Four US ski centres are reported to be open for snow sports to celebrate the country’s Independence Day this Sunday, the fourth of July.

Two resorts in California, one in Colorado and one in Oregon are open.

In California, Mammoth Mountain – which has been open continually since last Autumn – will finally end its very long season on Monday. The resort has up to five feet (150cm) of snow lying still and its Broadway Express, Face Lift Express and the Panorama Gondola will be open from 7:30am to 1pm on Independence Day.

Kirkwood ski area to the north has also announced it will re-open for snow sports for the Fourth of July weekend to stage its Avalanche Cup from 10am to 4pm. The cost to compete is $42 total – $32 for an all-day lift ticket and $10 for a spot in the race.

The course will be on the resort’s Thunder Saddle and walking to and from the chair lift to reach the snow will be necessary.

In Colorado Copper Mountain’s summer terrain park is open through July, but only to groups enrolled in their summer camp programme, unique in the world as it uses both outdoor snow and the resort’s indoor training facility complete with Snowflex covered terrain features.

The fourth area open is Timberline ski area on Mt Hood in Oregon, the only US area to remain open for snow sports all year – nearly. It closes for annual maintenance each September for a few weeks.

North of the border only Whistler was open for summer snow sports on Canada day, July 1st.