What would fireworks sound like high up in the snow-capped Sierra?
This will be the year to find out, because the abundant snowfall this winter has led at least one Lake Tahoe area ski resort to announce it will extend ski season through July 7. That means skiers and snowboarders can celebrate Independence Day on the slopes.
"We're really excited just to keep the party going," said Liesl Hepburn, a spokeswoman for Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows resorts.
They've gotten about 50 feet of snow at Squaw Valley so far this year. February was the snowiest month on record at the resort, according to Hepburn. There's more in the forecast, and they expect it to stick around for awhile.
"Especially at those upper elevations, that snow really does hang on for a long time," Hepburn said. "Even as the temperatures rise and as we're seeing less snow fall into the spring and the summer, we're really able to hang on to that nice spring snowpack.
If you're thinking you need newly fallen powder to have a really stellar ski day, think again.
"A lot of people think that good skiing only happens when there's a foot of fresh snow, but that is just not the case," Hepburn said. She described the spring snow as being "really soft, really easy to turn and move in."
This isn't the first time we've seen summer skiing in the Sierra. The 2016-2017 ski season was extended through July 15.
"It's a great time to come out with your family and friends, or even if you're learning how to ski. We'll have as much terrain as possible, open as late as possible," said Hepburn.
Mammoth Mountain has already announced plans to remain open till at least July 4.