🎿 MAMMOTH IS OPEN! Winter Arrives 8 Days Early — Here's What You Need to Know!

Hey Ski Fam,

STOP THE PRESSES! MAMMOTH IS OPEN! 🎉🎿❄️

Remember last week when I told you we had 15 days until Mammoth's planned opening?

Well, Mother Nature must read my newsletter. Because she took one look at my countdown and said, "That's cute. Hold my hot cocoa." 😂

Mammoth Mountain moved opening day from November 13 to TODAY, Thursday, November 5! Lifts are set to start spinning at 8:30 AM, weather permitting. 🎿

That's EIGHT days early!

A storm dropped 9–15 inches of fresh snow. Cold nights helped snowmaking crews build the base. And just like that, the 2026–27 ski season is here!

Before you call in sick and toss your boots in the car, let's talk about what you're getting.

Because yes, Mammoth is open. But the whole mountain isn't. 😂

❄️ 1. Mother Nature Hit the Fast-Forward Button

Last week, we were counting down to November 13. Then a storm rolled in, temps dropped, and Mammoth's crews went to work.

The result? An early start to winter!

But one storm doesn't make a full season. Early snow can be thin, and conditions can change fast.

My goal: Enjoy the first snow without expecting February conditions.

🚠 2. What's Open at Mammoth Today?

Here's the big question. What can you actually ski?

Mammoth's opening plan includes two lifts and three trails.

Lifts:

• 🚠 Broadway Express (Chair 1)

• 🚡 Lower Panorama Gondola

Trails:

• 🎿 Broadway

• 🎿 Silver Tip

• 🎿 Rusty's

Lifts are scheduled to run today from 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM.

That's enough terrain to make some turns and find your ski legs. But you're not getting the full Mammoth experience yet.

The summit isn't part of the opening plan. And if you're brand-new to skiing, I'd wait for more beginner terrain.

My goal: Make a few good turns. Leave wanting more.

🎉 3. Opening Day Is a Party!

Mammoth isn't just spinning lifts. They're throwing a party to welcome winter!

Here's the opening-day schedule:

• ☕ 7:30 AM: Free coffee and cocoa, while supplies last.

• 🎁 First 100 in line: Free Mammoth beanies.

• 🚠 8:30 AM: First chair and banner breakthrough with Woolly.

• 🎶 10:30 AM–1:30 PM: DJ Sendit on the Tusks sundeck.

• 🥂 11:00 AM: Annual toast with beer or sparkling cider.

I love the first-chair buzz. The cheers. The cold air. That feeling when winter finally comes back.

And yes, a free beanie never hurts. 😂

Check Mammoth's official Opening Day page for updates.

🎿 4. Should You Rush to Mammoth This Weekend?

Here's where I put my ski coach hat on.

Just because Mammoth is open doesn't mean everyone should rush up there.

With only three planned trails, crowds could build fast.

Here's my advice:

• 🎿 Strong skiers: Have a pass? Love first turns? Go have fun!

• 🏂 Intermediate skiers: Check trail conditions before driving.

• 🌱 New skiers: Wait for more beginner terrain.

• 👨‍👩‍👧 Families: Make sure the open runs fit everyone's skill level.

• 💸 Budget skiers: Weigh the trip cost against the limited terrain.

And please, start slow.

Your brain may remember how to ski. Your legs may have other plans. 😂

My goal: Ski smart today so I can ski again tomorrow.

💸 5. Opening-Weekend Deals!

Mammoth is advertising savings of up to 50% on lift tickets and 35% on lodging through select preseason offers. Check which deals apply to your dates and whether you need to book a package.

That's worth a look!

But "up to" doesn't mean every ticket or room gets the full discount.

Before booking, check the total cost, dates, and cancellation rules.

Find the offers on Mammoth's preseason savings page.

My goal: Save money for more ski days, not spend it all on the first one. 😂

🚗 6. My Opening-Weekend Checklist

If you're driving from Southern California, don't let the excitement get ahead of your planning.

Here's what I check before leaving:

• ❄️ Latest snow report and webcams.

• 🚠 Open lifts and trails.

• 🚗 Highway 395 road and chain conditions.

• 🎟️ Lift ticket prices and rules.

• 👢 Boots, skis, helmet, gloves, and goggles.

• 🥪 Water, snacks, and warm layers.

And don't trust the weather in your driveway.

It can feel like summer in Los Angeles and winter in Mammoth. That's California for you! 😂

My goal: Arrive safe, ski happy, and get home with a story worth telling.

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💡 The Big Lesson: Winter Doesn't Follow Our Calendar

Last week, we had 15 days to get ready.

Today, Mammoth is opening its lifts.

That's California skiing!

One week you're wearing shorts. The next, you're hunting for your ski socks. 😂

But here's what I want you to remember.

You don't need to be first in line to have a great season. You don't need to rush up the mountain because someone posted a snow photo.

And you sure don't need to spend a pile of money just to say you skied opening day.

What matters is getting back on snow, staying safe, and having fun.

I'm thrilled Mammoth is opening early. Winter is here, and those first turns are finally within reach. ❤️

The first snow brings the buzz. Smart plans bring the fun. 🎿❄️

Now I want to hear from you!

Are you heading to Mammoth this weekend, or waiting for the next big storm?

Hit reply and tell me your plan. Are you chasing first chair or saving your ski legs for more snow?

And share this with that ski buddy who's still in summer mode. Winter just knocked on the door! 😂

– Sasha Everett ⛷️❄️

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