Winter storms have brought early snowfall to California’s Sierra Nevada, prompting several ski resorts to announce their opening dates for the 2025–2026 season. Mammoth Mountain is set to open first on November 14, followed by Heavenly, Northstar California, and Sugar Bowl on November 21. Palisades Tahoe will begin operations on November 26.
Last season, California’s ski resorts operated for an average of 140 days, which was about a quarter longer than the national average for U.S. resorts. Over the summer, many resorts invested in upgrades aimed at improving guest experiences, including new dining options, expanded snowmaking capabilities, enhanced shuttle services, and more efficient parking systems.
John Rice, president of Ski California, commented on these changes: “This year, resorts have even more to offer when people come to the mountains, from new experiences to new amenities and upgrades designed to enhance the guest experience.”
Among the updates:
– Badger Pass in Yosemite will reopen after being closed last winter.
– Bear Valley Mountain Resort has introduced a more efficient shuttle service and updated its dining venues.
– Big Bear Mountain Resort has completed capital improvements and will offer night skiing at Snow Valley and Snow Summit starting December 13.
– China Peak has added parking shuttles and a learning area for beginners.
– Heavenly celebrates its 70th anniversary with events such as the Toyota Air & Après competition and celebrity races.
– Homewood returns after last year’s closure with all lifts operating and upgraded grooming equipment.
– Kirkwood has renovated Timber Creek Lodge and continues its reservations-based parking program during peak periods.
– Mammoth Mountain invested nearly $9 million in snowmaking improvements and expanded activities at Woolly’s Adventure Summit.
– Mountain High Resort upgraded snowmaking equipment and refurbished a key chairlift.
– Mt. Shasta Ski Park improved access to backcountry cabins.
– Northstar California brings back its Tōst slopeside bar tradition; paid parking remains in place during busy times but free parking is available daily at Castle Peak lot.
– Palisades Tahoe expanded snowmaking capabilities, introduced new lift access gates, enhanced shuttle services, launched a members-only lounge, incentivized carpooling with resort vouchers, and will host the Rahlves Bonzai Tour after a decade-long absence.
– Sierra-at-Tahoe added two trails, widened terrain parks, and planted thousands of trees for wind protection.
– Sugar Bowl advanced its development plan with upgraded dining facilities and locker rooms as well as live music every weekend.
– Tahoe Donner debuts a new ski lodge this winter.
For those planning multiple visits this season, various season passes are available. The Epic Pass covers Heavenly, Northstar California, and Kirkwood; Ikon Pass grants access to Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe; while Cali Pass can be used at Bear Valley Mountain Resort, Dodge Ridge, China Peak, and Mountain High.
All opening dates remain subject to weather conditions.
