2026–27 California Ski Resort Opening Dates
California ski resorts typically begin opening in November and December, depending on natural snowfall, snowmaking temperatures and mountain operations. The 2026–27 season is approaching. Resorts with an announced or reported opening date are listed with that date; the rest are marked TBA until a date is announced. Check official resort websites before making travel plans.
Each winter, California's ski season begins as weather and mountain conditions allow. Opening and closing dates for California's ski resorts are important dates to remember when planning an early or late season escapade.
Resorts open at different times, often from November through December, and announced target dates can change. The list includes popular California resorts and a few nearby Nevada resorts. TBA means a 2026–27 opening date has not been verified here.
2026–27 California Ski Resort Opening Dates at a Glance
Dates labeled resort-announced or target are published plans, not guarantees. Reported targets come from ski news coverage; all opening dates can change with weather. Where no specific date has been announced, the typical opening window is shown instead. Resort names link to official websites. Big Bear Mountain Resort (Bear Mountain, Snow Summit and Snow Valley) calls November 21 its earliest possible opening, not a confirmed date, so those rows stay TBA.
| Resort | Region | 2026–27 opening | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bear Mountain | Southern California | TBA | Typical: Early December |
| Mountain High Resort | Southern California | November 21, 2026 (weather permitting) | Resort-announced |
| Mt. Baldy Resort | Southern California | TBA | Typical: December |
| Snow Summit | Southern California | TBA | Typical: Late November–early December |
| Snow Valley Mountain Resort | Southern California | TBA | Typical: December |
| Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort | Eastern Sierra | November 5, 2026 (moved up; lifts 8:30 AM) | Resort-announced |
| June Mountain Ski Area | Eastern Sierra | December 19, 2026 | Resort-announced |
| China Peak | Central California | TBA | Typical: Mid-December |
| Badger Pass Ski Area (Yosemite) | Central California | TBA | Typical: December–January, conditions permitting |
| Bear Valley Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Late November–early December |
| Boreal Mountain Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Late November |
| Diamond Peak | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | December 3, 2026 | Reported target |
| Dodge Ridge Mountain Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Mid-December |
| Donner Ski Ranch | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Mid-December |
| Heavenly Ski Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | November 20, 2026 | Target |
| Homewood Mountain Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Late December (if operating) |
| Kirkwood Mountain Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | December 4, 2026 | Target |
| Mt. Rose Ski Tahoe | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | November 6, 2026 (9 AM) | Announced |
| Mt. Shasta Ski Park | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Early–mid-December |
| Northstar California | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | November 20, 2026 | Target |
| Palisades Tahoe | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | November 25, 2026 | Announced |
| Sierra-at-Tahoe | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Early–mid-December |
| Soda Springs Mountain Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Early–mid-December |
| Sugar Bowl Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | November 27, 2026 | Reported target |
| Tahoe Donner Downhill Ski Resort | Northern California & Lake Tahoe | TBA | Typical: Mid–late December |
When Do California Ski Resorts Open?
Many California ski resorts aim to open in November or December, but timing depends on early-season snowfall, overnight temperatures for snowmaking, weather, terrain preparation and staffing. Announced target dates may shift, and opening day may include only limited lifts or runs. Check each resort's official conditions report before traveling.
Regions: Southern California includes Big Bear, Wrightwood and Mt. Baldy; the Eastern Sierra includes Mammoth and June Mountain; Central California includes China Peak and Yosemite's Badger Pass. The Northern California and Lake Tahoe group also includes nearby Nevada resorts, which are identified by their official websites.
