We have a date.
December 18, 2026.
That's the day Mirage Mountain Resort opens to the public. That's the day Palomar Mountain in San Diego County becomes a ski destination. That's the day people will stand in a lift line in San Diego and think "how is this real" for the first of what we hope will be many, many times.
The Schedule
- December 16-17: Exclusive early access for Eternal Snow Founding Members. Two days on the mountain before anyone else. This is your reward for believing in us before you could see the snow.
- December 18: Public opening day. First chair loads at 8:00 AM. There will be a ceremony, and we'll try very hard not to cry.
- December 18 onwards: Daily operations, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, through the end of the season (projected late March 2027).
What Will Be Open
On opening day, we're planning to have the following operational:
- Stardust Express quad chairlift -- full summit access
- Coyote Creek triple chairlift -- intermediate terrain
- Beginner Magic Carpet -- learning area
- 12-16 runs depending on conditions, with more opening as the season progresses
- The Warming Hut -- fully operational with restaurant, bar, rental shop, and ski school
- Snowmaking on 60% of terrain -- we'll be blowing snow from mid-November to build our base
The Fir Line double chairlift and remaining runs will open as conditions allow, with full mountain operations expected by early January.
Tickets and Passes
Opening day lift tickets will go on sale this summer. Eternal Snow Founding Member Passes are available now -- limited to 1,000, and they're the only way to ski on December 16 and 17.
Adult day tickets for opening season will be $89 for peak days and $69 for midweek. Youth (6-12) and senior (65+) tickets are discounted. Children 5 and under ski free, because they're going to spend most of their time eating snow and we don't feel right charging for that.
How We Got Here
From announcement to opening day: 26 months. From "you want to build a what, where?" to "first chair, 8 AM, December 18." We've poured foundations, strung cable, installed 180 snow guns, built a lodge with a 14-foot fireplace, hired a ski school director, and explained this concept to approximately 4,000 skeptics.
Some of those skeptics bought Founding Member passes. Some of them are now on our construction crew. One of them is on our board. Skepticism is welcome here. We just hope you bring skis.
"December 18 isn't just opening day. It's the day San Diego becomes a ski town. Sort of. In its own way. We're not replacing the beach -- we're adding a mountain." -- Jake Caldwell, Founder & CEO
Nine months. Circle the date. We'll see you at first chair.