Winter storms have already brought snow to the Sierra Nevada, prompting California ski resorts to prepare for the upcoming 2025–2026 season. Mammoth Mountain will be the first to open on November 14, followed by Heavenly, Northstar California, and Sugar Bowl on November 21. Palisades Tahoe is set to open on November 26.
Last winter, California’s ski resorts had an average season length of 140 days, which was about a quarter longer than the national average at U.S. resorts. During the off-season, many resorts made upgrades aimed at improving guest experiences. These include updated restaurants, expanded snowmaking capacity, more efficient shuttle and parking systems, and new events.
“This year, resorts have even more to offer when people come to the mountains, from new experiences to new amenities and upgrades designed to enhance the guest experience,” said John Rice, Ski California president.
At Badger Pass in Yosemite National Park, which was closed last winter, skiers can return this year with access via a free shuttle bus from local lodgings. Bear Valley Mountain Resort has improved its shuttle service and dining options at Bear Valley Lodge. Big Bear Mountain Resort will offer night skiing at Snow Valley and Snow Summit starting December 13.
China Peak has added parking-lot shuttles and beginner programs as well as new food venues. Heavenly celebrates its 70th anniversary with special events such as the Toyota Air & Après competition in late February and a celebrity banked slalom in April; weekend visitors are encouraged to reserve parking at the California Base Area.
Homewood returns after a closure last year with all lifts operating while preparing for a future gondola installation. Kirkwood has renovated Timber Creek Lodge and maintains its reservations-based parking program during busy periods.
Mammoth Mountain invested nearly $9 million in snowmaking improvements and is expanding activities at Woolly’s Adventure Summit with a dual zip line attraction. Mountain High Resort upgraded snowmaking equipment and refurbished its Discovery Chairlift for access to beginner terrain with views of the Pacific Ocean.
Mt. Shasta Ski Park enhanced its backcountry cabins for easier access after snowfall. Northstar California brings back its Tōst slopeside bar tradition; paid parking requires reservations during peak times but Castle Peak lot remains free without reservations.
Palisades Tahoe expanded snowmaking capacity and introduced lift access gates along with an incentive-based carpool program that rewards vehicles carrying four or more passengers with resort vouchers. The Rahlves Bonzai Tour freeride race returns after ten years.
Sierra-at-Tahoe added two trails—Pika and Skipper—and planted thousands of trees for wind protection and improved glade skiing. Sugar Bowl continued its development plan with upgrades at Village Lodge Hotel, expanded terrain parks, new grooming equipment, and live music on weekends.
Tahoe Donner debuts a newly constructed ski lodge featuring improved facilities for families along with seasonal events like Ski with Santa on Christmas Day.
For those planning multiple visits this season, several pass options are available that allow access across different resorts: The Epic Pass covers Heavenly, Northstar California, and Kirkwood; Ikon Pass includes Palisades Tahoe, Mammoth Mountain, June Mountain, Big Bear Mountain Resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe; Cali Pass grants entry to Bear Valley Mountain Resort among others.
