Mining the Mammoth
Written by Tim a Skier from Australia
21/4/2012
(Ski party profile. All skiers, Dad ex instructor, Mum advanced, 3 kids 5yo to 11yo.) An easy freeway drive of 4-5 hours from LA with lovely views of mountains. A big mountain with lots of choice for everyone. Great lift capacity with good quad chairs and gondola - no significant queues.
The Eagle Chair is all beginner and low interm, so the little girl had a great time there with a wonderful instructor. (Good ski school, but expensive.) Mid mountain makes the transition from alpine to tree skiing, with some lovely glades - Dad and eldest son spent a delightful day in the trees with fresh snow falling.
Top of mountain starts on a high ridge and drops steeply into bowls - gets wind, but lovely snow after a storm (if you can fight off the locals). Back side would be great with fresh snow but gets sun.
Good restaurants on mountain. Shops/restaurants are scattered between Mammoth Lakes (town) and the Village base, but easy enough to access with car or shuttle.
Juniper Springs was a very pleasant lodge, but wifi was terrible - apparently limited capacity throughout town. Volcanic area with vents and hot springs add other interest.
A great time!