Following a false start in October, ongoing storms in Northern California are kicking off the long-awaited ski season at a number of Sierra Nevada resorts.
The Sierra has experienced blizzard-like conditions since the weekend, with five feet of snow expected by Wednesday.
"We thought October was the kickoff to the season, and maybe it was for a little bit," Michael Reitzell, President of Ski California, told KCBS Radio in an interview. "But this is definitely the true kickoff for all of our ski areas in California and Nevada."
Reitzell said the resorts that have already opened are operating as best as they can in difficult conditions. The rest are moving quickly to prepare for opening this season, after dry weather previously pushed it back.
"The resorts are excited," Reitzell said. "People are excited. So, we are going to see feet upon feet of snow the next couple days."
Matt Peterson, Vice President of Boreal Mountain Resort near Lake Tahoe, said the snow couldn’t have come at a better time for the industry.
"We are looking to expand almost the entire mountain," Peterson said of his resort. "We could be 100% open come this weekend."
The resorts that have yet to open will have to go through a thorough process of preparing the lifts, clearing the runs and testing the lines, as well as making sure adequate avalanche controls are in place.
Peterson said visitors who want to experience the snow now must be sure to come prepared.
"This is going to be a storm to remember," Peterson added.
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