Mammoth Conditions Report: I say you have to give credit where credit is due (sometimes “credit” can be interchanged with “criticism” but I digress)… Go to the “Official” Mammoth Mountain Website and you’ll see an undeniable push to encourage families to come to the mountains and play – catch phrase of the moment, “February is for Families!” The truth, whether it be by luck or other, is that this week would’ve been the perfect time to bring the family to Mammoth.
What makes Mammoth great for families at present? The snow’s soft, beginner and intermediate terrain is abundant, the weather is near perfect and crowds are at bay. Don’t forget too, if your kids are 6 and under, they ride for free. Let’s not talk about the $$$ for your ticket; to do so may kill any buzz we just stoked.
So what’s the flip side of the pancake? 1) The forecast for this week-end looks to be a bit un-perfect: high winds and cold temps are on tap. 2) Here comes a dose of criticism… the “Official” Mammoth Mountain Website is still touting “100% Open | 3500 Acres,” which is far from the case. The reality, we’ll need a solid storm or two before that is true. Yet, (here comes the silver-lining…) my gut says we are due for a “swing” in that direction. Give it about a week+ and I believe we’ll see winter once again.
THE CONDITIONS
The PROS:
- Mild weather has made for some beautiful days on the hill this week.
- The daily freeze/thaw cycle has been mellow, meaning great turns can be had on most of the mountain for most of the day.
- Off-piste snow currently may be less than perfect yet coverage is predictable; most rocks and obstacles have been revealed by those who made turns before you.
- As always, the groomers are top-notch, and there are a lot of ‘em. Like groomers? Check out the backside.
- Spring-like conditions around Chair 9 and Juniper Springs, from approx. 11am-2pm, have been worth a look.
- Did I mention the weather’s been awesome?
The CONS:
- The mountain is much more Beginner and Intermediate friendly than Expert friendly right now.
- Entry to most runs off the top is as exposed as ever – a light North wind has persisted all week, keeping most ridges bare.
- Coming up this week-end? The weather could be “interesting.” Expect strong winds on Saturday. Sunday may be pleasant though.
- Off-piste runs from the top are turning “grippy.” Many lines are turning into “no fall” zones: lose your balance and you may not stop ‘til the bottom.
PARK REPORT:
- Main Park is closed for all-out construction of the Grand Prix Super Pipe and Slopestyle Events. NOTE: Sometimes there’s nothing better than a high-profile event at Mammoth to bring in a storm!
- South Park, Forest Trail, Jibs Galore and Wonderland are in great shape. One caveat: sometimes these parks can get a little too “family friendly.” EVERYONE: For everyone’s safety, become VERY familiar with safe and not-safe zones before going into any terrain park. Don’t know where these zones are? Don’t go in the park.
- The Wonderland Mini Pipe is great.
The STATS:
- New Snow: Nope… but there will be more, oh yes, there will be…
- Base: approx. 4-5’.
- Weather: Temps holding in the 40s/50s tomorrow then it looks as though winds will start to kick in, bringing some cooler temps with it.
- Conditions: Packed powder and machine groomed.
- Lifts: All lifts, except Chair 20.
- Runs: Same as before… The entire mountain is open, with the exception of some of the gnarliest terrain, i.e. Hangman’s Hollow, Top of the World, Huevos Grande, Head Chutes, MJB’s, etc.
Bottom line: Yes, now is a great time for families at Mammoth… Great time for anyone that enjoys winter recreation under the warm California sun, really.