Celebrating melin’s new partnership with Mammoth Mountain, we are sending two (2) lucky guests to our home mountain for an epic getaway and some of the best riding. Whether buying for yourself or giving a gift, you’re entered in the ultimate Mammoth Mountain Giveaway that includes airfare for two (2), two (2) nights of lodging at Mammoth Mountain Inn, four (4) lift tickets and a melin X Mammoth welcome package. Official Terms & Conditions here.
Winter is upon us. So, we’ve shifted our sights upward from the sandy beaches to the intrepid peaks and snow-crested summits; California’s own, Mammoth Mountain.
Located in Eastern California, along the Sierra Nevada’s, in the Inyo National Forest, Mammoth boasts 3,500 acres of alpine terrain. She has a base elevation of 7,900 ft., with a peak nearly two miles high. The mountain has 175 named runs, with 8 Unbound terrain parks and a lift system complete with 28 lifts that when fully loaded move 50,000 people per hour. Ever completed a 5k on a snowboard? Well, you can here, the longest run covers just over 3 miles.
What makes this mountain even more unique? She averages 300 days of sunshine and nearly 400 inches of snow annually, with a season that begins in early November and ends around Memorial Day.
We’ve loved this Californian goliath for generations, which is why we started our Thermal line here, and are honored to wear the crown of Mammoth Mountain’s very own headwear partner.
It’s also why we’re giving away a dream trip to the mountain for you and a guest. It includes airfare for two, two nights at the historic ski-in ski-out Mammoth Mountain Inn, four lift tickets, and a one of a kind melin X Mammoth welcome package.
Whether or not you’re chosen, you can still luck out and do Mammoth the melin way, from our experiences and the locals’ recommendations!
Getting There.
Our friends at Advanced Airlines are offering regional nonstop flights from Burbank, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Carlsbad, and many more. Check ‘em out!
More commercial flights to Mammoth Yosemite Airport are also available nonstop from LAX and San Francisco International, along with a seasonal route out of Denver.
However, if you find yourself in California or a neighboring state, we recommend the drive. It’s gorgeous and along the way there are plenty of respites, for everything from exploring and relaxing, to necessary and informing.
U.S. Route 395 is the main highway, with drivetime averaging between 5-6 hours from the L.A. area, and 8 from the Bay Area. Chains are mandatory along with checking the weather report and Caltrans (California Department of Transportation) updates.
If driving from Los Angeles, we suggest a few stops. Wander the Mobius Arch, and snap a few pics with breathtaking scenery in the foreground and Mt. Whitney in the background. At Manzanar National Historic Site, educate yourself on an often overlooked, but incredibly important piece of Japanese American history. Just outside of Mammoth, take a dip in one of nature’s most giving delicacies, the Crowley Hot Springs.
Slopes.
We said we loved the snow, not that we’re a bunch of Olympian Alpiners! And even if you look the part with a melin on your head, you may need some brushing up before the double blacks. But as always, the fact remains, “No friends on powder days…” IYKYK. Check out our picks.
Best Runs:
Head up to Road Runner for a lovely 3-mile cruise down the backside of the mountain that culminates back at Main Lodge. If you want to slalom, then Solitude has equal parts open terrain and the optional trek through the forest. Covering the length of the High Five Express, you can work on handling speed and turning down a slightly steeper path. For powder, Gold Hill is full of riches after a good storm. At the top of Cloud Nine Express, get everything from powder pockets to tree runs, and rest assured you just might look like you know what you’re doing now.
These next ones are all Double Black Diamonds, so just like it says on the mountain, proceed at your own risk. We didn’t name these runs and don’t blame you for being a bit skeptical. Hangman’s Hollow requires a gondola ride to the summit, and some serious courage. There’s drops over rock faces and a powdery hollow that requires both technique and tenacity. Paranoid Flats, or “The Noids,” as they’re commonly referred to, give you the choice of 4 routes that don’t have the usual rocky chutes, but all the speed and steepness. Gotta be fearless and know how to finesse to get through these. Best for last, Climax is the most well known and well exposed run on the mountain. It requires every bit of skill and a dash of showmanship because this run has an audience; the gondola riders towering above, watching you carve your way down.
Couple Things.
Stay Safe:
Temperatures change, so layer up. Not to sound like your mother but you’re gonna need to hydrate and keep sunscreen on. The UV Index at that elevation is brutal and do you really want a goggle tan? Didn’t think so.
Respect:
All those “Don’t Feed Our Bears” stickers? They’re not kidding. Mammoth’s own Steve Searles is a bear-whispering former surfer from Newport Beach who championed a never-before-seen approach to curtailing interactions between bears and humans. His number one rule: don’t feed them, and they will learn to look elsewhere for food. It worked.
Plan Ahead and Save:
Whether it’s an IKON pass or a Mammoth Package, there’s plenty of ways to save a few bucks.
Aprés Ski.
What’s that mean? Quite literally, it’s French for “After Skiing.” So, no matter whether you were carving snow or eating it, you earned your Aprés, and Mammoth does it well.
The Mill is located between Canyon and Main Lodge, has the best BBQ in town, a full bar, a massive bustling patio, and killer views of the mountain.
If you want firepits, a fun-loving crowd, hot and cold bevvies, front row seats to the terrain park and a bunch of TV’s to see the game, then it’s Tusks Bar. Located centrally at Main Lodge, it’s a can’t miss good time.
Home to the largest outdoor patio and some damn good mediterranean food, Lincoln Bar & Canyon Naan Stop Beach Bar is Canyon Lodge’s place to libate.
Got your own favorite runs or aprés spots on the mountain? Let us know! Tag @melin and show us how you #AdventureBetter!
Go.
Go once, or go ten times, or for free with melin’s Mammoth Mountain Giveaway, but just go. Start traditions, seek adventure, push your own limits, make memories.
There is only one Mammoth Mountain, and there is only one headwear company bold and adventurous enough for Mammoth’s arduous demands…
melin X Mammoth.