Two Californian Ski Areas Opening Early For The Season, This Friday

Palisades Tahoe (formerly Squaw Valley) and Mammoth Mountain have both announced they’re opening early for their 21-22 ski seasons – this Friday – in time for Halloween weekend.

The decision comes after a huge snowstorm deposited “over three feet” (90cm) of snowfall on their upper slopes.

“Friday will be only the third time in 72 years of operation that the resort has opened in October. The last time we were able to open in October with comparable terrain was in 2004,” a spokesperson for Palisades Tahoe said, adding “We can’t wait to kick off winter and make some Halloween weekend turns!”

The resort will be kicking off the season with the Funitel, Gold Coast, and Shirley Lake lifts spinning 9am-3pm October 29-31. Grooming will be limited.

Palisades Tahoe plans to then open weekends (weather and conditions permitting) in November until they kick off daily operations on their scheduled Opening Day—Wednesday, November 24.

“Our team has been scoping out the mountain, assessing conditions, and establishing what terrain we can open for the weekend following the latest storm,” a Mammoth spokesperson said.

Their decision is to open Broadway Express (1), Face Lift Express (3), Discovery Chair (11), and the Panorama Gondola to McCoy Station from 8:30am-4pm from Friday, Oct 29 with access to at least 7 runs and a small terrain park setup in lower Main Park.

“Pending the weather the next few days, we may also be able to pop the top with access to Cornice Bowl and Road Runner – the crew will be keeping a close eye on winds/temps, and working hard to make this happen if conditions allow.”