Mountain High averages about 10 feet of snow per season but with extreme volatility. 4% of winter months see 90 inches or more but nearly half of months get less than a foot of snow. The Southern California mountains get occasional rain, but only about 1/4 as often as ski areas in eastern North America. Mountain High has 100% snowmaking coverage but a limited water supply and thus tends to operate about half of its West mountain but none of its East during extended dry spells. Powder skiing is infrequent and the best terrain for it is the uncontrolled sidecountry between the East and West mountains.

Accumulation and Preservation

Mountain High usually gets about half of West open by Christmas, but has difficulty opening further terrain without some natural snow assistance. Terrain is mostly north facing but West is more sheltered from sun than East. Spring conditions are routine by February in Southern California's warm weather. West is usually at least half open for 3+ months but East is open for 2 months or more only in the top 1/4 of seasons.