What can visitors expect from super snowy Mammoth this weekend? Here’s our holiday tip sheet.
Mammoth Lakes visitors can expect a living snow globe this weekend. “Photos don’t do it justice,” said resident Cynthia Hayes on Thursday as snow continued to pile up at 4 to 6 inches an hour. “I’ve never seen snow like this, and I grew up in Saskatchewan.”
What can visitors expect this long holiday weekend, in terms of travel and services? Here’s a rundown:
Getting in
If skies clear as expected Friday, access from U.S. 395 should be free and clear. Road condition hotline: (800) 427-7623.
Getting around Mammoth Lakes
Plows have been running day and night. Local roads are slick but passable. A growing issue: Where to dump the 12-20 feet of snow that has accumulated in the last nine days. Beware of blind intersections and black ice.
Getting a room
Don’t expect to roll in without a reservation. Lodging agents said the town was 100% booked for the holiday weekend, traditionally one of the busiest of the winter. To check on cancellations, or remaining availability, go to www.mammothreservations.com/, or call (800) 223-3032.
Ski conditions
If the fickle mountain weather cooperates, Mammoth Mountain expects to be near full operation for the weekend. Lift status here.
Snowshoeing and cross-country
Tamarack Lodge & Resort, the hub of the area’s cross-country program, closed operations Thursday due to the heavy snow. If stormy weather clears Friday, as hoped, conditions for the weekend should be excellent. For trail status, call (760) 934-2442.
The weekend forecast
The National Weather Service was calling for sunny skies through Monday, with highs in the 30s and lows in the teens.
Getting out
Monday night and Tuesday were expected to be clear to partly cloudy; Rain and snow were expected to move in again Wednesday.
Need chains?
In Bishop, the biggest pit stop before Mammoth Lakes, snow chains are available at most automotive stores. Nate Gratz of the Bishop Automotive Center said Thursday that the shop has a full supply, after re-stocking this week. The shop can install them if necessary; 950 N. Tu-Su Lane, (760) 873-4430.
Twitter: @LATimestravel
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