Ski Magazine’s “Best Spring Skiing”

“In Search of Spring Powder” in the March/April 2007 issue of Ski Magazine lists Mammoth Mountain first in its tally of 15 resorts.

“Mammoth also describes the immense mountain barrier that Pacific moisture must climb, turning to snow what would otherwise become the spring showers that wash the rest of the West Coast. And with plenty of north-facing runs off the mountain’s main ridge – like the steeps of Monument, Hangman’s Hollow and Paranoid Flats – Mammoth fans are seeing white well into the greener months,” reports the magazine.

The article quotes meterologist John Brown, who says, “Because of El Nino, March and April in particular will be snowier than average.”

2007 Cal State Games

Results of the 2007 California State Winter Games, held at Mammoth Mountain March 17-18.

King Earns his Puppy Chow

Just wanted to drop a line letting you know that King and I are now a validated Avalanche Rescue Dog team. We just got back from Squaw Valley, where we were tested by the Canadian Avalanche Rescue Dog Association and the Placer County Search and Rescue. We scored a 9.5 out of 10. Take care, Sean

Sean Macedonio of Mammoth Mountain Ski Patrol oversees the growing avalanche dog program at Mammoth Mountain. King is a 2-and-a-half-year-old golden retriever. For more information about Mammoth’s Avalanche Dog program contact Eastside K-9: P.O. Box 8043 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546.

Springtime Live Music

Grab a brewsky and kick up those ski boots on a lounge chair – live bands will be rocking the sundecks around Mammoth Mountain all spring.

March 24-25, 2007:

Niccole Bayley (Eagle Lodge)

Hempstring Trio (Canyon Lodge)

Hole in the Head (Main Lodge; Saturday only)

March 31-April 1, 2007:

Che Zuro (Eagle Lodge)

Rebel Soul Band (Canyon Lodge)

Soul Reason (Main Lodge)

April 7-8, 2007:

Sean Wiggins (Eagle Lodge)

The Trespassers (Canyon Lodge)

The Pyronauts (Main Lodge)

April 13-14, 2007:

Almost Famous (Eagle Lodge; Saturday only)

Hole In the Head (Canyon Lodge; Saturday only)

Lava Moon (Main Lodge)

April 20-21, 2007:

34 Below (Canyon Lodge)

April 21-22, 2007:

Little Muddy (Eagle Lodge)

The Pyronauts (Main Lodge)

April 28-29, 2007:

34 Below (Main Lodge)

Bands play from 2:30 to 5pm on sundecks (unless weather does not cooperate). The last shuttle bus from each lodge departs at 5:30pm. Times and bands subject to change.

Beacon Basin Training Park

In the interest of the safety of skiers and snowboarders no matter where they’re riding, Mammoth Ski Patrol has set up an avalanche training park for practicing backcountry rescue skills.

Located on an out-of-the-way trail called Gus’ Pasture (skiers’ right of Thunderbound Express and Main Lodge), Beacon Basin is open for anyone who has an avalanche transciever and doesn’t want to wait until the real deal to see how it works.

Come up and use it anytime between 8:30 and 4. Look for the orange roped-off area and a covered box that includes instructions. If you want some assistance, call Ski Patrol at 760.934.2571 ext. 3276.

Thanks, Ski Patrol!

I Love Snowmobiling!

I love snowmobiling! I love the speed, I love the freedom and I love steering my sled around sharp turns. Yesterday on a tour with Gary, one of Snowmobile Adventures‘ guides, we snowmobiled out to a wide open field where Tyler and I raced each other and Mike and Jen tipped over their sled – oops. I didn’t want our tour to end. After I unwillingly pulled my sled into its parking spot Gary had to hit the kill switch for me and pry my fingers off the handle bars.

– Amanda W.

March Park Report

Unbound staff member Heather reports on what’s new in Mammoth’s parks. The middle jump is back! This is the huge jump in Main Park that is 80 feet by 40 feet with a 20 foot landing and a 12 foot step down. The down-flat-down rail has been taken down and replaced with the big box. Over the hills and through the woods in South Park, we have the baby jump line up, the 3-jump line and the Bull Ride. Look for more developments in South Park coming soon…

Lift Operators Needed

Want to extend your vacation? Mammoth Mountain personnel is looking to hire more lift operators to round out the 2006/07 season. Job perks include a pass for the rest of the season and working outside in the beautiful California spring sunshine. No lift operating experience necessary. Apply online on the Mammoth Mountain job board.