Mammoth Mountain

Advanced and expert skiers have a fantastic choice of terrain in Mammoth Mountain and around 35 percent of the mountain to conquer. Few of the black trails are groomed. Best for moguls are the West Bowl off Face Lift Express, Viva off chair 22, and Roller Coaster from chair 21. These mogul fields are considered to be some of the most demanding in California. If steep and deep is more your thing, then head for Hangman’s Hollow, Drop Out Chutes, Wipe Out Chutes, Climax Bowl and Paranoid Flats—a very steep and scary traverse to get in—all at the top of the mountain. Couloirs worth a try include Avalanche Chutes, Drop Out Chutes and Wipe Out Chutes. For the very brave, the entry to Phillipe’s Couloir can be found halfway down Paranoid Flats. With nearly 400 inches (122 cm) of snow per year, just about anywhere is good for powder, but the best spots are probably the front side of chair 22 (Shaft, Grizzly) first thing, as this is always first to be cleared of avalanches, followed by the Avalanche Chutes, and then on to Face Lift Express chair for Christmas and China Bowls. By then the top of the mountain should be safe and open and the choices are endless—Huevos Grande, Climax, Drop Out Chutes and Wipe Out Chutes.

Off-piste skiing in Mammoth
There are endless backcountry possibilities off the back of both Mammoth and June Mountains, and untracked powder can often be found at the Dragon’s Tail and Hemlock Ridge days after a storm. Backcountry skiing/riding is permitted, but at your own risk. Contact the Ski Patrol first to check out any avalanche danger. Sierra Mountain Center can provide backcountry guides and there are a number of “out of bounds” trails (e.g. Hole in the Wall), which the ski school is allowed to access with its expert classes.