Big Bear Mountain records first snowfall as ski season nears

The first snow has fallen at Big Bear Mountain Resort, starting the unofficial countdown to the upcoming winter ski season.

Officials for Big Bear shared images of Tuesday morning's snowfall, the first of the season for the Southern California ski resort, with a light dusting of white still lingering on the mountain slopes into the afternoon.

The resort was one of a handful of mountain communities to report overnight precipitation, with video showing wet, slushy conditions on local roads.

More snow flurries are possible this weekend as temperatures dip below freezing in overnight hours, a good sign for a timely start to ski season.

The first snowfall of the season is always a special occasion as it signals that the mountain resorts will soon be alive with activity as tourists and outdoorsmen from far and wide head up for a taste of winter recreation.

Although Snow Valley, Snow Summit and Bear Mountain are currently closed and the official opening to ski season has yet to be announced, resort officials say excitement is already brewing.

Ski season typically begins around the end of November, when temperatures drop down into the 20s, allowing for overnight snowmaking when humidity is low and winds are mild.

Ski and snowboard lift tickets are available for purchase right now for Big Bear, with dates beginning on Nov. 23.

The 2024-25 ski season is highly anticipated, and expectations are riding high after the most recent season proved to be one for the record books.

For the latest conditions at Big Bear Mountain Resort, including road conditions and ticketing information, click here.