Conditions Report
Mammoth was all-time last week and this week, and will be next week as well…or maybe the entire rest of the season for that matter. Since my report last week, we’ve seen a full powder cycle, with storms, crowds, delays, and ultimately, amazing powder runs reserved for the midweek skiers. This weekend arrived with great snow conditions and open lifts. Ullr wouldn’t have had it any other way.
The timeline is as follows: It snowed 10 feet, there were awesome storm days, hoards of tourists showed up for the weekend but most lifts were closed and the mountain was overrun, Monday saw the opening of 22 for a brief period, Tuesday all of the terrain and the top popped off, and Wednesday was a lovely day of leftovers and classic resort skiing…soul skiing. I was in Mammoth for 8 days, with 1 day of ski touring, 6 days of resort skiing and 1 day of no skiing (Sunday during the blizzard).
Tuesday was hectic and people weren’t sure how much terrain would open. As it happened, all of it opened, and the cherry was on TOP at 2:00 p.m., just in time for everybody to get turns.
Wednesday there we’re plenty of leftovers. Hemlocks was basically still fresh. Dragon’s Back was basically still fresh. There was wind buff fill-ins in Paranoid’s.
We peeped into Kiwi Flat and it was gnarly. Ski patrol showed up too. “Maybe five years ago,” said the ski patroller, before departing. Probably a good life decision, I’d rather have many more powder days ahead than have to attempt to hack my way down that rocky death chute, at least in its current condition.
Phillipe’s was good, for Phillipe’s. It doesn’t really hold snow but you could make turns. A four foot crown underneath the apron that you want to watch out for though…
By Wednesday, the locals had brought out those all-mountain skis. “Powder skis, eh” was a remark I heard many times that day. I should have known better, my knees were shot after pushing leftover snow around.
Ultimately, Mammoth is one of the most diverse mountains to ski. There’s always conditions somewhere, whether it’s piste, powder, slack, or beautiful and navigable bumps. There is plenty of elevation, which keeps things fresh and chalky – well into summer.
With plenty of sun and even more snow forecasted, the bottom line is that Mammoth will be showing off for the next week. Some wind today may have changed conditions so you’ll have to check it out yourself. Bring your all-mountain skis and be prepared to have a good time. All the good lines are open and ready for you, so take the time to challenge yourself. With 10 feet of fresh, it’s going to be a soft landing.
The Forecast:
Snow Numbers:
Photo Tour:
