The mountains are waking up! This week, the Sierra Nevada roared into winter mode with a powerful October snowstorm that blanketed Lake Tahoe and Mammoth Mountain in fresh powder—just in time to stir excitement for the upcoming ski and snowboard season.
Mammoth Mountain was the star of the storm, receiving up to 24 inches of snow between October 13–15. The resort saw overnight dumps of 6–10 inches, with more snow piling on as colder air moved in, turning the initial dense layer into chalky powder—a dream base for early-season shredding. While lifts aren’t spinning yet, the storm is a promising sign that Mammoth’s legendary long season might kick off sooner than expected.
Meanwhile, the Lake Tahoe region also got a healthy dose of snow. Palisades Tahoe and other resorts along the Sierra crest saw 2–3 feet of snow at summit elevations, with 6–12 inches above 7,000 feet and even a few inches down at lake level. Winds reached up to 70 mph, creating dramatic drifts and reminding locals that winter is no longer just a rumor.
Beyond California, the Wasatch Range in Utah and the Rockies in Colorado also received early snowfall, though totals were more modest compared to the Sierra. Still, the widespread storm system has sparked stoke across the West, with riders dusting off gear and watching webcams like hawks.
Previous Blog Posts:
- Top 5 Skiing Road Trips in the Alps
- Olympics in Cortina 2026
- Top 5 Freeride Resorts in the Alps
- Grand Montets Re-opening
