Southern California ski resorts: Mt. Waterman in Angeles National Forest to open Friday

It’s been a fantastic early season for Southern California ski resorts, with some selling out over the holiday week. Now the diminutive Mt. Waterman (whose motto is “Snow from heaven, not from hoses”) has received some of the white stuff and plans to open at 9 a.m. Friday for the first time this season.

The resort in the Angeles National Forest will remain open 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday as well. So far, it has a foot of fresh snow and a base of 24 to 30 inches, according to its website. Chairs 1 and 2 will be open, and Chair 3 may be added. But the resort also posted this advice: “It’s still low tide so watch for rocks and tree stumps, and stay in bounds until we get more snow on the ground.” Sounds reasonable.

The main route to Mt. Waterman via La Cañada Flintridge on the Angeles Crest Highway isn’t open; it’s been shut for nearly a year because of repairs from the 2009 Station Fire. That means you must take Angeles Forest Highway from Tujunga to get to Mt. Waterman. Click here for directions.

The resort, which has just three chair lifts and no ski or snowboard rentals, is open Fridays through Sundays in winter. Season passes cost $250 before Friday. After that, youi’ll pay $300. Single-day lift tickets cost $50 for adults, $40 for teens and $20 for seniors over 65 and children age 7 to 12. (Prices don’t include tax.)

Info: Mt. Waterman; (818) 790-2002 for recorded information and (619) 708-6595 to buy season passes.