California boasts some of the best ski resorts in the United States, with world-renowned terrain and an average snowfall of 300 inches per year. Here are some popular resorts within the state. 1. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort: Located in Eastern Sierra, Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort is one of the most popular ski resorts in California. It boasts an average snowfall of 400 inches per year and a ski area of over 3,500 acres. The best month to visit is usually February. 2. Squaw Valley Ski Resort: Squaw Valley Ski Resort, located in North Lake Tahoe, is known for hosting the 1960 Winter Olympics. It has an average snowfall of 450 inches per year and a skiable area of 3,600 acres. The best month to visit is usually January. 3. Heavenly Mountain Resort: Located in South Lake Tahoe, Heavenly Mountain Resort is the largest ski resort in California, with a skiable area of over 4,800 acres. It has an average snowfall of 360 inches per year. The best month to visit is usually March. Other notable ski resorts in California include Northstar California Resort, Kirkwood Mountain Resort, and Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Resort. The average snowpack in California varies by region, but the Sierra Nevada Mountains typically have a snowpack of around 100-150 inches in early winter and up to 200-300 inches by late winter. When it comes to ski history in California, the state has a rich and interesting past. The first ski resort in California was established in Yosemite National Park in the 1920s, and the state has since become a hub for winter sports. In 1957, Walt Disney opened the first chairlift at a ski resort at his newly founded ski area, Disney Mountain. The resort was later renamed Snow Summit and remains a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders today. Additionally, many Olympians have trained in California, including Shaun White, who hails from Carlsbad and won gold medals in snowboarding at the 2006, 2010, and 2018 Winter Olympics.