2025-26 California Detail

Updated December 31, 2025

Mammoth had 17 inches snow Oct. 14-15 but it nearly all melted during th ensuing 3 warm weeks. Mammoth delayed its opening for the first time since snowmaking was installed in 1991. From Nov. 14-16 it rained 3.85 inches at Main Lodge with only 4 inches snow. Mammoth opened Nov. 20 after 2 feet new snow. There was a 3 foot base of dense snow above 10,000 feet, so Mammoth opened 39% by Thanksgiving with snowmaking assistance. Warm December weather slowed progress, exposing more rocks and closing chairs 13 and 14. Open terrain dipped to 28% by Dec. 15. The Christmas storm dumped 6 feet, but full operation has been delayed after patroller Cole Murphy died in a Lincoln Mt. avalanche.

Southern California had heavy rain past the top of ski areas Nov. 14-16. It snowed 6-9 inches in the San Bernardino areas and 12-20 inches in the San Gabriel areas Nov. 20-21, allowing limited openings at Mt. High and Mt. Baldy. Bear Mt. opened Dec. 4 and Snow Summit Dec. 5. Further progress stalled in warm and dry weather. The Dec. 24-26 storm was all rain with just one inch snow at the end, with all areas closed during th storm. Mt. High is closed indefinitely due to road damage to Hwy 2 in Wrightwood. Big Bear reopened Dec. 27.

I consider the local areas worth visiting according to the following criteria (2025-26 summary):

Snow Summit: The Wall, Log Chute, Chair 10 and lower Westridge open. Only upper Summit Run to lower Miracle Mile open to Dec. 23. Upper Miracle Mile opened Dec. 30.

Bear Mt: Silver Mt. and/or Bear Peak open. Park Run and a few variations open to Dec. 23 and after Dec. 27.

Snow Valley: Slide Peak open. Not open yet this season.

Mountain High: East as well as West open. West opened 16% Nov. 22, 26% Dec. 6-23. Closed for road damage since Dec. 24.

Mt. Baldy and Mt. Waterman: A natural snow base of at least 4 feet. Baldy opened the beginner gulch and limited terrain on Thunder Nov. 22. Closed to skiing since Dec. 24.

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