quad chairlift for winter 2027/28. It's part of a CAD 42.5 million investment that also includes a new beginner learning zone at Versant Soleil opening this coming season. The project has grown considerably since it was first announced back in 2020, when it carried a far smaller budget and an opening date that never eventuated.
2 Sept 2026
Mount Hotham to Close for the 2026 Season on Sunday, September 6
We knew when the Bird Bath Pond Skim showed up on Hotham's Instagram that the season was on its way out. It's been a rough one - I only managed two days on snow all year, at Falls Creek - and now Baw Baw, Selwyn and Hotham have all called it, possibly the worst Australian season I've seen in a decade. Hotham's last day of lift operations is Sunday, 6 September, with a Retro Day, Father's Day après and closing sales before the lifts stop turning for good.
1 Sept 2026
Thredbo to Replace Ageing Gunbarrel Quad With New Six-Seat Chairlift for 2028
Thredbo Alpine Resort has confirmed plans to replace its 37-year-old Gunbarrel quad chairlift with a new six-seat Doppelmayr D-Line, targeting winter 2028. The AUD 35 million project will keep travel time roughly the same but lift capacity from 2,800 to 3,000 skiers per hour. It's part of a broader investment push that also includes doubled snowmaking capacity at Friday Flat for 2027, with the ageing Kosciuszko Express now flagged as the resort's next major lift replacement after Gunbarrel.
31 Aug 2026