El Niño snow allows Mt. Waterman ski slopes to open for first time in years

For the first time since the 2010-11 ski season, Mt. Waterman Ski Lifts will open later this month following this week’s El Niño storms.

As of Thursday morning, there was more than two feet of snow on the hill, according to the ski facility’s website, with more expected Friday night and Saturday.

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Brien Metcalf, co-owner of Mt. Waterman, said the ski facility is expected to be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. all three days of the upcoming holiday weekend of Jan. 16 through 18.

Metcalf’s brother, Rick, who is also a co-owner, is working with Caltrans officials to open the stretch of Angeles Crest Highway past Newcomb’s Ranch that was closed on Thursday.

The recent snowfall has been a welcome addition for the Metcalfs because Mt. Waterman doesn’t produce its own snow.

“Our snow comes from heaven, not the hoses,” Brien Metcalf said.

The Metcalfs and three other investors, who are all La Cañada High graduates, bought Mt. Waterman in 2006, and it’s become a family-operated business.

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“It’s a local hill and run by family,” said Brien Metcalf, who manages employees and runs the mechanical side of the facility, including the chair lifts.

Cardine writes for Times Community News.

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