California · April 2016
The skiing was difficult today at Mammoth Mountain.
Snow shot sideways at times, and it felt especially brutal without a balaclava on the exposed chair lifts.
The cover at the lower elevations felt loose, wet, and sticky, while trails on the upper mountain were perfectly packed.
The abrupt changes and rough patches seemed typical for the limited spring skiing I've done in California.
I heard this was called Sierra Cement.
Despite the harsh conditions and low visibility, however, I could see enough reason to return to Mammoth.
Even in the heavy snow, I could make out the nicely orchestrated views and sculptural mountain forms.
Most of the trails near the summit are expert level, but there are plenty of beginner and intermediate trails lower down with interesting scenery.
Directions
It can take 6 hours of driving or more to reach the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area from either Los Angeles or the Bay Area.
The Mammoth/Yosemite Airport is also an option for flying in.
The ski area is located off US Hwy 395, approximately 30 miles south of Lee Vining, at 10001 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546.
Main Lodge: 37.651412, -119.036678
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