California Is Primed for Ski Season—Tracking Which Resorts Plan To Open First

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Sep 7, 2025 9:09 AM ET

Despite summery weather still hanging around, we're counting the days until snow is falling and lifts are spinning.

Even though it seems like ski season just ended in parts of California, several resorts have already started to announce their opening dates.

Mammoth Mountain stayed open until mid-June this past year, and other resorts like Palisades Tahoe were spinning lifts until Memorial Day with plenty of snow to spare.

Notably, Homewood Mountain Resort will reopen this season after spending the 2024-25 season closed. Homewood is offering several new pass options, including one that's only available to locals. The mountain also has several major improvements, including a new gondola underway ahead of the 2025-26 season, although some won't be in play until the 2026-27 season.

Here are California's announced opening dates for the 2025-26 ski season. This article will be updated as more resorts announce in the coming weeks. Consider bookmarking this page if you'd like to stay up to date.

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Opening Dates for California Ski Resorts Winter 2025-26

This list may be updated.

Mammoth Mountain: November 14, 2025
Palisades Tahoe: November 26, 2025
Heavenly: November 21, 2025
Northstar: November 21, 2025
June Mountain: TBA
Sierra at Tahoe: TBA
Homewood Mountain Resort: TBA
Sugar Bowl: TBA
Bear Valley: TBA
Kirkwood: November 21, 2025
Donner Ski Ranch: TBA
China Peak: TBA
Big Bear: TBA
Boreal: TBA
Mt. Shasta Ski Park: TBA
Mt. Baldy: TBA
Tahoe Donner: TBA

What's Going on In California This Season?

Alongside the normal Cali ski season happenings (monster storms, huge sends, etc., etc.), there are a few things to pencil into your calendar, or keep an eye on if you're a California skier this year.

The Tahoe area will kick off winter with the Tahoe Games, a two day festival with an on-snow rail jam amongst other sport demonstrations. The Tahoe Games will take place September 27-28, 2025, at the Lake Tahoe Amphitheater.

The Tahoe Live electronic music festival returns to Palisades Tahoe in December of this year, with none other than basketball star Shaquille O'Neal as the headliner in his DJ alter-ego, DIESEL. Palisades Tahoe has also welcomed an adorable new avalanche dog to their avalanche dog ski patrol unit, so if Shaq isn't up your alley, maybe this dog is.

Binny isn't the only new avalanche dog in at a California resort this winter either. Bear Valley's patrol unit is also welcoming Gallatin "Gallie" the golden retriever to their patrol unit this winter.

Lastly, if you're a California skier (or not) and looking for a little extra steeze this winter, you can pick up one of the Caldera Co. x POWDER beanies. Caldera Co. is a Tahoe based company that POWDER is stoked to be collaborating with on a limited-edition run of fleece hats this winter.