Mammoth Mountain is living up to its name with a development plan on a 20-acre parcel that would include a new main lodge, an eight-story hotel with 250 rooms, 209 residential units, and 95,000 square feet of commercial space. The tentative plan, presented to the Mono County Board of Supervisors earlier this month, also included an additional 15-acre parcel for wastewater treatment and up to 45 residential units.

The Board was assured final decisions would not be made until 2025-26 following opportunities for community input. With multiple owners involved with the land, the United States Forest Service, and a private entity, both the National Environmental Policy Act and California Environmental Quality Act reviews will be required. As of the presentation to the Supervisors, the Town of Mammoth Lakes’ Town Council had not seen a formal presentation of the proposal.

Other elements of the plan include a realignment of State Route 203. The State wants the Town to take ownership of the highway; the Town is not interested. Both entities are looking at a resolution with snow removal a major part of those discussions.  Fire and emergency response plans as well as trails, access and parking are additional issues to discuss and resolve. The proposed plan includes 360 parking stalls on Forest Service lands to replace those lost to development. 

The Mountain’s Ron Cohen, part of the applicant’s team, described the project as “transformational,” reminding the Board the ski area is the “economic engine for the Town.” The Supervisors, however, were more interested in housing for the anticipated 100 to 150 additional employees. The plan would accommodate additional workers on the Mountain according to Cohen who did not anticipate those employees would be driving into the Town after work. Supervisor Jennifer Kreitz urged him to think through the workforce housing issues, adding “Don’t make those assumptions” the employees would tuck themselves into bed at night. 

The Town of Mammoth Lakes has yet to see a formal presentation. The Town, not the Board of Supervisors, will be the approving entity. So, stay tuned. 

Article by Deborah Murphy