You can stop dreaming, the 2018/19 winter season is here.
On November 8th , Mammoth Mountain opened for the season, but if you want opening day to live up to the expectations you’ve been building up all year you need to be prepared.
Since we’re just as excited to get on the mountain as you are, the ASO Mammoth team has put together an opening day guide to help you plan the perfect start to the season. Here’s everything you need to know about Mammoth Mountain’s opening day!
Conditions and Trails
Chances are that if you’re hitting the mountain on opening day then you know that conditions will only be a small taste of what’s to come. While it’s likely that many of the trails will still be closed, it’s important that you watch the weather in the weeks ahead of opening day.
Most years, the trails open on opening day are centered around the main lodge and consist of manmade snow.
Although they won’t be what you’ve been dreaming of all off-season, there is still plenty of fun to be had on the open trails whether you’re taking your first ride or knocking off the rust.
It’s always possible that Mammoth gets hit by an early season storm that opens up more trails and calls for you to add another day to your trip, or even moves opening day up, which means drop everything and get to the mountain.
To make sure that you’re ready for anything, keep an eye on weather forecasts and trail conditions from now until November 8th .
Lift Tickets and Season Passes
Whether you’re only looking for a day trip or are ready to lock down your plans for the rest of the season, you’ll need a lift ticket or pass to get on the mountain.
Mammoth Mountain offers a wide range of passes and tickets that are sure to satisfy every rider and skier. If you have your eyes set on hitting the mountain on opening day, you can get a single-day pass for $50. That price goes up to $79 the next day and every day after, so if you’re working on a budget and don’t mind a crowd then November 8th is the day for you.
Mammoth Mountain also offers free passes to kids under 4 years old and seniors over 80 as well as discounted beginner passes that give access to beginner trails only instead of the entire mountain, but this pass can only be purchased at the ticket window.
Of course, Mammoth also offers multi-day tickets that can be purchased online and at the mountain, but if you’re ready to dive in then there are several options for season passes. The base option is the Mountain Collective Pass which will guarantee you 34 days at Mammoth and 16 other mountains around the country.
If that’s not enough for you, then the Ikon pass will give you access to Mammoth and other mountains on each coast, as well as Canada, Australia, and Japan with no blackout dates.
Whatever pass is right for you, plan ahead so you can get on the mountain as soon as possible.
Gear
Keep the momentum going and decide what gear you need and where you’ll get it. If you’re renting ski or snowboard gear, now is the time to read up on shops to find the best prices and deals. For example, if you pre register your ski or snowboard rental with ASO Mammoth you’ll receive a discount on rentals. ASO Mammoth also offers different ski and snowboard rental packages based on your riding style and skill level, so knowing what kind of riding or skiing you’ll be doing ahead of time will save you time renting.
If you have your gear but need a tune up or repair, ASO Mammoth also offers hand and machine waxes as well as repairs no matter how severe the issue.
No matter what you need, ASO Mammoth has everything for you to enjoy opening day and start the 2018/19 season off on the right foot. If you’re hitting the mountain on opening day, stop by the shop so we can ensure you have the best day possible!