Wrightwood, CA – Winter has officially arrived in Southern California. A strong early season storm left four to six inches of new snow on the slopes of Mountain High on Friday and the ski area’s snowmakers were able to make enough additional snow overnight to open at noon on Saturday. This makes Mountain High the first area in Southern California to open for the 15th straight year and the second in the state, after Boreal on Donner Summit in northern California.
“We are very excited to lead Southern California into the 2011-12 season,” said Karl Kapuscinski, President and CEO of Mountain High. “This is one of our earliest openings ever and with more cold weather in the forecast we are looking forward to a fantastic start.”
Operating hours are now 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily with night skiing scheduled to begin Thanksgiving weekend. Early season rates are $45 for adults (regularly $69) and $25 for children ages 7 to 12. Kids six and under ski free when accompanied by a paying adult. Due to the reduced terrain, ticket sales will be limited so guests are advised to arrive early.
Up to three lifts are currently available accessing a selection of beginner and intermediate terrain. Several terrain features are on the mountain as well for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. All of the open terrain has been groomed and the coverage is reported as an 8 to 15 inch base. All amenities such as rentals, retail, and repair are available, however the resort’s Winter Sports School will not be offering lessons until the resort has the necessary teaching terrain.