Travel Issue

Mammoth offers many activities

By Jeff Dusing
Daily Forty-Niner

For those looking to return to the slopes this winter, Mammoth Mountain is a great location to fulfill their fixation for snow.

Located about six driving hours from the Los Angeles area, Mammoth offers a wide range of winter activities from skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling and snow shoeing. As one of the largest ski areas in California it is difficult to run out of things to do.

ìWe are a lot bigger than the Big Bear Resorts,î said Karen McGinnis, the communications coordinator for Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. ìIn my opinion, it is worth the extra drive time.î
 Some may call Mammoth a skier and snowboarder's heaven with more than 3,500 acres, 150 trails and 30 chairlifts.

Mammoth offers a wide range of trails, so there are runs to appeal to all skill levels. The beginner slopes tend to stay around the bottom while the more advanced slopes cover the top.

In addition to traditional trail riding, the ski area has developed three terrain parks that offer a variety of bumps and jumps.

ìWe've got one of the best terrain parks in the country,î McGinnis said. ìThere's three different parks for all different abilities, so if you're just starting out it's not so scary.î

While it is easy to get to Mammoth, staying there is not inexpensive. Adult one-day lift tickets are now $54 per person. Youth tickets for 19- to 23­year-olds are available at $44. Special tickets for teen-agers, senior citizens and children are also available.
 
Rental equipment can be obtained in town at any one of the ski and snowboard specialty shops. Visitors can also rent gear in the warming hut.

Renting rates from the warming hut vary based on equipment. Ski packages begin at $26 for a full day rental. Snowboard packages begin at $25. Both have available upgrades in equipment, however additional costs are involved.

Condominiums are the most common form of lodging in Mammoth. They are located throughout the town and become increasingly expensive as they get closer to the slopes.

ìA lot of other resorts you get stuck in a hotel,î McGinnis said. ìHere you can rent a condo and cook your own food.î

For more information on reserving accommodations or other questions, potential visitors may contact Mammoth Mountain at (800) MAMMOTH or they may visit their Web site at www.mammothmountain.com.