Mountain High open; skiers, snowboarders hit slopes

WRIGHTWOOD, Calif.

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The resort opened at 8:30 a.m. and was scheduled to close at 4 p.m.

The temperature hovered near the 20s in the early morning hours, rising to the 30s by around 10 a.m., perfect conditions for the snow to stick around to the joy of hundreds of snowboarders and skiers. The slopes saw approximately 12 to 16 inches of snow on Saturday, with the snow-making machines expected to continue through the day.

The Wrightwood resort is traditionally the first to open. Resort officials say this marks the 16th year in a row that Mountain High was the first ski resort to open in Southern California. It takes a lot of hard work to make that happen every year.

"It takes cold, dry air, and it takes the snow-making equipment we have here. We're able to put a ton of snow down," said Kim Hermon, the resort's marketing manager. "We received a small dusting of snow on Friday, and here we are, Sunday morning, opening for skiers and snowboarders. So, it's amazing."

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The resort isn't open to its full capacity, with only two lifts and four slopes open, so prices are discounted. Veterans will be able to hit the slopes for free on Monday. You can find more information about Mountain High's Veterans Day Special by visiting their website, www.mthigh.com.

Bear Mountain and Mt. Baldy resorts are slated to open on Monday. Big Bear is offering free entrance for all veterans and Mt. Baldy is offering a $15 discount for lift tickets. Snow could fall as low as the 3,000-foot level on north-facing slopes. Mountains above 4,000 feet could get up to 8 inches.

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