Lake Tahoe is known as a hiker’s paradise in the summer and a snow sports playground in the winter. But for the past three winters, the California drought has taken a toll on the Tahoe ski season, with several resorts last year ending the season with virtually no fresh snow all winter long.

But this year the forecasts of “El Nino” storms promise the first full-season of skiing in Tahoe in years. Already some resorts have announced that recent snowfalls, plus some snow-making by their own machines means that the ski season will be opening this week, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.

On Monday, the Tahoe area was blanketed with the season’s first major snowfall, when more than a foot of powder fell throughout much of the Sierra. The Mount Rose Ski Tahoe resort welcomed skiers and snowboarders already on Wednesday, giving them the first taste of what resorts hope will be the most successful season in years.

Weather forecasts for the area call for cold temperatures throughout the weekend, meaning the early snowpack should remain while resorts add fresh layers with snow-making equipment.

Boreal Mountain Resort also announced on their social media sites that they would be opening on Friday. Boreal and Mt. Rose are typically the first Tahoe area resorts to usher in a new ski season, but other area ski and snowboarding hotspots typically open shortly after.

Areas in the Sierra above 7,000 feet may get more snow, according to weather reports, with some resorts announcing between four and eight inches already on the ground after Monday’s downpour.

California’s ski industry has been called “a canary in the coal mine” of climate change, as the recent warmer, drought-plagued winters have wreaked havoc on their businesses. Even with record spending in snow making over the last three years, several resorts suffered major cutbacks and even some closings.

Visitors heading to the Tahoe area are warned to take care on snow-covered roads, and check ahead for road closings and tire-chain advisories.