Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood opens for skiing and boarding

Let the ski season begin! Mountain High Resort in Wrightwood opened Thursday with an 8- to 12-inch base over selected runs, making it the first major Southern California resort to christen the ski season. Credit the cool weather and expanded snowmaking for the early start, which is typical for Mountain High.

As of Thursday, the Blue Ridge Express lift was operating to the intermediate terrains of Upper Chisolm, Lower Chisolm and Cruiser. More lifts are expected to open Friday, including the popular Coyote lift to Sunnyside and Easy Street. There are two small jumps on Upper Chisolm that are open, as well as a number of rails and boxes.

Operating hours are 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily. Early-season lift tickets are $40 for adults and $25 for ages 7 to 12. Children 6 and under are free with a paying adult.

Farther north in California, Mammoth Mountain also opened Thursday, with a base of 14 inches to just over 30 inches.

Meanwhile, Big Bear Resort (Bear Mountain and Snow Summit) is planning to open Thanksgiving weekend. Management there said the resort could open sooner but that the resort wants to wait until conditions are more stable. Once Big Bear opens, look for a new terrain park for beginners who might be put off by the grinding mayhem of the main terrain park, as well as two new snow cats.

If you’re thinking ahead to the holidays, note that the Big Bear Lake Resort Assn., says advance bookings for the holiday season are up 46% over last year, indicating people are booking months ahead. Call (800) 424-4232 for reservations or information.