At last some snow in the forecast! Snow level is supposed to start at 8000′ feet and gradually lower down to about 6500′. This upper elevation system is not going to drop a ton but its snow none-the-less.

What’s great about upper elevation systems like this is we get wet packy snow way up high. That wet snow is packed with water content which we need in the spring and summer to go whitewater rafting.

So when it comes to having enough water in our rivers is due to wet snow. I know, I love the deep fluffy powder from a cold storm but I also like to have my cake and eat it too!

This is the storm we’ve all been waiting for! In the last 24hrs, reports of up to 48″ of the fresh & fluffy white stuff. A few days ago weather forecasts were only predicting several inches a day… man were they wrong.

The bottom line is this… it doesn’t make a difference where you ski or ride today… it’s EPIC pretty much everywhere.

Kirkwood by far has the deepest snow on this registering 36″ – 48″ with a storm total to date of 54 – 58 inches… NICE!

Storm totals elsewhere are registering in the 30 – 40 inch range.. nothing to complain about that’s for certain.

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The following Mountain Resorts are boast 14″ or more…

Sugar Bowl: 12″-14″
Boreal Ridge: 14″ – 20″
Mammoth Mountain: 20″
Sierra-at-Tahoe: 14″
Kirkwood: 14″-18″

Travel safe: Slow down on slippery roads, carry chains and while on the mountain.. early season harzards exist so beware of hidden obstacles like rocks & logs.

** Photo courtesy of Kirkwood.com

So far this storm has proved to pack more punch than anticipated and it isn’t over yet. It is officially ski and snowboard season in California is all major resorts are now open and each has a fresh layer of champaign powder. Today’s forecast for most resorts is chilly… with highs in the mid 20′s and more snow.

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So far the first leg of this storm has dropped nearly a foot in some places and up to 4 inches in others. Don’t despair this next storm set due to hit later today is expected to pack a little more punch.

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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.

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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…