Mammoth Mountain early records for snow/opening; other activites/dining suggestion (11/04 & 2/05)

Less than 6 hours from either San Francisco or Los Angeles, Mammoth Mountain is the best place for skiing or snowboarding in California. Their recent multi-million dollar investment backs it up; Upgraded facilities and a New Village in town to accommodate you.  We went up November 5th weekend as the mountain opened earlier than expected.   November 19th was supposed to be the opening date but because of all the snowfall and early demand, at least the main part of Mammoth opened early.

Skier or snowboarder, expert or debutant, you will find YOUR slopes. The wide number and variety of them enables you to quickly hop on the lift without too long a wait.  There is a free shuttle bus taking you around town and do the different lodges if you don’t have a car.  The skiing and snow should be remarkable this season and we may have to come back to experience the full mountain!  The conditons were marvelous (sunny and not too windy after the snowfall the previous week). Kind of what you dream of.   There should be plenty of those days ahead.  The New Village with Lodging, all new shops and places to eat is also a great way to spend some time.

 

On our follow up visit in February, 05,  we searched out more information about the mountain and new village.  Below is our latest findings.   

Living in Southern California during the rainy winter of 2005 was a curse people! So, rain down below means snow up above, right? Absolutely and boy did it snow! The only thing left to do is to hit the mountain, which we did during the few days Mother Nature blessed us with a break from snowfall on February 24^th. This time Mammoth was waiting for us with open arms, ready to accommodate us again with each and every one of its slopes and lifts. What a big mountain it is when running full throttle. I must admit, chair 5 is my favorite; the lift itself is an experience. The 360 degree view it offers is so beautiful (especially the slopes down below on your left) that I had a silly smirk on my face all the way to the top. But once launched down hill, it was laughter that took me over, man oh man I love to ski.  If in need of rentals, visit the very helpful Rental Shop at the Main Entrance or Canyon Lodge to get set up.

Comes 4 clock, one must find other ways to be entertained. That’s where The Village steps in and provides. Conveniently located only minutes away from the slopes, this brand new village is very modern yet oh so charming.

You did not eat yet? Your only worry now is choice.

From burgers to sushi…

Dublin’s Irish Whiskey Pub/Fever – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Dancing
Hennessey’s – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Lakanuki – Lunch, Dinner, Dancing
Old New York Deli and Bagel Co. – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The Pita Pit – Lunch, Dinner
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory – Snacks, Dessert
Starbucks – Coffee, Espresso, Pastries

Coming Soon…

Station 9 (restaurant)

Sand Dollar Sushi and Sake
Side Door Cafe
5 Boroughs Pizza

 Today you had a blast skiing or snowboarding and just replenished with a good meal. Hey, you’re on a roll so don’t stop the treat, stay in the Village and shop with Eastern Sierra flair (or window shop… fine!)

Enjoy shopping at stores that provide a wide range of options, from clothing, equipment accessories and high-end boutiques, to official merchandise, souvenirs, crafts and art stores.

 McCoy Sports

Mammoth Memories

Panache

Wilderness Outfitters

 Unbound

First Street

Leather

Troppe Borse

Splash Bath & Body

Munchkins

The Lingerie Lounge

Surefoot

Once Upon a Christmas

Mammoth Gallery

Color Me Mine

Gallerie Barjur

Tonik

(Coming soon!)

Livin’ Art Busy Beez’ General Store, Zante’s Soda Fountain and Snapz Photo Shoppe 

 The many different lodges, hotels and motels could not be any closer to the slopes. Same goes with the restaurants.  The Chart House (

106 Old Mammoth Road

and 760-934-4526) is quite honestly… AMAZING! Its fine interior reflects its service and absolutely exquisite food. Make sure to say hello to GM James Gray for us when you visit as there is nobody as hospitable.  A full all you can eat salad bar awaits you to start off with some fresh bread.  The menu changes daily with Fresh Fish flown in each day.  Starters include Seared Pepper Ahi/Oyseters/Steamed Mussels/crab, shrimp and calamari prepared different ways. Clam Chowder and Lobster Bisque are also nice choices but I recommend the salad bar.

From there, any of the fresh fish selections are great. I had the Costa Rican Mahi Mahi which melted in my mouth.  Other seafood dishes they usually have are Miso glazed Chilean Sea Bass, Herb Crusted Salmon, Crab Crusted Halibut, Cajun Yellowfin Tuna, Shrimp Scampi, Seared Scallops and a Seafood Mixed Grill.  Various selections are Prime Rib, Steaks, Chicken, Australian Lobster Tail and Alaskan King Crab.  Side plates to accompany your dinner include Baked or Mashed Potatoes, Rice Pilaf, Creamed Spinach, Steamed Asparagus, and Sizzling Mushrooms.  A full Wine List and Complete Bar featuring exotic drinks make your dinner complete.  A beautiful Fireplace is situated near the bar and entry area. Finish off with one of their fabulous desserts or signature Hot Chocolate Lave Cake that you must order at least 30 minutes in advance.  Just a great Dining Experience!

You want to take a day off from this fun mountain? I’m sure you must have a reason, but not to worry, Mammoth Lakes has it all; movie theater, library, mall, coffee & smoothie shops, a great Spa we heard about but didn’t get a chance to visit called "Body Works" at 760-924-3161 for massages, wraps, scrubs, facials and more. go to www.bodyworksmountainspa.com; clubs and pubs ("Dublins" is most popular in the new Village in the evening to watch sports or late night dancing)  and even a state of the art Sports complex: The Snowcreek Athletic Club (760-934-8511) has it all from top of the line work out equipment and weights to a full size basketball court, racquetball courts, cardio machines, full size heated lap pool, jacuzzi/showers/changing rooms and more. More information and membership at   www.snowcreekresort.com     

  Just two words; Convenience and Quality would best describe Mammoth Lakes and ski resort.  Be safe, use sunscreen, stretch a little, drink a lot of water (trust us) and there is no doubt that Mammoth Mountain will leave a mark!    More updated weather, conditions, lodging, tickets and any other information at 800-mammoth or  www.mammothmountain.com