Mammoth is scheduled to open in early November, but if enough snow falls prior to that, an earlier opening is possible. One year, the mountain opened on the preposterously early date of October 5. Skiing on a mix of man-made and natural snow starts on the Broadway Express chair and the area around Main Lodge. Mammoth strives to have skiing (on natural snow) at its other base areas before Thanksgiving. Holiday events include the Thanksgiving Day Turkey Trot and the annual tree lighting ceremony in The Village.