 From a humble beginning in 1945 with one rope tow, Mammoth Mountain has grown into a resort that truly lives up to its name. The visionary Dave McCoy, a snow surveyor and hydrographer, sold his Harley-Davidson to raise the money for the tow. Ten years after the rope tow went in the mountain's first chairlift was installed and Mammoth's story has been one of steady expansion since then. The statistics speak for themselves: 3100 vertical feet (to a lofty 11,053-foot summit) 150 named trails and numerous other lines are spread over 3500 acres of this rugged and picturesque mountain. Twenty-eight lifts that include nine express quads and two gondolas tie it all together. Terrain Situated on the eastern slope of the Sierra Nevada Mountains in central California, Mammoth is a serious snow-catcher. It averages a hefty 400" of snow a season but collected more than 600" (607" and 664" respectively) the past two seasons. About 30% of the terrain is suitable for beginners, but much of it is best suited to beginners with some miles under their boards. The best concentration of truly green circle trails is served by the Discovery Chair; much of the rest of the green is blue around the edges. But 30% of Mammoth's terrain adds up to more than 1000 acres, so novices and beginners will find plenty to keep them happy. There are some terrific intermediate cruisers such as Lost in the Woods, Stump Alley, and wide-open Broadway, but Mammoth is rich in blue runs that verge on black. As for true black diamond and double-diamond terrain, the upper half of Mammoth is devoted to advanced and expert skiers and riders. Huevos Grande, Upper Dry Creek, Hangman's Hollow, the Drop Out and Wipe Out chutes and many more lines will keep even the most jaded experts happy for a long time. There's excellent hike-to terrain at Hemlock Ridge and many points to drop in along the extensive summit ridge. Indeed, Mammoth's folded and convoluted terrain - a result of the mountain's volcanic origins - is one of its strengths. There's almost always an exposure where you'll find snow as you like it or an unexpected powder shot. Photographs of the mountain from a distance show a dramatic central cone with the high summit ridge behind it, much of it above treeline, but neither photos or the trail map prepare you for Mammoth's delightful variety. Mammoth's Unbound terrain parks and three half-pipes (including one Superpipe) are world-class, meticulously maintained, and conveniently placed. The Superpipe is groomed every day, no matter what. Three day lodges provide the anchors for food service, rentals, and other amenities. A mid-mountain chalet, a couple of cafes, and two BBQ outposts let you stay on the mountain when you need a bite and a rest. Off-slope activities include cross-country skiing and snowmobiling. Backcountry adventure is available in the surrounding Inyo National Forest, and Yosemite National Park is nearby.
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Ski Report
California
