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Latest in California
California Ski Resort Opening Dates 2026-27: Mammoth Leads, Tahoe Follows
Mammoth Mountain is first up in California, targeting Friday 13 November after a dusting of September snow. Heavenly and Northstar follow on 20 November, Palisades Tahoe on Wednesday 25 November and Sugar Bowl on 27 November, with Kirkwood on 4 December and June Mountain on 19 December. Plenty of smaller areas have no date yet. A super El Niño favours the Sierra, but a warmer storm track is the catch.
Michael Fulton
Vail Resorts Counts the Cost of a Thin Winter as Pass Sales Slide Further
A historically poor western winter cut Vail Resorts' annual net income from $280 million to $147.5 million and skier visits by 13.4 per cent. Now 2026-27 pass units are down 12 per cent as of 18 September, worse than the 10 per cent flagged in spring. Vail blames the weather and thinks some buyers are simply waiting, and it forecasts a rebound if the snow behaves.
Michael Fulton
September Dusting Hits Mammoth Mountain Six Weeks Before Opening Day
Mammoth got its first snow of 2026-27 on Monday 28 September - and promptly lost it by Tuesday morning. Barely an inch fell at McCoy Station, but with opening day pencilled in for Friday 13 November, it's the first sign the Sierra is waking up. Last year's date slipped from 14 November to 20 November, so nobody's booking flights on a dusting just yet. Here's where California's early openers stand.
Michael Fulton
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
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026
Wolf Creek Opens on Halloween Weekend as Colorado’s Early Season Gathers Pace
Colorado’s early-season dominoes keep falling. Arapahoe Basin opened on Wednesday, Keystone follows on Friday, and now Wolf Creek is joining in on Saturday 31 October, just in time for Halloween. A storm on 23 and 24 October left 20 inches of natural snow in the San Juans, and three lifts will turn from 9:00 am, covering about 30% of the mountain. Expect rocks, unmarked obstacles and open water, but also Local Appreciation lift tickets at $73 for adults.
30 Oct 2026
Keystone Resort Opens for 2026/27 With More Than Two Miles of Skiing
Keystone is next. After Arapahoe Basin claimed the first chairlift skiing of the season on Wednesday, Keystone opens on Friday 30 October at 9:00 am with more than two miles of snowmaking-built terrain on Schoolmarm and Silver Spoon, plus free donuts, coffee and a live DJ. Last year the order was reversed, when Keystone squeezed in a three-hour afternoon session to beat A-Basin by a day. Snowmaking has been running since 15 October.
29 Oct 2026
Beaver Creek Installs 16 Automated Snow Guns on Birds of Prey Ahead of Record World Cup
Beaver Creek is getting ready for the biggest Birds of Prey ever, and this time it is not leaving the snow to chance. Crews started making snow on 27 October with 16 newly installed automated guns on the lower third of the course, after last December’s warm spell forced a downhill off the schedule. Seven races across two weekends run from 3 to 13 December, the most the course has hosted since its 1997 debut, and the guns start themselves whenever the weather allows.
29 Oct 2026
Arapahoe Basin Opens First for North America’s 2026/27 Ski Season
Winter has officially started in North America, and it is one blue run long. On Wednesday 28 October, Arapahoe Basin fired up the Black Mountain Express at around 10:30 am after a surprise announcement just hours earlier, becoming the first major North American resort open for 2026/27. Cold nights, a dusting of natural snow and a lot of snowmaking made it happen in the resort’s 80th winter. More terrain is promised as the snow guns keep running.
28 Oct 2026
Sulden am Ortler Pushes Its Season Start Back a Week to 7 November
Sulden am Ortler has called off its 31 October opening. The South Tyrol ski area has pushed its 2026/27 start back to Saturday 7 November, citing current weather and snow conditions and saying it will use the extra week to get the slopes in the best possible shape. The season is still scheduled to run through 2 May 2027. Elsewhere in Europe, around a dozen areas are already open, led by Sölden’s 30 kilometres of groomed runs.
28 Oct 2026
Pinheiro Braathen Wins Sölden Giant Slalom Opener by 0.48 Seconds
Two days at Sölden, two races decided by a hundredth somewhere on the podium, and one very quick Brazilian. Lucas Pinheiro Braathen led from the first run to win the men’s World Cup opener by 0.48 seconds, with Loïc Meillard second and Marco Odermatt third. River Radamus charged from 15th to fourth on a rutted course, and Britain’s Freddy Carrick-Smith banked his first World Cup points. Braathen still hasn’t lost a giant slalom since Olympic gold.
25 Oct 2026