SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. Nov. 11, 1994 -- A resurgent El Nino current in the Pacific Ocean seems to be kicking up a mob of winter storms, blowing ashore to deluge the Bay Area and paint the Sierra Nevada in the ski resorts' favorite color: white.
As of Friday, Nov. 11 the resorts up and running are Boreal (with 3-5 lifts open), Alpine Meadows (2-3 lifts), Mammoth Mountain (3 lifts), Squaw Valley (10 lifts) and Royal Gorge Cross Country Ski Area (50-60 kilometers of Nordic trail open). Heavenly, Bear Valley Northstar, Sierra-at-Tahoe and Sugar Bowl plan to open well before Thanksgiving, while Diamond Peak and Dodge Ridge should crank up their lifts between Thanksgiving and Christmas.
In general, those resorts with extensive ability to generate manmade snow do the best in the early season because they can use cold nights to lay down an artificial base, which is then augmented by natural snowfall.
Boreal was able to accumulate a base of 24 inches before Thursday and open its half-pipe and snowboard park. The snowguns at Heavenly have been roaring since the end of October, hosing crystals over more than half of the resort's 4,800 acres.
By contrast, ski areas dependent on natural snowfall, such as Badger Pass at Yosemite and Mount Shasta, are pinning their hopes - and their opening dates - to the progress of incoming storms.
Although most lift-ticket prices have risen steeply in recent years, early season skiers can find a host of bargains. Boreal is in its "Easy-Saver' mode, with tickets going for $21. Heavenly is offering a $10 discount voucher, good on subsequent lift tickets; discount coupons are also available through Safeway stores. Northstar will provide $26 discount tickets through ski stores. Initial Mammoth tickets are just $30, a $10 discount.
Skiers will be able to find the best deals of all at the Great San Francisco Ski Party, taking place this weekend at Pier 39, where thousands of special $5 tickets will be made available by participating ski areas.
In addition, the event includes a cross-country ski park, a snowboard stunt site, contests and games and a snow area for kids to play. The action takes place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. For information, call (415) 522-9004.