On Sunday, Parker's flight arrived in Reno at 1:30 pm. We had planned to ski Northstar for the afternoon but he was pretty tired and a little beat up from a park session at Stratton the day before, and I was feeling my mountain hike up to High Camp at Squaw that morning. So, we hit the Tahoe Burger and then headed to get him a haircut (at his request!)
We then pointed the van to Northstar to pick up Parker’s Ski Lake Tahoe Ultimate Ski Pass so that we could spend a few days skiing around the lake following Mammoth. After Reno errands it was getting a little late, but we opted for Northstar anyway to find the season pass office still open after 4 pm. Bonus! Once imaged and signed we headed up the gondola just to see the park and pipe area. Then to Squaw for a Mountain House dinner of ravioli and salad prepared by Chef Scott. We decided to load up the Yakima box (courtesy of friend Rob Furtney) and check all the rack fittings. Good thing we did…The next morning we awoke to some snow and blow. We loaded up the Eurovan and once again headed to Mammoth, wanting to get out ahead of the storm. Heading east into Incline Village then down the east shore of Lake Tahoe until Hwy. 50 to Carson City. By this time, we were clear of snow, the sun was out and the temp had reached 55 degrees. Parker commented how on the right (west) side of Route 395 there was snow covered mountain peaks (back side of Heavenly) and yet on the left side, high desert with blowing sand and tumbleweeds. Quite a contrast. The rest of the trip to Mammoth was clear sailing with sunny skies, clear long valley views, amazing mountain vistas of the Sierra. We arrived at the Mammoth Visitor’s Center and popped in to say hello to John Urdi, a former intern of mine at Sugarbush eons ago.
Soon we were pulling in to the Mammoth Mountain Inn at the top of Minaret Road. Elevation 9,000 feet. I knew this altitude would result in less-than-fitful sleep, but there was something about staying in one of the original lodgings at Mammoth that made up for this aspect. Plus, we were right at the base of the Broadway Express lift, and next door to the Yodeler, one of the original bar-restaurants from the late 1950’s. Great location!
I had booked on Priceline and got what I felt was a great rate for two nights midweek, given the slopeside location. The room was very small, but the fit and finish had been redone recently. Marble bathroom, high beds with thick mattresses, down comforters and about 6 pillows per bed! The windows were original and whistled with the mountain wind, but to me this adds character. I was delighted to see an outlet strip by the desk since we had three phones, a laptop, and three video cameras, all requiring nightly feeding. The common areas were still dated and in need of an upgrade, but I don’t spend much time in the hallway. The lobby was part of the recent updating and was nicely warm and well-appointed, big stone fireplace, leather sofas, alpine décor.
This was going to be alright.
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