THE MOUNTAINS AreCalling

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Mammoth Getaway

BY MELISSA KANDEL

For the first-time Mammoth visitor, arriving in the California mountain town during the winter season is other worldly. The peaks of the High Sierras form a jagged skyline as the road ribbons around snow-patched terrain. With anticipation of hot chocolate and fresh snow, guests arrive ready to explore Mammoth’s winding pistes then relax by a crackling fire for an epic après ski.

But the perfect mountain experience doesn’t just unfold on its own. It takes dedicated hospitality professionals to tap into the majesty of Mother Nature, preserving its pristine beauty while delivering guests an unforgettable ride.

We spoke with the hardworking Mammoth Mountain Ski resort team to find out exactly how they answer when Mammoth Mountain calls.

What are some of the most luxurious lodgings visitors can book this season?

All of our luxury rentals can be found on our website – MammothMountain.com. The Obsidian residences are located in a completely private, gated community and the Hillside Highlands Townhomes are adjacent to The Village, which puts you right in the heart of town.

What kind of unique amenities do these luxury rental properties offer?

Every property, with the exception of the Snowcreek units, has a private hot tub, garages, fireplaces, washer and dryer, large primary suites and gourmet kitchens with high-end appliances. Each property is a little bit different in terms of amenities but they are all luxurious. The gated, ultra-private Obsidian units overlook Sierra Star Golf Course. The Hillside Highlands Townhomes are also private and offer easy access to The Village and Gondola. In addition, our hotel concierge helps create a luxurious experience; they can arrange for guests to enjoy a catered dinner by a private chef, book attractions and make other reservations. We can have groceries in the unit before the guest arrives, and shuttle service and private ski lessons are available as well. Media rooms can be reserved at some residences for those who can’t fully escape their responsibilities back home.

Are there any specific programs, excursions or locales that cater to a luxury mountain experience?

We offer Pinnacle Days, which allow you to create an ideal itinerary working directly with one of our expert planners, who will pair you with the perfect instructor or guide for your day, Reserved VIP parking, demo rental packages, zero lift lines and an awesome lunch setup … and those are just a few of the things we add in to take your day from good to unforgettable!

What’s the secret sauce that drives the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area team?

We’re a community of like-minded individuals who are passionate about the outdoors, action sports and guest services. The entire team works together with one goal in mind – letting fun rule. From skiing and snowboarding to snowmobiling to tubing to après, there is something for everyone with the ultimate goal of enjoying the outdoors.

Have you noticed over the years an increasing emphasis on the value of high-end experiences and a more luxurious lifestyle for guests?

Definitely. Because of our close proximity to Southern California, Mammoth is the perfect weekend destination for luxurious experiences. As a team, we’ve put a focus on developing an incredible luxury trip for our guests who want VIP treatment without the pressure of planning it themselves or thinking about the little details. From stellar rental units to incredible snow adventures, we offer something for everyone to enjoy and private options for everything.

And what makes Mammoth so appealing to these VIP guests?

In general, VIP guests who stay in the luxury homes tend to value privacy. Because we are so close to Southern California, we have a ton of celebrity guests who come up for a long weekend. They just want a beautiful home to stay in and an easy planning experience. Whether they fly or drive up, everything we provide is turnkey. The homes are a special place for families because they are very spacious and there’s a lot of room to let kids play while still having private space for the parents.

Can you describe the ideal luxury ski or snowboarding trip in Mammoth?

It’s one where you do it all. It’s a stay at Obsidian accompanied by reserved lunches at Parallax daily. It’s booking two days with a Pinnacle planner to get the ultimate luxury experience from front of the line access to a dedicated guide. You’d reserve a private snowmobile adventure tour, snowcat tour, and private cross country ski lessons at Tamarack Lodge. Complete that with dinner at one of our high-end restaurants in town and you’ve got the ultimate trip to Mammoth!