The first sizeable winter storm of the season has allowed staff to open Mammoth Mountain Ski Area ten days earlier then scheduled this year. Snow levels stayed high for much of the weekend, but Joani Lynch with Mammoth Mountain reports up to 18 inches of new snow at the ski resort.

By late Sunday, the resort operators made the decision to open the slopes for skiing and riding today leaving Mammoth the first ski resort in the state open for the season.

Combined with the first snowmaking of the year, and Broadway Express was scheduled to open at 9 this morning with a six to twelve inch base.

Its early season and obstacles exist, meaning think twice if your friends want to borrow your new skis for a day. Special early season lift tickets are priced at $52 for adult, $39 for teens and $26 for children and seniors.