The snow is falling and falling. If you are coming up the road conditions are currently R2 which means you must have chains or 4wd with snow tires. At times cars are being escorted by Snowplow up and down the grade. Wow! There is so much powder that they should be using dog sled and snowmobiles. You can see the historical snow report here. It is amazing. Be prepared. Drive safely. Here are a few tips. Here is what is happening if you come up to enjoy the POWDER.

THIS WEEK
Maps for Ungroomed Trails
The Inyo National Forest has miles of ungroomed XC Ski Trails for your enjoyment. You can pack a lunch and spend a day on XC skis or snowshoes. The maps are available in our Map section, or at the Visitor Center on HWY 395 coming into town. Open Everyday. Call Ski Area at: 760-934-2571

Mono Basic Visitors Center
The folks at the Mono Lake Committee offer programs from Friday - Monday during the winter. Currently running "Of Ice and Fire" which is a tell-tale of the area. A great way to get in touch with our outdoors when you don't ski. Call Mono Visitor Center at: 760-873-2408

Mono Lake Bookstore
If you want to learn about our natural geography, history, and geology, this is the place. The bookstore is more than just books, it is a gathering place of friends who can recount the changes and growth of the wildlife and nature of the area. 9-5 daily. 760-647-6595

Naturalist Tours from the Forest Service
The Forest Service gives great tours starting at Tamarack XC Ski Center on Fridays and Saturdays at noon. Meet at the ski center for both XC and snowshoeing up to Panarama Dome. Be sure to bring your snowshoes. Call Forest Service at: 760-924-5500

Snow Day Play Day with the Sierra Club
The Sierra Club has study programs every Wednesday mornings at 10AM. XC skis and/or snowshoes are needed to take the 2-3 hour tour. Very informative. Learn about the Mammoth area while you exercise. Call for program info. Call Jean Dillingham at: 760-648-7109

Sunday XC Ski & Snowshoe Backcountry Treks
On the 1st & 3rd Sunday the Sierra Club takes moderately difficult 7-10 mile trails as a group. On the other Sundays it is easier 4-5 miles. Start at Union Bank parking lot at 9AM. Bring water, sunscreen, goggles and some snacks. Call John Walter at: 760-934-1767

Sun February 29- Moderate Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe trek
Intermediate and above skiers and snowshoers, 8 to 10 miles. We will be out 5 or 6 hours including lunch. We’ll take time to look for critter tracks. Meet at Mammoth Lakes Union Bank parking lot 9 am. Abominable weather cancels. Call Jean Dillingham at: 760-648-7109

Sun February 29 - Unprecedented: The 2000 Presidential Election
This documentary traces the most controversial election; that of George W. Bush. Screening at Edisto Gallery, 452 Old Mammoth Road at 6:00PM. All past Fringe Film events have been sell outs so stop by to get your $5.00 tickets. Call Mary at: 760-934-3001

Wed March 3 - Play in the snow with XC Skis & Snowshoes - Sierra Club
Come and learn the ropes. We spend 3 hours covering 2 or 3 miles of terrain and trails. Bring snacks, lots of water, sun block, sunglasses, gloves, and warm hat. Meet at Union Bank parking lot at 10 am. Abominable weather cancels. Call Jean Dillingham at: 760-648-7109

Fri March 5 - Sun March 7 Fish Fly Tying from the friends at Mono Lake
Join the friends of Mono Lake for this special weekend seminar on Fly Fish Tying and specially cooked dinners from Sarah at The Mono Inn. here are the details for this event. Call Mono Lake Committee at: 760-647-6595

Sun March 7 Snowshoe Madness
Beginners through experts; both on trails and breaking our own trails; 4 or 5 mi. with a lunch break. Call the leaders for the trails. Meet at Union Bank parking lot 9 am. Abominable weather cancels. Call Jean Dillingham at: 760-648-7109

SPECIAL EVENTS
Sat February 28 - Ford Tough Slopestyle Challenge Airs
Check your local listings to see these finals on ESPN that were held at Mammoth last month.

Fri March 5- Sun March 14 Arms and the Man, a George Bernard Shaw Comedy
Sierra Classic Theatre invites you to travel to the mountains of Bulgaria without leaving the Eastern Sierra while you attend their production of George Bernard Shaw's "Arms and the Man." This comedy, penned by the Nobel Prize winning playwright in 1894, tells the tale of two unlikely military heroes and their unexpected love affairs during the Balkan Wars of 1885. Featured in the cast are Russ Reese as Captain Bluntschli and Zack Otoshi as Major Saranoff. Michelle Raust (Raina) and Kristin Zane Power Reese (Louka) play their love interests. Kevin Kreitz and Marlene Piper portray Paul and Catherine Petkoff, the pillars of local society. This production, which marks the beginning of SCT's fifth season, is directed by Lesley Bruns. Performances will be held March 5, 6, 7 at 8:00 p.m. at Cerro Coso Community College, Mammoth Campus. The following weekend the troupe travels to Bishop, where there will be shows at the Inyo Council for the Arts Theatre on March 12 and 13 at 8:00 p.m. and at 2:00 p.m. on March 14. Come support Mammoth's homegrown theater company. Tickets cost $12.00 and are available at Edisto Gallery and Tea Room in Mammoth, Inyo Council for The Arts in Bishop, or by calling 760 924-3221 Call Kristin Reese at: 760-934-3001

Tues March 30 Season Passes go on Sale
The deal of the century goes on sale in March. $425.00 for the season pass. The scheduled sale date is March 30. Check back often for details so you won't miss out like 1000's did this year by waiting too long to buy one.

NIGHTLIFE
After Dark In Mammoth
Little Known Fact... Mammoth does have entertainment! Here is the master entertainment calendar of who's playing and where all month long. Be sure to print a copy. If the venue isn't listed, then they didn't send us the info! You should tell them need to!

Calling all Elvis, Garth, and Madonna Sound Alikes!
Are you a "In the car super star?" Karaoke every Tuesday and Saturday at Shogun. Located at the Sierra Center Mall on Old Mammoth Road, the karaoke machine has over 1800 songs. With a few libations from their full service bar you may even sound better. Join the fun, you may surprise yourself how great you sound. 760-934-3970 for dinner reservations, if you want.

Every Wednesday - Dance Your Booty Away
DJ Rodney is at Whiskey Creek every Wednesday. Come by for some great house music and to pretend that Cameron Diaz is dancing with you! OK Now that he is available... Ben Affleck for the ladies!

KID FRIENDLY
Ice Rink is Open and Skaters and Hockey Players Rejoice
The Mammoth Ice Rink is open every day from 11:30A to 6:00P and till 9:30P on weekends. Drop In hockey is a reality, but because of Mother Nature, you need to call first. Come skate a bit, have a hot cocoa and enjoy the outdoor facility under the pines and stars. Call John at: 760-934-8989 x222

Sledz and Sleds
You can count on our forest to be full of great places to go sledding. Smokey Bear flats is a big favorite, as is Sledz up by the Main Lodge. The Visitor Center has maps of areas that work well. All you need are some legs to hike the hills! Whoosh Call Visitor Center at: 760-924-5500

Sat March 13 Disney Publishing Winter Carnival
Winter Carnival is a fun-filled event, taking place from 2:00-5:00 pm. Join us for a free slope-side BBQ with music, carnival games, live entertainment Families can participate in fun, interactive games, win prizes and receive goody bags! Call Ski Area at: 760-934-2571


ON THE MOUNTAIN
Avoid the Crowds - Try June Mountain
Mammoth is in High Season. The weekends are busy as our snow is the best in the West. The answer is to give June Mountain a try. The improvements on the intermediate slopes are fab, and there are no lines at the cafes or in the lifts. Call Ski Area at: 760-934-2571

Join The XC Movement
Everyone is giving XC a try. The Mammoth Nordic Club also offers snowshoeing and dog walking on ungroomed trails. It's beautiful to be in the untouched back country. You can get insider tips and learn where to go, just by asking. Call Mammoth Nordic at: 760-934-2442

Nordic at Tamarack - No Speed, Just Beauty
For something different, try XC skiing. All the great benefits of cardiovascular sports, but no body stress. Tamarack Lodge has everything you need for your first Nordic adventure. For those that want to go off trail, check our guide section. Call Tamarack at: 760-934-2442

Southern Cal. Collegiate Snowsports Races
Wanna Race some more? The SCCSC is one of 7 collegiate snowsport conferences in the US and holds its races at Mammoth, from December through April. Here is the link for the schedule. Call SCCSC at: 858.342.2760

Village Championships - Go For Gold
Want to race against Mammoth locals? The Village races are Tuesdays 2/10, 2/24, 3/16 and 3/30. They will be a combination of slalolm and GS. Call the race department for details. Call Race Department at: 760-934-0642

Fri February 27- Sun February 29 Far West Olympic Qualifier for Juniors
The Sunshine Cup is a USSA/Far West Grand Prix J 1/2 Junior Olympic Qualifier 3 SG - Fri Feb 27 to Sun Feb 29, all races are on Denny's Downhill. don't forget your registration must be in early. Call Race Department at: 760-934-0642

Sun February 29 Vans Unbound Freestyle Series - Boardercross
This USASA sanctioned boardercross event is open to boarders & skiers of all ages. Registration will be in Jill's Room at the Main Lodge from 9:00-10:30am. Competition starts around 11:00am. Entry fee only $10. Call Race Department at: 760-934-0642

Mon March 1- Wed March 3 Rossignol Workshop for Women
A three-day workshop for women only sponsored by Rossignol. The workshop includes five hours of instruction each day, on-demand video, personalized prescription form for improvement, daily breakfast, lunch and a gift pack. Call Holly at: 760-934-0685

Sat March 6 Rokka Races - Adult Amateur Fun
Yes, we race a lot at Mammoth. This is another fun race for adult amateurs who want the thrill of victory. Sign up early to get seeded for the event with the Westwood Ski Club. Rokka is part of the Far West league. Call Scott Peer at: 818-505-0488

Sun March 7 Vans Unbound Freestyle Series - Halfpipe
This USASA sanctioned halfpipe event is open to boarders & skiers of all ages. Registration will be in Jill's Room at the Main Lodge from 9:00-10:30am. Competition starts around 11:00am. Entry fee only $10. Call Ski Area at: 760-934-2571