All Images: Cody Matheson, Mammoth Mountain
Nearly every state in the West has seen its first snowfall of the season at this point. It's not consistent yet, but it's a start! Most recently, Northern California got hit with a cold October front. Thankfully, Cody Matheson was on the ground at Mammoth Mountain, camera in hand.
Coming off a season that showed up late but delivered when it counted, Mammoth skiers are no doubt anxious and ready for a strong winter. El Niño patterns aren't typically too kind to the classic California resort, but keep burning those skis and doing those snow dances. This year could be different.
And it's certainly off to a good start, with this initial storm dropping several inches across the Sierras. Take a look at Matheson's photos from October 22, 2026, and prepare for cold days and clean turns ahead.
