19th May 2023 | James Cove, Mammoth Mountain, California.
The PlanetSKI Spring road trip in California continues. We head to the resort that has seen 18m of snow and will be open until August. And our first impression? There’s rather a lot of snow here, and that is putting it mildly. NEW
The first stop on our trip was Palisades Tahoe, formerly known as Squaw Valley, where huge amounts of snow have fallen this winter.
There are the best Spring conditions in recent memory, as we reported:
Then it was a 4-hour drive to Mammoth through some stunning scenery.
The road to Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
The road to Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
The current snow melt is filing up the rivers to bursting point.
This used to be snow:
On arrival in Mammoth the evidence of the winter’s monster snowfall is everywhere.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
This building collapsed under the weight of snow.
We were told there were no injuries.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
And up on the slopes…
Most of this ski area map is buried – it used to be completely submerged.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
This fixed snow cannon wasn’t much use, but then there wasn’t a call for it this winter.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Then there’s the snow still piled up outside the mid-mountain gondola station.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
This may not look much on first glance.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
But it is the second floor of the building.
Here’s the front.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Mammoth often offers skiing into summer but it has never been quite like this.
First up, who comes here for summer skiing?
People who like the fun parks – pros and amateurs alike.
It’s busy.
Then there are athletes in training.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
One local we chatted to on the gondola lives to the north of Los Angeles and is a season pass holder.
“You know it is actually really good to be skiing here now, with plenty of snow and fabulous sunshine.
“Last winter the road were closed so many times and I couldn’t get here.
“I have been skiing in the summer for many years and this one looks like it is going to be the best.”
It was hard to disagree.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
We’ll bring you a further report on Mammoth Mountain once we have a had a good look around.
Full details on the slopes, the accommodation, where to eat and drink etc…
We have Ikon Passes so there is no need to buy lift passses – they come in at $129 per day, so are not cheap.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Mammoth Mountain is one of our favourite resorts in the USA and skiing here at this time of year is such a treat.
It seems we are not the only ones to think so.
Mammoth Mountain. Image © PlanetSKI
Do check back…..
Further details about the Ikon Pass can be found here.
Further details anout Mammoth Mountain can be found here.
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Image c/o PlanetSKI
