Southern California Powder Alert: Mountain High Just Got Buried in 10-14 Inches of Fresh Snow

Mountain High in Wrightwood just got slammed with 10-14″ of fresh powder, with 20-30″ more on the way. Here’s why SoCal skiers need to move fast.

If you thought Southern California and serious snowfall were mutually exclusive, Mountain High Resorts just called your bluff.

The closest winter resort to Los Angeles dropped a jaw-dropping 10 to 14 inches of fresh snow overnight, and forecasters are piling on with another 20 to 30 inches expected tonight. This is the biggest snow storm of the season, and it is the kind of Southern California ski resort fresh snow event that only comes around a handful of times each winter. For anyone who has been watching the skies and waiting for the right moment, that moment is right now.

When Wrightwood Woke Up White

Mountain High sits in Wrightwood, tucked into the San Gabriel Mountains about 90 minutes from Los Angeles and Orange County.

It is not Aspen.

It is not Vail.

But on a week like this one, it does not have to be. The resort’s West Resort has already swung several new trails open, including the first Advanced run of the season, and mountain operators expect the entire West Resort to be fully operational by Friday, February 20.

Five lifts are currently running, giving skiers and snowboarders access to terrain across every skill level. The mountain is open Monday through Wednesday from 9am to 4pm, and Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 10pm, with Night Skiing kicking off at 5pm. There is something quietly cinematic about riding a chairlift as the sun dips behind the San Gabriels and the lights flicker on across the slopes.

The Storm Is Just Getting Started

Here is the part that will make powder hounds audibly gasp. This is not a one-night event. Another major storm system is tracking in for February 24 and 25, which means the snowpack is about to get significantly deeper. Storm laps, face shots, and deep snow skiing on a Southern California ski resort mountain is the kind of rare combination that locals brag about for years.

Before heading up, drivers should note that while all roads are currently open with no restrictions, conditions are expected to change rapidly. Carry chains. Leave early. Be patient with road crews and avalanche mitigation teams doing critical, often invisible work behind the scenes.

And because deep snow changes how a mountain behaves entirely, it is worth reviewing your safety fundamentals. Ski California has a comprehensive guide worth bookmarking: Ski California Deep Snow Safety Guide.

Southern California Ski Resort Fresh Snow and the Family Factor

Not everyone on the mountain is chasing vertical. For families, couples, and the casually snow-obsessed (you know who you are, the ones who show up in matching beanies), Yeti’s Snow Play at Mountain High runs on weekends and holidays with tubing, sledding, snow play, and scenic sky chair rides.

You can meet the Yeti, build a snowman with the kids, or ride the chairlift up to 8,000 feet and have lunch at the Grand View Lodge with a view that earns its name.

It is genuinely one of the more joyful ways to spend a winter weekend in Southern California without boarding a plane.

For pricing and activity details, visit the Yeti’s Snow Play page at Mountain High.

What to Expect on the Hill Right Now

Storm conditions bring magic and a few logistical realities. Open terrain is subject to change as crews assess conditions daily. Unmarked obstacles can hide under fresh snow, so staying in bounds is non-negotiable. The resort’s snowmaking covers more than 80 percent of the slopes during lighter snow seasons, but right now, nature is doing the heavy lifting with gusto.

The vibe on a powder day at Mountain High has its own distinct flavor: part adrenaline, part disbelief, part pure Los Angeles-to-mountains culture shock. There is something delightfully absurd and wonderful about sitting in Koreatown or Silver Lake traffic on a Tuesday and being knee-deep in powder by Thursday morning.

Mini FAQ: Mountain High in Wrightwood

Q: How much snow did Mountain High get and when? A: Mountain High received 10 to 14 inches of fresh snow, with an additional 20 to 30 inches forecasted for the evening of February 19. Another significant storm system is expected February 24 and 25.

Q: What are the current hours at Mountain High? A: The resort is open Monday through Wednesday from 9am to 4pm, and Thursday through Sunday from 9am to 10pm. Night Skiing is available Thursday through Sunday from 5pm to 10pm.

Q: Is Mountain High good for families and beginners, or just advanced skiers? A: Both. The West Resort offers terrain for every skill level. Yeti’s Snow Play area provides tubing, sledding, and snow play for families on weekends and holidays. New Advanced trails have also just opened for experienced riders.

Grab Your Crew and Go

Southern California ski resort fresh snow seasons like this one do not last forever, but this week is shaping up to be genuinely exceptional. With deep snow now and more on the way, Mountain High is delivering the kind of winter that feels earned. Whether you are carving advanced runs, sipping something warm at 8,000 feet, or letting your kids lose their minds in a tubing lane, the mountain is calling. Plan ahead, drive safe, and chase that SoCal powder while it lasts.