 Mammoth
Mountain , California - Mammoth by name and nature,
the resort's huge size is served by North America's biggest
uphill transportation service. A total of 30 lifts are capable
of moving in excess of 50,000 skiers per hour. Mammoth Mountain
was established in 1950 by living legend Dave McCoy, who
retained ownership throughout the resort's spectacular growth
to become one of the world's greats.
The resort has a reputation for early
season opening - generally in the first half of November
thanks to a combined effort between its extensive snowmaking
system and the natural stuff. In the latter category, about
30 feet of snow is dumped on Mammoth each season. This abundance
also helps the resort to stay open late - usually into June.
The snow is then mercilessly bashed into place on more than
150 trails by the resort's award-winning fleet of groomers,
the largest on the planet.
Off the ski slopes, the base village
of Mammoth Lakes continues to grow, with a dozen or so bars
and restaurants and a further dozen or so retail outlets.
Activities include ballooning, bob sledding, dog sledding,
saunas, sleigh rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, spa, tobogganing
and winter hikes. Mammoth is the favorite resort of Virgin
boss Richard Branson, whose airline runs a ski tour operation
to the states from the United Kingdom.
Statistics:
Vertical Drop: 3,100'
Top Elevation: 11,053'
Base Elevation: 7,593
Lifts: 30 (1 6-pack,9 quads, 2 gondolas, 14 chairs, 4 surface)
Terrain:  30%
 40%  30%
Trails: 150 named trails
Skiable Acres: 3,500+
Longest Run: 3 miles
Annual Snowfall: 384"
Snowmaking: 432 acres/25%
Cross Country: U.S. Forest Service
trails
Snowboards: Yes
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