After a short offseason, Mammoth Mountain is nearing opening day again and we’ve never been more excited at ASO Mammoth. Thanks to the record-breaking snow we enjoyed last season the team here is counting down the minutes to when the first lift spins up and the 2019/2020 season officially begins.
When you live at the base of Mammoth Mountain riding on opening day is an easy decision. If you live further away from your home mountain you may have a tough time deciding whether you should jump on a chance to cure your offseason blues early or wait until you know that there is snow that you can actually enjoy. We can’t decide for you, but we’ve summarized everything we know about opening day below to help out. Good luck and we will see you on the mountain!
The Best Atmosphere
Most people ride on opening day in order to say that they did, but there’s more to it than just being sentimental.
Most people don’t expect fantastic snow on opening day but that doesn’t mean they don’t have fun. Thanks to giveaways, parties, and promotions put on by most mountains to celebrate their opening day, the first day of skiing and snowboarding has one of the liveliest atmospheres out of any day of the season. If you want to have a good time with your friends, walk away with some free gear, or just can’t wait to hit the snow then opening day is the perfect place for you.
Not the Best Snow Though
While there are outliers, opening day snow is usually limited and only covers a fraction of the mountain.
Early cold temperatures and storms can create excellent snow for opening day, but if that’s the case then you’ll probably know well before hand due to excitement around the mountain as well as the mountain’s marketing. If you don’t hear or see anything about early snow, then you can expect at least one major run near the base to be open and maybe a few runs at higher elevations. For example, at a typical Mammoth Mountain opening day you can expect a trail like Broadway to be open with one other trail higher up the mountain possibly open.
Simply put, unless you hear otherwise then the snow for opening day is not worth travelling more than an hour or two for.
What’s Going on at Mammoth Mountain on Opening Day?
If you’re looking for a fun experience and can’t wait to put your skis to the ground, then Mammoth Mountain’s opening day is exactly what you need!
On November 9th the offseason will begin to end at 7 am when a DJ will be entertaining snow hungry skiers and snowboarders enjoying free coffee at the base of Broadway Express. At 8:29 am the countdown to winter will begin with the first chair banner breakthrough happening at 8:30 am.
After the opening day attendees get a few turns under their belt, there will a be beer toast at 11 am with live music following at 11:30 from Main Lodge. Just because the mountain closes doesn’t mean the party stops though. Starting at 7:30 pm 53 Kitchen & Cocktails will host an official opening day Après Party for those looking to celebrate the beginning of another season at Mammoth.
Opening day attendees will also enjoy $50 lift tickets, a free commemorative t-shirt, and on the following Monday, November 11th, all active military and veterans will ski or ride for free to celebrate Veterans Day.