It’s starting to look a lot like winter now that this long awaited  winter storm has finally started to add a light blanket of white across the Sierra Nevada. Although not expected to be a huge storm, weather forecasts are predicting a few inches each day from today through  Tuesday (Dec 16).

I would expect with this being a fairly cold storm that snowmaking would be taking place 24/7 for resorts, but this is not confirmed at this time.

Scanning through ski resort snow reports… a few inches have fallen so far with some reporting up to 4 inches at the higher elevations.  If you’re on the mountain this weekend be extra aware of hidden obstacles like rocks and logs.

12″ of Fresh Pow This Morning!!!
We received a nice little surprise here this morning with about a foot of fresh snow at Main Lodge. Take advantage of these amazing early-season conditions here at Mammoth with our First Tracks Lift and Lodging package. Check out MammothMountain.com for all the details.

Mammoth Mountain Resort is the first California ski resort to open the 2008 / 2009 season. Typically Boreal Mountain Ridge is the first to open.. but not this year… they are expected to open later this week.

Eager skiers and riders got first tracks this morning after a powerful storm hit Mammoth over the weekend. Broadway Express opened at 9am on a base of 6-12 inches of natural and manmade snow. This early season storm dumped even more snow at high altitudes and additional terrain should open soon. Visit MammothMountain.com for updates.

Our high elevation and commitment to the pursuit of playing big paid off as Mammoth once again was the first resort to open in California. Dust off your gear and plan your trip now.

Stay tuned as more more mountains open.. we’ll be posting updated for all major California Mountain Resorts.

The following is list of Lake Tahoe Area Ski Resort Job Fairs and job boards. The winter ski and snowboard season is quickly approaching and there is no better way to spend a winter than working and playing on the mountain. Plenty of jobs are available at most resorts from baristas, bartenders, lift operators, cashiers, ticket sales, snow making, ski instructors… an more.

Read more…

This past weekend brought in some cold temperatures and the first snowfall of the season… several mountain resorts like Northstar and Mammoth report a dusting of about 3 inches. The cold temperatures have also allowed for snow making to begin. Most mountain resorts are planning for mid-November openings. Read more…

I recently received word that Middle Fork American River rafting season recently got extended.

Due to the ongoing re-licensing studies that have been taking place on the Middle Fork American River as well as some other factors, PG&E will continue to release 3 hours of flow on Saturdays and Sundays from 9:00 AM to 12 noon through at least October 19th. It is possible they will go one weekend beyond that to the 25th and 26th.

Read more…

By this time of year most of California Rivers are about finished when it comes to whitewater, with the exception of the American Rivers (South Fork & Middle Fork). Fall rafting on these two rivers is a real treat… there are very few other folks out there rafting and kayaking… no more summer crowds. Fall colors begin to set in a bit and there is a quiet peace throughout.

The Middle Fork American River will run until September 27, 2008.. so this is your last chance to catch some great Class III-IV whitewater. The South Fork American (Class III) will run through October.

Read more…

The Tuolumne River and Cherry Creek rafting runs have about a week left to their season. The final day for whitewater rafting flows on these two incredible runs is Monday, September 1 (Labor Day).

If you feel yourself getting a little green with envy as you think of everyone else hiking up Clavey Falls and swimming away the afternoon, rafting the Tuolumne’s class IV rapids, or jumping in for swim practice before an epic day on Cherry Creek, there is an antidote to your pain.

The Tuolumne River is by far my favorite river in California. The sheer beauty of the land scape and magnitude of the rapids.. just stunning. There’s no question why the Tuolumne is a California classic.

Happy Rafting

So where has summer gone? I know it’s not over but the back to school sales are on, the college kids are heading back to campus and before you know.. winter will be here. With this in mind… it’s time to start thinking about that 2008 / 2009 Ski & Snowboard Season Pass.

Prices listed are for adult season pass rate unless otherwise noted

Mammoth Mountain

• Adult 19 – 64: $1675
• Youth 13 – 18: $1256
• Child 7 – 12: $838
• Senior 65 – 79: $838

Northstar at Tahoe & Sierra at Tahoe
- Visit Double Whammy Pass.

Double Whammy Pass (Both Mountains)

• Value: $379
• College: $299
• Limited: $499
• Unlimited: $749

Northstar at Tahoe Season Pass: $299

Sierra at Tahoe Season Pass:

• Sun – Fri: $199
• 7-Day: $299

Boreal

• Night Pass: $129
• Super Saver (Sun-Fri): $199
• College: $129
• Anytime: $329

Heavenly Lake Tahoe

• Heavenly (Sun – Fri): $369
• Epic (unlimited): $579

Squaw Valley USA

• Night Pass: $199
• Midweek Pass: $949 (before Sept 1)
• Full Pass: $1549 (before Sept 1)

Bear Valley

• Restricted: $319
• Unlimited: $419
• Mtn / Meadow (dh and xc): $499

Alpine Meadows

• Midweek: $399
• Full Pass: $899

Sugar Bowl

• Pricing not yet available

Kirkwood

• 6 Wood: $239
• 7 Wood: $389
• Unlimited: $529
• Premium: $1,169

Bear Mountain

• Midweek: $299
• Midweek + Sunday: $339
• Anytime Non Holiday: $429
• Anytime: $499

Mountain High

• $299 sale starts August 30.

Sad but true, the 2008 Merced River rafting season is pretty much done. Rafters & kayakers may be able to sqeek another couple of days out of the Quarter Mile section but flows probably won’t hold out through the July 4th weekend.