We haven't even opened yet and we're already talking about Phase 2. Some would call this premature. We call it momentum. Also, we call it "we've been planning this for two years and we're very excited."
Today, Mirage Mountain Resort is revealing our Phase 2 development plans for Palomar Mountain in San Diego County, targeted for the 2027/28 season. And honestly? Phase 2 might be even more fun than Phase 1.
Night Skiing
Eight runs lit for night skiing, operating Thursday through Saturday evenings from 5 PM to 9 PM. But here's the thing that makes this different from every other night skiing operation in the country: we're on the same mountain as the Palomar Observatory, which means our lighting can't just be any lighting.
We've developed a dark-sky-preserving LED lighting system in consultation with the Observatory and the International Dark-Sky Association. The lights are shielded, aimed exclusively downward, and use an amber-warm spectrum that minimizes sky glow. You get lit slopes. The astronomers get dark skies. Everyone wins.
Imagine skiing under the stars on a mountain that's famous for stars. That's not a marketing line -- that's a Thursday night at Mirage Mountain.
The Observatory Lounge
A mid-mountain lodge at 5,600 feet, positioned at a natural overlook with panoramic views of the north-facing terrain and, on clear days, the Pacific Ocean. The Observatory Lounge will feature:
- Craft cocktail bar with a menu inspired by -- you guessed it -- the cosmos. The "Dark Matter Old Fashioned" is already in development.
- Wood-fired pizza because pizza tastes better at elevation. This is not scientifically proven but it is emotionally certain.
- Outdoor deck with fire pits and slope-facing seating for the ultimate aprés experience
- Warming area for skiers accessing the upper mountain via the Fir Line lift
The aprés-ski at the Observatory Lounge will rival the skiing itself, which is either a compliment to the lounge or a commentary on our terrain. We choose to believe the former.
The Onesie Park
Every self-respecting ski resort needs a terrain park. Ours is called The Onesie Park, because we have a loose policy (not a rule, a vibe) that encourages -- but doesn't require -- wearing a onesie while sessioning the park. It's a long story. Actually, it's a short story: we think terrain parks take themselves too seriously, and a onesie is the antidote to that.
The Onesie Park will feature progressive terrain from small to medium features:
- Beginner line: Small rollers, wide boxes, and features designed to make you feel like a hero
- Intermediate line: Medium jumps, rails, and a wall ride we haven't named yet (submissions welcome)
- "The Reagan": A feature we legally cannot describe further. You'll know it when you see it.
Continued Investment
Phase 2 represents an additional $22 million investment in Mirage Mountain Resort, bringing total project investment to $60 million. Tias Capital continues as the project's primary funding partner, because apparently watching us build Phase 1 did not scare them away.
"The success of the Founding Member pass program and the community response to Phase 1 confirmed what we believed from the beginning: San Diego County wants this mountain," said Elena Vasquez, Managing Partner at Tias Capital. "Phase 2 is the natural next step."
Timeline
Phase 2 construction is planned to begin in spring 2027, with completion targeted for the 2027/28 season. This timeline depends on Phase 1 opening successfully, which depends on us not doing anything catastrophically wrong between now and December. We're cautiously optimistic.
For now, Phase 1 opens December 18, 2026. Get your Founding Member Pass and be there for the beginning. Phase 2 is the encore. But first, the show.