While it is still early in the ski season, the forecast for 2025-26 is predicting warmer than average temperatures and a higher-than-normal chance of below normal snowfall, especially in the prime ski areas of the Sierra Nevada. The culprit, as usual, is that pesky La Nina, which brings warmer rain to the area.
Currently, some California ski resorts are open, although many have only a few slopes in operation and limited ski lifts running. Some resorts have pushed their expected opening dates to the end of December and beyond.
Last winter, California’s ski resorts enjoyed a season that lasted 140 days (4.6 months) on average. That’s 24 percent more ski days than the average at U.S. resorts.
In 2025 off-season investment upgrades surged. This winter, skiers will find revamped restaurants, improved snowmaking capacity, more efficient shuttle services and parking systems and an increased number of special events throughout California ski resorts.
Here’s a look at what’s new.
Bear Valley Mountain Resort
2280 CA-207, Bear Valley 95223
Info www.bearvalley.com
This season offers a more efficient shuttle service to speed up the commute from the parking lot to the slopes, new terrain park features, electronic day-use lockers and additional cafeteria seating. Bear Valley Lodge has revamped two dining venues: Grizzly Lounge now serves Cajun-inspired fare and creative cocktails; Creekside Bistro delivers a modern steakhouse menu.
Big Bear Mountain Resort
880 Summit Blvd., Big Bear Lake 92315
Info www.bigbearmountainresort.com
Each of Big Bear’s three mountains, Snow Valley, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain, has benefited from major capital improvements in the past few years, including Bear Mountain’s Midway high-speed six-passenger chairlift. This year, both Snow Valley and Snow Summit will offer night skiing under the lights on select dates.
China Peak Mountain Resort
59265 CA-168, Lakeshore 93634
Info www.skichinapeak.com
Seventy miles northeast of Fresno, China Peak has invested in new parking lot shuttles, a dedicated learning area and an affordable, all-inclusive “First Turn” program for beginners. It also is offering two new food venues: a coffee bar at Sully’s Pub and snack shack at Basecamp. The day lodge will feature live music every Saturday and Sunday.
Heavenly Mountain Resort
Main Base 3860 Saddle Rd., South Lake Tahoe 96150
Info www.skiheavenly.com
Celebrating its 70th anniversary this year, Heavenly will host dozens of events, including the Toyota Air & Après competition Feb. 27-March 1. The Lake Tahoe Celebrity Banked Slalom returns in April.
Homewood Mountain Resort
5145 West Lake Blvd., Homewood 96141
Info skihomewood.com
Tahoe’s favorite West Shore resort did not open last winter due to lack of snow. This year, Homewood has new snowmaking equipment. A new Dopplemayr gondola is planned for 2026-27. This winter, the slopes will be in better shape after extensive upgrades to grooming equipment.
Kirkwood Ski Resort
1501 Kirkwood Meadows Dr., Kirkwood 95646
Info www.kirkwood.com
Famous for prolific, powdery snow, Kirkwood will offer first-time skiers a make-over at Timber Creek Lodge, home of the resort’s Ski and Ride School, rental shop and bar and grill. Skiers will also enjoy a smoother traffic flow as they head to the hill. The resort’s events calendar includes the New Year’s Eve Torchlight Parade, Proud to Be Me Week and numerous freeride competitions.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort
10001 Minaret Rd., Mammoth Lakes 93546
Info www.mammothmountain.com
Mammoth has invested nearly $9 million this year to improve the resort’s snowmaking capabilities. The mountain’s ski school will offer Ripping Over 50 camps for older skiers who want to level-up skills. Woolly’s Adventure Summit offers a dual zip line where you soar side-by-side with your friends over the snow, then grab hot drinks at Soaring Pines Mountain Café.
Mountain High Ski Resort
24510 Highway 2, Wrightwood 92397
Info www.mthigh.com
Mountain High has made more than $500,000 in improvements this year, including upgrading snowmaking and grooming equipment and refurbishing the Discovery Chairlift at the top of the East Resort.
Northstar California
100 Northstar Dr., Truckee 96161
Info www.northstarcalifornia.com
One of Northstar’s best-loved traditions returns, every afternoon, skiers can glide down East Ridge to sip a glass of bubbly or apple cider at slopeside with its ski-up bar.
Palisades Tahoe
1960 Olympic Valley Rd., Olympic Valley 96146
Info www.palisadestahoe.com
Find improved snowmaking, new lift access gates and an expansion of Mountaineer, a free, app-based, on-demand shuttle in Olympic Valley and Alpine Meadow. The members-only lounge Apex Club will open this winter, featuring concierge service. Palisades’ parking program is adding an incentive, drivers of vehicles with four or more passengers receive a $20 resort voucher.
Sierra-at-Tahoe Resort
1111 Sierra at Tahoe Rd., Twin Bridges 95735
Info sierraattahoe.com
Summer staff constructed two new trails, Pika and Skipper, that improve access to West Bowl and bring Sierra-at-Tahoe’s trail count to 50. They also widened the groomed terrain in learning zones and terrain parks and planted 16,000 new trees to provide protection from winds and enhance glade skiing.
Sugar Bowl Resort
629 Sugar Bowl Rd., Norden 95724
Info www.sugarbowl.com
Sugar Bowl has entered the second phase of its $100-million development plan. Guests will enjoy an upgraded dining experience at the historic 1939 Village Lodge Hotel, which now has a two-tiered dining terrace and an elevated menu from executive chef Jason Landas. The resort also has an upgraded locker facility, expanded terrain parks and four new snowcats for grooming.
Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort
11603 Snowpeak Way, Truckee 96161
Info www.tahoedonner.com
Tahoe Donner’s newly constructed ski lodge debuts this winter, featuring easier lift access, an enlarged sun deck, a spacious cafeteria and bar and a dedicated ski school area.
