Toward Sustainability

Green Development

Platinum Tamarack Cabin

Tamarack Lodge, a few miles outside of the town of Mammoth, sits in one of the most pristine, beautiful locations to be found in Nature's glorious outdoors.  The historic lodge has been welcoming guests since 1924.  Perched on the shore of Twin Lakes, the Tamarack Lodge & Resort offers 19 miles of groomed, cross-country skiing.  Chef Frederic Pierrel is a guru of food and wine, having earned praise in Bon Appetit, Sunset, the Los Angeles Times and the San Diego Union-Tribune.  Tamarack Lodge has been named one of Condè Nast Traveler's Top 50 Ski Hotels. 

Bucking the concept of what's old is not new, Cabin 11, a three-bedroom, two-bath cabin at Tamarack, has earned LEED Platinum certification.  That makes Cabin 11 one of only 12 projects in the entire state of California to earn Platinum status.  "Constructing the Tamarack cabin to LEED Platinum standards is one of many important steps that Mammoth Mountain is taking to fulfill our commitment to the environment," said Rusty Gregory, CEO, Mammoth Mountain. "As one of only a dozen Platinum certified projects in California, we're proud to be taking a leading role in what can be accomplished with sustainable building practices."

What results in the coveted LEED Platinum certification?  Among a long laundry list of "green" aspects, building materials were processed and manufactured within 500 miles, local masonry rock was used, energy efficient windows installed, and carpeting, decking, and drywall were all from recycled sources.

Gold Altis Luxury Townhomes

Mammoth Mountain Real Estate has recently completed construction on the first phase of Altis, the first of four LEED Certified permanent residences in Mammoth Lakes. These luxury town homes combine exquisite architecture, stunning views of the Eastern Sierra and a smart ecological footprint in a convenient ski-in / ski-out location on the slopes of Mammoth Mountain. Upon completion, Altis will include 24 residences and an amenities building featuring a fitness center, owners' lounge and lobby.

"Mammoth Mountain has always been a leader in environmental stewardship, and we do this simply because it is the right thing to do," said Rebecca Paranick-Poiset, Mammoth Mountain's Director of Government Relations and Environmental Affairs. "We realize that we have a greater responsibility to communicate our successes and use our influence in the Southern California region and ski industry to encourage others to do the same. Altis is a perfect example of this. You often here in the development community that green building only works in commercial facilities you plan to operate. We don't agree. We believe that green building is now the baseline and that our guests and second homeowners expect luxury and environmental responsibility."

LEED was established by the U.S. Green Building Council in 1993 as a national environmental rating system to encourage the mainstream building industry to utilize sustainable practices. Mammoth celebrated the opening of the first LEED certified building in Mammoth Lakes on July 1, 2008 with the opening of a Platinum LEED certified cabin at Tamarack Lodge and Resort.

Village Ski Back Trail

Mammoth Mountain, CA – Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is proud to announce the construction of a Village Ski Back Trail giving skiers and snowboarders a new option to get from the slopes of Mammoth Mountain to The Village at Mammoth.  Expected to open by Christmas 2009 (weather permitting), the new trails will reduce down-slope congestion on the Village Gondola.

Originally proposed in the late 1970s, design of the trail began in 1994 and has been updated multiple times to meet the changing priorities of the Town of Mammoth Lakes, the U.S. Forest Service and Mammoth Mountain. The final alignment and construction utilize slope retention techniques to minimize disturbance of the natural terrain and prioritize Mammoth's commitment to environmental stewardship. The final trail design reduced the export of 20,000 cubic yards of dirt and the removal of approximately 130 trees. It also reduces visual impact to the residents in the adjacent neighborhoods.

The Village Ski Back Trail will be accessible near the bottom of Roller Coaster Express and the top of Chair 7 and will end at the corner of Forest Trail and Minaret Road next to The Village at Mammoth. Following the natural slope and grade of the terrain and running approximately 7,800 linear feet, the trail will have an average width of 22 feet and will be able to handle 900-1,200 skiers and snowboarders per hour.

Construction of the trail is planned to take place over a three year period. Tree felling took place August 4-6, 2009. Minor grading work and tree removal will take place after September 7, 2009 to minimize impact to guests and local users of nearby biking trails. During the summer of 2010, a pedestrian bridge is planned for installation spanning the street Forest Trail to provide easy access to The Village at Mammoth. Trail construction for the summer of 2010 will also include additional grading and installation of retaining walls. To complete the project, snowmaking equipment installation is planned for the summer of 2011.

Mammoth Mountain, in partnership with the USFS, will monitor all noise activity and follow best management practices during construction. Trail use will meet or exceed all Town of Mammoth Lakes noise and air-quality standards.

Super Duper Pipe

New for the 2009/2010 ski season Mammoth's Super Duper Pipe will be built above ground. Saving the need for snowmaking and approximately 20% reduction in energy associated with it.

Eagle Base Lodge

The 500,000 square foot Eagle Base Lodge is being designed to be LEED Certified. It is also being designed to meet the governor's initiative for using recycled water in public and commercial buildings by 2011.

Energy & Solid Waste Reduction

Energy Reduction & The Pursuit of Green Energy

Through the installation of energy reducing products, Mammoth has reduced its electric energy consumption by 23% and has reduced propane consumption by 15%, or approximately 100,000 gallons annually since 2000.
Bob Bradbury, MMSA's Energy Manager (a.k.a. "Prince of Darkness" and "Tight Watt"), had been focused on minimizing energy waste for years before the resort formally started looking for the best ways to reduce energy use in 2001. With over 100 structures totaling about 600,000 square feet, there were countless opportunities for improvement. One of the first things Bradbury did was to conduct energy audits of each building to examine construction, occupancy patterns, user habits and existing energy systems. He then produced a 125-page conservation plan identifying inefficiencies, solutions and implementation timelines.

Solutions ranged from the very simple, like replacing standard light bulbs with compact fluorescents, to more complex fixes, including installation of new building controls and upgrades that integrate and track all energy systems. Through real-time connections with Mammoth's intranet, facility managers can now see and control energy use. The difference is remarkable. Annual electricity use has been reduced by about 11 percent, while propane use has been cut by around 100,000 gallons.

On a different but parallel track, Mammoth is driving to reduce the company's use of fossil fuels. Twenty percent of the resort's purchased electricity comes from renewable resources. Some power and heat backup also comes from solar thermal air panels and photovoltaic cells power the Village Gondola's communication system and we are actively pursuing the installation of wind generated power and the use of geothermal on the mountain and throughout the community.

Solid Waste Diversion: Reduce Reuse and Recycle

In 2004 the company partnered with the Town of Mammoth Lakes and Mono County to apply for grants to start a recycling program. They were successful and the rest they say is history. Since that time the program has grown to include cardboard, paper, batteries etc. Mammoth alone recycles over 130,000 pounds of glass, plastic and aluminum on annual basis.

Over the last few years, Mammoth has prioritized recycling as much of its "Boneyards" as possible. Thousands of pounds of scrap metal from both June and Mammoth have been sold as scrap metal to be used and all of the old Chair 9 seats were sold and/or donated for new uses as benches and porch swings.

Green Purchasing

Mammoth Mountain consciously partners with companies and suppliers that offer greener products and purchasing options. The most visible touch-point for this initiative is in our food and beverage division. Mammoth partners with US Foods (insert logo or link) who supplies compostable and or recycled products for all of the resorts coffee cups and to go containers. Mammoth also offers its employees and guests a $.50 coffee if they bring their own cup.

Another reason that Mammoth partners with companies like US Foods is because they share the same larger vision for environment goals that we do. Such as…  

Integrity - i.e. truth in labeling, correct product/specie identification, true weight, count, etc.
Safety - risk-based, third party testing by random sample method, for a broad range of food safety or adulteration concerns; 
Quality - meaning any product they choose to sell must be wholesome, nutritious and produced to (or above) recognized industry standards - particularly our exclusive brand products.

Specifically in Seafood... U.S. Foodservice
1) was the only major foodservice company to join the National Fisheries Institute and serve of its Economic Integrity Committee, the body that created and put in place the Better Seafood Bureau to monitor and act against Seafood Fraud industry wide. 

2)  were the first major broadline distributor to identify species substitution as a major economic integrity issue and pioneered DNA testing with the University of Florida, to verify the authenticity of manufacturer brand Grouper being sold through our warehouses - one year before any news of this problem surfaced in the press.

3)  are the first major distributor to make a comprehensive Sustainability/Local Procurement commitment toward Seafood by:

• a) Fishery-Caught items:  qualifying for Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) chain of custody certification,
• b) Aquacultured Seafood:  alignment with the Global Aquaculture Alliance (GAA) for aquacultured seafood (through ACC certification of BAPs via GFSI standards), and
• c) Domestic/Local Sustainability:  partnering with the Alaskan Seafood Marketing Institute (ASMI) to support the sustainability of our domestic Alaskan fishery.

Not to worry, we still buy recycled paper too but who doesn't?

Water & Air Quality

Recycled Water at Sierra Star:

In partnership with the Mammoth Community Water District (MCWD), Mammoth Mountain installed the first recycled "gray" water system in the Eastern Sierra. Sierra Star Golf Course, starting in 2010, will be able to supplement 100% or up to 320 acre/feet a year of its existing potable water use.

"This is an incredible accomplishment for a small town like Mammoth, and is a testament to the successes of public-private partnership. We will be saving enough potable water to serve 1,242 average American households a year," said Rebecca Paranick-Poiset, Mammoth Mountain's Director of Government Relations and Environmental Affairs.    

The gray water will be processed at the MCWD facilities and piped back to Sierra Star through a closed infrastructure system. In accordance with Governor's Schwarzenegger's initiative to use gray water systems in all new commercial and public buildings by 2011, Mammoth Mountain is also working with MCWD to include gray water infrastructure in all of its new facilities such as the proposed 500,000 square foot Eagle Lodge.

Erosion Control

Mammoth Mountain has long been considered a leader in the ski industry for sustainable slopes, and I mean that literally. Erosion control is a huge issue impacting water quality and tributary life down stream. You've heard of the horse whisper… Mammoth Mountain's Outside Operations Director Clifford Mann is the dirt whisper.

In 2005, Mammoth Mountain along with other regional ski resorts partnered with the Sierra Business Council, IERS Tahoe and United States Forest Service in a partnership called CAREC (California Alpine Resorts Environmental Cooperative). Erosion is one of the most pressing and widespread environmental threats to watersheds throughout North America. Much of the available erosion control research is difficult to apply directly to ski area operations. The Sediment Source Control Handbook presents a set of principles and practices for addressing erosion control and watershed restoration projects in a logical and adaptive manner to bridge the gap between research and implementation.

This user-friendly Handbook lays out an adaptive management approach (in the form of Guiding Principles) for planning, implementing, monitoring and continually improving the effectiveness of erosion control and restoration projects in and beyond ski resorts. The Handbook includes a toolkit of field-tested best practices and a literature summary on erosion processes and treatments. This Handbook is not a simplistic how-to guide or a cookbook of erosion control treatments. Rather, it is a comprehensive roadmap and set of tools to achieve successful erosion control and restoration projects, low-impact facilities improvements and ongoing maintenance requirements. To view or download a free copy of the Sediment Source Control Handbook, visit: www.IERStahoe.com or www.sbcouncil.org. To purchase a copy of the Sediment Source Control Handbook, visit: www.sbcouncil.org or www.nsaa.org/eshop/

Bio-diesel

Representative of Mammoth's success in the environmental realm is the implementation of biodiesel fuel in its entire diesel fleet in order to reduce harmful air emissions. Biodiesel is used exclusively in over 30 buses, 46 snowcats and additional construction and snow removal equipment. Mammoth set up the infrastructure and supply chain necessary to utilize biodiesel in the Eastern Sierra region.

Forest Health

Noxious Weeds

As annoying as weeds are in your garden, they're even more annoying in the Forest. All of the hay that Mammoth purchases for revegetation, soil sustainability etc. is certified weed free as requested by are partners at the United States Forest Service. We also only use native seed and wildflower mix to ensure the sustainability of our local vegetation and to promote the uniqueness of the areas flora and fauna.

Wildlife Management

If you've spent any time at all in or around Mammoth you have seen a "Mammoth: Don't Feed Our Bears" sticker. More sensitive than ever with the recent loss of a habituated mother bear and her two cubs, wildlife management is on the front of everyone's mind here in Mammoth. Earlier this year, Mammoth Mountain implemented a "no tolerance" policy when it came to wildlife management. Each Division of the company receives and signs off on annual wildlife management training. Our Security Officers do a nightly check of all potential wildlife threats such as open windows, doors, locks etc. You will also find educational materials in all of visitor touch-points and all front line managers are trained in coaching and correcting visitors and employees (they are not trained to coach or correct the animals!) bad behavior.

Bark Beetles Infestation at June Mountain

Proactive Pest Management: June Mountain is suffering from a horrendous bark beetle infestation. In partnership with the Inyo National Forest, June Mountain has taken a proactive management of the beetle kill to lessen the impact and prevent further devastation. Over 436 hazard trees have been removed this season, 10 stations of pheromone beetle traps have been set, and logs are being sold as fire wood once available. This is a classic example of public private partnership. The USFS Inyo National Forest and June Mountain are working hard to ensure that there is a healthy forest for visitor today and tomorrow!

 

On Mountain Education

Top of the Sierra Interpretive Center

Mammoth Mountain's newest attraction opened on March 17, 2007. This $1.5 million educational exhibit features five interactive displays about local geology, volcanic history and cultural heritage. Over six years of research and planning went into this project, the first of its kind at 11,053 feet. Content was developed by a coalition of community members, representatives from the US Geological Survey, US Forest Service, Paiute Tribal Council and local environmental organizations. Visitors ride the scenic Panorama Gondola to the summit of Mammoth Mountain, where the Center is housed. Learn more.

Winter Naturalist Tours

Learn more about Mammoth's natural surroundings in the Eastern Sierra on your skis or snowboard. December through April.

• Mammoth Mountain: 1.5 hour tours at 10:30am and 1:30pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Meet at the bottom of Stump Alley Express.
• Tamarack Cross Country Ski Center: Noon, Friday, Saturday and holiday Sundays. Meet at the Ski Center.

Read a first-hand account of a winter Guided Naturalist Tour (159KB)

 

For more information please call 760.924.5500. Extreme weather may cancel tour.

Nature and History

The Mammoth Lakes area occupies the heart of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains where the crest averages over 12,000 feet above sea level. This rugged country is a land of dramatic contrasts and exceptional beauty from stark, parched deserts to breathtaking and lush mountain scenery. Mammoth Mountain Ski Area invites you to explore the surrounding region and enjoy this unique land.

Eastern Sierra Geology (313KB)

Climate of the Eastern Sierra (99KB)

Plants of the Eastern Sierra (340KB)

Wildflowers of the Eastern Sierra (284KB)

Mammals of the Eastern Sierra (338KB)

Birds of the Eastern Sierra (220KB)

Landforms of the Eastern Sierra (144KB)

Eastern Sierra History (312KB)

Regional Points of Interest (194KB)

Please contact individual photographers or Email Us before reproducing any images.

Public Policy & Community Support

Downtown Neighborhood District Plan

"Either we'll guide development or it will run us." – Rusty Gregory, CEO & President of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area LLC.

It's often said that economic down times are the best times to plan for the future.
It's in that context that Rusty Gregory, CEO of Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, and Chuck Lande, President of the Chadmar Group development company, presented a conceptual plan of a new Mammoth "downtown district" centered around the corner of Old Mammoth Road and Main Street/Hwy. 203. The intention being to take advantage of the lull in the economy to plan what the town might want from developers at this primary entry-point. "Either we'll guide development or it will run us," said Rusty Gregory, Mammoth Mountain CEO and President. The conceptual drawing is only a vision for what would make a vibrant downtown district in Mammoth. The architectural firm Hart Howerton had been instructed to create this vision without consideration of property ownership, Caltrans easements, or any other legal restraints. Throughout 2009, Mammoth Mountain presented the plan to a diversity of stakeholder in the district, including property owners John Vereuck, Tom Cage, Paul Rudder and Tony Colasardo; the Clearwater developers; and the U.S. Forest Service, as well as the planning commissioners, town council, town staff, a number of the Advocates for Mammoth, and the Mammoth Stakeholders Group in order to provoke thought and intrigue so that the Town and Mammoth Mountain could begin the public process of facilitating  the statutorily required Neighborhood District Plan for the area by the end of the year.  (insert plan)
Some highlights: The importance of open space for the community is highlighted in the placement of a large, four-soccer-field-wide park that visitors would see upon first entering the town. Currently at this site is the Mammoth RV Park which would move across the street. The park for many of the town's events as well as there being an open air performing arts center situated there.  Another envisioned "Central Community Park" would be located in the Shady Rest parcel behind Center Street, and a major theme of the plan included the narrowing of Main Street from its current nine lanes to three or four (included the two frontage roads, the grass medians, and the center turn lane) and a public transportation system via Gondola from the Town Square up to the Village with stops along the way. The Town Square would serve as a roundabout at the intersection of Old Mammoth Road and Main Street, to purposely slow down drivers on Hwy. 203 as they enter town. To improve walkability in general, the conceptual drawing shows three large, multi-story parking structures in the mixed- use retail district, which is shown as two-blocks deep on either side of Old Mammoth Road going from Main Street to roughly Sierra Nevada Road.

The placement of municipal building campus at the head of Old Mammoth Road creates a "City Hall" likened to the one seen in the Back to the Future films. The Forest Service, which currently has its employee housing located in this spot, has already been consulted and is agreeable to the possibility of a land swap or some other means of relocating. Affordable motel lodgings, similar to the existing Motel 6 and Shilo Inn, would sit adjacent to the large entry park while three-star hotels, such as Marriott Courtyard, would be placed farther up Main Street near the proposed second stop of the gondola. As for the economic impetus for such a large-scale redevelopment of this downtown district, the redevelopable right-of way land and a gondola can assist in creating a surge in the property value of the surrounding area, and thus development, although no owner will be deemed non-compliant nor be forced to do so.

National Forest Foundation

Mammoth Mountain recently announced that it has raised over $170,000 for the non-profit National Forest Foundation. To raise this money, Mammoth Mountain and the National Forest Foundation partnered to create a program that enables guests of Mammoth to show their support by voluntarily donating $1 per room night or season pass purchase. These donations are given to the National Forest Foundation, which matches 50% of donations under their Ski Conservation Fund.

The Ski Conservation Fund is used to grant support to non-profit projects benefiting the Inyo National Forest. Proposals for projects are submitted and reviewed by Mammoth Mountain, the National Forest Foundation and the U.S. Forest Service. The largest award-winning proposal for 2009 came from The Friends of the Inyo, who was awarded $114,000 for their proposal to work with Mammoth Lakes Trails and Public Access Foundation (MLTPA) and the Student Conservation Association (SCA) to start a Mammoth Community Stewardship Program. One of their tasks was to mobilize students and volunteers to perform trail maintenance, upkeep and patrol on over 75 miles of the Inyo's well loved and used trail system.

Trail Restoration & Mobility

Mammoth has also donated $100,000 to sponsor the creation of a regional trails plan which was adopted in fall of 2008. The trails plan outlines the existing conditions, improvements, signage and way finding

needs for today and a program to implement the plan going forward.

Center for Excellence

In 2009 Mammoth held the first inaugural Mammoth Invitational Ski Race to kick-off the creation of The Mammoth Center for Excellence a non profit Foundation that will fund the development of a dedicated slope side facility to support the training needs of Eastern Sierra Snow Sports Athlete's in their quest for excellence. For more information visit www.mcfenow.com or contact Tom Cage at tom@kittredges.net. (insert proposed image of building)

"Think White. Act Green"

Environmental Awareness Campaign: In 2009, Mammoth reorganized and combined many of its corporate divisions in order to reduce costs and maintain its competitive edge given the downturn in the economy. On of these areas was environmental programs and development. The Planning and Development Division took over the environmental programs in order to stream line and focus the programs long range strategic plan. One of the outcomes was the launch of the companies new Environmental Awareness Campaign "Think White, Act Green." The goal of the campaign is geared toward educating the public and mammoth's patrons that even though the economy may be hard, Mammoth is still committed to the highest level of environmental standards and as such if they want to keep enjoying those white freshies, they better keep greening those actions.

 

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Questions and Comments
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