At least three ski resorts have opened early and several more will open this week after fresh powder blanketed parts of the Sierra on Monday following a winter-like storm.
Boreal Mountain Resort was the first ski resort in Northern California to open for the season when lifts started running last Friday.
“After a long summer of preparations, we’re more ready than we have ever been to kick off the winter season,” said Boreal Mountain Resort Vice President Matt Peterson.
Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California will kick off the ski season six days earlier than initially planned, with both Lake Tahoe ski resorts opening Saturday. Already, Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain are also operating lifts. Alpine Meadows opens Thursday and Squaw Valley Ski Resort will also be up and running Saturday.
On Monday, a two-day wet system moving across California brought cool, wet weather to low-lying areas and snow to the mountains. The welcome moisture will not end the state’s four-year drought, but forecasters expect a strong El Niño winter to bring above-average precipitation to parts of the state.