“First chair” bragging rights for the season go to these happy riders. At least Woolly caught the second chair. MAMMOTH TIMES PHOTOS/SUSAN MORNING

Mammoth Mountain opened at 9 a.m., the first resort to open in California. A powerful storm hit the Eastern Sierra over the weekend dropping up to 18 inches of snow on Mammoth Mountain. By late Sunday, resort operators made the decision to open the slopes for skiing and riding on Monday, Nov. 3, a full 10 days prior to schedule.

Broadway Express opened on a base of 6-12 inches, a combination of natural and manmade snow. According to the Web site, the mountain anticipates opening more terrain later in the week. All other services will be open in the Main Lodge, including Broadway Marketplace food court, Rental Shop and the Repair shop.

The scheduled opening day for Canyon Lodge and Little Eagle is Nov. 26.