Skiing in Wonderful Mammoth Mountain and recommended dining at The Rafters (3/10)
Mammoth Mountain keeps improving its resort and ski mountain. The economy is still down but Mammoth Mountain is still a great place for a ski destination. There are a vast majority of runs from beginner to advance to expert. The variety is amazing and the terrain is fantastic. There is always a great base and with the high altitude, the snow stays in great condition. We went mid-week which is a great time to go as there are no lift lines. You can get so much skiing in especially with so many high speed lifts running most all the time. Some of my favorite chairs were 3, 5 and 9 as there was an assortment of incredible blue and black runs for you to choose. For the more advanced/export skier, chair 23 takes you to the top as does the Gondola. The Cornice bowl, Dave’s and Scotty’s were mostly groomed and the most popular so get there before they get skied out. Those are all single black diamond runs while all the others from the top are double black diamond and a bit out of my capabilities. For the latest conditions, snow report, tickets and information, please visit www.mammothmountain.com
The Village is built up now with many stores, restaurants and the Village Gondola to take you to the mountain. The local bus transportation is great and a car is not needed in town. If you need a cab, call Mammoth Cab as they are the best in town at (760) 914-1548.
Our #1 restaurant recommendation is the newly opened New American/Italian Cuisine “Rafters” at 202 Old Mammoth Road. It just opened at the end of 2009 and has been a big hit. The food is amazing with Executive Chef, Kerry Mechler, coming over from another local restaurant. He is very creative and does not use short cuts as the food is a prime example of that. The General Manager, James Gray, is extremely hospitable and has helped put together an incredible staff. He is a local native for over 20 yrs and is very eager to attend to all the customer’s needs.
We started with some tasty appetizers such as the polenta, tender calamari and my personal favorite duck confit melting off the bone. For dinner entrees, we had the Loup de Mer wholefish, fresh gnocchi, and the biggest, tastiest rack of lamb dish I can remember. Choose a variety of other dishes and full bar to accompany your meal. The décor is beautiful including a gorgeous fireplace and modern, open atmosphere. The staff and servers are friendly and know their stuff. There is a lounge with live bands Thursday-Saturday and the place gets hopping later in the night after the more low key dinner music. Call to find out which band is playing as dancing is a good possibility after dinner.
The meal and experience was so good, I decided to come back to try their breakfast. With an assortment of items, I had the sour cream/banana pancakes with a hint of lemon and the eggs benedict with that same delicious duck on an English muffin. Wow is all I can say. I was set for a full day of skiing after that and didn’t need to take a lunch break.
For questions or reservations, call 760-934-9431 or visit them online at www.therafters.com
Mammoth Mountain Extends Ski and Snowboard Season to July 4, 2010
Mammoth Mountain, CA – Thanks to incredible snowfall throughout the 2009/10 winter season, Mammoth Mountain will extend its winter operations for daily skiing and riding to July 4, 2010. Mammoth Mountain has received over 41 feet (493 inches) of snowfall this season including more than three feet of snow in the first week of April. With a current base depth of 11 feet to 15 feet of snow, Mammoth is experiencing the best snowfall season since the record breaking 2005/06 season, when over 50 feet of snow fell on the mountain.Long known for snow seasons that stretch well into spring and summer, this will mark the 11th time that Mammoth Mountain has been open for skiing and riding on the Fourth of July within the last 31 years of operation. “Those of us who run Mammoth Mountain came here to ski and ride as much as possible so we always open as early as we can and stay open as long as the snow lasts,” said Rusty Gregory, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Mammoth Mountain. “We have the best April snow conditions I’ve seen in my 32 years on the mountain. With as much snow as we have, our customers would riot if we closed down as early as the other ski resorts. Keeping the mountain open until July 4th is what ‘Playing Big’ is all about.”Mammoth Mountain ’s high alpine bowls offer some of the best spring riding available anywhere. Construction will start soon on a high altitude spring terrain park featuring jumps, rails and a 22-foot Super Duper Pipe accessible from Face Lift Express. Skiers and boarders looking for easy access to the eastern Sierra resort can take advantage of daily air service from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) on Horizon Air starting at only $69 each way. 2010/11 Mammoth Mountain Season Passes are on sale for half price until April 30, 2010. Purchasers of a Mammoth Season Pass for next season can begin using the pass for skiing and riding on May 1, 2010. For more information on summer air service, season passes and snow conditions, please visit MammothMountain.com or call 800.MAMMOTH.
Mammoth Mountain to Release “Another Day in Paradise”
Mammoth Mountain, CA – Following the success of Mammoth Mountain’s team video released in Fall 2009, “Hot Laps,” Mammoth is proud to announce the production of their second team video “Another Day in Paradise” set for release in Fall 2010.
“Another Day in Paradise” will feature the Mammoth Unbound Team riding everything from Mammoth’s world-famous terrain parks to the endless backcountry terrain surrounding the Mammoth area. The movie marks the second major release in as many years from filmer, director and producer Greg Weaver. Gabe Taylor will also provide extensive creative direction for the film project.
Featured riders include Olympians Greg Bretz and Danny Kass, Dew Tour Slopestyle Champion Tyler Flanagan, Frends Crew members Mason Aguirre, Jack and Luke Mitrani, Gabe Taylor, Eddie Wall, Eric Jackson, Lonnie Kauk, Trevor Jacob, Shayne Pospisil, Alex and Jared Dawoud, Peter Benchetler, Kimmy Fasani, Matt Hammer and many others. Also featured will be Mammoth Unbound pro skier Chris Benchetler.
“I’m super excited for this season and this new project” said Greg Weaver, Director of ‘Another Day in Paradise.’ “’Hot Laps’ was a huge success, but my goals for ‘Another Day in Paradise’ are even higher. We are excited to have some new riders to bring different elements to the project teaming up with all the returning riders from last season.”
“Another Day in Paradise” will premiere on Saturday, November 13, 2010 with a free showing in The Village at Mammoth followed by a concert at Canyon Lodge. 100,000+ copies of “Another Day in Paradise” will be distributed free with the Superpark Issue of Snowboarder Magazine on newsstands December 1, 2010. An additional 50,000+ copies of “Another Day in Paradise” will be distributed free in Snowstyle Magazine, Japan’s largest snowboard publication.
To view movie trailers and get more information about “Another Day in Paradise”, please visit www.playbigproductions.com.
The Mammoth Mountain Unbound Terrain Parks lead the industry in innovation and quality with seven parks, three pipes, 80+ jibs and 50+ jumps on over 90 acres of California’s favorite mountain resort. Using state-of-the-art equipment to provide a progressive environment for all levels, from beginners to a team of 16 professional athletes, the Unbound earns consistent ratings among the top parks of the world. For more information on the Unbound Terrain Parks at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, visit www.playbigproductions.com or call 800.MAMMOTH.
Mammoth Mountain to Rename Ski Run in Honor of Andrea Mead Lawrence
Mammoth Mountain, CA – In honor of Olympic medalist and legendary ski racer Andrea Mead Lawrence, Mammoth Mountain is renaming the ski run Far West as “Andy’s Double Gold.” A ceremony is scheduled for 10 a.m. on Saturday, November 14, 2009 at the top of Far West ski run at Mammoth Mountain.
Lawrence, a long-time Mammoth Lakes resident, was a world class skier, earned two gold medals in the 1952 Oslo Olympic Games. Also a member of the National Ski Hall of Fame, Lawrence was also well known as an environmentalist, founding the Andrea Lawrence Institute for Mountains and Rivers dedicated to conservation in the Eastern Sierra Nevadas.
“She was a woman of the mountains, particularly of Mammoth Mountain,” said Rusty Gregory, Chief Executive Officer of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. “It is fitting and proper that we re-name Far West, a ski run that has seen so many races over the years, Andy’s Double Gold. The monument to Andrea’s legacy at the top of this run will serve to remind all who ski and ride here that the fun and enjoyment provided by mountains come with a solemn obligation to protect them. She dedicated her life to this noble cause so we dedicate this run to her.”
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is the leading four-season mountain resort in California. With 1.2 million annual skier visits, Mammoth Mountain is currently the third most frequented ski resort in the United States. The company owns and operates a variety of resort businesses including recreation, hospitality, real estate development, food and beverage and retail. Specific businesses owned and operated by Mammoth Mountain include Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, June Mountain, Tamarack Lodge and Resort, Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park and the Mammoth Mountain Inn. Mammoth Mountain also operates Juniper Springs Resort, the Village Lodge and Sierra Star Golf Course in Mammoth Lakes, California. For more information on Mammoth Mountain, visit MammothMountain.com or call 800.MAMMOTH.
Road to Mammoth Qualifiers Series Announced for
2010 Mammoth Motocross
The Mammoth Motocross, 2XPromotions and Transworld MX are excited to announce the addition of the Road to Mammoth Qualifier Series for the 2010 Mammoth Motocross. These qualifier events will take place throughout California and will be part of the entry process for the 2010 Mammoth Motocross, taking place June 17-27, 2010 in Mammoth Lakes, CA.
With over 40 years of successful events and over 10 years of sold out entries, this new performance-based entry process will allow a percentage of winners and top finishers from each round of the Road to Mammoth Qualifier Series to receive an entry into the 2010 Mammoth Motocross. The remaining entries for the 2010 Mammoth Motocross will come from on-line registration as in the past.
Qualifying rounds will take place at the following dates and locations:
- Qualifier #1 January 30-31, Milestone MX, Riverside, CA
- Qualifier #2 February 20-21, Zaca Station MX, Los Olivos, CA
- Qualifier #3 March 6-7, Oatfield MX, Turlock, CA
- Qualifier #4 March 13-14, Porterville OHV, Porterville, CA
- Qualifier #5 March 27-28, Perris Raceway, Perris, CA
- Qualifier #6 April 10-11, Honey Lake Raceway, Milford, CA
Entries for all Road to Mammoth qualifiers will open on January 1, 2010 at www.2Xpromotions.com. Regular entries for the 2010 Mammoth Motocross will be available beginning May 1, 2010 at www.MammothMotocross.com.
The Mammoth Motocross draws racers and spectators who come to Mammoth Lakes to enjoy the rush of watching some of the best motocross competitors in the world compete on the famous Mammoth Motocross track, located at 8,000 feet in the Sierra Nevada mountains. Originally established in 1968, the Mammoth Motocross is the longest continuously running motocross event in the United States.
The Mammoth Motocross would like to thank all of the current event partners. For more information and details on classes, qualifiers and partner opportunities, please visit www.MammothMotocross.com or www.2Xpromotions.com.
Mammoth Lakes Summer Events Combine the Beauty of the High Sierra with The Exhilaration of Motocross, Mountain Biking, World-Class Jazz and Wine Tasting
Mammoth Lakes, Calif. (Summer 2010) — Anyone who has been to Mammoth Lakes in the summer knows there’s only one place to be once the snow melts and the wildflowers emerge. That place is outdoors, where Mother Nature has sculpted the mountain peaks as majestic as any piece of art found in a museum, where stars are sprinkled across the sky like glitter and where the air is perfumed with the scent of pines. Mammoth Mountain hosts a number of outdoor events that complement the spectacular beauty; here’s a listing of what’s on tap for summer 2010.
JUNE
MONSTER ENERGY MAMMOTH MOTOCROSS
Date: June 17-27
Location: Motocross Track in the Town of Mammoth Lakes
Info: The longest continuous running motocross in the US, Mammoth Motocross draws spectators who enjoy the rush of watching competitors ride it out on the famous Mammoth Motocross track, located at 8,000 feet above sea level. Many of the top racers in the world, such as Ricky Carmichael, Jeremy McGrath, Rick Johnson and Jeff Ward have honed their skills at this event. It also has become one of the major amateur events in the country.
Race day, gates open at 5 a.m. Practice day, gates open at 7 a.m.
Off The Track Events: Don’t miss Moti Gras in the Village at Mammoth on June 19 and 22 and the Transworld Motocross blowout event on June 26.
Website: http://mammothmotocross.com/
Lodging Package: The Stay and Motocross Package includes lodging, a spectator ticket for each night stayed and a commemorative t-shirt for each adult on the reservation starting at $116*. Packages are available by calling 800.MAMMOTH or at www.MammothMountain.com.
MOUNTAIN BIKE PARK OPENING DAY
Date: June 19
Location: Adventure Center, Mammoth Mountain
Info: After the snow melts, The Adventure Center opens for the summer. Fat tire fans can explore 70-plus miles of dirt single-track, including an exhilarating 3000-foot descent from Mammoth Mountain’s summit. Scenic gondola rides, a climbing wall, hiking and a zip line also open for the summer.
Website: http://www.mammothmountain.com/
JULY
22nd ANNUAL MAMMOTH LAKES JAZZ JUBILEE
Date: July 14-18
Location: Town of Mammoth Lakes, Village at Mammoth and Canyon Lodge
Info: Mammoth Mountain will hit a high note when the Jazz Jubilee treats fans to five days of jazz music. One of the Sierra’s largest jazz festivals, the Jubilee brings together a talented array of artists performing everything from traditional, Dixie, swing, big band, zydeco and straight-ahead compositions.
Lodging Package: Stay & Jazz package includes lodging and Jubilee badge for each adult on the reservation starting at $108*. The Jubilee badge includes admission to all Jazz Jubilee events.
Website: http://mammothjazz.org/welcome.html
7th ANNUAL VILLAGEFEST
Date: July 31
Location: Village at Mammoth
Info: California’s highest rib cook-off also features cover bands, a beer and wine garden and entertainment for the kids.
Website: http://www.villageatmammoth.com/index.htm
AUGUST
15th ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF BEERS AND BLUESAPALOOZA
Date: August 6 – 8
Location: Sam’s Wood Site & the Village at Mammoth
Info: An outdoor music festival set under the pines offering unlimited tastings from more than 70 microbreweries, BBQ-style food, and an eclectic mix of blues performers Saturday afternoon and evening. Dave Mason, The Delgado Brothers and Shemekia Copeland are three of the many acts set to appear at the 2010 festival.
August 6 – Blues Cookout and Concert, 5 to 9 p.m.
August 7 – Grand Tasting 12 to 5 p.m.; Bluesapalooza 12 to 9 p.m.
August 8 – Sunday Morning Hangover Party, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Lodging Package: The Ultimate Stay and Blues Package includes two nights lodging and admission to all events and a commemorative tasting glass for each adult on the reservation starting at $159*. This and other packages are available by calling 800.MAMMOTH or at www.MammothMountain.com.
Website: http://www.mammothbluesbrewsfest.com/
5th ANNUAL MAMMOTH FESTIVAL
Date: August 20-22
Location: Sam’s Wood Site & The Village at Mammoth
Info: Relax among the pines and pure alpine air while admiring art from a mix of original artists, tasting the offerings from more than 30 world-renowned vintners, and listening to a lineup of top-notch jazz artists.
Lodging Package: More information to come…
Website: http://mammothevents.com/
2nd ANNUAL MAMMOTH ROCKS, TAST OF THE SIERRAS
Date: August 27-28
Location: Village at Mammoth
Info: This is an event that will showcase a selection of the Eastern Sierra’s favorite eateries’ and live music. This FREE event is open to the public all weekend long!
Website: http://www.villageatmammoth.com/index.htm
SEPTEMBER
HIGH SIERRA FALL CENTURY
Date: September 11
Info: The 100 mile course takes you along the spectacular east side of the High Sierra and into the quiet beauty of the Mono Basin with awesome views of Mono Lake and the White Mountains. Short course options of 30 and 45 miles will also be offered
Website: http://www.fallcentury.org/
*Events and dates subject to change.
The Village at Mammoth Undergoes Transformation This Winter
With the Opening of 10 New Eateries and Retail Stores
· Five new eateries to introduce a wide variety of new flavors
· Quiksilver headlines lineup of five new retail shops & stores
· New Ski Back Trail creates unparalleled convenience and access
Mammoth Lakes, Calif.–The Village at Mammoth is undergoing a renaissance this ski season, ushering in winter by introducing 10 new eateries and retail shops & stores. The selection includes one of the top names in action sports apparel as well as new dining options from near and afar, which will add to off-the-slopes activities in Mammoth.
The Village’s new arrivals will pump even more energy into what has become the entertainment hub of the Mammoth area. During the winter months, the 15-passenger express Village Gondola delivers riders to Canyon Lodge in just six minutes, providing access to Canyon Express and Chairs 7, 8, and SchoolYard Express. And thanks to the new Ski Back Trail expected to open this December, for the first time guests will practically ski and snowboard right to The Village’s front door.
New Eateries:
· Hyde Lounge— Hyde Lounge Mammoth is featuring an Après Ski menu consisting of 3 p.m. Happy Hour specials and Late Night pub food with original delectable appetizers and entrees. Nightly entertainment will feature celebrity DJ’s and local talent mixing it up.
· Bear Creek Pizza Den—Guests can enjoy pizza, chicken, soup, salads, meatball subs and sandwiches, beer and wine with dine-in, take-out and delivery options.
· The Smokeyard Barbeque and Chop Shop—A dynamic new restaurant & bar, The Smokeyard will brand its own style of classic American-barbeque and steakhouse fare. It will be known for its American comfort food but will also surprise guests with exotic dishes.
· Gomez’s Restaurant & Cantina – Home of the famous “Mammoth Margarita” and a Mammoth favorite since 1993, Gomez’s will find a new home in The Village, bringing authentic Mexican fare and a festive cantina atmosphere.
· Starbucks—Expected to open by early winter 2009, Starbucks will provide skiers and boarders with premier specialty coffee and signature beverages.
New Retail Shops & Stores
· Mammoth Gallery—Warren Magill’s gallery will return to The Village, selling photography, historic ski posters, pottery, jewelry, art and stained glass and other unique gallery items.
· Trendy Tots—A children’s store selling children’s clothes and toys.
· Trendy Tweens—The source for a creative collection of “tweenager” clothing.
· Quiksilver—Expected to open late 2009, Quiksilver brings to The Village one of the top names in snow, surf and skateboard attire.
· Zan Tees—This t-shirt shop will offer unique themes and customized t-shirts, sweatshirts, hoodies, ball caps, sweatpants, fleece jackets and vests—ideal attire for hiking Mammoth’s trails in the summer or lounging around in a condo in winter.
Visit MammothMountain.com for more information.
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is the leading four-season mountain resort in California. With 1.2 million annual skier visits, Mammoth Mountain is currently the third most frequented ski resort in the United States. The company owns and operates a variety of resort businesses including recreation, hospitality, real estate development, food and beverage and retail. Specific businesses owned and operated by Mammoth Mountain include Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, June Mountain, Tamarack Lodge and Resort, Mammoth Snowmobile Adventures, Mammoth Mountain Bike Park and the Mammoth Mountain Inn. Mammoth Mountain also operates Juniper Springs Resort, the Village Lodge and Sierra Star Golf Course in Mammoth Lakes, California. For more information on Mammoth Mountain, visit MammothMountain.com or call 800.MAMMOTH.