Ski Resorts Open Early as Snow Hits Sierra

Lake Tahoe’s rock star resorts, Heavenly Mountain Resort and Northstar California, will kickoff the ski season six days earlier than initially planned, with both ski resorts opening Saturday.

Big White Ski Resort will open early for the 2015/2016 season thanks to another 30 centimeters of fresh powder over the weekend, according to the resort. On Friday, crews will open three runs down the front of Peak 8, with access from the Colorado SuperChair, 5 Chair and Rip’s Ride stating at 9 a.m. Skiers and riders will be able to cruise down intermediate and moderate runs including Springmeier, Trygve’s and Middle 4 O’ Clock. The Bee notes that the mountains and their ski resorts are typically barren before Thanksgiving.

However, Whistler spokesperson Emily Wright said the resort has seen 97 centimetres of snow so far this month and that they’re considering an early start to the season.

“Our on mountain team works so hard at this time of year to make sure that seasons pass holders and visitors get on the snow as soon as Mother Nature allows”, Michael J. Ballingall, senior vice-president of Big White Ski Resort Ltd. said in a press release.

Alpine Meadows opens Thursday and Squaw Valley Ski Resort will also be up and running Saturday.

The good news follows four winters of drought that severely impacted the resorts’ business operations.

Talk of the a strengthening El Niño storm has also elevated the optimism felt by skiers and snowboarders who are anticipated their trek to the white mountains. “It’s already way better”.