Unofficial Mammoth Park Report | Snow Park Terrain Stoke Ski Snowboard

ski regulation signs — The Mountain's trying to tell us something... These whispy little clouds speak to me too. What do they say to you?

Let’s cut to the skinny… Or perhaps, thin is the word that we’re going for. Yes, unfortunately, truth be told, our beloved man-made coverage is in fact receding. I’m confident that at this time Mammoth will not be attempting to expand terrain. Rather, considering the short window provided each evening to make snow (perhaps limited to 2 hours at higher elevations) I trust that Mountain Ops is more concerned with preserving the terrain currently in play. And, not to state the obvious, but, we need snow (man or mother made) to be able to do just that.

Having only missed a couple days of skiing I was a bit taken aback by the noticeable deterioration in conditions: loose rocks are everywhere, thin patches are sprouting up all over. Even so, play the mountain right and you can still get in a day’s worth of great skiing; crowds are even thinner than the snowpack. And if it’s park riding you like, you’re in luck – Mammoth has 4 parks primed up with endless jibs and jumps for all abilities.

I know I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again… get your dancing shoes on! I KNOW there’s snow out there for us, it just needs us to remind it how much we appreciate being graced by its presence.

Skiing and snowboarding in California — Canyon holding strong... just getting a touch firmer and faster.

THE CONDITIONS

The PROS:

The Mountain is open.
Crowds are thinner than coverage and the all around vibe on the hill is very inviting.
Even though it’s primarily beginner terrain, the runs around Juniper are prime during mid-day hours, softening to a nice buttery spring consistency.
BURTON MOUNTAIN FESTIVAL IS ON! Come up for Burton FREE demos, the “learn-to-ride” park, and some great snowboard comps.
Churned-up granular pow is the norm from 8500 and up. Yes, you may have to skid a slick patch or two to connect the sweet sugary goodness.
If evening temps simply drop a few degrees I know our seasoned (and surely exhausted) snowmaking crew will have this place back in shape in a snap.

skiing and snowboarding at Juniper Springs — Juniper holding tough. Great for beginners and mid-day spring-like conditions.

The CONS:

Loose rocks, of various sizes, are everywhere now.
Too many dry patches surfacing to name ‘em all. Be cautious and get to know the runs before taking charge out there.
Icy patches are a bit bigger and firmer these days.
You haven’t been dancing hard enough!

Thin ski snowboard coverage. — Don't freak out... Here's the skinny: of the dozens of runs to open at Mammoth this season, this is the only one to go by the way-side. In fact, it's not even a run, it's a connector from the top of Chair 15 to Swell. Not bad if you consider this is all that has closed here; entire ski areas in other parts of the country have had to shut down due to the dry winter.

PARK REPORT:

South Park has seen a serious facelift: big jumps and advanced level jibs – this all likely for tomorrow’s Burton Slopestyle.
Super Pipe still on point: sunny wall is great for learning new tricks.
Main has a great variety of jibs and the jumps (currently 3) are in great shape.

snowboard and ski freestyle in California — South Park jumps are growing.

ski and snowboard terrain features at Mammoth, CA. — New S. Park feature. Slopestyle comp sponsor Mini Cooper's stick shift jib isn't so mini.

The STATS:

New Snow: Perhaps we can shelf this category for a few.
Base: 1/2′-3′
Weather: Highs in the high 40s; evenings just barely cool enough to make snow. Interesting cloud patterns these days… what does this mean?
Conditions: Man-made, groomed daily. Funny random note: Last Spring I learned the USST techs specifically wax for the unique existence of pumice in the snow when visiting Mammoth… I wonder how they’d prep for the current conditions.
Lifts: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8,10, 11, 15, 16, 17, 25 and Panorama Gondi (top & bottom), Village Gondi.
Runs: 400+ acres open. Sesame Street, East and West | St. Moritz | Broadway | Mambo | Silver Tip | Stump Alley | Powder Bowl | Ralphies | Saddle Bowl | Andy’s Double Gold | Cornice Bowl | Fascination | Wall | Easy Rider | Rollercoaster | Swell | Pumpkin | Bridges | Lower Sleepy Hollow | Downhill | Cloverleaf | Chickadee | Holiday | Festival | South Park | Main Park | Forest Trail Park | Lupin | Avalanche | Ski-School yards at Main, Canyon & Juniper | World Cup | Little Bird | Round About | Solitude | Over Easy | Center Bowl | Patrolman’s