Despite the lack of snowfall earlier this ski season, there’s plenty of the white stuff at Mammoth Mountain, making for fantastic skiing and snowboarding.
Angelenos planning their winter vacation in the Sierras can find a mountain of information to plan a trip at the Mammoth Mountain website (www.mammothmountain.com).
Where to Stay
If you crave the creature comforts of five-star accommodations, check out Tallus, a gated community of vacation rental homes near the heart of Mammoth Lakes, overlooking the Sierra Star Golf Course. Though developed as a member-owner community, currently the homes are available for rent by the day, week or longer stays. The beautifully appointed four- and five-bedroom mini manses were designed with familie
s in mind, featuring well-thought-out amenities such as downstairs children’s rooms with bunk beds and a kid’s dining and play area.
Each of the eco-friendly wood-framed chalets boasts three master suites, a screening room with a theatre quality AV system, a kitchen equipped with professional Viking appliances, an outdoor dining area with barbeque, a covered deck and outdoor Jacuzzi and a huge dining room and a grand living room resembling a boutique hotel lounge.
The staff at Tallus think of everything, from a basket of towels by the hot tub, to a plethora of dishware including table settings for twelve; crystal wine glasses, champagne flutes and tumblers; and top-of-the-line cookware, serving dishes and utensils. Dishwasher and clothes detergent, food storage
baggies and Tupperware are in the cabinets too.
Besides R&R in your luxury home away from home, Tallus offers plenty to do on the property, including a private clubhouse for residents with a large indoor swimming pool, hot tub, fitness room, showers, and game room. An inn keeper in residence is available to arrange concierge services, such as a private chef, and a private Mercedes Benz shuttle van is on call to transport guests to the slopes, dining or other activities.
Gear This
Ski and snowboard equipment rentals are easiest online through Black Tie (www.BlackTieSkis.com). Book your order online a few days before your trip, and the friendly and knowledgeable technicians deliver the gear to your door. The service carries a range of packages at various price points, including premium packages of newest and best equipment available.
The techs give each client an individual fitting session and a demo of all the equipment and features. If you have any concerns whatsoever, their slope-side service comes to you on the mountain to adjust your equipment as needed. Besides eliminating the rush and stress of renting skis the morning before skiing, they also arrange to pick up the skis at the end of your trip, so you do not have to deal with returning equipment after a tiring day on the slopes.
Preschool Ski School
The Mammoth Kids Ski School at the Main Lodge offers everything from morning and full-day sessions with built-in hot chocolate breaks, lunch and fun activities to extended daycare options. With most options, equipment rentals and lift tickets are included, the latter being free for children under age six.
Eat and Run
When it comes time to kick off your boots and grab some grub in the lodge, check out the two restaurants and Tusks Bar at the Main Lodge overlooking Disco Park half pipe. A roving snowcat also serves food and beverages, which is a novel fun idea for replenishment on the slopes.
After a day’s downhilling, enjoy a meal with ambience at the Mountain Side Grill. The restaurant offers hearty winter favorites like Cheese Fondue with Gruyere, Emmentaler cheeses and white wine; Bison Chili served with blue corn bread; Steak Diane flambéed with brandy; and Vegetable Curry Pie with a coconut curry sauce. For finishers, the Banana Bread Pudding is delish with peach crème anglaise.
High Tech up High
The resort’s hi-tech RFID lift passes are light years from the old paper hang tags of yesteryear. These computer-chipped credit-card-sized passes can be tucked away in a coat or pants pocket and are read by scanners as you pass through the gate to the chair lift. For future visits, the passes can be topped up online.
Other Attractions
A fun attraction for non skiers is a gondola ride form the base station at the Main Lodge. Passengers can ride up to ski or snowboard down or to grab a quick bite at the Lookout Lunch snack bar at the summit at 11,053 feet elevation, offering magnificent 360-degree views of the Eastern Sierra. Visitors can also learn about the mountains and their landmarks and learn the area’s history through exhibits at the Sierra Interpretive Center at the peak.
Getting There
Mammoth is a solid 5.5 hour drive from Los Angeles. When snow and ice are on the road, tire chains are normally recommended. Flights are also available from LAX, and as the airlines boast, a plane ticket costs less than a speeding ticket.
