Featured Article
[This post is sponsored by Mammoth Mountain]
Mammoth’s 18/19 season is upon us, and there’s no better way to kick off winter than to hear from a few Mammoth locals. Jimmy Greenleaf, Bernie Rosow, Jeremy Page, and Grey McCalla live the lives that most of us wish we did.
These four guys reside in one of the most beautiful areas of the country, have a commute that city folk couldn’t even dream up, and have the opportunity to rip around Mammoth on the daily. In speaking with each of these locals, one thing is for sure: they love what they do and they love where they live. Between waking up to a killer view of the mountains every day and claiming one of the longest seasons in the country, it’s only natural that these Mammoth locals were more than willing to brag about their hometown.
Q&A:
Jimmy Greenleaf
Age: 29
Occupation: Mammoth Freeski Coach in the winter & owner of Greenleaf Landscaping
How long have you lived in Mammoth: Born and raised!
What is the best part about Mammoth’s overall terrain?
“It has everything. Cliff drops, amazing wind buff, wide open tree lines, and powder days of all types from champagne pow to Sierra cement. Oh, and perfect terrain parks for all ability levels.”
How do you enjoy the off-season in Mammoth?
“I like to explore new areas in the eastern Sierra, climb trees, and jump off cliffs into cold lakes. Also, my gardening/landscaping business allows me to be outside all summer and stay in shape for winter.”
How has Mammoth defined you as not only a skier but a person?
“Growing up in Mammoth, I had friends that were ski racers, snowboarders, and freeskiers. I think that the fact that we all shared the same love for sliding on snow helped influence my unique skiing style and passion for the sport. It also helped that I had amazing coaches throughout my competitive career and a huge mountain to explore. I would also like to thank Dave McCoy for founding Mammoth Mountain, which brought my parents together and gave me life!”
Bernie Rosow
Age: 37
Occupation: Snow Cat Operator At Mammoth
How long have you lived in Mammoth: 18 years
When’s the most exciting time to be in Mammoth?
“The best time of the year is the spring. Everyone comes to Mammoth for the spring. You get all types of people coming out, not just locals. The springtime goes off here and everyone shows up.”
Do you have any tips for Mammoth newcomers?
“It’s a small town so it’s pretty easy. Get a night job, and ski more, party less.”
How has Mammoth defined you as not only a skier but a person?
“At this point, I’ve spent most of my adult life living in Mammoth. It’s made me who I am. I got a job that allowed me to ski every day, and that’s what has made it possible for me to do what I do. It’s hard to be a ski bum, but at Mammoth, I’ve found a balance to make it work.”
Jeremy Page
Age: 29
Occupation: Delivery Driver
How long have you lived in Mammoth: 10 years
Why Mammoth over anywhere else?
“It has easily one of the longest seasons in the world, going from early November-July 4th and even occasionally into August. Mammoth also has amazing powder riding and the world’s best park.”
What is your favorite part about Mammoth Unbound?
“They are the hardest working park crew in the industry, and it shows. They have a massive dedication to building big, fun, creative features that you just don’t see anywhere else.”
From first chair to last call, what’s your typical winter day at Mammoth look like?
“If it’s a pow day I’ll most likely be taking laps on either Dragon’s Tail or the Hemlocks. If it hasn’t snowed for a while and it’s sunny you can catch me in Main Park.”
Grey McCalla
Age: 24
Occupation: Working for a startup Consumer Electronic Device company
How long have you lived in Mammoth: 8 years
What is your favorite part about Mammoth Unbound?
“The consistency. Unbound works their asses off to create and maintain, that is without a doubt, one of the best parks in the world. It seems like over the past few years they have really been getting creative with their features while still staying to their roots of having good ol’ fashion jumps and stock features.”
What’s your hands-down, favorite memory at Mammoth?
“One that comes to mind is a few seasons back when Mammoth received some snow overnight. The mid-week storm kind of showed up out of nowhere and was supposed to just be a dusting. Turns out the top of the mountain got about 2 feet of fresh blower snow. I had just had wrist surgery, and it was really my first day back riding for a few weeks so I remember being so frothed to just be boardin’ around again. I think we got about 5 laps off the top of the mountain with hardly anyone around. It was one of those magical days that makes you realize how lucky you are to live in a place like Mammoth.”
From first chair to last call, what’s your typical winter day at Mammoth look like?
“Depending on the snow, a usual day starts with getting up to the mountain around 9:30 A.M. Then cruising some groomer laps and heading to Main Park to start riding the jumps. I usually like breaking the park up by doing a full Gondola lap every once in a while, and either bombing down road runner (the backside) or somewhere off the top. The great part about Mammoth is that there are so many different things to ride on a day to day basis. The mountain never gets stale since the park is constantly getting switched up, and there are usually some fun wind lips to go find on the mountain. The diversity of the mountain is really what makes is such a special place and if you spend enough time riding Mammoth you start to get a good idea of what will be good depending on snow and weather.”
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