Mammoth Mountain is officially kicking off its 2026-2027 ski season early after receiving a substantial foot of fresh snow across the resort. As FOX Weather reported on Tuesday, the mountain originally scheduled its opening date for Nov. 13, but favourable winter storms and efficient snow-making efforts allowed management to push the schedule forward by a full week.
Preparations have been underway on the slopes ahead of the revised Thursday opening day. Recent weather systems brought between 12 and 20 inches of snow to various areas across the mountain, including a weekend storm cycle that dropped 9 to 15 inches of accumulation. The recent drop in temperature also provided ideal circumstances for operational crews, who ran snow guns continuously to build up a solid base for early-season skiing and snowboarding.
For the initial Thursday launch, Mammoth Mountain plans to operate the Lower Panorama Gondola as well as Broadway Express, also known as Chair 1. These lifts will provide skiers and snowboarders access to several popular runs, including Broadway, Silver Tip, and Rusty's. Mountain operations confirmed that additional terrain will be unlocked and opened to the public progressively as weather conditions and snowpack allow throughout the coming weeks.
Emily van Greuning, the communications director for Mammoth Resorts, told FOX Weather that Mother Nature had provided helpful storm cycles over the weekend alongside ideal cold temperatures. She explained that the resort's snowmaking crews took full advantage of the freezing weather to ensure the mountain was fully prepared for the early resort opening. She added that team members are working hard on all necessary preparations and look forward to welcoming visitors back to the slopes on Thursday morning.
In addition to lift operations, opening day will feature several community activities and amenities for early visitors. Complimentary hot cocoa and coffee will be served at the base area on Thursday while supplies last. To mark the start of the 2026-2027 season, the first 100 guests standing in line for the lift will receive a commemorative free Mammoth beanie.
Live entertainment is also scheduled as part of the opening festivities. Local music will perform live on the Tusks Sundeck between 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. On-site services, including ski and snowboard rentals, professional group and private lessons, and guest dining options, will all be fully operational starting Thursday morning.
With fresh snow on the ground and snowmaking operations continuing during cold nights, resort officials are preparing for a strong start to the winter. Skiers and snowboarders planning to attend opening day can find further details regarding lift tickets, mountain access, and scheduled events directly on the Mammoth Mountain official website.
