Buried Under Snow ~ It's a Good Thing

Road Trip ~ eastern Sierras ~ Mammoth Mt.

 

I gleefully bring you the 2010-2011 season total snowfall for Mammoth Mt, California ~ drum roll, please ~ 626 inches or 52 feet 2 inches.  How sweet it is.  This mountain is legendary not just for its snowfall but for its almost 360 degree access to snow riding of your choice (skiing, snowboarding, cross country, snowshoeing) and its steep, open bowls.  I kid you not when I say my heart leaps in my chest every time I eject off the crest to one of the double black diamond  runs below.

 

With early opening in October/November and last call down the mountain on 4th of July, the snow play season is long, adventuresome and a sheer delight. Even if you don't like playing in the snow, it's worth the trip to ride the gondola to the top to view Mono Lake on one side, the back of Half Dome on another, the Pinacle Peaks on yet another side and the valley far below.

 

The town itself is a bit of a disappointment if you are looking for cute or picturesque. It struggled for years to remain folksy and even a bit plain, letting the surrounding natural beauty speak for itself.  In Southern California style, much of the town's attractions are along two and a half main roads, none of which are really reachable by foot to the other.  The "progressives" finally won and the town (and eventually ski resort) was bought out by big business.  Lots of new construction, including a "village square" has been built but the town lost a bit of its soul in the process.  Thankfully, the mountain maintained its integrity and remains the main attraction.  Summer is also spectacular with great temps, fabulous flowers and lots of outdoor activities to keep everyone in the family happy.

 

We were fairly spontaneous on this trip, meaning we made no advance reservations.  If you are picky about where you stay then I wouldn't recommend going freelance like we did.  Accommodations run the gamut from high-end luxury to really basic.  I suggest if you are staying for more than a couple days that you at least get a room with a microwave and mini-fridge.  It will save on your food bill.  Condos are plenty and a better bargain if there is a bunch of you to share the cost.  There is one big grocery store in town but it comes fully equipped to handle the demands of its largely SoCal clientele.  Bergers serves good, reasonably priced American fare.  And Country Stove is a must on your last morning in town as its breakfast will last you well into late morning.

 

I've been going to Mammoth for three decades and never, ever fail to be inspired.  So I tend to ignore a lot of the man made stuff and focus instead on participating in its natural beauty.  (Oh, and don't even think of going without a camera.  You will want to bring home some of the magic.)

To Recap ~ 2010-2011 Season Snowfall Total: 626 inches (52'2")


Apr: 21"
Mar: 178"
Feb: 92"
Jan: 29"
Dec: 209"
Nov: 88"
Oct: 10"


http://www.mammothmountain.com/MountainActivities/