While it’s always a good idea to pack for Mammoth Mountain, those looking to take part in a ski holiday may want to consider extra layers.
The National Weather Service said the storm is expected to develop this weekend, with winds expected to reach up to 70 mph (110 km/h) at the summit.
A high wind warning was in effect for much of Sunday, with sustained winds of 40 to 45 mph and stronger gusts expected. There’s also the possibility of another inch or two of snow, which is great news for those looking to hit the slopes before the new year.
But while conditions may be rough, visitors shouldn’t expect the same kind of scene depicted in a viral video making the rounds on social media. The video, posted to X on Christmas Day, showed hundreds of skiers lining up on the ski lift, exposed to snow and wind.
However, the video, which was originally posted on Instagram more than a week ago, was taken at a time when most lifts were closed due to wind gusts of up to 160 mph at the summit, a Mammoth Mountain spokesperson said. Spokesperson Emily Van Groening told SFGate.
Jake Bazley, who shot the original video, said it was the fourth day of his first trip to Mammoth Mountain.
“The conditions were pretty bad. There were a lot of exposed stones and there were long queues on weekends,” he said.
Despite the wind and lines, he will probably return to Mammoth, he said, adding that the area is good for van life.
Van Groening said the busy holiday season is proceeding as expected, aside from this much-talked-about moment.
Eastern Sierra Ski Resort has seen strong crowds so far this season, which typically begins in November and ends in May. Van Groening told the Times in an email Thursday that the ski area is 3,500 acres, so crowds aren’t much of a concern on a normal day.
Last year’s season was extended into August for the third time in the resort’s 70-year history, and the main lodge received a record 60 feet of snow.
