While it may be easy to think that this photo was shot on a random morning in December or January, it actually was taken today – Oct. 29! – at Mammoth Mountain. (Photo by Peter Morning/Courtesy MMSA)

By Jerry Rice

With a reputation for wonderful early season snow conditions, Mammoth Mountain opened the 2021-22 ski and snowboard season this morning with a nice crowd of winter sports enthusiasts wanting to get back on the slopes as early as possible.

And, from a historical perspective, this was early. It was only the 10th time in Mammoth’s long and storied history that the resort enjoyed a winter debut in October.

Thanks to a major storm that rolled through early this week, Mammoth is now open from top to bottom, with summit access to Cornice Bowl and Road Runner.

Broadway Express (1), Face Lift Express (3), Discovery Chair (11) and the Panorama Gondola are spinning from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., offering access to at least nine runs and a small terrain park setup in lower Main Park.

Information: www.mammothmountain.com

Here are more photos from earlier today:

The banner breakthrough this morning officially launched the 2021-22 ski and snowboard season at Mammoth Mountain. (Photo by Peter Morning/Courtesy MMSA)

(Photo by Peter Morning/Courtesy MMSA)

(Photo by Peter Morning/Courtesy MMSA)

(Photo by Peter Morning/Courtesy MMSA)