Black Friday: Some California ski resorts make it White Friday

Southern California didn’t get a big Thanksgiving storm, but that didn’t stop area ski resorts from opening for those craving early powder. Mammoth and Lake Tahoe areas are open too. But this early in the season, it’s always best to check conditions online before you head out.

All-day tickets at Bear Mountain and Snow Summit sold out Friday, but skiers and riders can make reservations online for Saturday ($49 for adults for an all-day lift ticket). Not all runs are open, and night sessions this weekend have been canceled.

Mountain High starts night skiing sessions Friday from 5 to 10 p.m. for $35 per person. The resort will remain open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Dec. 17.

Mt. Baldy didn’t get the snow it expected -- and wasn’t able to make enough snow -- to open the slopes. Still the Tubing Park is open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. through Sunday for some pretty cool sliding. $15 for kids taller than 42 inches, $5 for those 36- to 42-inches tall (must also purchase scenic chair lift tickets for $15 each).

Farther north, Mammoth is open daily and just opened some new chair lifts. As of Friday, Chair 12, Broadway, Sump Alley, Thunder-Bound, Face-lift, Discovery Chair and the Panorama Gondola are up and running.

Kirkwood opened Friday in the first of its two preview weekends. Rentals and terrain are limited, but the resort will remain open through Sunday and reopen again Dec. 2-4. The resort plans to start daily skiing and boarding services on Dec. 9.

Squaw Valley, Northstar-at-Tahoe and Heavenly in the Lake Tahoe area are open.